Sister Andrea Giltner, OSB braids palms.
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Holy Week is upon us, and, as many people do, we make plans to be with family. 
For us, that means our Benedictine Sisters.
We begin with Palm Sunday, with the blessing of the palms and a procession around the chapel.
The palms, waved at Jesus upon his arrival into Jerusalem, also signal victory … a hard-won victory. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Reading the Gospel of John today, I was struck by the women who stayed with Jesus until the end: Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene.
What strength and courage it must have taken, to follow along.
They were Jesus’ loving presence … despite the horror.
They stayed put, through the end. Continue Reading
Sister Andrea Giltner braids palms.
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
In Catholic school I was taught that today is “Spy Wednesday.” It’s the day when Judas arranges to have Jesus arrested.
Judas has been stealing money for the poor from the Apostles’ purse. Now, he earns more money by betraying Jesus.
We all have times in our lives when we need more money. But what could have motivated Judas first to steal, and then give over his once-friend for cash? Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Holy Week is upon us, and, as many people do, we make plans to be with family. Our family of Sisters, that is. Indeed, Holy Week includes our most solemn and important liturgical celebrations. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Peter is my favorite apostle. Talk about someone who could put his foot in his mouth! He makes me feel like my own mistakes are not such a big deal.
Peter made many of his own. Jesus even had to talk to him about them at times. Very human. But what I love even more than Peter’s mistakes is his willingness to ask for forgiveness and to try to do his best.
As Holy Week unfolds, I’ve been thinking about Peter’s foibles. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Holy Thursday
The Liturgy of the faithful for Holy Thursday replete with foot washing and meal demonstrates that we are (or will become) servants to those who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, jobs, dignity.
We are to interpret Scripture as Jesus did, tending toward inclusivity, mercy and justice. Jesus saw this as the clear intent and work of God. Continue Reading
Introduction by Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB
From the 1st Sunday of Lent to Holy Thursday, we are asked to recall the life and words of Jesus. Now we walk his last part of the journey. We do not celebrate this week merely to “re-live” the mysteries of the Passion. We celebrate only because we know the ending, and the ending is JOY. Continue Reading
The Benedictine monastic community walks with Jesus throughout Holy Week. Beginning with the festive Palm Sunday, we celebrate with Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem. Tonight, Holy Thursday, we will join together – as Jesus and the apostles – in our own Seder meal, with bread, wine and bitter herbs as we remember the Hebrew Passover from slavery. Continue Reading
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