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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.
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.
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To contact us: We are located on 2nd floor
Clare Hall—Franciscan University of Steubenville.
webmaster@loveofthelamb.com
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