The Beginning
During Lent of 1995, Shannon and Sarah, two freshmen at Franciscan University, were discussing households. Though they had visited many other household's commitments, neither of the girls felt compelled to join any particular household. However, as they saw the unique beauty of the expression of faith found in household, they both desired to be in one. Knowing that they were not called to join any specific household, they began to pray about other options. Soon, the two girls were led through prayer to the decision to found their own household.
As the Church was celebrating Lent, Shannon and Sarah were focusing a lot on sacrifice and fasting. During this time of prayer and fasting, the Lord continued to confirm the girls' proposal to begin a household. One particular day when Shannon and Sarah were both at Mass, although the two were not sitting together, both were reflecting on a picture of a Lamb with three drops of blood running from its side. Realizing God had led them both to meditate on the sacrificial Lamb, Shannon and Sarah excitedly prayed and waited for God to continue to show them His will for the household. Our God is faithful. At a Festival of Praise session at the University, a stranger conveyed to the congregation a vision he received during the praise. He saw Mary in front of the cross, embracing the Sacrificial Lamb. The blood of the Lamb rested on Mary's hands as she held him. Both Shannon and Sarah understood that this vision was for them - Jesus wanted the girls to focus on His sacrifice, and that this household, like many others, would have a devotion to His Blessed Mother.
With this vision in mind, Shannon and Sarah called a household meeting. Over twenty girls came to the first meeting, excited about God helping them to start a household.
In the fall of that year, nine of those women inducted themselves into household. They were Shannon, Leah, Siobhan, Katherine, Emily, Katie, Sarah, Dimi, and Dawn. Three of the others who helped start the household eventually joined. Suzanne (Christmas '95), Angela (fall '96), and Molly (fall '96) who came back after transferring.
As the Church was celebrating Lent, Shannon and Sarah were focusing a lot on sacrifice and fasting. During this time of prayer and fasting, the Lord continued to confirm the girls' proposal to begin a household. One particular day when Shannon and Sarah were both at Mass, although the two were not sitting together, both were reflecting on a picture of a Lamb with three drops of blood running from its side. Realizing God had led them both to meditate on the sacrificial Lamb, Shannon and Sarah excitedly prayed and waited for God to continue to show them His will for the household. Our God is faithful. At a Festival of Praise session at the University, a stranger conveyed to the congregation a vision he received during the praise. He saw Mary in front of the cross, embracing the Sacrificial Lamb. The blood of the Lamb rested on Mary's hands as she held him. Both Shannon and Sarah understood that this vision was for them - Jesus wanted the girls to focus on His sacrifice, and that this household, like many others, would have a devotion to His Blessed Mother.
With this vision in mind, Shannon and Sarah called a household meeting. Over twenty girls came to the first meeting, excited about God helping them to start a household.
In the fall of that year, nine of those women inducted themselves into household. They were Shannon, Leah, Siobhan, Katherine, Emily, Katie, Sarah, Dimi, and Dawn. Three of the others who helped start the household eventually joined. Suzanne (Christmas '95), Angela (fall '96), and Molly (fall '96) who came back after transferring.
Twenty Years Later
Love of the Lamb household has developed wonderfully over the years. Many households venerate a specific Saint, but Love of the Lamb household has many Saints. When an intent is initiated into the household, the members pray about to which Saint the new member is to be entrusted. Therefore, each member has a Household Saint. Over the years, prayer and praise has become an even greater part of the lives of the Lambs.
The household sisters follow a weekly session of praise and worship with the recitation of the Rosary and the household litany of saints. Night prayer is often recited as a group, and sacrificing for the good of the household is an integral part of our life. Share groups (smaller groups within the household, of 3 to 4 girls) are a way to intensify relationships with sisters, and to provide a deeper sense of belonging.
The Lord has continued to abundantly bless the girls in the Love of the Lamb household, showing them how to persist in seeking His will in their lives. The girls worship the Sacrificial Lamb in adoration of the Blessed Eucharist, in attending the sacrifice of the Mass, and in loving one another.
The household sisters follow a weekly session of praise and worship with the recitation of the Rosary and the household litany of saints. Night prayer is often recited as a group, and sacrificing for the good of the household is an integral part of our life. Share groups (smaller groups within the household, of 3 to 4 girls) are a way to intensify relationships with sisters, and to provide a deeper sense of belonging.
The Lord has continued to abundantly bless the girls in the Love of the Lamb household, showing them how to persist in seeking His will in their lives. The girls worship the Sacrificial Lamb in adoration of the Blessed Eucharist, in attending the sacrifice of the Mass, and in loving one another.
