The annual summer community days of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie opened with a special evening prayer at which the jubilarians celebrating 60 years of monastic profession renewed their vows. The community affirmed the vow renewal of Sisters Mary Louis Eichenlaub, Cecilia Sullivan and Dona Obenrader with a joyous “Amen, Alleluia!” The chapel was then filled with the voices of the entire community singing the suscipe: “Uphold me, O God, according to your word, and I shall live. Do not fail me in my hope.” This chant, taken from Psalm 119, expresses trust in God's goodness and goes back to monastic profession ceremonies in the time of St. Benedict himself.

A festive dinner followed at which all the jubilarians, including Sister Theresa Zoky who celebrates 50 Years and Sisters Anne McCarthy and Beth Adams celebrating 25 years, whose jubilees will be marked in a public celebration in September, were regaled with stories and affirming words and much “remember when.” It was a night of simply celebrating community and being reminded that love of God and fun and companionship is the blessing of community.

Click here to read reflections given by Sister Anne Wambach, prioress.