Living like the early Christian community

Acts of Apostles 2:42-47a excerpts

      They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,

to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.

     All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.

     Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God.

       These verses from the Acts of the Apostles strike me as being a good summary of our life in the past two months (on our best days!). We meet together in chapel for Liturgy of the Hours; we eat our meals with “exultation and sincerity of heart” thanks to our incredible kitchen staff.

       In the past year we’ve sold some property and the proceeds are now being used “according to each one’s need.”

       It seems that we are living the communal life as described in the Acts of the Apostles more than ever. Our circumstances may not be the same as those of the early Christians but our lifestyle mirrors theirs. Actually not much has changed at the monastery except that we are all here all the time—no outside meetings, no outside lunches or dinners, and no family gatherings. We are praying and breaking bread at home as we always have. I’m sure many families are doing the same in their own way.

       As businesses open and the stay-at-home orders are lifted let’s hope that the communal blessings continue for each of us. May we stay safe and treasure the closeness we have all experienced. May our gratitude for all our blessings and for those who are keeping us safe continue.

      God bless us everyone.

                    Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB

Coming Together for the 2017 Eclipse

       What is the excitement for the week? The marvelous eclipse, of course! I was asked several times in the preceding days, “Are you having a viewing party?”  The answer was “of course.” The sisters were able to obtain 20 viewers for the occasion.

         We gathered near the parking lot on the south side of the building on a gorgeous sunny day. Chairs were set up and out came the wheelchairs and walkers as well. Some leaned against cars to stabilize looking straight up. Some moved among the crowd, sharing viewers and checking that they were used properly. Some went inside to cool off where a TV was showing the NASA views and at times the local scene as well.To enhance the party aspect we had solar punch, a specially crafted orange punch. The conversation was lively but there were also silent pauses filled with awe. Although we did not have totality, the show was mighty impressive and enhanced the splendor of the God Most High.

         The celebration continued at the evening meal. A display of serious hors d’oeuvres included hankypankies with a meat center and a golden party rye surround and a cheese ball sculptured disc with black bean center and cheddar cream cheese edge. Dessert included large round cookies with chocolate centers and sparkly sugar rims.

        The TV showed people crying for the sheer thrill of being present for such a monumental experience. What brought tears to my eyes was the thrill of so many people of all varieties and backgrounds from all across the country coming together, taking in the event in peaceful togetherness. I was awakened by the line from Psalm 85 used at Mass Tuesday. “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall embrace.” For one day in this year filled with upheavals we came together.

                               Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB

 

Expanding Our Horizons

     With the coming of the New Year and the New Year’s resolutions that we perhaps make, I am reminded that we all try to better ourselves each year as we grow a year older. 

     I can remember how things have changed in the last 20 to 30 years, the Internet and the iPhone are just two of the examples. Both these inventions have expanded our horizons. We can search anywhere worldwide. The  world, it seems has gotten smaller. We have grown in knowledge within our reach. 

     I remember my life, B.C.( before the Convent or Monastery). Coming to the Monastery has expanded my horizons. I have grown in my relationship with Christ by daily prayer and work.  Two essentials in the Rule of St. Benedict. I have met and worked with people who I never would have known. I have also inherited many “sisters” in community who I would not have otherwise known.  I am glad I responded to the invitation to " come and see”. 

     How will you expand your horizons this New Year?

              Sr. Barbara Woeste, OSB

St. Walburg Monastery's Great Cloud of Witnesses

     Daily at Evening Prayer this community intercedes for its deceased--Sisters, relatives, friends--with  special reminder of of a Sister who died on that particular day. Each time we enter chapel from the infirmary we pass two large charts of necrology, a listing of the dead who served God and this community. The first death occurred in 1863; the last in September, 2011--a total of 286 sisters! My life in this community has brought me into contact, one way or another with 196 of these women. Sr. Mary Jane Andrews died in 1945 and Sr. Ruth Yost in 2011. A favorite early morning or late afternoon walk takes me to our cemetery located up the road behind the monastery. It is a place of peace, quiet and beauty. But as we celebrate the the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, a trip to our cemetery becomes for me an annual pilgrimage. It is so easy to remember!

     A short walk shows, in the distance, the crucifixion sculpture, a gift of the St.Walburg Academy alumnae in 1930. It tops the hillside and overlooks all the graves below and around. First to be buried in this cemetery was Mother Walburga Saelinger, second prioress of St.Walburg Monastery, who died in 1928. those who preceded her in death are buried in Mother of God cemetery in Latonia, and their names are engraved on a plaque near the crucifixion scene. A casual walk among the graves and frequent stops at special markers revive memories and deepest appreciation of my early Benedictine teachers at Holy Cross and my monastic community at St. Walburg's. A private pilgrimage in these early days of November makes me feel part of that "great cloud of witnesses" spoken of in Hebrews 12:1 into which, with the grace of God and the help of my monastic community, I hope to join. After all St. Benedict prays in Chapter 72 of the Rule that Christ may lead us all together to everlasting life.
                                                                                 Sr. Andrea Collopy, OSB