Third Sunday of Easter

April is the month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 60 The Admission of Priests to the Monastery - 64 The Election of an Abbot

Lord, let your face shine on us.

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS,

HOLY SPIRIT, TEACH US TO PRAY WELL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Whoever keeps His word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

(1 John 2:5a)

Welcome to the Third Sunday of Easter in the glorious month of April dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. In other years, we commemorate Madagascan and Blessed Lucien Botovasoa (1908-1947). If you don't know his story, you might take a look at it. Wow! Husband, father, teacher, martyr ...what a man of faith. And not to be outdone is Dominican and Blessed Peter Gonzalez (1190-1246), invoked by sailors under the name "Saint Elmo." 

Something to do this week is STOP. Listen to His word. See. Recognize. No, it is not a ghost in your midst. So do not be troubled; do not be anxious. Look at Him; touch Him. Ahhh. Peace be with you, says the risen Lord. I am with you always. Let Him embrace you and open your mind to understand the Scriptures. 

We were blessed to have another nun from our Order with us for several days who delivered conferences on Cistercian father, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Our voice this week is Bernard of Clairvaux, then, in some texts from his sermons and letters that you might find inspiring. We turn things over to you Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church, and "last of the fathers," also called Doctor Mellifluus*, a voice so pleasant to hear that we might as well hear plenty of it! 

Faith is a good shadow; it tempers the light to the eye's weakness and prepares the eye for the light; for it is written: He cleansed their hearts by faith.

(Sermon 31 on the Song of Songs)

We therefore who walk by faith live in the shadow of Christ; we are fed with His flesh as the source of our life. For Christ's flesh is real food.

(Sermon 31 on the Song of Songs)

It is the Word who enters without a sound; who acts without speaking, who touches the affection without striking the ears.

(Sermon on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

In the midst of His temple is His mercy, not in a corner or some out of the way spot, because God shows no partiality. It stands there open, it is offered to all, and no one is beyond reach save whose who reject it ... So let us then embrace the mercy we have received in the midst of the temple and let us, with blessed Anna, never leave the temple.

(Sermon on the Feast of the Purification)

The soul must grow and expand that it may be roomy enough for God. Its width is its love, as the apostle says, "widen yourselves in love" ... The size of a person's soul is judged by the amount of love they possess.

(Sermon 27 on the Song of Songs)

Heartfelt compassion benefits many, for a generous soul will blush to grieve someone who they see has genuine concern for them.

(Sermon 44 on the Song of Songs)

So when an offence is committed against you ... do not immediately rush, as a worldly person would do, to retaliate dishonorably against your brother; nor, under the guise of administering correction, dare to pierce with sharp and searing words one for whom Christ was pleased to be crucified; nor make grunting, resentful noises at him, nor mutter or murmur complaints, nor adopt a sneering air, nor indulge the loud laugh of contempt, not knit the brow in menacing anger. Let your disturbance die within, where it was born; do not allow this carrier of death an exit or it will wreak destruction. Then you can say with the Prophet: "I was troubled and I spoke not."

(Sermon 29 on the Song of Songs)

Lord, I am content to see my own darkness in your light ... When the darkness has been put to flight, then in your light alone we see light.

(Letter 85/87 to William of St. Thierry)

It is the nature of this universal vanity which is in us to wish for praise when we deserve blame, and to be loath to praise others when we know them to be praiseworthy. And this also is a vain thing: in our ignorance we often commend what does not exist and are silent about what does.

(Letter 18/19 to William of St. Thierry)

And as we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, may we "learn not be tardy or sluggish in offering thanks. Learn to offer thanks for each and every gift" (Sermon 51 on the Song of Songs).

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

BLESSED LUCIEN BOTOVASOA,

BLESSED PETER GONZALEZ, OP, “SAINT ELMO”,

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS,

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPAGNOLLI OF MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBACORTA, OP,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI, OP,

SAINT LASERIAN OR MOLAISE,

SAINT ATHANASIA OF AEGINA,

BLESSED MARIE-ANNE BLONDIN,

BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION,

SAINT ALPHEGE,

BLESSED JAMES ALDO,

BLESSED ISNARD OF CHIAMPO, OP,

BLESSED SIBYLLINA BISCOSSI, OP,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS, VINCENT AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BEUNO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULICIANO, OP,

PRAY FOR US.

*From the May 24, 1953, encyclical from Pope Pius XII, Doctor Mellifluus, on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "the last of the fathers, but certainly not inferior to the earlier ones" (1).

Today's photo: One with "my" riding mower, I stood on it for this one. You put gladness into my heart.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Second Week of Advent

December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception 

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery - Ch 61 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Justice shall look down from heaven.

MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; 

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Isaiah 40:5)

Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent. The Sunday when we hear a messenger who will prepare the way; a voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths (Mk 1:3). It is time to listen, then, with the ear of your heart (Rule of Saint Benedict Prologue 1). Or as a disciple of Saint Benedict says: "Enter the room of your heart. Put your ear to the door, strain to listen to the tidings God's messenger brings" (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux). Be alert; pay attention. Don't miss a thing, for "there is no room for complacency in Christian life" (Mary Healy). Just what is it that you will do this week to make straight the way of the Lord? We turn to one of my favorites, Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), for help.

Make straight the way of the Lord, fill up the valleys, lower the mountains and hills. They, as well as the ditches and valleys, trouble travelers. Make straight the paths. Those that twist and turn fatigue the pilgrim greatly. Our life too contains many hills, valleys and tortuous ways which can be put right only by penitence. Penitence fills up the valleys, lays low the mountains, makes straight and smooths the ways. Do penance ... lower those mountains of pride, fill up those valleys, those ditches of lukewarmness and tepidity. The valleys ... which are none other than fear which, when it is excessive leads to discouragement. Fill up the valleys; that is, fill your hearts with confidence and hope because salvation is near at hand.

Jesus, please give us the grace we need this week to further prepare for Your coming. May we be found worthy to enter Your kingdom. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

Here a voice, there a voice, everywhere a voice, voice ...

Time slows,

waiting with the text,

waiting for the Word to come,

Waiting with my heart

Wide open

For Him to write

His pages there.

(David Hodges)

The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which can ever take place on earth; and after it and henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple at any miracle on the mere ground of its being unlikely to happen.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

In putting his signature, in faith, to the mysterium of the Incarnate Son of God, a person is enabled to be a helper of his fellow men, to bring happiness to children, families, and the oppressed. Faith in the Incarnation promotes the salvation of mankind and the implementation of human rights.

(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

(James M. Barrie, 1860-1937, author of Peter Pan)

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)

Put aside hatred and hostility. See to it that you refrain from harsh words.

(Saint Francis of Paola, 1416-1507)

The golden urn is blessed Mary,

golden by reason of the excellence of her life,

golden through her integrity and purity,

golden through the fullness of grace.

(Amadeus of Lausanne, 1110-1159)

Salve Regina! Immaculate Virgin,

Hear me implore; and thy pity bestow;

Wild waves of trouble around me are surging,

Light with thy smile the deep night of my woe.

Queen of the saints! hear my earnest petition,

Mother of Jesus, conceived without sin,

Turn me aside from the road to perdition,

Let me the fold of thy love enter in.

(William A.C. Hosmer, 1814-1877)

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

SAINT MELCHIADES,

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

POPE SAINT DAMASUS I,

SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,

SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT LUCY,

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI,

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT ADELAIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This shot, taken after some days of considerable rainfall, turns out to be perfect. Glory dwelling in our land.

© Gertrude Feick

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

World Day of Peace

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 1-7

Mass: Numbers 6:22-27; Resp Ps 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 

May He let His face shine upon us.

MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD,

JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! 

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.

(Nb 6:24-26)

Happy New Year 2023. Mary, the Holy Mother of God, pray for us. On this first day of the month of January 2023, we dedicate the month to the Holy Name of Jesus. To kick us off on this World Day of Peace, we pray, Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.

In a card received yesterday, a long-time friend (of over 30 years!), thinking about her intentions for 2023, asked about my intentions for next year. She asked, "Do you contemplate and set goals?" This is a good question, and it seems more than appropriate for a cloistered, contemplative nun or monk to ponder. In fact, we, as in all the faithful united in faith and prayer, who in one way or another live lives of contemplation, should follow Mary's lead and keep all these things and reflect on them in our hearts (see Lk 2:19). And since we are beginning our first read through of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for the year, we are reminded to listen carefully to the master's instructions and attend to them with ear of our hearts (RB Prologue 1). So, what are your intentions for the New Year 2023 beginning today, January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God?

Mary was indeed full of grace

in good measure

pressed down

shaken together

and running over

and for this reason:

that through her

the grace of God might abound in us.

God chose her

in advance

in a unique way

and accorded the grace of being endowed

with a triple grace

the grace of beauty

the grace of favor

and the grace of honor

so that she should be made

 beautiful

gracious

and glorious.

(Baldwin of Forde, 1125-1190) 

Today's photo: A close-up of the magnificent Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, in our creche. Take note of the Magnificat in front of her, written in Spanish. Proclama mi alma la grandeza del Senor.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

First Saturday of the Month

Saint: Pope Saint Gregory the Great, first monk to be elected pope, “Servant of the Servants of God” (540-604)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 14-20

Mass: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Resp Ps 145; Lk 6:1-5  

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOURNFUL MOTHER,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. Mary, comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.

Listen with the ear of your heart; the Lord is calling. "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? If you hear this and your answer is 'I do,' God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim" (RB Prologue 15-17). And Our Lord, through Saint Benedict continues: "Once you have done this, my eyes will be upon you and my ears will listen for your prayers; and even before you ask me, I will say to you: Here I am" (RB Prologue 18). And "what, dear sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in His love shows us the way of life" (RB Prologue 19-20). With this good news, we go forth, united in faith and prayer, and speak the praise of the Lord. May all flesh bless His holy name forever (Ps 145). 

Who am I - what kind of watchman am I? I do not stand on the pinnacle of achievement; I languish rather in the depths of my weakness. And yet the creator and redeemer of mankind can give me, unworthy though I be, the grace to see life whole and power to speak effectively of it. It is for love of Him that I do not spare myself in preaching Him.

(A sermon of Saint Gregory the Great, in Office of Readings, September 3)

POPE SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And holy in all His works.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Giles (c.650-c.710); Saint Margaret Redi of the Sacred Heart (1747-1770); Saint Simeon the Stylite (390-459)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 1-7 

Mass: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Resp Ps 24; Lk 5:1-11

Such is the race that seeks for Him.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOTHER OF THE CRUCIFIED,

PRAY FOR US.

All belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

(1 Cor 3:23)

We begin anew in at least two areas on this Thursday.

First, welcome to September and the month traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows (or Dolours). And we welcome the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. This month, then, we will invoke our Mother Mary with titles given her in the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows. We also celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 8th and the Most Holy Name of Mary on the 12th. Throughout this month, we ask Mary to cover us in her protective veil.

Second, we are with the Prologue of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, commencing our third read through of the year. We recall from Ch 66, The Porter of the Monastery, that the rule is be read often in the community, so that none of the sisters can offer an excuse of ignorance (RB 66:8). We listen, then, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of our hearts (RB Prologue 1). Every time we begin a good work, we must pray to the Lord most earnestly to bring it to perfection (RB Prologue 4). United in faith and prayer, we go forth. They left everything and followed Him (Lk 5:11).

Seven Sorrows of Our Lady of Sorrows

The prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:34-35).

The flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13-14).

The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple (Lk 2:43-44).

The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross (Lk 23:27)

The Crucifixion (Jn 19:18, 25-27).

The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross (Mk 15:43-46).

The burial of Jesus (Jn 19:41-42).

SAINT GILES,

SAINT MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

SAINT SIMEON THE STYLITE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from our greenhouse of delight. The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Victor (d. 198); Saint Sampson (-564); Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (1910-1946)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Jer 18:1-6; Resp Ps 146; Mt 13:47-53

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

In haste for today, dear faithful readers, I thank you again for being there. We take with us the words of the Lord to the Prophet Jeremiah: Like clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand (Jer 18:6). Dear Lord, shape us, mold us, help us to do your will. Amen.

SAINT VICTOR,

SAINT SAMPSON,

SAINT ALPHONSA MUTTATHUPADATHU,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is awesome. I will praise the Lord all my life.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience 

Mass: Acts 16:11-15; Resp Ps 149; Jn 15:26-16:4a

This is the glory of all His faithful.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:1)

Welcome to Monday as Mary's Month of May marches on. Mary, Morning star, pray for us.

We have one of my favorite accounts from the Acts of the Apostles today. It is there that we meet Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, who listened. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. (Acts 16:14). Dear Lydia, dealer in purple cloth, intercede for us. May we exult in the glory of the Lord (Ps 149), listen and be so attentive to the Word. The Lord takes delight in His people.

Whoever listens to you, listens to me.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:6/Lk 10:16) 

Today's photo: There are roses in the air. Alleluia.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor (295-373)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 1-7 

Mass: Acts 6:8-15; Resp Ps 119; Jn 6:22-29

Teach me your statutes.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He sent.

(Jn 6:29)

Welcome to Monday and the Prologue of the Rule of Saint Benedict, when we begin our second read through of the year (see RB 58:9-13). For starters then, we listen with the ear of our hearts (RB Prol. 1) to Saint Benedict: "First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to God most earnestly to bring it to perfection" (RB Prol. 4). It seems a fitting way to begin the week and the month of May, the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancement who is not given to spiritual reading, and to him who neglects it, the fact will soon be observed in his progress.

(Saint Athanasius)

Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the sisters should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 48:1)

SAINT ATHANASIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Benvenuta. "All absent sisters should always be remembered at the closing prayer of the Work of God ... when they come back from a journey ... they ask prayers for all their faults ..." (Rule of Saint Benedict, 67:2-4).

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Marcartan, Bishop (-506) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Jer 7:23-28; Resp Ps 95; Lk 11:14-23

If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Listen to my voice; says the Lord, then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all ways that I command you, so that you may prosper (Jer 7:23). May we open our minds and hearts to the voice of God this day. Prosper the work of our hands! prosper the work of our hands! (Ps 90:17).

Prayer is an offering that belongs to God and is acceptable to Him: it is the offering He has asked for, the offering He planned as His own.

We must dedicate this offering with our whole heart, we must fatten it on faith, tend it by truth, keep it unblemished through innocence and clean through chastity, and crown it with love. We must escort it to the altar of God in a procession of good works to the sounds of psalms and hymns. Then it will gain for us all that we ask of God.

(From the treatise On Prayer by Tertullian, priest, in Office of Readings, Third Week of Lent, Thursday)

We remain united in faith and prayer. Jesus, Crown of Peace, have mercy on us.

IF YOU LOVE

You might quiet the whole world for a second 

if you pray.

And if you love, if you

really love,

our guns will

wilt.

(From the section on Saint John of the Cross, 1542-1591, in Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from East and West, p. 317)

SAINT MARCARTAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: There are new developments on this beauty everyday.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the First Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

First Saturday of the Month

Saint: Saint John Damascene, priest, Doctor (676-749)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 53:1-15 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Is 30:19-21; Resp Ps 147; Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Great is our Lord and mighty in power.

HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL CONSOLATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. Mary, Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

If you hear a voice from behind today, a voice that sounds in your ears, This is the way; walk in it (Is 30:21), listen. Then pray with words from Saint John Damascene: "Lord, lighten the heavy burden of all my sins through which I have seriously transgressed. Purify my mind and heart. Like a shining lamp, lead me along the straight path. When I open my mouth, tell me what I should say. By the fiery tongue of your Spirit make my own tongue ready. Stay with me always and keep me in your sight: (From The Statement of Faith by Saint John Damascene, priest, in Office of Readings, December 4).

We continue to pray for Pope Francis, now in Greece on the second leg of his 35th foreign Apostolic Journey. For the health and well-being of the Holy Father we pray, Lord, hear our prayer. 

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at the Oregon oak, seen before on November 3.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation: "A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God"

Saints: Saint Giles, Patron of Edinburgh (c.650-c.710); Saint Teresa Margaret Redi of the Sacred Hear (1747-1770)

Readings of the Day

RB: Prologue 1-7

Mass: Col 1:1-8; Resp Ps 52; Lk 4:38-44

I will thank you always for what you have done.

Welcome to September. One thing I like about the various Letters of Saint Paul is how the Apostle begins with a greeting. Wouldn't it be nice to greet all those we meet in a similar way: Grace to you and peace from God our Father (Col 1:2). And what follows in today's Letter to the Colossians is especially nice: We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you (Col 1:3).

On this first day of September we begin our third reading of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for this year. Verses 1-7 of the Prologue are packed. The first word is one many familiar with the Holy Rule know by heart. Listen. So why not listen and take some of Pope Francis's words to heart: "Ask the Lord for the strength to turn off the television and open the Bible, to turn off our cell phone and open the Gospel" (Pope Francis, homily, January 24, 2021).  And then, as Saint Benedict says, "every time you begin a good work, you must pray to Him most earnestly to bring it to perfection" (RB Prol. 4).

She immediately got up and waited on them. 

(Lk 4:39)

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is where I was on September 1, 2010. Kloster Maria Rickenbach, in the village of Niederrickenbach, Switzerland, home of the Benedictine Sisters. I'm looking up from behind the monastery. I have fond of memories of privileged time spent with the Sisters of Maria Rickenbach, the mother house of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021