Sister Jozefa (far right) joins Sister Denise Vrombaut and young guests in the monastery dining room.
By Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ?”
“If anyone would serve me, let her follow me.”
These words from our Scripture readings this evening I believe aptly reflect the call that Sr. Jozefa heard and responded to throughout her long life.
Sister Jozefa Seskar O.S.B., 89, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, passed away Friday November 25, 2016 at the monastery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in the Chapel at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.
Visitation is 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan, is in charge of arrangements. Continue Reading
Sister Jozefa was known for her cookies and her loving, ever-present smile.
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On the first Sunday of Advent, we are invited to prepare for the return of Christ, Christ our universal judge and savior.
It’s especially poignant for me this year.
Sister Jozefa had been ailing and so I stopped in to see her after dinner. She was sleeping, so I blessed her and spoke a few quiet, loving words. She died later in the evening. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
For most of contemporary society, Advent gets lost in the season of shopping. People rush through malls and big box stores, loading gifts into baskets, buying more than they can afford and collapsing in exhaustion when they get home.
Which is why – if you were to come to St. Mary Monastery now – you might be surprised to find no Christmas trees, lights or sparkle. (Of course, those do come later!)
That’s because we’re preparing for Christmas here. We’re focusing on Advent! Continue Reading
By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
A Thanksgiving tradition in my birth family is the prayer before dinner. Everyone shares something from the past year for which they are grateful. I recall 2 particular occasions when I was surprised and “wowed” by the prayer! Continue Reading
“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
This week’s discussion brings us to the end of our book! Most of the group agree that they have noticed a shift in the way King looks at life since we met her in the beginning pages of her memoir. Continue Reading
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you … if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 38-45)
By Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB
Many are now making plans to get together with family over the coming holidays. For some, those plans are filled with dread. Old grievances can undermine the most joyous time.
So, I’m going to give you some advice: Don’t hit back! Continue Reading
“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
CHAPTER 17 (The Ragtag Lent and Advent Group)
In this chapter King shares her experience with a ragtag prayer and scripture discussion group and the recovering alcoholic priest, Father Terry, who leads the group. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Today we celebrate All Souls Day.
This is our invitation to pray for our deceased loved ones. Continue Reading
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