It is hard to believe we have celebrated another Thanksgiving. It is a great feast to celebrate, for a grateful heart is something to nourish … and there is much to be grateful for!
Yesterday I was talking to a women who found us through VISION magazine and was led to our website and blog. She is interested in pursuing her interest in religious life and will come to visit after the Thanksgiving holidays. Continue Reading
We just discovered a new way to share Connecting Point! Let us know if you’d like to be on our mailing list to receive your own copy … meantime, hope you like it!!
Yesterday Sr. Margaret evoked such a wonderful image of Sisters leaving for their ministries after prayers every morning, nourished by praying Lauds together. It’s the perfect image of our lives together! Continue Reading
During Lauds (Morning Prayer) recently, we prayed the following verse from Psalm 67: “So shall your rule be known upon the earth. Your saving power among all the nations.” It made me think about the Kingdom of God and how Jesus said, “The kingdom is within you.” God’s life and love is in each of us! Continue Reading
I was pulling together several books on Benedictine Spirituality that I often give to women discerning with me. It struck me that I should be sharing them with you. If you are discerning about Benedictine life or are wanting to learn more check this title out!
This morning as I began my walk through the wooded area that leads down to the lake, I stood for a moment in awe and wonder. I thought, this moment is mine to enjoy. Then it dawned on me that it’s not mine, but ours: the Creator’s, and the woods’, and all that is in the woods. Continue Reading
It has been too long since I last wrote, but no particular thought or prayer struck me to share with you. Then yesterday the Sunday reading included the Prodigal Son parable. It is, perhaps, one of the most popular Scripture stories for Christians.
As the week cam to an end for the two women visiting the Monastery, it seemed to have been very good. We had a session on Friday about the vows and how they form our life of stability, obedience and conversion of life. On Thursday, we had a session on the life of St. Benedict using photos of Norcia (birthplace), Subiaco (lst community), Rome (student days) and Monte Cassino, where he finished his Rule and died, from Sr. Ruth’s and my time in Italy. Continue Reading
This week there are two inquirers at the Monastery experiencing life in community. Both women have been here for shorter periods of time before, but a week gives them an opportunity to really experience the daily rhythm of our lives. One woman is from Wisconsin and finishing her senior year of college. The second woman is from Illinois and works in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. A third inquirer will join us for the weekend. What they have been discovering is the simplicity – as well as the joy – of monastic life. Continue Reading
I apologize for being quiet this past week. It seems I am still getting acclimated to being home! Also, I’ve been reflecting on monastic life, with the professions of our Sisters Claudia and Stefanie (that’s Stefanie, after making her First Monastic Profession, above). Both women remind us that there are women wanting a commitment to religious life in general and our community specifically. What a hopeful moment! Continue Reading
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