ST. LOUIS — “The holiday season can be challenging when you have experienced something devastating, be it a death, a divorce, a break up, it is really hard,” says Sister Joan Paula Arruda.
It is deemed the happiest time of the year. Yet, even with the festivities, many suffer from grief, pain and loss. So, one group of nuns have set out to answer ‘how to navigate the happiest time of year when, well, you are not happy?’ They are the Daughters of St. Paul! While you can find these sisters all over the world and throughout the United States, you can also find them here in Crestwood, Missouri at Pauline Books and Media. The Daughters of St. Paul are a community of vowed religious women who dedicate their lives to sharing God's love, but they do so through the media.
This holiday season, they're hoping to reach people right where they are.
“We often romanticize Bethlehem, but the city was occupied,” says Sister Amanda Marie Detry. “Jesus chose a very humble and poor area to enter into, and a community that was struggling to come into, so God meets us in those places where things are raw and messy.”
"We know that Christmas can stir up all sorts of things inside us or those we love, so we want to remember this season is about the Prince of Peace coming to bring us peace in whatever real life situation we are in right now,” says Sister Margaret Michael Gillis.
They are more than a media center, but a place of connection.
“We are bringing spiritual food, spiritual knowledge, spiritual drink to all of humanity that is longing for more,” says Sister Margaret Michael Gillis.
So, how do you navigate this time of year?
“We like to help people understand where our true happiness comes from, it is not always in the fun songs, or the pie that goes on the table, but it is knowing who really loves us and that is God,” says Sister Joan Paula Arruda.
“I like to think about Mary as a mother, she probably had to slow down a little bit in her pregnancy, and it can be an invitation to us, as we prepare for Christmas to take physical and spiritual breaks, moments of quiet and solitude,” says Sister Margaret Michael Gillis. “Even just 2 to 3 minutes of pause, enter into the silence of your mind and heart.”
Because even in the chaos of the holidays, the daughters are here to remind everyone that you can find joy right where you are.
“God comes to us this Christmas time and every Christmas time, God comes to you where you are at, not where you wish you were, but where you are right now,” Sister Margaret Michael Gillis.
You can visit Pauline Books & Media at 9804 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126. Call them at 314-965-3512, or follow along on social media @PaulineBooksAndMedia. Learn more by visiting here.
Upcoming events at Pauline Books & Media:
Advent Lectio Divina
Tuesdays of Advent (November 28 and December 7, 14, and 21) from 6:30-7:30 PM
Encounter Christ through lectio divina, an ancient method of praying with the word of God. Facilitated by the Daughters of St. Paul.
Baby Jesus Party
Saturday, December 2
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with story time, activities, prayer, and treats for kids ages 3-7 and their families.
Come to Bethlehem: A Christmas Concert with the Daughters of St. Paul
Friday, December 14 at 7:00 PM | Skip Viragh Center at Chaminade High School
Prepare for the birth of Christ with an evening of joyful music from the Daughters of St. Paul Choir! For tickets, visit pauline.org/concert.
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