By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
The Scriptures for Advent always call us back to reflect on our preparing for a deeper awareness of Christ in our hearts, of a greater transformation; a becoming Christ for others.
In the second reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Paul says to the Philippians, “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception.” (Phil1:9) Continue Reading
By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
If you are aware of world news today you may have heard that the people of Mexico are celebrating today. They are inaugurating a new president for their country and there is much hope that Pena Nieto will be able to help move the country away from the crime and violence which the drug cartels are causing in that country. Although I have known of the violence there, it has not been a focus in my thought and prayer…. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
“I have the immense joy of being man, a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.” Thomas Merton
Advent is a wonderful time to reflect on the meaning of the Incarnation. As Thomas Merton says, it is joy that we are members of the race in which God becomes incarnate. Indeed, the person and symbol of Jesus completes the circle of love of the Creator. Continue Reading
By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
I will bless the Lord at all times; Praise shall be always in my mouth. (Psalm 34)
We all knew Sister Kathleen Aubry to be a woman who was lavish with praise and blessing. Looking out the window and noticing the changing seasons, looking at you and noticing the color of your scarf, noticing a simple gesture of caring: each of these were cause for praise and thanksgiving! In the monastery we speak of ‘contemplative vision,’ of seeing with the heart of Christ. If you want to know what that looks like in real life, I would offer Sister Kathleen as a model. Continue Reading
One of the differences between apostolic communities (like the Franciscans and Dominicans) and Benedictine monastic communities is our vows. In fact, we don’t actually make “vows.” We make promises. It’s more than a word difference! (Watch Sister Mary’s video overview of Monastic Vows and video on the vow of Stability.) Continue Reading
If you are close enough to join us for prayers, we welcome you! Check our schedule of Lauds, Eucharist, Noonday and Vespers. Hope to see you!
Annie and 
Rachel are trying to suppress giggles as they race walk down the hallway, toward their guest. They compose themselves at the last minute. This is a serious matter, after all. As representatives of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy’s preschool class, they wish to convey a little dignity.
The girls plant themselves in front of their visitor and look up at her intently. The visitor breaks the silence. “Are you here to take me to Sister Stefanie’s class?”
They giggle and nod, turn and lead the way, picking up speed again. They’re in a hurry: Annie is leader today and must begin leading. She nabs her pointer as she enters the classroom and rushes up to the Smart Board.
Welcome to Sister Stefanie MacDonald’s four-year-old preschool class. A bit of happy chaos mixes with a liberal dose of joyful noise here to create a party-like atmosphere, even when the children are paying attention and, ahem, learning.
By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
“…be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them….” Luke 12:35-40
Sister Germaine was born on May 8, 1929 in Burlington Iowa. Named Shirley, she was one of the eight children born to Willis and Marie Jordan Cupp. She grew up in Moline and became acquainted with our sisters at St. Mary’s parish where she attended grade and high school. Shirley entered the Benedictine community in Nauvoo in 1948 and made her first profession of vows in 1950. Continue Reading
Sister Germaine Cupp, OSB died Monday, Sept. 3. Read her obituary.
My sister MacKenzie is here visiting for a week … a vacation she’s been looking forward to. She loves to come to the monastery. As my father says, she has 30 grandmas to be with!
Mackenzie, who has a learning disability, is a great help here. She always offers to take the Sisters’ trays after meals. She helps Sister Anne prepare food bags for the food pantry. She has been helping me get ready for the new school year…
Sister Stefanie’s bio-sister, MacKenzie is here visiting for a week … a vacation they’ve both been looking forward to. Read a real-life example of how a Sister’s blood family becomes part of our community!
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 