Sisters Jen Frazer, Jacqueline Sanchez-Small, and Colleen Leathley traveled to Immaculate Conception Monastery in Ferdinand, IN, for a Benedictine formation experience the week after Easter. The three sisters are Benedictine Scholastics, the final stage of their monastic formation before they discern final monastic profession. They made their temporary profession in October 2021 after they completed the novitiate year.

In Ferdinand they joined two other scholastics, Roxanne Higgins from Immaculate Conception Monastery and Lucy Fitzmorris from St. Joseph Monastery in Tulsa, OK, who are both preparing to make their final profession. “The week in Ferdinand gave me an opportunity for a lot of reflection and prayer, surrounded by beautiful grounds and a very welcoming community. I’m grateful for the sisters who shared conversations, meals, and wisdom with us,” said Sister Jacqueline.

Sister Jen Frazer concurred, noting that “the weeklong experience was a great mix of information and discussion, and reflection time. I enjoyed meeting Benedictines from other parts of the country and found the presentations to be interesting and inspiring.”

The purpose of gatherings like the one in Ferdinand offers the newer monastics a chance to share spirituality and study with others in the same stage of monastic formation. “It was a wonderful experience to visit another Benedictine community, and to explore more fully the Benedictine vows taken at final profession. I came away feeling refreshed and reoriented in my vocational journey,” said Sister Colleen.

Pictured are (L to R) Sisters Colleen, Roxanne, Lucy, Jacqueline, and Jen.