Catholic Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill., blog with inquirers discerning their religious calling to monastic life.
Posted in Advent on Nov 29th, 2011
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB The short days of sunlight and the long days of darkness, the early dusk and the late dawn bring about a quiet, serene atmosphere as the Sisters come in from their various ministries. The drill is predictable: sign in, hang up your coat, secure a memorable spot for your book [...]
Posted in Advent on Nov 25th, 2011
By Sister Phyllis McMurray, Prioress In the liturgy for the First Sunday of Advent, we are called to “Be watchful! Be alert!” Reflections on Advent remind us: Stay awake! Be aware! Pay attention! As we enter Advent, we are called to be mindful of God entering our lives as Emmanuel, the One sent to be [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 14th, 2011
Greetings Dear Friend, I was sitting at my desk when Sister Marlene stopped by to chat. She asked me what I was doing. I told her I was writing a letter to you. She asked, “Do you mind if I give you a message for her?” I told her she could offer as many messages [...]
Posted in Benedictine Sisters on Nov 8th, 2011
“I never wanted to be a nun.” This is the first of several surprising admissions from Sister Marlene Miller, OSB, who obviously changed her mind. “I wanted to get married and have 6 children.”
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 4th, 2011
Dear Friend, We’ve had such a busy but wonderful week! Last weekend at Vespers we had the Rite of Transfer for Sister Mary Magdalene Buergler. We call her Sister Maggie. Several years ago Sr. Maggie made her vows to St. Scholastica Monastery at Fort Smith, Arkansas. When the community grew to be too large in [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 3rd, 2011
I am not sure when or how it happened – but in my life I have had a wonderful awakening of the Holy Spirit. Here’s what I believe: God is present to and in each of us through the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Spirit, I know always and in all ways I am resting [...]