By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Advent is a time for quiet, for prayer, for trusting in the presence of God, and expecting that God’s presence will save us from whatever danger threatens us.
On the 4th Sunday we pray, “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm.” Continue Reading
As the Christmas season begins, the chapel of the monastery glows with warmth and joy. Christ has come!
Join us in our chapel for our Christmas Vigil and Christmas Mass (schedule below). Continue Reading
By Sister Marianne Burkhard, OSB
Elizabeth, the mother of John Baptist, is somewhat in the shadow of Mary, but she really shouldn’t be.
Her experience is a miracle in itself because she was considered ‘barren’ and was, like Sarah, way past her child-bearing age. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
I am sending a messenger ahead of you; he will prepare the way before you. – Matthew 11:10
In this enigmatic statement, Jesus responds to the question: Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another? Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Today’s gospel, Matthew 3:1-12, presents John the Baptist preaching in the desert, perhaps to remind the people that the Israelites once crossed the desert and the Jordan to enter into the Promised Land.
This time, the Promised Land will be in the form of a person. Continue Reading
Sister Jozefa (far right) joins Sister Denise Vrombaut and young guests in the monastery dining room.
By Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ?”
“If anyone would serve me, let her follow me.”
These words from our Scripture readings this evening I believe aptly reflect the call that Sr. Jozefa heard and responded to throughout her long life.
Sister Jozefa Seskar O.S.B., 89, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, passed away Friday November 25, 2016 at the monastery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in the Chapel at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.
Visitation is 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan, is in charge of arrangements. Continue Reading
Sister Jozefa was known for her cookies and her loving, ever-present smile.
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On the first Sunday of Advent, we are invited to prepare for the return of Christ, Christ our universal judge and savior.
It’s especially poignant for me this year.
Sister Jozefa had been ailing and so I stopped in to see her after dinner. She was sleeping, so I blessed her and spoke a few quiet, loving words. She died later in the evening. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
For most of contemporary society, Advent gets lost in the season of shopping. People rush through malls and big box stores, loading gifts into baskets, buying more than they can afford and collapsing in exhaustion when they get home.
Which is why – if you were to come to St. Mary Monastery now – you might be surprised to find no Christmas trees, lights or sparkle. (Of course, those do come later!)
That’s because we’re preparing for Christmas here. We’re focusing on Advent! Continue Reading
By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
A Thanksgiving tradition in my birth family is the prayer before dinner. Everyone shares something from the past year for which they are grateful. I recall 2 particular occasions when I was surprised and “wowed” by the prayer! Continue Reading
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 