The beauty of Benedictinism is its simplicity. We make three promises. Continue Reading
Benedictine practices
The Spirituality – and Financial Workings – of Community
In Christianity’s earliest community, if someone received money from their work or selling something they owned, then the money went into the community collection to be used for the needs of the whole. Special care was given to the widowed and orphans because they had no means to get money. Likewise, the community cared for the elderly and sick. Each person had what they needed. We live similarly today. Continue Reading
Still thinking about Holy Week
Each year, on Holy Thursday, our Prioress and the priest share in the washing of the feet at our Holy Thursday service. First, they wash each other’s feet and then they wash the feet of others. This demonstrates the role of a Prioress in Benedictine life. Continue Reading
Triduum at the Monastery
Good Friday is the most depressing day of the Liturgical Year. I always consider Good Friday lasting until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. At the Monastery we have Lauds on Friday and Saturday morning with readings from the Book of Lamentation and many of the suffering, cursing Psalms. This part of the Triduum is filled with the sadness of Christ’s passion and death as depicted in the Good Friday Scriptures. It is an experience that often leads me to meditate on those people who are really suffering in our world. Continue Reading
Practicing the Resurrection by Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
I was in a discussion this week when a woman said, “It is very hard to understand the resurrection. People have a hard time understanding death, let alone someone being raised from the dead.” And she is right. The resurrection is very difficult to understand. Continue Reading
Holy Saturday* by Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
Sing, my tongues, the song of triumph, tell the story far and wide. Fortunatus, 6th century
For most of us who are serious about our faith life, we love Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies and celebrate those feasts as the major days of our faith life. It is the Saturday Easter Vigil, with its long prayers and 12 scripture readings that “gets” to us. Given half a chance, we will find something in our pre-Easter planning that prevents us from going to church on Saturday night…It is simply TOO LONG! Continue Reading
Working Out Puzzles at the Monastery
A young woman visited the Monastery over the weekend. She is a college junior and keeps returning to the idea of religious life. ‘S’ contacted us after looking at our website. In fact, we were the 4th religious community she has visited. She has been looking for a balanced community. Continue Reading
Be Still and Know that I Am God: Quieting down so you can hear
When a desert abba once said, “Watching means to sit in your cell and be always mindful of God,” he could have been talking about Centering Prayer. An ancient practice that may lead to contemplation, Centering Prayer helps practitioners, through silence, learn to rest in God – and know God. It is stunningly simple. Learn how.
An Intriguing Visit
This weekend we had a 42-year-old woman visit the monastery as part of her discernment. ‘V’ perfectly fits the profile that our community considers a solid vocation possibility. In addition, she fits the profile of the culture for women her age. For instance, V is very pleased with and fulfilled in her professional life. Continue Reading
Lift up Your Voice with Others Praying Psalms
When you pray the Psalms during Lauds (the morning prayer that we say at 7 am), you lift your voice with the community of Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island, Illinois. Continue Reading
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