Sister Stefanie MacDonald made her First Monastic Profession to our Benedictine community in Rock Island, Ill. 2 years ago. Here, she signs her monastic promises during a simple but beautiful ceremony in our chapel. One of the differences between apostolic communities (like the Franciscans and Dominicans) and Benedictine monastic communities is our vows. In fact, [...]
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From the beginning of recorded time, living as a religious Sister has been countercultural. We give up our possessions … our bank accounts … our cars. We take on a new set of priorities. We take on a new set of responsibilities. In other words, it’s no longer about “me.” It’s about “we.” What might [...]
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For the past 2 weeks, Sister Stefanie has been posting reflections about the Benedictine values, as well as her adventure with other Sisters in Beech Grove, Ind. Don’t miss them … they are a wonderful window into Benedictine monastic life.
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Gratitude has gripped my mind and heart. The whole of life: The continuous journey; The following of others gone before, The following of those in the lead, The keeping step with those at my side, The helping hand that reaches out, Those behind who challenge me to lead; Who challenge me to make ready the [...]
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The retaining wall outside the dining room is a highway this morning. Chipmunks of all sizes scamper first one direction and then the other, tails and spirits high. A rabbit lopes along and stops to peer in. Goldfinches dart among the grasses that brush the wall, and purple martins dive at insects above them. High [...]
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That’s a mouthful of a title! Although the path to holiness can be lived out in other ways – marriage, singlehood – we Benedictine Sisters have chosen religious life (St. Scholastica, left, founded the women’s community to follow her twin brother’s Holy Rule, which we follow 1,500 years later). Today, Bishop Joe – a member [...]
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