Benedictine values

April 6, 2011

Stability and Our Unconditional Acceptance of God's Love

By Novice Jackie Walsh

There’s very little stability in the world today. The economy, natural disasters and relations in war-torn countries around the world are examples of instability. So is the fact that people change jobs, cities, houses, cars and even spouses more than ever before. Yet, even though we may be considered countercultural by many in our fast-paced, throw-away society, women like me are still being called to religious life and one of the promises we make at the time of our profession is stability. Continue Reading

March 10, 2011

Your Desert Experience

It is a practice in our Benedictine community to read Chapter 49 from the Rule of Benedict on Ash Wednesday.  “The Observance of Lent’ is an insightful chapter that sets the Season of Lent into perspective.  We read it yesterday as an introduction to Lauds.  The first line of C49 can be rather startling ‘The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent’! Oh no..is usually my first reaction.  In my experience Lent can be rather a ‘downer’ when we are focusing on our faults, limitations and repenting for those times we are less than.  I am not sure about a life of that!!!  But, I admit, that is a small view of Lent. Continue Reading

March 5, 2011

Spirituality and Work Lecture Rescheduled

Postponed last month because of a blizzard, Sr. Helen Carey’s lecture on Spirituality and Work has been rescheduled for Tues. March 8 at 1:40 pm at St. Ambrose University’s Rogalski Center. “Many people experience a disconnect between the values of their private lives and those of their work or workplaces,” she says. Sister Helen suggests that past wisdom about the nature and needs of the soul can still provide guidance for 21st century efforts to align one’s personal and work lives.

The lecture on Tues. March 8 at 1:40 pm is part of St. Ambrose University’s Ubiquity of Work program, and is free and open to the public. Hope you can make it!!

December 4, 2010

Peacemaking During Advent

In the First Sunday of Advent reflection I spoke of being quiet, of silence, and of listening to our own heart and feelings. I spoke of noticing what is going on the inside. These are very important qualities for developing spirituality any time but especially during Advent.

This week’s readings call us to peace-making, to reconciliation with each other and with all of creation, to transforming our hearts,  opening them to a greater awareness of the presence and peace of God. Continue Reading