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The Rule of Benedict teaches that joy is what orients Benedictines towards others. Joy connects us to God. Joy sustains us through life. Spirit of Joy gives witness to the joy of community with one another, family, friends and oblates through prayer, ministry and daily life. It is a clear reminder that God is the source of our joy and our joy is an “infallible sign of the presence of God” (Teilard de Chardin).
Spirit of Joy
News and Events
Statement in Support of Immigration Reform Released by the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses
February 23, 2013
Sister Anne Wambach, OSB, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, attended the annual meeting of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP) held in Tucson, Arizona, January 30-February 5. Fifty Benedictine prioresses and Federation presidents released the following statement on immigration. Many of the communities, including the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, have ministries that serve immigrants, migrant workers and those seeking asylum in the United States.
In other conference business, Sister Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, of Erie completed her term as President of the CBP...
Emmaus Newsletter Captures “Heart Moments”
February 20, 2013
Read all about “heart moments” in the latest issue of The Companion, the newsletter of Emmaus ministries. Director, Sister Mary Miller, introduces the newsletter’s theme and explains how different friends of Emmaus were asked to tell about experiences that caused their hearts to become softer and more compassionate.
Sister Mary herself shared two heart-moment memories that you can read about, along with the other sharings, by clicking here.
To learn more about...
Enrichment Series Continues at Mount St. Benedict Monastery with Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder
February 18, 2013
The first presentation in the 2013 Enrichment Series at Mount St. Benedict Monastery drew a crowd of more than 100 people interested in hearing about “Death: The Great Adventure.” In her presentation, Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder, Professor of Religious Studies and Director, Center for Mercy and Catholic Studies at Mercyhurst University, shared valuable insights on a topic that is no stranger to human beings. Rooted in contemporary theology, evolutionary biology and quantum physics, the lecture inspired images of God and perceptions of death in the spirit of eschatology: hope seeking...
First Lenten Vigil
February 18, 2013
The first Sunday of Lent was ushered in with the Saturday Evening Vigil at which reflections were given by Sister Jean Wolbert. She posed many questions based on the Sunday Gospel (Luke 4: 1 – 13) which told the story of the temptations of Jesus. Sister Jean gave a context for her thoughts by sharing a quote belonging to Harold A. Buetow, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert not primarily to be tempted but to be in communion with [God].” As scripture says, “This [Jesus] is my Beloved, my blessed one, in whom I take delight.”
Knowing God’s delight allowed Jesus the desire...
New Venture at Monasteries of the Heart
February 15, 2013
Sister Mary Ellen Plumb is used to giving retreats. She's directed dozens for students and for adults. But the Monasteries of the Heart retreat she led for twenty-four deacons in Dallas, Texas was a first for her and a new adventure, a new possibility for members of Monasteries of the Heart.
"I was behind my desk in Erie and they were gathered in a meeting room in a retreat center 1,300 miles away," she explained. "SKYPE brought us into the same space but our even deeper connection was a mutual interest in...
The Legend of St. Valentine
February 14, 2013
St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century. Prior to his death, Valentine was imprisoned but he continued to embrace his Christianity and give witness.
One day, a prison guard, a good man who had adopted a blind girl, asked if Valentine’s God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his entire family saw this and believed and all were baptized. Upon hearing this, the Emperor, who was furious that Valentine continued to inspire converts, even...
Lent Begins
February 13, 2013
Upon entering the monastery chapel, before a word is spoken, everyone knows that the season of Lent has begun. The cross stands strong and central as a visible reminder; the color purple, recognized as the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment, invites contemplation. For the monastic Lent is a time to contemplate change—a time for the transformation that results from conversion.
In A Monastery Almanac, Sister Joan Chittister, OSB writes: “The Rule of Benedict says that the life of a monastic ‘ought always to be a Lent,’ ought always, in other words, to be lived...
Recap: Gary Horton Receives the Prophet of Peace Award
February 12, 2013
Enjoy a photo slide show that captures the highlights of a wonderful evening for Gary Horton, recipient of the 2013 Prophet of Peace Award. The Benedictine Sisters welcomed Gary and his family to a special award ceremony that took place within the context of the community’s Evening Prayer. The prayer of psalms, scripture, singing and reflection was the perfect setting in which to recognize Gary Horton and his passion for peace and justice. A reception followed.
As one of the guests said in thanking the community, “It was an honor to be here and to be part of a celebration that...
Benedictine Statement in Response to the Resignation of Pope Benedict
February 11, 2013
While the news of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is as much a surprise to us as it is to the Church at large, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie express our respect for this decision and support the Pope with an assurance of prayer.
The humble admission of the Pope’s inability to continue in his Petrine ministry due to waning strength and health concerns speaks well of his desire to do what is best for the common good of the Church. A decision such as this, remarkable in its own right, takes courage and shows ultimate trust in God. As Benedictines we believe that God will...
February 18: Enrichment Series at the Mount
February 10, 2013
Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder, PhD will be the featured presenter in the ongoing Enrichment Series sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie on Monday, February 18. Her presentation, Death: The Great Adventure, is an invitation to reflect on death in an adult manner, to "see it differently" in light of provocative insights gleaned from contemporary theology, evolutionary biology and quantum physics.
The presentation is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the...
2013 Prophet of Peace Award
February 9, 2013
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie presented the 2013 Prophet of Peace Award to Gary Horton of Erie for his extraordinary efforts to better the Erie area by working for a more hopeful future and quality life for its people. “This award recognizes an individual or group that embodies some aspect of the community’s corporate commitment and its concerns for peace and justice, sustainability, and the needs of women and children,” said Sister Anne Wambach, Prioress. “With the Prophet of Peace Award we specifically recognize Gary for his organization of Walking in Black History.”
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