God moments happen all the time … and sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. Often, in fact, we don’t recognize them. We’re put in mind of this during the Easter season because of the unrecognized appearances of Jesus following the resurrection.
No matter how much his followers loved him, they didn’t always recognize him.
That’s something we can all relate to. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Saints are always forsaking their evil ways for Godly ones … or, in the language of the Church, experiencing conversion. Think of some of the biggies, like St. Francis and St. Augustine. They changed everything. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Women discerning religious life always ask, “How did you know you found the right community? How did you know you were being called to this life choice?”
Well, goodness. It’s hard to explain in words, because it’s about feelings. That is, feelings are God’s grace working inside us, to guide us along the right path. They feel so subjective … but when they don’t go away, it means something. Continue Reading
When the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery hung up their traditional habits and adopted the dress of the day nearly 40 years ago, they joined thousands of Catholic Sisters across the country who were doing the same thing.
Their decision was in response to the 2nd Vatican Council’s call to women religious to renew their congregations in the spirit of their founders … and St. Benedict had counseled that his followers wear the clothing of the day. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Each Lent we are each asked to pick a book to read. I have chosen the book Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship by Mary Deturris Poust. I did not get far along when this passage made me stop and think:
“The very technology that is supposed to make our lives so mush easier and so much more integrated is, in actuality, cutting us off from face to face contact, leaving us with mostly virtual relationships that may supply superficial satisfaction but never feed our deeper need for something that touches the heart and soul.” Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Several of us have been following the Olympics every night. What an inspiring show! These elite athletes have trained and practiced their sport most of their lives and are at the top of their career. They are amazing.
Yet, the athletes – as all of us – are subject to variables they cannot control. They must face uncertain weather conditions and the potential for disaster at the beginning of every event. Their performance can be completely derailed – and their career ended – by a simple miscalculation as they battle through unexpected rain or blinding snow. Continue Reading
Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB and her principal were on their way to visit a family who was requesting to place their 5-year-old son in Sister Mary Jane’s kindergarten class.
Although such home visits were not uncommon, this one was different. In fact, the two educators were quite nervous.
They were being asked to admit a child with no arms. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Pope Francis recently heralded the great value that nuns bring to the Church.
“What would happen,” he asked, “if there were no nuns? No nuns in hospitals, in missions, in charitable institutions, in schools? Can you even imagine a Church without nuns…? No, it is unthinkable!” Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Sitting next to the fireplace in the community room recently, I could hear the heat kick on, the cold wind blowing outside (which has given me extra days off school), voices rising and falling in the kitchen. I heard but did not listen. Listening means much more.
As a Benedictine Sister, I deeply value listening. St. Benedict begins his Rule with, “Listen with the ear of your heart.” It means active listening … active pondering … active supporting, or obeying, if appropriate. It means, ultimately, doing. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
During my last few days of Christmas vacation, I drove to Chicago to visit Sister Belinda, a friend I have made through Benedictine conferences and gatherings such as the Under 55 group. She’s a member of St. Scholastica’s Monastery in Chicago. We stayed at the monastery’s lake house.
We enjoyed long conversations, coffee (and the internet) at a little cafe, and daily hikes. One hike was in a beautiful, snowy forest preserve … only I missed the beauty for a bit. The snow was too deep – and the path too uncertain – to look up! Continue Reading
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