Mystery and Light

I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.
John Henry Newman

What if you have a disability or chronic health condition, and wish to live a consecrated life? Or you are disabled, and want to communicate and pray with others who may be unable to travel freely? There are several organizations that I have discovered.

The Benedictines of Jesus Christ Crucified

Founded 1930.

They say of themselves:
We embody the Paschal Mystery in a monastic life that brings together sisters in good health and sisters in fragile health or with a physical handicap. Each week, from Thursday evening to Sunday, we recall the Death and the Resurrection of Christ. Fridays are marked by the memory of the Passion of Christ; Sundays resound with paschal joy!

Locations: Connecticut, France, Japan


Added later: Also check out the cloistered order, Visitation of Holy Mary (for women).


Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified

Approved as an association of the faithful, 1987. Open to men and women.

"We were established to provide an opportunity for persons with disabilities to live a life of total consecration in the pursuit of holiness, and the apostolate of service to the Church and to those who suffer in any way."

"Missionaries vow to live the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience with the promise of the apostolate, according to the spirit of St. Francis, in a completely secular condition of life, in order to effect a Gospel leaven in the world."

Locations: Wherever you happen to be.


Victorious Missionaries

Founded 1964; men and women, laity and religious; headquartered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. A missionary support movement.

“Eyes do not matter, hands are not absolutely necessary, we can walk into heaven without feet, we can serve God and others in blindness, deafness, speechlessness, and even in total paralysis, provided we believe and love.”

"The Victorious Missionaries affirm the fact that all persons – including those with disabilities – are able. Moreover, the group's activities – days of renewal, conferences, retreats, publications, and personal prayer ministry – all are designed to uplift the members and, in turn, to help them to reach out to uplift others. "

“Although we have various disabilities, our spiritual abilities have been developed, and we are like one extended family learning about and bringing Christ into our lives.”

Chapters: Missouri, Michigan, Louisiana, New York, Nebraska, Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois -- and your own home.


CUSA - “The Catholic Union of the Sick in America.”

Anyone who bears the “cross” of a chronic illness or a disability and who is able to write a letter, either through the Post Office or through e-mail is eligible for membership. Though CUSA was founded by a Roman Catholic woman and many of its members are Roman Catholics, CUSA welcomes people of all faiths. Also, although the majority of members live in the United States of America, CUSA also welcomes citizens of any country who can write in English.



Jerry Filan, who brought the first CUSA chapter to the United States.

"Our organization is based on the words of St. Paul who wrote in his Letter to the Colossians: 'Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.' (Colossians 1:24) It is not easy to rejoice in suffering or to endure chronic illness or disability day after day. To help with both, CUSA provides a way for members to encourage, care, and listen to one another."

Locations: Everywhere.

Added later: Just found this: Catholic Recovery, for those suffering from and recovering from addictions.

Other addiction sites:

Sober for Christ

Matt Talbot Resource Center

Courage to be Chaste


See also the National Catholic Partnership on Disability for other resources, both for intellectually and physically disabled Catholics.