Speaking a word of peace

           Easter season is coming to an end. I will miss the beautiful Easter songs. Songs singing of “days of delight, joy, glory and freshness of the newness of life.”

            In the Acts of the Apostles, we have grieved with the Apostles over Jesus’ death. His Resurrection three days later was a wonder and fulfillment of his promise. The Apostles’ work of establishing the early Church continued Jesus’ work. Much new life came with conversions and disappointments as well as deaths.

In the Gospels of the Easter season, Jesus walked with the Apostles. He even prepared and ate breakfast with them. His words reassured them that He would not leave them alone. PEACE was the greeting he gave them in many of his appearances. “PEACE the world cannot give.” I go so that the Paraclete, whom I will send, will come [upon you]."                          Jesus’s words were not only for the Apostles. They are for all of us. We are ‘the others’ Jesus must go to.

            We reap the benefits of the Paraclete Jesus sent. After Pentecost we begin Ordinary Time knowing that the ‘ordinary” simply means “the order of time.” There is nothing “ordinary” about this season since Jesus and the Spirit are with us.

            Let us enjoy the peace the word cannot give.

        Sr. Kathleen Ryan, OSB

A New Beginning for Peace

       September is my month. I have always loved it and looked forward to it even as a child, although it meant the end to summer vacation. My birthday is in September. So to me, it feels like the start of another year, another cycle of living, of leaves falling and warmer clothes donned, a new beginning. Incidentally, the Jewish feast of Rosh Hashanah meaning “Head of the Year” and the Islamic New Year  Muharram are observed this year as September 21-22 and 23.

       Among the new beginnings I pray for is a renewed dedication to World Justice and Peace on the part of all of us. Have we ever needed to pray and work for this more? The response to the hurricane damage in our country showed us what harmony we can achieve when we work together for the good of all in need regardless of our differences. But we also have the recent memory of violent clashes between factions of our society who both experience being wronged or threatened by the other. The moral cost is too high when we regard each other as enemies.  Hate and fear cause us to lose a piece of our humanity. We humans have such potential for goodness, truth and love and we have a responsibility that comes with the gift of life to maximize that potential and encourage others to do so.

       Please join me in observing September 21 of this year as the International Day of Peace. See info at http://internationaldayofpeace.org/ . And participate locally in the United in Prayer event 6:00-6:30 PM Covington, KY’s Goeble Park. It is hosted by the Catholic religious women of Northern Kentucky: Benedictine Sisters, Congregation of Divine Providence and Sisters of Notre Dame. (see picture)

      Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB

Standing for Justice and Peace

       I took a sign reading “Pro-Life, Conception to Natural Death” to the Women’s Rally and March last Saturday, January 21, at Washington Park in Cincinnati. It was important for me to be there, to join in with the hundreds of thousands of women and men who want President Trump to hear the many messages of those who believe that they have not been heard by this president who has told us that he wants to be the president for all Americans. So I am hoping that he finds this demonstration more useful than annoying.

       We gathered to let him and Congress know that there is very strong support for upholding the human dignity of every person, the unborn, yes, and also all of us of every age, race, gender, civil status or faith tradition. We support individual rights to be free of violence, including sexual and emotional abuse, bullying, trafficking, gun violence and pollution. We support just immigration reform to include special allowance for those who came as children and for those who have been contributing to our society and paying income taxes for many years just as citizens. We support criminal justice reform that focuses on rehabilitation of those who have committed offenses and that decriminalizes the disease of addiction. We further support appreciation and care for our mother, Earth, and the regulations that need to be in place at national and international levels to protect our environment for current and future generations.

       I hope that this is the beginning of a new movement, more than a solitary event. And I commit myself to continue to study the issues, take them to prayer and work to bring the just and peaceful Kingdom of God to birth. If you want to join me, I will be at the Northern Kentucky Justice & Peace Committee meeting on Thursday, February 2, 7 pm at Our Savior Church Hall, 10th Street. Covington, KY. For details, email dorothysosb@gmail.com. 

      Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

      In June I was blessed to be part of Villa Madonna Academy’s trip to Italy. It was a fantastic trip to a truly remarkable country. Two important events from that trip left a lasting impression.

       First was our visit to Monte Cassino. the most famous of St. Benedict’s monasteries where he actually lived and died. Being at Monte Cassino was such a blessing for me as a Benedictine. As we approached Monte Cassino after a harrowing bus ride up any number of hairpin turns the first thing we saw was the main door with the word PAX above it: PEACE! A feeling of peace really did overwhelm me.

       Monte Cassino is a beautiful, light and bright monastery with a beautiful church and museum. It’s amazing that it’s even there. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt four different times since it was built in the early 6^th century. The last time was after it was almost completely destroyed in the bombing of World War II. I can still see the room where St. Benedict lived, now a small chapel, and his tomb which was not destroyed in the bombing of World War II. We saw many other parts of the monastery but the PEACE door stays with me the most.

       We, as Benedictines and Catholics, carry that tradition of PEACE forward in whatever we do as we strive to be respectful and helpful and peaceful. I thought to myself, what if we put the word PEACE over every door throughout our homes and work places. Would that encourage all of us to be more peaceful; more aware of the need in our world and in our lives for PEACE? I think it’s worth a try.

       On our second last day we were in the 10^th to 12^th rows at the Pope’s audience in St. Peter’s square. It is hard to express how moved I was, and I’m sure others were, just by being in Pope Francis’ presence. This second experience with Pope Francis was equally as remarkable as being at Monte Cassino.  First of all, when he passed us in the Pope-mobile I am sure that he was waving just to me. We made eye-contact, for sure.

       His message that day which was translated in five languages was one of acceptance of each person as a brother or sister. He spontaneously welcomed a group of about 10 refugees that he had spotted in the crowd to join him under the canopy. It was a moving moment for all of us. He truly lives what he proclaims.

What would be the effect if we also welcomed others who are not like us? What would happen if we truly showed mercy to those in need? I believe that can be the path to true peace.

       And finally, shortly after we arrived home from Italy the sniper shootings in Dallas occurred. I have good friends in Dallas and contacted them to be sure they were okay.

When I expressed my feeling of hopelessness in the face of such senseless violence my friend offered the advice that we should all pray ceaselessly for peace.

       I was humbled that she had to tell me that. I think that would be St. Benedict’s and Pope Francis’ advice as well.

       So, in our world, so in need of peace, let us make it our goal to live in peace, to proclaim peace, to write it in our hearts and minds, and pray for peace every day.

       God bless you and your school year. 

        Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB

Words, Words, Words….at the End and the Beginning of a New Year.

       In today’s Gospel reading from John’s prologue, we hear, In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God…and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. In tomorrow’s reading from Luke we will hear, Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 

         
Today being the last day of 2015, I gave time this early morning to ponder over words—those I’ve said, read, regretted, waited or dreaded to hear. My morning offering of words to you are those I read several days ago and have lingered in my mind: Laid in the soul’s bosom this Word will increase the understanding, sweeten the behavior and temper the whole frame of mind and way of life with a pleasing and wholesome gentleness ( Guerric of Igny). 

       My deepest hope for 2016 is PEACE.

                   Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB

Then, Now and Always

        On September 29, I was excited to attend the ceremony of welcoming a postulant to our community. After living with us as a resident for six months, Patty Bickett had decided to ask to become a postulant. What a pleasure for us to receive Patty, a pleasant and gifted woman in her late forties and a grandmother. My mind went back to when I was a postulant in 1946. How very different the process of entering the community!
       Then—Although there were exceptions, in 1946, young women frequently entered right after graduation from high school or shortly thereafter. The day I entered six other young women ages 17 through 28 were received as postulants. All of us were very familiar with nuns from having attended a Catholic elementary and high school. Some had a relative who was already a nun. Others had a teacher or two who had become good friends. None of us had a clear idea of what a day in the monastery was really like. The daily schedule and many community customs were new territory. We also were erroneously sure that nothing in the Church or religious life would ever change!
       Now---The cultural difference between then and now defies comparison. Young women of today generally enter college with a major subject that will prepare them for a career. There are so many new fields that I sometimes find myself saying, “You’re majoring in what?” Adapting to change is a needed life skill.
       Sister Cathy, our vocation director, at times has a guest attending prayers and supper with her. Sometimes one will visit and stay for a couple days. “Listen Retreats” for those interested in learning more about religious life are provided and attended by college students and career women of various ages. Even though postulants are few, there is considerable interest in learning more about life in religious communities. These visitors have often found us through the internet. It seems to me that there are many seekers exploring God’s plan for their journey.
       During the past decade or so we have had several women in residence. I was always sad when one left. I do believe that all were enriched by their time with us as I felt enriched by their presence. I continue to live in hope for the future of religious life and believe we will not be disappointed.
       Always—Despite the immensity of change in today’s world, I am forever grateful for the Benedictine values that have survived over the years. Our commitment to prayer, community life and service remain constant. Our hospitality through seeing Christ in every person will continue to find our monastery a place of peace. 

       Sr. Victoria Eisenman , OSB  

Praying for peace on 9/11

     As we mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania I am asking myself if anything has changed.

     In many ways we are still dealing with terrorism, worrying about terrorism and praying about terrorism. 

     On Saturday we at St. Walburg Monastery joined with Pope Francis and thousands of Christians to pray for a peaceful solution to the situation in Syria. We prayed for an end to violence and war. We prayed for a culture of cooperation, a culture of dialogue. We continue to pray that the first moves toward a peaceful removal of chemical weapons in Syria will occur. I am hopeful that yesterday's news that President Assad of Syria will end the chemical attacks will be true. It is a step--what can be considered a big step toward less violence and suffering. 

     We thank God that our prayers are being answered in this way. 

     Join us in our continued prayer for the victims and the perpetrators of terror. May God bring comfort to those who suffer and a change of heart to those who bring suffering to others.

     We can have peace. We pray we will have peace. 

      Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB