Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  Question:  What is MOWR's purpose?

     Answer:  Our intention is to support and encourage,  mystical, monastic, contemplative and creative ways of living in the 21st century.

    We place special emphasis on the individual spiritual/religious practices of: --prayer, meditation, contemplation, lectio divina (reflective reading of sacred or uplifting texts), journaling and fasting. 

     We also encourage traditional monastic group and lifestyle practices of: --  spiritual community, hospitality, worship, the singing and playing of sacred music and songs, simplicity, frugality, creative and artistic expression and loving service to others, including humans, animals, the environment and the planet.

2.  Question:  Is the Mystical Order of the White Rose (MOWR) a completely independent organization, or is it officially or unofficially affiliated with a church, group or organization of some kind?

      Answer:  It is completely independent and was established (in 2006) by Cynthia Kiteley Lee, who is MOWR's founder, administrator, webmistress, newsletter editor and publisher, and chief cook and bottle washer.

3.  Question:  Is MOWR trying to set itself up as a religion or church in its own right?

     Answer:  No. 

4.   Question:  What about the Ancient and Mystical Order of the Rosy Cross, more commonly known as AMORC or Rosicrucians? 

      Answer:  While our names share some of the same wording ("Mystical Order") we have nothing to do with AMORC or any of the other groups or orders that claim to be Rosicrucians.  A red rose (on a cross) is commonly associated with Rosicrucian tradition and symbolism. 

     Roses do have a long history of association with mystical and spiritual matters and groups.  For example:  rosaries, which are used primarily by Catholics, and honorary salutations for Mary (the mother of Jesus), also known as the Blessed Virgin.  One of these salutations is, indeed, "White Rose," as is Our Lady of Sorrows.  Again, this is a Catholic practice.

5.  Question:  Do you charge anything for joining MOWR, getting its newsletter, or offer "teachings" or courses that cost money? 

      Answer:  No. 

6.   Question:  Are you a Christian?

       Answer:  Yes, I am a Christian. I am a registered and active member of my local Episcopal Church.  I was baptized in the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and confirmed by a Church of England bishop in Brussels, Belgium. Both the Episcopal Church and the Church of England are part of what is called the worldwide Anglican Communion.  The Church of England became the Episcopal Church in the U.S. 

     I was brought up in the "high church" tradition of the Episcopal Church which bears a closer resemblance to the Catholic Church's practices than "low church" Episcopal or Anglican churches.  Two of these practices are affectionately called: "smells and bells;" which means the use of incense during services and the ringing of bells at certain intervals during the Sunday service.  I also lived in cities (New Orleans) and countries (France and Belgium) and attended schools (Belgium) where Catholicism was the dominant religious influence. 

      These influences contributed to my comfort with and attraction to many (but not all) aspects of the Catholic faith.  I especially like and share the Catholic reverence for and devotion to Mary, the Divine Mother.