Installation of Sr. Aileen Bankemper as Prioress

“Now as evening falls around us,

We shall raise our songs to you,

God of daybreak, God of shadows,

Come and light our hearts anew….”

“Make us shine with gentle justice...

   Lead us on to endless day.”

Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory by Marty Haugen

And so began the celebration of the installation of Sister Aileen Bankemper as our new prioress.  Family, friends and community members gathered for Evening Prayer for the ceremony on June 9.

            Some of the verses of Psalm 138 could have come from us and Sister Aileen as we begin a new era:

                        I thank you, O God with my whole heart

                        For your faithfulness and steadfast love.

                        You answered me on the day I called;

                        You increased my strength of soul…

                                    You stretch out your hand and save me

                                    You will fulfill your purpose for me.

            Sister Lynn McKenzie, President of the Federation of St. Scholastica, reflected with Sister Aileen on the task that she has been called by the Spirit to undertake.  A task of service to this community.  Listening “with the ear of the heart” will be one of the most important parts of her new ministry.

            Continuing the ceremony, the cantors called on all types of saints, from those in the Gospel, to preachers, monastics, Benedictines, women mystics and American saints to be with us and, we responded:

            “Saints of God in glory be with us, rejoice with us, sing praise with us, and pray with us now.”

            Sister Lynn and our two former prioresses asked Sister Aileen if she were ready for this task, to which she responded, “I am.”  We, the community stood and with hands outstretched blessed our new prioress.

            The ceremony ended but the celebration continued with a festive meal, many words of hope and encouragement, and many hugs.

          Sr. Kathleen Ryan, OSB