Fed100 Anniversary |

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

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.

Weekly Reflections

First Week of Advent 2019

Week of December 1-7
Christine Ereiser, OSB, St Joseph Monastery, Tulsa, OK

Cathopic.com The chapel is dim; gradually the light from one small flame spreads through the prayer space, among those gathered and into hearts of anticipation, awaiting the coming of the longed-for One.

The words that are sung reflect the yearning in the hearts of those who sing:

Wait for the coming Savior! Wait through the heart’s slow race.

Wait for the kingdom’s dawning. Wait till we see God’s face! (unknown source)

As the days of extended darkness envelop us in this part of the world, Advent candles are lighted to mark the passing weeks of the season. The light pierces the darkness of the early evening and reminds me of Emmanuel who is coming to bring everlasting light to all throughout our world.

>>>Read the full post

Podcast Series

Oblate Gregory Evans

Gregory Evans has been an oblate of St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA, since 2004, and a member of American Benedictine Academy (ABA) since 2009. Retired from a career with the Federal Aviation Administration, Greg volunteers in many capacities at the monastery, including music, art and environment, landscaping, and as a speaker/presenter for the Benedictine Pastoral Center. He also facilitates the monastery’s “Knitting as Prayer” group, and ministers to elderly community members with visits and assistance with shopping, errands, computer needs and arts and crafts. An ABA Visual Art Conveyor since 2012, Greg is currently an ABA board member.

Judith Sutera, OSB

Judith Sutera, OSB, is a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS. She holds degrees in psychology and sociology, with master's degrees in counseling and in monastic theology. A magazine editor and the author of True Daughters: Monastic identity and American Benedictine Women's History and other books, she is a director for oblates, teaches courses in monastic spirituality, and gives presentations, retreats, and workshops for monastic communities, academic conferences, formation groups, and retreat centers across the United States. For additional historical background and an introduction to Benedicta Riepp and Boniface Wimmer, both mentioned in this podcast, click here.

Centennial Prayer

The same call and gift of the Spirit that came to Benedict of Nursia and his sister Scholastica 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 their good zeal, with listening hearts, with clarity of spiritual vision, and with hearts impelled by love. And so we pray:

Audio recording of prayer by Sister Lynn McKenzie, OSB, President of the Federation of St. Scholastica

Loving God, we give you thanks
for our Benedictine heritage,
and for the expression of this call and gift in the
communities of the Federation of St. Scholastica.

May our celebration
of the Federation's first 100 years
strengthen us in our spiritual tradition,
deepen our capacity to listen,
widen our hearts with your love,
and sharpen our spiritual vision
that seeks to see Christ in the heart of all Creation
and at the center of our common life.

One in Christ,
may the communities of the Federation,
oblates, benefactors, and friends,
share the peace of Christ,
show the love of Christ,
and make Christ known in our world.

Amen FOR SPANISH TRANSLATION, CLICK HERE