By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of Catholic Sister you should be, don’t miss your chance to find out! Continue Reading
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The Holiest of Moments
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
We are advised all the time to “live in the moment.” Sounds good. But it’s hard, when you have a million things to do (and unfinished business nagging you from yesterday). Continue Reading
“Missioning” for 142 Years
We held our annual missioning ritual during Vespers on Sunday, Aug. 7, in our chapel.
The ritual is one in which our Sisters receive special direction from the prioress for the coming year. We’ve done it since our founding in 1874.
Here’s what it was like back then: Continue Reading
What Would Jesus Do in the Face of Fear?
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. – John 14:27
Oh, boy, did this line jump out at me recently. It was as if Jesus was talking directly to me as I weighed the events of the world: wars, acts of terror, shootings. Continue Reading
Wisdom Story #7: Open to God in Silence
Ask a Catholic Benedictine Sister for her wisdom, and she’s likely to tell you a story. Why? Because wisdom comes through listening and being. This is the 7th story in our Wisdom Series.
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
(Centering Prayer) is a way of tuning in to a fuller level of realty that is always present and in which we are invited to participate. The fundamental disposition in Centering Prayer is opening to God. – Thomas Keating
One of the wisest decisions I ever made was to commit myself to daily Centering Prayer. Continue Reading
Wisdom Story #5: Claim Your Miracles
Sisters Mary Jean Feeney, Margaret Murphy and Rita Cain enjoy coffee in the monastery dining room.
Ask a Catholic Benedictine Sister for her wisdom, and she’s likely to tell you a story. Why? Because wisdom comes through listening and being. This is the 5th story in our Wisdom Series.
On her first visit home after joining the community, Sister Rita Cain, OSB remembers being full of religious fervor.
She had brought a Benedictine medal to pin to the sleeper of her sister’s new baby. He had been quite ill and Sr. Rita wanted to help him get better. Continue Reading
Wisdom Story#4: Listen to Your Elders
Sister Marilyn Ring enjoys spending time with her young pen pal.
Ask a Catholic Benedictine Sister for her wisdom, and she’s likely to tell you a story. Why? Because wisdom comes through listening and being. This is the 4th story in our Wisdom Series.
Sister Marilyn Ring credits her elders with teaching her hospitality, compassion, a spirituality of life and love.
“The elders taught me that it wasn’t all about me. For example, the work wasn’t done until everyone was finished. If there were dishes to be washed, they were our responsibility. I learned to focus on the ‘we,’ not the ‘me.’” Continue Reading
Peace and Joy in Community
Our annual summer silent retreat is underway, and we are going to share it with you.
You can make this retreat at home, if you wish, by reading each reflection and taking time to reflect, journal, sit in silence or walk quietly through a beautiful place.
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Living in community is the best counterweight against individualism in our society today.
And individualism – the Me-First attitude – exacts a high toll on those who pursue it relentlessly. Continue Reading
The Grace and Mercy of Reconciliation
Our annual summer silent retreat is underway, and we are going to share it with you.
You can make this retreat at home, if you wish, by reading each reflection and taking time to reflect, journal, sit in silence or walk quietly through a beautiful place.
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Yesterday afternoon, we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we do during our annual retreat.
Of course, I – like many Catholics – still tend to think of Reconciliation more as “confession.” Continue Reading
Hospitality: A Sacramental Grace
Our annual summer silent retreat is underway, and we are going to share it with you.
You can make this retreat at home, if you wish, by reading each reflection and taking time to reflect, journal, sit in silence or walk quietly through a beautiful place.
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Monasteries are known for their hospitality … but the word “hospitality” doesn’t adequately describe what it means. Continue Reading
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