I was pulling together several books on Benedictine Spirituality that I often give to women discerning with me. It struck me that I should be sharing them with you. If you are discerning about Benedictine life or are wanting to learn more check this title out!
A Walk in the Morning Woods
This morning as I began my walk through the wooded area that leads down to the lake, I stood for a moment in awe and wonder. I thought, this moment is mine to enjoy. Then it dawned on me that it’s not mine, but ours: the Creator’s, and the woods’, and all that is in the woods. Continue Reading
Following the Gospel Message: Choosing a NEW Path Today
It has been too long since I last wrote, but no particular thought or prayer struck me to share with you. Then yesterday the Sunday reading included the Prodigal Son parable. It is, perhaps, one of the most popular Scripture stories for Christians.
Benedictine Discernment Week Update
As the week cam to an end for the two women visiting the Monastery, it seemed to have been very good. We had a session on Friday about the vows and how they form our life of stability, obedience and conversion of life. On Thursday, we had a session on the life of St. Benedict using photos of Norcia (birthplace), Subiaco (lst community), Rome (student days) and Monte Cassino, where he finished his Rule and died, from Sr. Ruth’s and my time in Italy. Continue Reading
Inquirers Learn about Monastic Life
This week there are two inquirers at the Monastery experiencing life in community. Both women have been here for shorter periods of time before, but a week gives them an opportunity to really experience the daily rhythm of our lives. One woman is from Wisconsin and finishing her senior year of college. The second woman is from Illinois and works in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. A third inquirer will join us for the weekend. What they have been discovering is the simplicity – as well as the joy – of monastic life. Continue Reading
Feeding Body and Soul
This might seem a weird connection but it struck me this week. Last week I was enjoying a country music festival with my sister and a mutual friend. We head out every July for a 4-day festival in Twin Lakes, Wisc. We join about 30,000 other people for good music, relaxing days and an affordable vacation. The concerts are held on the hillside of a huge ranch. Continue Reading
Visit in Person this August!
I apologize for being quiet this past week. It seems I am still getting acclimated to being home! Also, I’ve been reflecting on monastic life, with the professions of our Sisters Claudia and Stefanie (that’s Stefanie, after making her First Monastic Profession, above). Both women remind us that there are women wanting a commitment to religious life in general and our community specifically. What a hopeful moment! Continue Reading
Celebrating Our Growth
This is a joyful weekend for the Benedictine Sisters: 2 women are making Monastic Profession with us!
Returning Home: Random Thoughts from a Traveler
As I was flying home from Rome I happened to look at the in flight map of real time flight path. Ironically, it was over the ocean and about half way between Rome and Chicago. For that brief moment I was literally between two worlds! Continue Reading
A Visit to the Catacombs
Dispatch #13 from Sr. Bobbi
Early last Saturday, we went to the catacombs and what an awesome site. It is a huge underground area. There is a distinction between pagans and Christians. As well there are symbols indicating a martyr or pope. There were burial room with families over generations. And rooms of Martyrs where the Christians held Mass when forced underground during the early persecutions after Christ. Continue Reading
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