We’re just starting to experiment with a new little video camera, and will post clips as we shoot them. Here are a couple of scenes from the chapel!
The Spirit as it Swirls
I have a glass paperweight on my prayer table that a wise women I know gave me years ago. It is round with a rich dark blue interior. The only object inside is a splash of white. It has a swirling appearance, hanging in mid air and little white specs surround it. It is almost like the energy of the object released little spots of energy.
Another Great Visit with Inquirers!
On Memorial Day weekend, two women visited the Monastery to get a glimpse into our Benedictine life. Once again, it was a valuable experience for both the two women and for my Sisters. The 2 women, KO and MS, had 2 different personalities but one heart as both are learning where God wants them to be. KO has worked and lived on her own for nearly 28 years. She converted to Catholicism in the early 90’s, owns her home and enjoys involvement in many church related activities. She is not dissatisfied but is still wondering if God is nudging her to find more. MS has lived in the U.S. for 9 years. She was born, raised and educated in the Philippines but is a US citizen. She loves teaching and is working on her Illinois certification.
Pentecost Sunday
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
How can you go away and yet stay? But this is exactly what happened to Jesus at Pentecost. Jesus” going to God in his death is not a going away from the disciples but a coming and staying with us in a new way. The new way is symbolized by how Jesus encounters the disciples. After his death even though the doors are locked, Jesus appears in their midst. His new presence is not bound by physical limitation and as Thomas finds out, not properly known by physical inspection. Read more
A Discernment Experience at the Monastery
Over the weekend a 29-year-old woman came to the Monastery for a ”Live-in” experience. Pamela is early in her discernment about religious life. She knew from the time she was young that she wanted to do something for God. She was active in several protestant churches and discovered the Catholic Church about 5 years ago. She recently attended RCIA and was welcomed into the Church at Easter Vigil Eucharist. She has visited other Benedictine communities and plans to visit a Franciscan community.
Inquirers from 11 to 48 Visit the Monastery
Well, I had my vocation hands full on Tuesday!!! 60 fifth graders from Jordan Grade School came for a vocation awareness morning at the Monastery. It was a wonderful challenge – I love those little kiddo”s. The 5th graders are learning about vocations in school and so this was a great field trip for them. They were utterly attentive – asking questions as we toured the Monastery, bringing their vocation questions with them and eating us out of juice and cookies.
Foundations of Faith
How fundamental family is to our faith. I am sitting on my mom”s porch in Galena, Il, where I grew up. In more recent years, since we moved closer, I have been able to spend Mother”s Day with her. She so appreciates it, I know. We don”t do a lot but just ”hang out” together. Our tradition is to plant her porch with flowers. It is small but lovely and refreshing for her. We will go to Mass tonight and go out to dinner.
Blooming Gradually
Spring has Sprung! The flowers in my garden are budding and fresh new leaves are growing on the trees. There is nothing like it! The gradual growth is stunning this time of the year. Some days it appears that the new growth just pops right up without delay. Mostly, though, I see the new growth bud forth over days or even weeks. Continue Reading
A Story of Fidelity and Commitment
Yesterday was a special day at the Monastery. Sr. Estelle turned 102 years old! She is still pretty sharp and fun loving. In fact, two of our nursing staff are taking Sister on a boat cruise on the Mississippi today. What a hoot..she has never done that! Continue Reading
Simply beautiful
The beauty of Benedictinism is its simplicity. We make three promises. Continue Reading
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