Fed100 Anniversary |

Benedictine Sisters of Colorado Springs, CO
Benedictine Sisters of Glendora, CA
Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, IL
Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, AL
Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA
Benedictine Sisters of Bristow, VA
Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, TX
Benedictine Sisters of Tulsa, OK
Benedictine Sisters of St. Leo, FL

Federation of St. Scholastica 1922 - 2022: The same call and gift of the Spirit that came to Benedict of Nursia early in the 6th century came to the women who formed the Federation of Saint Scholastica early in the 20th century. This same call and gift of the Spirit comes to us today, inspiring and animating us to respond to the gospel with the good zeal of Benedict, with listening hearts, with clarity of spiritual vision, and with hearts impelled by love. In the years leading up to our centennial celebration in 2022, we intend to publicly celebrate the vision and dedication of Benedictine women over the past 100 years while at the same time supporting current works as well as new and wider efforts to bring the peace of Christ and the justice of the gospel to today’s turbulent world.

Introducing Sister Roberta, next writer of our weekly reflections
Sister Roberta Bailey will begin offering our weekly reflections on Easter Sunday, April 21. She is currently prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. Previously, Sister Roberta served in educational ministries in both Catholic and public institutions. Her experience ranges from Montessori infant care to college instructor and accreditation consultant. In her “spare” time she holds positions on boards for Saint Leo University, Pasco County domestic violence prevention programs, public school advisory committees, and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Sister Roberta’s warm and inviting reflections are peppered with questions for each of us. Spend some time with her thoughts and questions and see where they lead you on your journey. Most of us don’t know Sister Roberta personally, but this drawing by a child who knows her gives you a sense of the joy she finds in life, obvious even to a young friend.

Weekly Reflections

The Triduum

April 18-20
Kathy McNany, OSB, Emmanuel Monastery, Baltimore

The Triduum: The Dance of Passion
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday

Jesus speaks:
When you do these things, remember me.
—1 Corinthians 11:24

Into your hands, I commit my spirit.
—Luke 23:46

A Poem Prayer for Pondering:
A Cradle and a Cross
A cradle and a cross,
And between these, a life.
Bethlehem and Jerusalem...
a birth and a death.

One of “sorrows” who often wept,
One of “joys” who also kept
sensitivity
and compassion,
alive and real.

O God, today let us feel
the surge of that life,
the beauty of that love,
the power of the cross!
In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN

Reflection:
Join in the Dance Holy Week invites us each year into the dance of Passion. The word “Passion” means both ardent love and profound suffering, both of which are intimate parts of the choreography of these holy days.

>>>Read the full post

Podcast Series

Rose Ann Barmann, OSB

Sister Rose Ann Barmann has been a Benedictine sister for more than 58 years and is a founding member of Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs, CO. As an educator, retreat leader and speaker, she has dedicated her life to engaging with others to seek deeper meaning in life. Her love for the monastic tradition influences and guides her life as well as teaching. In this conversation she remembers the time of renewal in the 1960s and also addresses the present challenges of engaging more fully with others who want to seek God today.

John Lally, Friend of the Community

John Lally, CPA, of Lally & Co., LLC, talks about his 25-year association with the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, PA. John first worked with the sisters in the early 90s on a major renovation project and has been connected with them ever since. He discusses how his life and faith have been positively impacted by his long relationship with the sisters.

Centennial Prayer

Gracious God,
The same call and gift of the Spirit
that came to Benedict of Nursia in the 5th century,
to Benedicta Riepp in the 19th century,
and to the women who envisioned and formed
the Federation of Saint Scholastica
in the early 20th century, comes to us today.

This same call and gift inspires and animates
Benedictine women, Benedictine oblates, and countless others
to listen with the ear of their hearts and to respond to
the gospel call with the good zeal of St. Benedict.

May the Centennial celebration of
the Federation of Saint Scholastica
strengthen us in our zeal.

May our capacity to listen to Your voice deepen,
especially as it is heard in the pilgrim and the stranger.

May our celebration inspire and
animate others as we share the story
of your Spirit at work in the world
through the Benedictine way of life.

Through Christ our Lord, present in our midst.
Amen

FOR SPANISH TRANSLATION, CLICK HERE