Catholic Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill., blog with inquirers discerning their religious calling to monastic life.
Posted in Benedictine Prayer, Benedictine practices on Feb 27th, 2009
When you pray the Psalms during Lauds (the morning prayer that we say at 7 am), you lift your voice with the community of Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island, Illinois.
Posted in discernment on Feb 26th, 2009
“Blessed are they who love the Lord.” Dt. At Eucharist this morning the reading was from Old Testament Deuteronomy. In the story, Moses spoke to his people right before they were to enter the Promised Land. As they had struggled with being faithful to God during their many challenges, Moses encouraged them to stay faithful [...]
Posted in Benedictine practices on Feb 24th, 2009
A Lenten Reflection from Prioress Phyllis McMurray, OSB This is the season of Lent and seed catalogs. As we approach the spring of the year, gardeners make choices as they prepare for a thriving garden. During Lent we make choices that prepare us to celebrate more fully the mystery of our Redemption.
Posted in Benedictine practices, News, discernment on Feb 23rd, 2009
Last week was quite busy and delayed me in my blogging. After reflecting on what to write, it occurred to me that this would be a good opportunity to share a little about the workings of a Benedictine Monastery!
Posted in discernment on Feb 22nd, 2009
Isaiah encourages Israel to not look back but to believe all things are new. Isaiah believes in a God who forgives and looks to the future in us. Israel, as a nation, has offended God many times when they strayed from following what they knew to be God’s Will. Isaiah tells the people to put [...]
Posted in discernment, discernment prayer on Feb 13th, 2009
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus…to listen to Him speak. Luke 11: 38 – 42 This passage was what I found in my daily mediation book on Monday and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The story of Mary and Martha is often the Gospel used for the Feast of St. Scholastica. I’ve [...]