Sister goes back to school...

Last night I met 15 young women at the University of Richmond. I was invited by Catholic Campus Ministry to speak a bit about Benedictine spirituality. I arrived early - good thing, as parking was a challenge. (I even had to call on the BVM for help. I only do that when it's important not to be late. "Hail Mary, full of grace, help me find a parking place.")

I was greeted by a warm, engaging senior who walked me to her apartment. In a space shared by 4 women, 16 of us ate delicious spaghetti, salad and homemade garlic bread. Then, Sister set up her show and got down to business. In spite of "technical difficulties beyond my control," my new friends were able to "visit" our house - catch a glimpse of how Benedictine monasticism is lived in the 21st century.

I really love my job. I love being witness to the vitality of monastic life and its place in the building of the Kingdom. Most of all, I love meeting faithful women who are searching out GOD's will in their lives. As I looked out at that sea of eager faces, I felt a deep peace knowing that the future of the Church is secure in their care. These good women remain in my thoughts and prayers today. And, I send grateful blessings to Deacon Tom Mullen for making this wonderful night happen.

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

"Lift High the Cross"...

Today the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It is a feast that highlights one of the great mysteries of our faith – a paradox that is beyond our understanding but at the very heart of our Tradition. Because nothing is impossible for GOD, the cross – a barbaric instrument of death – has become the symbol – for those who believe – of GOD’s ultimate victory over sin and death.

The sight of the cross may bring sadness or great joy. It can remind us of the death of the Lord, JESUS or it can be a symbol of the life that never ends in Christ. It is by his cross and resurrection that we have been set free. The tree on which Christ hung and breathed his last, is the standard under which we march forward in faith. It is because of that cross that we can live without the crippling fear of mortality. We are free to choose mercy, compassion and justice because the cross declares the love stronger than death. We can lay a loved one in the grave – cloaked in our grief - and still believe that death is not the end, but the beginning.

How wonderful to have a day to rest in this mystery. The next time you look at the cross – while driving past a church, or sitting in a chapel, or holding a Rosary - remember that you are already redeemed. Remember a truth that is too easy to forget – "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die (John 11:25-26)."

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Two sisters newly professed...

"When they are to be received, the come before the whole community in the oratory and promise stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience."

Sisters Karen Lynn and Kathleen make their profession before GOD, the prioress and the monastic community.

Our finest altar linen, embroidered by Sister Henry Marie, graces the table on which the promises are laid. May the lives of these sisters bring great glory to GOD who called them to obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life.

Four women enter the monastery...

The monastic community waits in the Gathering Space to receive the newcomers with prayer and song...

Dear ones and family surround the four as they prepare to knock on the Chapel door...

Pat Novak, Urszula Cegielnik, Karen Alexander and Robin Duffy...on their way to the door.

The prioress asks each woman, "What do you seek?"

Each postulant answers for herself in freedom and joy.

Like us, these four women are looking for GOD...

...in the WORD and in the wheat...

...in the Liturgy of the Hours and in private prayer...

...in the guest, in the stranger, in her sisters...

...in the elder and the young...

...in humble work and holy leisure...

...in the joys and sorrows of the common life.

Each sister remembers the day she entered then monastery...and prays for their perseverance. We pray, too, for Sister Doris Nolte who will guide their steps as Postulant Director.

"So that in all things, GOD may be glorified (RB 57:9)."

A new "sister"...

This morning our postulant became, "Sister Mary Clark, OSB." Prayers were said for her family and friends who have been so supportive of her vocation. Our prioress gave a WONDERFUL talk - an exhortation in nun-speak. Video of that talk and the rite itself can be found attached at the left.

Please keep Sister Mary in your prayers as she enters the profound and transforming space of novitiate. Stay tuned...more good news tomorrow!

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Meet the "Live-In's"...

I am home (at the monastery) for the whole Labor Day weekend! It is the biggest weekend of the year for our community. All our ceremonies happen this weekend. In other words, if a women is in the process of becoming a Benedictine, all the baby-steps along the way happen during this holiday weekend.

The first "happy thing" on the list was the blessing of our newest faces. Three wonderful women have been invited to do our "Live-In" Program. These three may live with us - inside the monastery - for up to one year as they continue to discern GOD's call. They are free to come and go, to share in our prayer and common life until we mutually discern the next step. I encourage every serious candidate to do the "Live-In" if possible. Some cannot because of distance and financial responsibilities. But those who can find it an indispensable tool in determining whether this way - our way - is also their way to GOD.

Joanna arrived a few weeks ago to begin a new job in our BEACON ministry. She was teaching Theology at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC. Shirley comes to us from California. She recently retired from the LA public school system. She will be using her many gifts internally in the monastery. Rosa is a member of All Saints Catholic Church nearby in Manassas and met one of our sisters at Mass on a Saturday morning. She's been praying with us every Sunday for several months. We are so happy that each of these women found their way to Bristow. GOD is good...sneaky, really, but soooo good!

Please keep our new friends in prayer.

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Another "first"...

On Saturday I went to King's Dominion amusement park with the five women who are living with us and our postulant, Mary. It was the second annual adventure to Doswell, VA. The first was fine, but THIS TIME, Sister had FUN! Last summer I was living with some deadline and took my briefcase and laptop to the park. (I know - really lame.) This time I dressed like a normal person expecting to get turned upside-down several times. This time, NO briefcase or laptop. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. (OK, I was a little sore on Sunday, but it was worth it.)

The first ride was a killer - a ship that goes back and forth, and back and forth until is turns completely over. Not only that. When it reaches that 180 degree moment, they let you just hang there for several seconds and wish for death. I didn't scream once. I closed my eyes, covered my face and sang, "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" in my head until it was over. It was an exercise in contemplation and trust. I am in awe of myself, still.

The water park was a hoot. Karen and Joanna came prepared with swimsuits. Pat and I got rid our sneakers and socks and got under the spray in our clothes because it was soooooo hot! I guess the highlight of the day was getting the tattoo - the TEMPORARY tattoo. It wasn't my idea, but I got into it the spirit of fun and rolled up my sleeve. I didn't want something silly, so I asked for the three most important letters in my life: osb. I'm really glad I decided to play with the women this year. It was good for my too-serious soul. Only 363 more days until we do it again!

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki