Our busyness comes to a sudden halt this week, as our summer retreat begins. Life will move off the clock. We will be steeped in silence, reflection, prayer and rest.
We will watch Sister Ruth’s bold and brilliant lilies dance in the early summer breeze, and listen to the bees as they hum amid the sacred bounty with joy. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Left to my own devices I would never have entered religious life. I thought it was dull, stilted, without fun, zest, relationships or community. I was interested in my friends, stylish clothes, a social life, my education. So how did it come about? Continue Reading
By Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB
In a recent article on contemporary religious life, the author asked young Sisters, priests, and brothers what attracted them to religious life. They answered: “The group’s clarity of vision, a common life, ministries that respond to absolute human needs, a common focus, and the fact that the gospel message and a life of prayer are the foundation for the group’s life and work together.”
For many years, we recognized Sisters by their religious habit. It symbolized, for many, dedication and being set apart for service. Continue Reading
Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB, reflects on her younger life as a single woman, and later as a Benedictine Sister in this article. We hope it inspires you!
As a child, I attended the Benedictine Sisters’ St. Mary’s School in Moline. I loved to stay after school and help clean the blackboards, sort papers, or run errands. I liked being with the Sisters and was curious to learn what they were really like. Was it the habit that made them seem different? Or was it something deep inside that you had to get to know? Continue Reading
In her 40’s, Jackie Walsh (far right) was happy. She had a great job as a business systems analyst, a comfortable home in Bloomington, Ill., and a new Ford Focus. She had lots of friends. And she belonged to an active and wonderful parish.
So why did she chuck it all to jump half-blind into the counter-cultural, misunderstood and little-known world of a Benedictine monastery? Because God called. Continue Reading
Enjoy this 2-minute video of Benedictine Sister Catherine Maloney, OSB – recently recovered from a stroke and celebrating her 60th jubilee – sharing about new Catholic Benedictine Sisters!
Sr. Catherine Maloney, OSB reflects on New Benedictine Sisters
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
Jesus tells us, Blessed are the poor in spirit, they who mourn, the meek, those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, the merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers. What does Jesus have to say about the money maker, the clothes horse, the bar hopper, the party girl, the vacation dreamer? Is there any chance that she will be blessed, any chance at all that there is a “Reward great in heaven” for her? Do we all have to be “persecuted like the prophets before we get to heaven”?
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Last Sunday’s reading (Is.49:3,5-6) spoke of being called to be a servant. It is the call of every baptized Christian!
In intimate terms God speaks of forming Isaiah and us as servants, as “a light to the nations…to announce salvation to the ends of the earth,” to share the unfathomable riches of God’s love.
Continue Reading
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