Harvard Daughters of Isabella

33 Day Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary

2012-02-26T17:01:00.002-08:00

This Lent we have the amazing opportunity to participate in the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary begins this year on Ash Wednesday, and concludes with the act of consecration on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, on March 26th.

The Total Consecration is principally an interior devotion. It consists of offering all that we do to Jesus through his Mother, and through a few minutes of prayer each day. To participate in these special prayers, please contact Mary Curran at curran.maryc@gmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus will be joining the Daughters of Isabella in this devotion, so please feel free to join them in these additional exercises in devotion:

Friday 2/24 - Day 3 of Marian Consecration
8 AM Mass at St. Paul’s - dress it up (+ pin) - sit together, front right-hand side
Leonine prayers immediately after Holy Mass, followed by breakfast at Adams
Devotion is private today

Saturday 2/25 - Day 4 of Marian Consecration
8 AM Adams Breakfast followed by Consecration prayers
8:30 AM-11 AM Cleaning of Lower Church
9 AM Mass at St. Paul’s (optional)
5 PM Harvard Holy Hour set-up:
Dinner - Set Up Lounge/cooking crew (2 brothers)
Adoration - servers (2), lucifers (2), thurifer (1), ushers (2)
Guided Meditation is Day 4 of 33-Day Consecration
Film - Projector set-up (1) in Lounge - St. Teresa of Avila mini-series, Episodes 1+2

Sunday 2/26 - Day 5 of Marian Consecration
11:15 AM - Depart from Harvard T Stop for St. Leonard’s Noon Mass
Consecration prayers immediately after Mass - At St. Leonard’s
2 PM Optional Harvard Catholic Center Lecture:

John Garvey, J.D., “The Idea of a Catholic University" - DiGiovanni Hall

Monday 2/27 - Day 6 of Marian Consecration

6:15 PM Dinner in Mather

6:50 PM Recitation of the consecration manual in Mather

7:00 PM Relocate to Mather library for study hall

Tuesday 2/28 - Day 7 of Marian Consecration

6:15 PM Dinner in Kirkland

6:50 PM Recitation of the consecration manual in K-Seminar Room

7:00 PM Study hall in Hicks House

Wednesday 2/29 - Day 8 of Marian Consecration

6:15 PM Dinner in Kirkland

6:50 PM Recitation of the consecration manual in K-Seminar Room

7:00 PM Study hall in Hicks House

Thursday 3/1 - Day 9 of Marian Consecration

6:15 PM Dinner in Dunster

6:50 PM Recitation of the consecration manual in Dunster

7:00 PM Study hall in Widner

7:30 PM Optional Harvard Catholic Center Lecture:

Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., "Unapologetic Apologetics" - DiGiovanni Hall

Friday 3/2 (Junior Parents’ Weekend) - Day 10 of Marian Consecration

6:15 PM Dinner in Currier

6:50 PM Recitation of the consecration manual in Currier

7:00 PM study hall/fraternal bonding in the SOCH

Lenten Holy Hour

2012-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Holy Hour

February 25th

March 3rd

March 10th

March 17th

March 24th

March 31st

April 7th

Please join us at 6:30 pm in the nave of St. Paul's Church every Saturday throughout Lent. The hour will consist of Adoration, guided meditation, and recitation of the Rosary. Confession will also be available. Afterwards, a home-cooked dinner will be provided in the Catholic Student Center Lounge from 7:30-8:30 pm. This devotion is a great way to connect with Our Lord, and with your fellow Catholics as well! Please consider making this experience a part of your Lenten journey.

To sign up, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/249928805088171/

For more information, contact Matt Menendez at

menendez@college.harvard.edu

2/26: Harvard Catholic Center 2012 Lecture Series

2012-02-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

"The Idea of a Catholic University"

Given by the President John Garvey of the Catholic University of America

Sunday, February 26, 2012

2 pm in DiGiovanni Hall

President John Garvey, J.D., is the 15th President of the Catholic University of America. Garvey is a native of Massachusetts and received his J.D. at Harvard Law School. He arrived at CUA after more than ten years as Dean of Boston College Law School. He will speak on the vital importance of enhancing a university by following and supporting the teachings of the Catholic Church.

"Unapologetic Apologetics"

Given by Dr. Peter Kreeft of Boston College

Thursday, March 1, 2012

7:30 pm in DiGiovanni Hall

Peter Kreeft, PhD., is a professor of philosophy at Boston College. He is the author of over 67 books, including Handbook of Christian Apologetics, which was voted one of Christianity Today's "Books of the Year."

"History in His Hands: A Christian Narrative of the West"

Given by Dr. Brennan Pursell of DeSales University

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

7 pm in DiGiovanni Hall

Dr. Brennan Pursell earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Harvard University. He has written several books - the subject matter of these books ranging from historical novels to portraits of Pope Benedict XVI.

Mardi Gras Masquerade

2012-02-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

We welcome you to our first BLACK TIE FORMAL

with the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Student Association,

Saturday, February 18, 9PM-Midnight, at the St. Paul's Catholic Center Lounge

ALL are invited to attend this community event

SPRING RUSH!

2012-01-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

Rush the Daughters of Isabella!

February 12th - February 18th

The Daughters of Isabella are a group of women at Harvard that pursue our faith together

and inspire each other to holiness in a way that is authentically Catholic.

RUSH SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 12th, 6:00: Dinner Meet-and-Greet

To begin our rush, we invite you to join us for an informal dinner in the Student Lounge immediately after student mass, from 6-7 PM. We will be handing out rush materials and answering any questions you may have about our sisterhood. Those who'd like to stay are in for a fun night of Apples to Apples Bible Edition and other games!

Tuesday, February 14th, 9:00: Super Singles Super Tuesday

In honor of Valentine's or "singles awareness day," we are holding a Super Singles Super Tuesday in the Lounge complete with chocolate and girly movies. Those with dates are also welcome!

Thursday, February 16th, 8:00: Adoration Holy Hour

Come for an hour of spiritual restoration with our Lord in the Eucharist. We will have a rosary and a guided mediation. Come for as long or as little as suits you-- even 15 minutes with our Lord can be a life-changing encounter.

Friday, February 17th, 6:00: Dinner and Ice Skating in Harvard Square

The Daughters invite you to join us for a night on the town! We will be meeting at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square at 6:00 for ice skating followed by dinner at Charlie's Kitchen at 7:00.

Saturday, February 18th, 9:00: Mardi Gras Masquerade

As our biggest event of the rush, we will be hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade formal in the Lounge. Masks strongly encouraged (and for sale at the door), black-tie.

Sunday, February 19th, 3:00: Afternoon Tea and Application

To conclude our rush, we will be having afternoon tea at the Harvard Catholic Center. We will reminisce about the good times of rush and look forward to those to come. Then we will receive the applications of those wishing to pursue membership of the circle at the next business meeting. We already can't wait to welcome our new sisters!

Join the Daughters to grow in your faith, perform life-giving service,

and make lasting friendships!

We Invite you to join our Sisterhood!

Questions?

Harvarddaughters[at]gmail.com

Adeste Fideles!

2011-12-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

Come join us as we celebrate the coming birth of our Lord at
Super Tuesday!

Tuesday, December 6th at 9:00

Catholic Student Center

We will be decorating cookies, singing carols, making an acts-of-kindness tree, and more!

Traditional Missa Cantata

2011-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 30th at 6:00 PM

St. Paul's Upper Church

Sponsored by the Harvard Latin Mass Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Daughters of Isabella

Confessions will be available at 5:30 PM

At 5:15, before Mass, we will have "TLM 101," a short explanation of the Traditional Latin Mass, so that participants can appreciate the liturgical richness of the celebration. This will be held in Conference Room 101 on the 1st floor of the Harvard Catholic Center.

The mass will be sung by our very own Schola!

A reception will follow mass, hosted by the Daughters of Isabella, in the Student Lounge.

For more information, contact HarvardLatinMass@gmail.com

Officers

2011-11-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Founding Officers of the Harvard Daughters of Isabella

Regent: Aurora Griffin

Aurora is the founder and current head of the Harvard Daughters of Isabella. She oversees all functions of the circle, including appointing committees and signing official documents.

Agriffin[at]college.harvard.edu

Vice Regent: Christina Giordano

Christina is the second-in-command. She fills in in the Regent's absence and works closely with the Regent in leadership of the Circle. The Daughters of Isabella comes from her original vision for a Catholic Sisterhood at Harvard.

Christinamgiordano[at]post.harvard.edu

Honorary Past Regent: Luciana Milano

Luciana serves as the Honorary Past Regent, since there is no Past Regent this year. She is in charge of planning social events, heading the Social committee, and works closely with the Respect Life committee.

Lucianaemilano[at]gmail.com

Chancellor: Mary Curran

Mary is in charge of all spiritual activities of the circle, including Holy Family Society, Extraordinary Form Latin Masses, Holy Hour, and Pilgrimages to the Cathedral. She also manages the pro-life service component of the Daughters and serves as head of the Respect Life Committee.

Curran.maryc[at]gmail.com

Treasurer: Jill Fallon

Jill is in charge of the financial aspect of the Daughters. Although her terms are one year each, her position is permanent so long as she wishes for it to be so. She receives all money from the Financial Secretary, manages the bank account, and pays all bills.

Jillfallon[at]comcast.net

Financial Secretary: MG Prezioso

MG collects all of the money from the Daughters for dues and gives it to the Treasurer. She also is in charge of preparing quarterly financial reports for international.
Mgprezioso@gmail.com

Recording Secretary: Emily Boggs

Emily takes minutes at all of the meetings, reads incoming correspondence, and corresponds on behalf of the Daughters. This includes thanking benefactors and speakers and writing birthday cards.

Emily29marie[at]gmail.com

Auditor: Veronica Manzo

Veronica approves bill payment at meetings and examines the financial books of the circle.

Vmanzo31[at]gmail.com

Custodian: Courtney Grogan

Courtney is in charge of all the Circle's materials. She sets up the meeting room, stores the ceremonials, and distributes membership packets.

Coutneyagrogan[at]gmail.com

Publicist: Caroline Williams

Caroline is in charge of keeping the community informed about the Daughters of Isabella. She updates the website and spreads the word about events.
bluewaters92@sbcglobal.net

We're the Daughters Of Isabella!

2011-11-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Daughters Circle 1434,

WE DID IT!!!!!!

A warm welcome to the 28 new members of Harvard College Circle!

November Speaker Event

2011-11-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

CRISIS PREGNANCY, SEXUALITY, & RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR:

Philosophical and Practical Considerations

Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 6:30 P.M.

DiGiovanni Hall, St. Paul Church

What does a life-affirming feminism have to say about the sexual choices we make? About crisis pregnancies? An authentic feminism demystifies the ideological forces that construct our desires in ways that alienate us from ourselves. There can be no social justice without such critical consciousness. What does it really take to advance the cause of girls and women (and therefore of boys and men) in a hook-up world that commodifies and banalizes sexual behavior? How can men and women be truly happy over the course of a lifetime? Please come to learn more at this insightful dinner presentation. All are welcome.

Conferral of Degrees November 6

2011-10-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that we are now ready to move forward with the final steps of establishing our Harvard College Circle! The Conferral of Degrees will be held November 6th at 6:00 PM, in the St. Paul's Lower Church. If you wish to join the Harvard Daughters of Isabella at this time as a Charter Member, you must fill out an application for membership and be present for the ceremony. Thank you to all who have contributed to the founding of this Sisterhood!
St. Therese, please pray for us!

As a reminder, the First Business Meeting of the year will be on Monday, November 7th at 7:00 PM in the Student Lounge. Please plan on attending this to learn about the structure of our meetings from the international officers.

(Any questions about membership should be directed to harvarddaughters [at] gmail.com)

Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form

2011-10-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our first Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form, hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella, will be held on Friday, October 21st at 7:00 PM in St. Paul's Upper Church. Reception to follow in the adjacent Catholic Student Center. Join us as we worship the Lord as our fathers have for 2,000 years! It is a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Liturgy and the rich Tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Meeting with International Representative: THIS SATURDAY!

2011-09-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

With great pleasure, we announce that Saturday, October 1st at 11:00 AM in the CSA Student Lounge, we will have the privilege of meeting with Elaine Leger, representing the International Circle of the Daughters of Isabella! She will discuss what we need to do to officially become a circle, educate us about the roles of officer positions, and help us set a date for the Conferral of Degrees in November. All prospective members are welcome!

Come to learn more about our International Sisterhood!

Service Opportunities

2011-09-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

The Harvard Daughters of Isabella answer the call of Blessed John Paul The Great to resist the "Culture of Death." We accordingly participate in pro-life causes, serving both the unborn through Harvard Right to Life and the elderly at Vernon Hall Nursing Home.

Harvard Right to Life Events such as spreading awareness of the abortion issue at Harvard, praying for the unborn in front of Planned Parenthood Boston and supporting mothers who are currently in a pregnancy crisis, have had an abortion, or have chosen life will be offered throughout the semester. For more information about how you can get involved in this powerful outreach, contact menendez [at] college.harvard.edu.

Vernon Hall Convalescent Home Visits are Thursdays at 6:00 with the Knights of Columbus. If you have a heart for the elderly or want to explore this kind of service, please contact chris.oppermann [at] gmail.com for more details.

Application for International Charter Sent!

2011-09-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who have helped us reach this very exciting point at which we find ourselves. Having sent our application for international charter, we are currently in the process of waiting for approval to start a Circle from the International Regent of the Daughters of Isabella! We are one step closer to becoming the established sisterhood we are all eagerly awaiting! May God continue to bless our efforts with approval from the International Regent. St. Therese of Lisieux, pray for us!

Circle Activities

2011-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Eucharistic Adoration Holy Hour will be Thursdays from 8:30-9:30 PM in the St. Paul's Chapel with the Knights of Columbus. A rosary will be said, followed by time of silent prayer and reflection. We encourage all to come and spend time with

our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament!

The Holy Family Society, a group of Knights and Daughters devoted to bringing the Harvard Catholic Community deep Catechesis, will be meeting Mondays from 7:00-8:00 in Room 202 of the Harvard Catholic Center. We welcome ALL to this time of small-group-format discussion and prayer!

Extraordinary Form Masses will be celebrated throughout the semester in St. Paul's Upper Church. The masses for Fall 2011 will be on Friday, October 21st at 7:00 PM and Wednesday, November 30th at 6:00 PM. For more information about celebrating and planning the EF Mass contact Matt Menendez.

First Friday Pilgrimages to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston will be starting October 7th. Meet at the Harvard T no later than 6:15 PM or meet us at the Cathedral in the Lower Church for the Extraordinary Form Mass at 7:00 PM.

Catholicism Movie Series!

2011-09-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that the Daughters announce a project of our worthy Treasurer, Jill Fallon!

This fall each Wednesday evening at 7pm, beginning TONIGHT, September 21 through November 30, St. Paul's Parish will present an episode of this 10-part ground-breaking series in DiGiovanni Hall.

Come join your fellow Knights and Daughters and see what George Weigel is calling "the most exciting media project in the history of the Catholic Church in the US"!

Heaven on Earth: A kNight to Remember!

2011-09-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who joined us for Heaven on Earth, our first formal event with the Knights of Columbus! We had a spectacular turnout, and thanks to all those who coordinated and attended, it was a roaring success on all accounts! At this inaugural event, we toasted and danced and signed the International Application for Charter.

Stay tuned as we finish this process and establish a circle of the
Daughters of Isabella at Harvard!!!!

To see more pictures from the evening, follow this link!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150792102760226.744699.585895225&l=2ec336b446&type=1

Founding Rush Aug 31st & Social Sept 4th

2011-07-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Harvard, Class of 2015!

The Daughters of Isabella is an international sisterhood of over
70,000 Catholic women dedicated to Unity, Friendship, and Charity.
Interested in learning more? Join us!
Invitations to an informational session (Aug 31st) and social (Sept 4th)
are below, along with an official welcome from our International Regent!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

[ For all Catholic gentlemen viewing our site, thanks for your support
and please explore our male counterpart, the Harvard Knights of Columbus! ]

(Please click on poster above to enlarge it.)

Thank you for your time and interest!

- Official message from our International Regent -

Dear Friends,

Christiane Chagnon

WELCOME to the Daughters of Isabella, one of the largest organizations of Catholic women, who strive each day to live their motto of Unity, Friendship and Charity.

Since our establishment in 1897, our members have dedicated themselves in many ways: time, energy, and financial contributions in their community.

Today, the members work with the Catholic Church, family and charitable organizations through their volunteer services and financial contributions. Our members also support vocations and Respect of Life, from conception to natural death.

We invite all Catholic women to become part of our great family, by joining us in this work. It is my hope that you will find the answer to your needs in our wonderful and great organization!

With friendship,

Christiane Chagnon, International Regent
Daughters of Isabella, New Haven, CT

Contact

2011-07-30T17:50:00.001-07:00

Meeting Location:

St. Paul Parish
29 Mt. Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Directions linked here

Recruitment, General Inquiries:
HarvardDaughters [at] gmail.com
Registration linked here

Harvard Catholic Chaplaincy:
HarvardCatholic.org

Membership

2011-07-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

Apostolic Blessing of Pope Benedict XVI for all members.

Having completed our Conferral of Degrees on November 6th, we are now an official circle of the Daughters of Isabella! We continue to accept members at our monthly meetings and are welcoming Catholic women over the age of 16 who are in good standing with the Church. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, university faculty/staff, parishioners at St. Paul's Church, and Catholic women within the greater Boston area--especially alumnae and young-adult professionals.

In order to join, you must meet the criteria listed above and then simply fill out an application for membership, which includes a $5 application fee. After the induction, members will be encouraged to attend monthly meetings and fulfill a service requirement once per semester. We know that life gets quite busy around campus, so we want the required events to be few.

Importantly, the spiritual benefits of membership are many, including a personal Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI, a Plenary Indulgence at the hour of death for members and their families, Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Holy Rosaries and Votive Masses offered daily, across the globe, for all members and their loved ones.

There will be many opportunities to immerse oneself in Catholic community through the Daughters of Isabella at St. Paul Parish, including Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms), trips to local Catholic shrines, such as the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy (Stockbridge, MA), visits to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, service projects at Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (formerly Vernon Hall Nursing Home), movie nights, socials, bible study and prayer; moreover, we plan to discuss key topis of interest to women, such as learning about Catholic teaching on dating, chastity, natural family planning, and much more.

Please direct membership inquiries to our account: HarvardDaughters [at] gmail.com
For your convenience, you can access our registration link here. Thank you for your time and interest in our unique Catholic sisterhood, rich in fellowship, service initiatives, and opportunities to share and grow in our vibrant faith.

"It is not to remain in a golden ciborium [or monstrance] that He comes
down each day from Heaven, but to find another Heaven,
the Heaven of our soul in which He takes delight."
- St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church

About Us

2011-07-30T17:15:00.001-07:00

"You, as women, have your own gift to offer to the Church --

a gift that is very precious and very needed."

- Joseph Cardinal Bernadin
Former Archbishop of Chicago and
Episcopal Adviser to the Daughters of Isabella

The first Circle of the Order of the Daughters of Isabella was founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1897, as an auxiliary to the Rev. John Russell Council of the Knights of Columbus. The Daughters of Isabella is a charitable and sororal organization of Catholic women who come together in spiritual sisterhood to grow in faith and prayer, to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church, and to contribute to the common good of humanity.

For example, in 2004-2006 alone, the Order donated over $1.4 million dollars to charitable causes and over 2.5 million hours of voluntary service. Noteworthy beneficiaries included the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Institut Catholique de Montréal, the Catholic University of America, the National Catholic School for Social Service in Washington, D.C., the Life Cycle Institute for family life research, Queen Isabella Foundation Scholarships for graduate students, World Youth Day, and the Marian Shrine at Cap-du-la-Madeleine in Quebec.

Totaling over 70,000 members worldwide, the Daughters of Isabella are faith-filled women of prayer united by a dedication to Unity, Friendship, and Charity. Accordingly, we strive to live out these virtues locally within the Catholic community at Harvard, promoting unity and collaboration between the various organizations at St. Paul Parish in Cambridge, such as the Catholic Student Association, the Harvard Catholic Center, Evangelical Catholic, and our male counterpart, the Harvard Knights of Columbus. We also offer our members unique community and friendships founded on Christ, which help us pursue true Catholic womanhood. Finally, we are dedicated to life-promoting service projects, ministering to the elderly, and protecting the defenseless unborn.

Importantly, we are inspired by the holy example of our Patroness, Queen Isabella of Spain, one of the most influential and powerful women in history; information about her life and Cause of Canonization, the process towards sainthood, is provided below, including a prayer approved for her intercession. Recent scholarship has helped to illumine many aspects of her life and legacy, and these resources are linked here.

Prayer for Queen Isabella's Canonization

Adapted from Our Patroness' Official Cause of Canonization

Almighty Father, in Your infinite goodness You made your Servant, Queen Isabella of Spain, a prayerful model for young ladies, wives, mothers, women leaders and government rulers. As the first sovereign of the American continent, You granted to her heart a sense of piety, justice, compassion and the vision of a new land full of promise. Grant us the grace to see Your infinite majesty glorified in her prompt canonization, and through her intercession... [ask for your particular needs] that we ask of You in this present need through Christ Our Lord. Amen. +

Servant of God, Queen Isabella, pray for us.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

Pray to the Servant of God Isabella of Spain and ask her intercession for your particular needs. When you obtain your favor, please inform the promoters of her Cause at the address below:

Comité Reina Isabel, P.O. Box 268237, Chicago, IL 60626-8237

Queen Isabella was born in Alcazar, kingdom of Avila, Spain, on April 22, 1451. She married Ferdinand, heir of Aragon, at 18 years of age, on October 19, 1469. She was crowned Queen of Castille on December 13, 1474, and lived much of her life under duress of severe struggles for power within the State. Nevertheless, she persevered in prayer and conquered kings and unified her beloved country under the holy sign of Christianity.

She helped Christopher Columbus undertake the greatest voyage of history and therefore is perhaps better known for her benevolent sponsorship of the discoveries of the new world, where Christianity was yet unknown. A brave and virtuous woman, Isabella also had to contend with her own personal tragedy, losing prematurely many of the persons closest to her, including a son and a daughter.

Her preservation of Christianity is emulated through the Daughters of Isabella, who seek to promote the welfare of the community and to follow, in mutually supportive ways, the teachings and rules of Holy Mother Church.

"In our own days too the Church is constantly enriched by the witness of the many women who fulfill their vocations to holiness. Holy women are an incarnation of the feminine ideal; they are also a model for all Christians, a model of the "sequela Christi," an example of how the Bride must respond with love to the love of the Bridegroom."

- Blessed John Paul II, Pope and Carmelite Tertiary
Apostolic Letter: Mulieris Dignitatem