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The Rule of Benedict teaches that joy is what orients Benedictines towards others. Joy connects us to God. Joy sustains us through life. Spirit of Joy gives witness to the joy of community with one another, family, friends and oblates through prayer, ministry and daily life. It is a clear reminder that God is the source of our joy and our joy is an “infallible sign of the presence of God” (Teilard de Chardin).
Spirit of Joy
News and Events
Student artists earn awards at Barber National Institute's Art Show
April 22, 2013
Congratulations to Neighborhood Art House (NAH) students, Sebastian Ewing (age 11) and Raphael Abarikwu (age 13), who were honored recently for art that they had entered in the Barber National Institute’s annual Art Show. Sebastian was awarded Best of Show in Photography – Youth Artists. His unique photograph shown here captures beautiful cumulous clouds offset by a brilliant blue sky as they were reflected by the water in a pothole. Mrs. Lourdes Jasso is often heard telling her students that “ugly things can be...
Appreciation Event for Major Benefactors
April 20, 2013
A special Evening Prayer followed by a festive dinner was the setting for the annual Major Benefactor Appreciation event. It was an expression of gratitude to a group of people who provide major support to the mission and vision of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. “It is one of my privileges each year to express the enormous gratitude that the sisters and I have both for you and for your generosity,” said prioress, Sister Anne Wambach. “This evening is an important opportunity for all of us to take a moment from our busy schedules to celebrate what is most important in our lives...a...
Good Food, Good Company, Good Education
April 19, 2013
Monastery housekeeper, Theresa Bennardo, won a lunch for 20 from Iadeluca Chiropractic Center in Erie and generously chose to share it with her companion housekeepers and the sisters in the infirmary wing of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. As part of the luncheon, Holly Brine from the chiropractic center told the group a little bit about their practice and demonstrated how easily a back and neck screening could be done with new technology. After the lunch, those who wished were invited to take part in free screenings. “I had no...
St. Noel Concert Choir + the Music of Hildegard=Heaven
April 14, 2013
Sunday afternoon became a Sabbath day to remember when the music of Hildegard of Bingen and the concert choir of St. Noel Church in Willoughby Hills, OH united to create a little bit of heaven in the chapel at Mount St. Benedict monastery. Sisters and guests were treated to an experience of Hildegard of Bingen, the Church’s newest Doctor. Hildegard’s elevation to Doctor of the Church is an honor that has been bestowed on only four women in the history of the Catholic Church.
Hildegard of Bingen, noted for...
Memorable Movie at Kids Cafe: 30 to Life
April 11, 2013
The children who attend Kids Cafe come from neighborhoods where violence occurs. To bring attention to the issue and its effect, Dr. Maria Garase, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Mercyhurst University and Kids Cafe volunteer recently coordinated the viewing of a locally produced film, 30 to Life. “Maria suggested the film because it addresses an issue even our youngest children experience,” remarked Ann Vinca, Kids Cafe Program Coordinator.
30 to Life tells...
Kids Cafe Photo Gallery
April 9, 2013
Be sure not to miss the Kids Cafe Gallery on the Emmaus web page! Emmaus believes in the potential of each person.
Our Kids Cafe is named for Sister Augusta Hamel, OSB, a longtime advocate for the poor and the hungry. She believed that hungry children cannot learn, cannot develop, cannot reach full potential. Sister Gus’ Kids Cafe is one of over 1,000 Kids Cafes throughout the country sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank.
At Sister Gus’ Kids Cafe we serve approximately 50-70 inner...
Canisius Students Spend Spring Break at the Mount
April 7, 2013
The Benedictine Sisters welcomed six students from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, along with their adult leader. For one week the monastery became home to a wonderful group of young people who made a choice to work with the Benedictine Sisters for an Alternative Spring Break Ministry Trip. They followed the daily horarium of the monastery and joined the community for prayer and meals and served in a variety of community ministries. Evenings provided the opportunity for input and discussion on various aspects of monastic life and...
Birthday Celebration Disney Inspired
April 3, 2013
Like many 10–year-olds, Elise Rinke watches the Disney Channel for fun. But, she was also inspired with the channel’s feature spots of children helping people, communities and the planet. “People do good things and I wanted to do something good too!” she said. So, to celebrate her birthday on March 23rd, she planned a sleepover and a birthday breakfast and instead of presents, she asked her friends to bring a donation for Emmaus Soup Kitchen. Sister Mary Miller, Emmaus Director, is always inspired by the generosity and creativity of our youngest donors and remarked, “This child is as...
Neighbor to Neighbor
April 2, 2013
View the most recent issue of the Neighborhood Art House (NAH) newsletter: Neighbor to Neighbor and read about the amazing things that are happening at NAH. Check out the NAH web page for even more stories and happenings. You are sure to shake your head in wonder at the talent being discovered and developed in children being exposed to the arts in inner-city Erie. No doubt you will revel in what this...
Benedictine Prioresses issue Statement on the Prevention of Gun Violence
April 1, 2013
The Easter season has begun. The scriptures tell us that Jesus, after rising from the dead, appeared to the disciples with the message, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). The peace to which Christ witnesses is one that calls for justice and nonviolence. Benedictines are known for their efforts to seek peace and pursue it (Rule of Benedict, Prologue 17). Benedictines strive to accept the gift of peace that Christ offers and commit themselves to working for peace at any cost.
To promote that vision of peace and in an effort to address the rampant culture of gun violence and...
33rd Annual Peace Pilgrimage
March 30, 2013
Christ is crucified today whenever and wherever hatred, violence and injustice prevail. As part of the triduum, the Benedictine Sisters, along with oblates, family members, friends and interested public, walked through downtown Erie marking the Way of the Cross, mindful that an injustice to one is an injustice to all.
“This is our 33rd Peace Pilgrimage,” explained Sister Anne Wambach, prioress. “We carry with us all the suffering of the world. We are reminded of the need for reform and change — for an end to violence, war, abuse, and discrimination of any kind.”
The seven...