The Valley Catholic in our diocese

June 25 , 2013 3

By Roberta Ward

The Pious Disciples of the Divine Master , whose Sisters have been in San Jose for 40 years , will be leaving the area at the end of July . The property , at 2076 Lincoln Ave ., which has housed them , a chapel , their bookstore and liturgical shop , will be sold .

Sister Lucy , PDDM , explained that the congregation , which is worldwide and serves in a number of countries , is seeking to streamline operations and locations in order to continue to support the many elderly Sisters who are retired . She said there are now fewer Sisters to staff their locations and projects and that care of aging Sisters is a concern in view of fewer new vocations .

Sister Lucy , who has been in San Jose for seven years , is joined by Sister Rosario , PDDM , who is celebrating her 50 th anniversary of first profession of vows in the Pious Disciples . She served in Fresno and San Francisco before coming to San Jose in 1994 . She also has been assigned in the Philippines , Italy , Michigan and Los Angeles .

Well-known for their custom vestments – albs , stoles , chasubles -- which they sell in their shops , the Sisters are in particular service to clergy as they live out their Pauline Spirituality .

Part of their Mission Statement notes : “ The concern for collaboration in the development of pastoral life in the Church leads us to support the priests by our prayer , to accompany them in their ministry , to assist them in difficult situations , loneliness and old age .”

In addition , the Mission Statement explains : “ The liturgical dimension of our apostolate brings us to the service of the people of God by activities of formation , of catechesis , by biblico-liturgical meetings . With a spirit of creativity , the artistic productions acquire a voice to

Sister Lucy , PDDM , shows one of many liturgical vestments the Sisters sell in their religious goods shop .

speak about God in beauty and dignity . The richness of the music and the songs are put at the service of the liturgy .”

The Sister Disciples of the Divine Master is a congregation of 3,400 Catholic women Religious who are a branch of the Pauline Family ( five Religious congregations , four lay institutes and one association of lay collaborators ), founded by Blessed Father James Alberione in 1924 in Alba , Italy .

The congregation is contemplative and apostolic and its stated Mission is to spread knowledge of the Gospel and the love of Jesus using all means of modern media , and to address spiritual needs of the modern world .

Their spirituality is centered on “ Jesus Christ , the Divine Master , who is the Way , the Truth and the Life ,” according to a congregational statement . “ We aim to imitate and live today examples of the Divine Master that are intrinsic to

Liturgical Apostolate Center in San Jose , operated by Pious Disciples of Divine Master for 40 years , will be closing soon .

our vocation and mission , especially the contemplative mystery of Jesus , his prayer and praise to the Father in the name of humanity .

“ We accomplish this by an intensely lived out Eucharistic life , in apostolic service aimed toward leading humanity to the One Master , Christ … We are called to follow Jesus Master to communicate and announce Him to the women and men of our time … starting from various cultural realities …”

Sister Lucy said that some Sisters teach in seminaries and that many are actively engaged in designing and making original liturgical items which “ helps people to worship in dignity and beauty . This is very important because the Eucharist is the center .”

She said that even as the liturgy has changed over the years , simplicity and beauty combine to help Catholics remain focused on essentials .

Bishop McGrath thanks Pious Disciples for service in San Jose …

Bishop Patrick J . McGrath thanked the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master for their many years of service in San Jose noting the quality of their liturgical products and diversity of books and artworks available to priests , parish ministers and local Catholics .

“ We will surely miss the Sisters ,” he said . “ They have provided a unique and special ministry here for many years , most especially their presence and prayer life . We wish them all good things in the future and hope they will continue to keep the people of the Diocese of San Jose in their hearts and prayers , as we will keep them in ours .”

Closing Sale

Liturgical books , sacred vessels , liturgical vestments , altar linens , sacred images , nativity sets , religious art , clerical attire , holy cards , religious gifts

2076 Lincoln Avenue , San Jose , Ca 95125 ( 408 ) 265-8105

42 PJ-Pious Disciples

( 120 ) ( Sidebar ) 14 BI

Bishop McGrath thanks Pious Disciples for service in San Jose …

Bishop Patrick J . McGrath thanked the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master for their many years of service in San Jose noting the quality of their liturgical products and diversity of books and artworks available to priests , parish ministers and local Catholics .

“ We will surely miss the Sisters ,” he said . “ They have provided a unique and special ministry here for many years , most especially their presence and

www . dsj . org