Paraclete Press Blog

Excerpt from Eyes Have I That See: Selected Poems by Fr. John Julian (Available at Paraclete Press or Priory Gifts) Soul of Christ, O, consecrate me; Flesh of Christ, emancipate me; Blood of Christ, intoxicate me; Water from Christ’s side, repair me; … Continue reading →

Introït: Requiem (6è mode) Follow ushttps://www.facebook.com/communityofjesus.org

By Sr. Fidelis Yesterday we celebrated All Saints’ Day, one of the major feasts of the church year.  There is evidence that this feast goes back at least to the 4th century. In 998, November 2nd became the day that All … Continue reading →

 In the Lauds reading today, it was quoted, “Heat makes things expand, and in the same way, love expands the heart.” Well, I thought to myself, how appropriate! Last week I had just been confessing to a wise friend of … Continue reading →

By Sr. Fidelis Simple chants of only 2 or 3 notes, that circle around a single pitch, are most likely very ancient.  However, over time, the final pitches began to descend, and we see an expansion of range from the … Continue reading →

By Sr. Nun Other I’m told by a sister of Chinese heritage that I practice feng shui. And I thought I was merely rearranging furniture! I convinced her to join me, and, as we worked together, I periodically asked, “What’s … Continue reading →

By Sr. Spero In the Lauds service this morning, I noticed that the psalm verse familiar to me as “Let me hear of joy and gladness” (Psalm 51:8) was translated  “Let me hear joy and gladness.”   At first I thought it was a mistake.  But then I considered—is … Continue reading →

By Sr. Fidelis The chant repertoire runs the gamut between very ornate, melismatic chants, and those which are simple, 2- or 3-note  recitations.  As we said last week, many of the simplest chants are the most ancient. The recitation tone … Continue reading →

Today, in celebration of Phyllis Tickle’s life, we share with you an open letter, written in thanksgiving for her friendship, guidance, and love over the last twenty years. Dear Phyllis, What can we, at the Community of Jesus, say about … Continue reading →