The Oratory of the Heart

The Oratory of the Heart

poem written on the 80^th anniversary of the

Dedication of Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel,

Cullman, Alabama

How majestic and inviting this Sacred Space

that daily calls me to ever deeper wonder.

 

 

 Its firm foundation and soaring heights,

its rays of stained glass jeweled beauty,

have gifted Sacred Presence and peace to all who enter its welcoming portal.

For 80 years, hearts have burst

into magnificent chants of praise and gratitude

for God’s ever present love.

For 80 years, hearts have celebrated

God’s call to grow deeper in love,

to pray God’s mystery of love,

to contemplate the meaning

of one’s awesome call.

For 80 years, hearts have come together to celebrate

entrance into new life,

profession and renewal of commitment to monastic life,

the ongoing journey of good times and bad times,

the ending of earthly life to the beginning of heavenly embrace.

Grateful I am

for the Sisters who created this architectural masterpiece

that still stands as a beacon of light, 

 God’s holy dwelling place of love and peace

to all who enter its glorious embrace.

The oratory of my heart knows

that this majestic foundation

 will continue to stand
in spite of torrents of mighty winds

because it is built on the faithful

foundation of the daily song

of God’s love together.

~Sister Priscilla Cohen, OSB

"The oratory ought to be what it is called,
and nothing else
is to be done or stored there."
~Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 52: 1