From left, Benedictine Sisters Sandra, Stefanie, Sheila, Susan and Jackie study a spiritual text together in the library.
By Susan Hutchens, OSB
“Obedience” is a word that sometimes gets a bum rap. We’ve come to see it as a negative thing, requiring a response because of a directive – Do this! or Don’t do it! Or else!
But it has a very positive side too. I choose to ‘obey,’ to do what needs to be done, out of love for another, or belief in a principle. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
Jesus’ familiar words are a reminder that the power of our prayer is enhanced when we pray with others.
It happens when we share a blessing before a meal we are about to enjoy. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB
One of my favorites quotes is by George Elliston, an accomplished poet born in 1883, but little known today. She wrote, How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. Continue Reading
Sister Stefanie shares some thoughts about what Monastic Benedictine life has meant to her … and how it differs from life on her own.
What have you found to be most challenging about your new life?
Living with other people means I can’t let my oatmeal bowl sit in the sink till I get home from work in the afternoon! Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, a voice came out of the heavens saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Recently I heard a number of voices saying that on YouTube, as I looked for videos to help teach my students about Jesus’ baptism. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphainein, ‘to reveal.’ We use it – and its cousin, Theophany – on Sunday to describe the showing of the Messiah to the Gentiles.
It’s an important celebration, as God came not just to the Jewish community but to the whole world. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On Sunday, January 1, we celebrate the “Solemnity of Mary.” The word solemnity may appear too regal, too hallowed for us to grasp what the Church is celebrating. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
When asked to write a piece about Christmas for our blog, I decided to see what was on hand in our library.
I found the shelves filled with stories, legends, poems, carols, and customs from every nationality and every corner of the earth. What else was there to say about Christmas? Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
First published several years ago, this story tells why we wait so long to decorate for Christmas … and what we do once it arrives!
Seventeen poinsettias, 7 trees, 6 candles and a nativity scene – minus Baby Jesus – have been carted into the chapel.
After the final Sunday of Advent (and weeks after many other folks!), the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery are decorating for Christmas. Continue Reading
By Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB
When I was a novice in community (first full year) I recall that it was my assignment to decorate the community room in the monastery for Christmas.
It was a very large room! It seemed like an overwhelming task for someone who had trouble just decorating classroom bulletin boards each season! Continue Reading
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 