Thursday, May 1st, is our “Foundation Day” and although we celebrate our historic arrival in Richmond every year, this anniversary is special. The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia will celebrate 140 years in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Benedictine Sisters have served here since 1868 when, just after the Civil War, the Bishop of Richmond requested sisters to teach the Catholic children of the city. The prioress in St. Marys, PA, agreed to the request and we count the day of the first sisters’ arrival, as the beginning of our community history. One hundred and forty years…what we have seen and shared with God’s people in that time could fill volumes. The schools we established and staffed, the parishes in which we served, the presence of our sisters in the lives of countless families, the sign a Benedictine community is to the world of stability and peace, the love we have shared in community that flows out into our Church and to all who seek God in our midst …this is our proud heritage – this is our gospel story.
I find myself day-dreaming about the next ten years. What will we be doing? What ministries will emerge? How will our common life touch the lives of others? How will we direct our energies and resources for the blessing of the world? All of these questions excite me. I do not know the answers, but I am convinced that my path is bound to this house and its future – whatever that looks like. I know that in ten years as we reflect on a “sesquicentennial” moment, we will look back to our present day as a moment that defined our direction. My prayer, as we celebrate 140 years of presence, prayer and service, is that the women who come after me might be inspired by our courage and faith today. I want, one day, for my sisters to remember these days as a time of grace for the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. And to the God who called us here and sustains us daily, be the glory and praise of our household forever. Amen.
Blessings and love to you all…
I find myself day-dreaming about the next ten years. What will we be doing? What ministries will emerge? How will our common life touch the lives of others? How will we direct our energies and resources for the blessing of the world? All of these questions excite me. I do not know the answers, but I am convinced that my path is bound to this house and its future – whatever that looks like. I know that in ten years as we reflect on a “sesquicentennial” moment, we will look back to our present day as a moment that defined our direction. My prayer, as we celebrate 140 years of presence, prayer and service, is that the women who come after me might be inspired by our courage and faith today. I want, one day, for my sisters to remember these days as a time of grace for the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. And to the God who called us here and sustains us daily, be the glory and praise of our household forever. Amen.
Blessings and love to you all…
- Sister Vicki
PS - More coverage to follow after the 1st...
