Redemptoristine Nuns of NY, Inc.

Before there were cell phones, Facebook and Whatsapp people actually wote long letters to one another.  And since there was no mass transportation or regular postal service, it took a long time for letters to be exchanged.  In the time of Blessed Celeste and St. Alphonsus, the 1730's, when they were in the early stages of forming the contemplative Redemptoristines and the missionary Redemptorist priests and brothers, these Soul Friends had a misunderstanding.   Each wrote passionately trying to explain their vision, thoughts and desires.   Alphonsus challenged Celeste in regards to her humility with, “Where is the Celeste of former days? It breaks my heart to think of it!” Alphonsus charged her with attachment to her own judgment, and exclaimed “…what a dangerous hallucination this is.”   She humbly responded with two lines,  "Thank you for your charity towards me.  From this hour on, I renounce all my words and judgements for the sake of love of God."  Alphonsus wrote back, “It is always profitable to humiliate a soul overwhelmed with favors from God.   It is impossible for me not to desire your perfection because I love you in Jesus Christ and if you were offended by it, you would be wronging me.  If I could, I would kiss your feet.”  After much prayer, Celeste responded, assuring her Soul Friend that she was at peace and feared nothing in following the steps of her Savior. She signs off, “Pray for me and bless me.  I, your humble servant, respectfully kiss your feet.”  She went on to write that she prayed for him day and night, even while she slept!    Celeste, in liberty of conscience and with Alphonsus support and friendship, she went on to found the Redemptoristine Nuns.  
In today's world, we can learn from these two Soul Friends how to slow
down, pray and to listen to one another, and then respond  in a way that has other's best interests at heart.  
 

"Life for me is Christ." Phil1:21

Redemptoristine Nuns are a worldwide monastic contemplative Order who strive to be a living memorial, an active participant of Jesus life in today’s Church for the salvation of the world.  The Sisters celebrate this life of prayer, praise and intercession in the name of all, and in support of the missionary activity of the Redemptorist priests and brothers.