John Michael Talbot Dedicates New Domestic House of Prayer
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October 30, 2013The Brothers and Sisters of Charity Dedicated a new House of Prayer in Troy, IL. On October 10, 2013, Little Flowers House of Prayer joined the ranks of two other existing Houses of Prayer in the Brothers and Sisters of Charity: The Blessing Cup House of Prayer and Shepherd's Heart House of Prayer. Houses of Prayer are established by the General Council of the BSC to be places of "intentional community, public and private prayer, and ministry" (Domestic Directory, #16-17).
Thirty people gathered for the dedication of Little Flowers House of Prayer, including three local priests, a deacon, and the BSC Ministry Team of John Michael Talbot, Viola Talbot, and Peggy Lodewyks. Several BSCD members and inquirers from the surrounding area also attended.
The charter of the Little Flowers House of Prayer states that it is "a sacred place dedicated to following Jesus Christ in the Church through hospitality, reflection, substantial silence, substantial solitude and prayer, according to the domestic spirituality of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity."
Larry and Deb LaFond, domestic members of the BSC, own and manage Little Flowers. Deb stated, "Now that our children are more established, we wanted to use the blessing of our home to bless others. Many of our Brothers and Sisters, both domestic and monastic, have honored us by spending time with us here over the last several years. This step consecrates what is happening here already."As part of the formal dedication, John Michael Talbot prayed:
“We dedicate this house, this space believing that nothing is impossible with our Lord, believing that new things always rise up for those who are truly open to the power of the Spirit in their lives. We thank you for Larry and Deb and their walks so far in their lives; we thank you for their family, their children and grandchildren, we thank you for all the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, and others, who've come together in this house, and Lord, we dedicate this new beginning to you...help us to bring, every day, the power of being born again, of becoming your children, may this house be a place where that happens...”
[Click here to see video of John Michael’s dedication address and prayer]
The name chosen for this house of prayer, Little Flowers, has a multilayered meaning. "We originally thought of this name," Larry said, "because of the practice in some of our regions of ending a gathering by telling 'Little Flowers' stories; stories of how God had blessed us during our time together." The name also touches on the Little Flowers of St. Francis, a work that gives inspirational and poetic vignettes of St. Francis' life, and even more directly on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the extraordinary saint also known as the "Little Flower of Jesus.
Larry expressed their hope and vision for the new house of prayer, "We want this to be a place, from where people go forth with stories of grace and love."
Little Flow
e
rs House of Prayer has already been a vibrant place of ministry.
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BSCD cell group has formed and meets there weekly, daily prayers ar
e offered in its newly established chapel area, and private retreats, at no cost, are now available.
Little Flowers provides retreatants with a private room, a semi-private bath, a personal refrigerator, the use of the Little Flowers chapel, and reading privileges from a specially established library of spiritual and theological works. An adjoining community room contains a TV and DVD player. Linens and towels and some toiletries are provided.
The grounds of Little Flowers permit pleasant walks along a stocked lake that is home to a variety of wildlife, or through a peaceful surrounding neighborhood. Fishing is permitted.
The daily schedule of activities includes:
6:30 a.m.Morning Prayer (Chapel)Until 11:00 a.m.Sacred SilenceNoonAngelus (Upper Living Area)5:30 p.m.Evening Prayer (Chapel)9:30 p.m.Night Prayer (Chapel)Beginning at 10:30 p.m.Grand Silence
Leadership across the Domestic Expression has been highly supportive of this venture and sees it as another sign of hope for the community. John Puleo, former BSCD General Minister, reflected this sentiment, "Larry and Deb LaFond have a great love and deep understanding of the charism of the community. They have close family-like ties to the Monastery. They have shown to members passing through their area that their call to hospitality and charity is authentic."
Carmen Zullo, the BSCD's Domestic First Counselor and co-owner with Ann Marie Zullo of another BSC House of Prayer, said, "The Blessing Cup House of Prayer welcomes Deb and Larry and the Little Flowers House of Prayer. Along with the many new postulants of late and now an additional House of Prayer, I would say the Holy Spirit is definitely moving in our community. Welcome aboard with many blessings!"
Susan Susi, Domestic Vicar Minister of the BSCD added, "This is a great sign of our growth and re-birth of our Community! God is so good!"
If you are interested in visiting Little Flowers House of prayer, contact Deb or Larry Lafond at
