More than 40 guests, many of them on their first visit to Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, took part in a tour of the monastery followed by supper with the sisters, time to visit the monastery gift shop, and participation in the Vigil for the third Sunday of Advent on December 16.

"I drive by often and have always wondered what this place was" and "I was curious" and "I went to St. Benedict Academy in the 1960s but have never been here" were some of the reasons guests gave for wanting to tour Erie's only monastery.

For the sisters, it was a chance to share something about Benedictine life and spirituality, the teachings and practices that have shaped their lives and that are available to all seekers of spirituality.

The tour began with Sister Linda Romey, coordinator of communications and development for the community, welcoming everyone and offering a brief introduction on what brought the sisters to community (the desire to seek God) and what guides their life of prayer, community and good work (The Rule of Benedict and the gospels). Sisters Theresa Zoky and Cindy Hoover then addressed the significance of the chapel where everyone was gathered and the communal prayer practice of the community.

The tour moved to the front parlor, the Brother Thomas Bezanson pottery display, and the Sister Joan Chittister archive room. Sisters Kath Horan (pictured here) and Sister Linda Romey shared Benedict's teaching on hospitality and the welcoming of guests to the monastery.

In the monastery library, Sisters Jacqueline Sanchez-Small and Judith Trambley spoke about the monastic practices of good work, stewardship, and formation.

The group moved to the community room where Sisters Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski and Val Luckey talked abut their experiences of stability in community and the growth that comes when one lives stability faithfully.

Before moving to the dining room for supper, guests had the opportunity to visit Chapter 57, the monastery gift shop, or to return to any of the areas they wanted to explore further. During supper the conversations and questions continued until the monastery bells began to chime at 6:55 calling everyone to the darkened chapel for the Advent vigil.

"Guests enjoyed hearing from a variety of sisters throughout the tour, as they were given not just a tour of the building, but also the meaning and intentionality behind this way of life. The tour prompted great conversation and questions between guests and sisters over dinner and up until the vigil began,” said Michelle Scully, program and events coordinator who organized the event.

As guests left, more than one said they'd be back. "That is our hope," said Sister Linda. "The purpose of a monastery is to be a leaven in the place where it is found. We are here to share who we are, our spirituality, our community, our good work, with those around us."

The final Advent vigil of this season will be Saturday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.