Peace cultivates a sense of quiet knowing when we are rooted in God. Even when our lives are chaotic, painful, fearful and anxious, we can maintain interior peace. How? By practicing Centering Prayer. Continue Reading
The Fruit of Joy Part III
“The Joy of the Lord is your Strength.” I have often said that I don’t mind hard work, stressful work or long hours if I enjoy my job and have some fun. Most of the time I have been able to work like that. It is a real gift that I have enjoyed my jobs. I know people who really dislike their jobs but the result of being able to provide for their family or get ahead financially brings them joy. I suppose that is one way to recognize the fruit of joy: that what we do is enjoyable or the results give us joy. Continue Reading
The Challenges and Joys of Becoming a Sister
Jackie Walsh, recently of Bloomington, Ill., became Sister Jackie at the age of 53 on June 11. She had worked, lived and studied at St. Mary Monastery for three years before receiving her Benedictine pin (given by Prioress Sr. Phyllis McMurray, right). It had been a leap of faith and a labor of love. Continue Reading
The Fruit of Charity Part II
I remember when I was teaching social justice to high school seniors how we discussed the footprint of justice: charity and systemic change. Fighting with kindness as well as getting to the root of the problem. Twenty one years later I recognize I have been fortunate to do both (this is a photo of St. Joseph House, a transitional housing resource for homeless women and children supported in part by our Benedictine community). Systemic change is essential to eliminating poverty, homelessness, hunger, war etc completely. Continue Reading
Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit Part I
Recently I was browsing through Barnes & Noble Bookstore (one of my favorite things to do) and it struck me how many books of daily readings are available. There is an abundance of such titles for women, men, sport enthusiasts and trivia enthusiasts, all designed to leave you with a brief thought to hold during the day. In fact, I probably have a dozen different daily readers on my bookshelf! Continue Reading
Cultivating the Word of God in the Rule of Benedict
By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Happy Feast of St. Benedict today! We began our celebration with a vigil last night, during which I shared the following reflection with the Sisters. Continue Reading
Unfolding Into What God Calls You to Be
With the beginning of June came thoughts of my great-grandmother’s rose bush. A lush green bush covered with
antique roses. I’ve never known such breath-taking fragrance! This rose bush remained at the house where we grew up. Continue Reading
Novice Jackie becomes SISTER Jackie!
Sister Jackie’s Monastic Profession Here’s our home movie of Sister Jackie’s First Monastic Profession. What a blessing it is to welcome her fully into the community. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the chapel!!
Nothing Ordinary Here!
Now that Pentecost is over, we have returned to Ordinary Time in the cycle of the Church. Nothing is ordinary about it, however. We travel with Jesus as he begins his public ministry of healing, forgiving and preaching the Kingdom of God. On Pentecost he blesses his disciples with the Spirit that will continue to guide them in their carrying on the ministry of Jesus. Like Jesus, his disciples are in for a rough time of it. Continue Reading
Pentecost: The Breath of God … A Beacon of Hope
Happy Birthday, everyone! That’s right, Happy Birthday! Today is Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter, and is often called the “birthday of the church.” In fact, Pentecost actually ranks higher than the wonderful celebration of Christmas. We began our celebration here with a Saturday evening vigil. Continue Reading
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 
