Sister Jacqueline Sanchez-Small (left) is the 2024 American Benedictine Academy (ABA) Essay contest winner. Sister Jeana Visel, OSB, president, presents Sister Jacqueline with her award. Read her essay, “As Soon As A Poor Person Cries Out”: A Benedictine Response to Poverty. "I appreciated the opportunity to think more deeply about the Rule of Benedict’s approach to poverty, which was far more multifaceted than I realized when I first set out to write this essay. I am glad that the ABA offers this opportunity for newer Benedictines to apply our tradition’s ancient teachings to contemporary questions, and very grateful to be chosen as this year’s winner," said Sister Jacqueline.

The ABA sponsors an essay contest every two years and essays must explore topics related to the Benedictine tradition and charism. The contest hopes to inspire thoughtful writing among newer community members and is open to monastics and oblates who have made their first profession or oblation within the past ten years. Sister Jacqueline is a scholastic, a sister in temporary profession, with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. For her winning essay, she received a two-year membership in the American Benedictine Academy, a free pass to attend the ABA convention, a book, From the Tools of Good Works to the Heart of Humility: A Commentary on Chapters 4-7 of Benedict's Rule by Aquinata Bockmann, and the possibility of having her essay published in a relevant publication.

Sister Jacqueline is on staff at Benetvision and Monasteries of the Heart. She also writes for Emmaus Ministries.