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August 18, 2018
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August 18, 2018
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News and Events
Daisies are a sign of the summer solstice—the embodiment of summer. The name is Old English for “day’s eye” which signifies both the start of day and the beginning of summer. At night the petals close over the yellow center; they re-open during the day. Daisies have a knack of imbuing summer days with a light, fresh feeling. Clean and bright, the daisy is an icon for love. Happy and blessed summer!
“To The Daisy”
But now my own delights I make,
My thirst at every rill can slake,
And gladly Nature’s love partake
Of Thee, sweet Daisy! (William Wordsworth)
The American Benedictine Academy’s (ABA) convention is being held this summer, July 19-22, 2018. This biennial convention focuses on a theme relevant to the Benedictine heritage. The theme for the 2018 convention is “Artisans of the Monastery.” There was a call for actual and digital artwork. Sister Margaret Ann Pilewski submitted two photos, both of which were taken in the monastery chapel. These lovely photos will be on display during the convention which is being hosted by St. Benedict’s Monastery, Saint Joseph, MN....
The first annual Joan Chittister Institute for Contemporary Spirituality is off to a wonderful start. Yesterday morning began with a conversation with Sister Joan, her biographer, Tom Roberts, and 9 eager and enthusiastic participants.
The subject of this year’s program is “A Feminist Benedictine Option,” and the discussions will focus on monasticism and women through the lens of Sister Joan’s work. Sister Joan says monasticism “is as much a way of seeing and working and living as it is a way of praying. It is a spiritual vision that affects a person’s whole style...
“Retreat 2018 is now a memory but the richness of the content will live on for a long time to come,” said Sister Mary Ellen Plumb, ongoing formation committee member.
For the past week the community has benefitted from the wisdom of Abbot John Klassen who came to the Mount to be the community’s retreat director. The topic: Parables and the Reign of God.
When Jesus came to proclaim the reign of God, he frequently used parables as a means to draw his listeners into his message. Through the parables Jesus was calling people to a new vision of God. According to Abbot John, “As...
A group of about 160 took part in Erie’s revival of Martin Luther King’s Poor People’s Campaign to challenge systemic racism and poverty on the 50th anniversary of the original campaign which was inspired by a speech made by the Rev. Martin Luther King a few days before he was killed in 1968. Benedictines for Peace (BFP) was a co-sponsor of the event and a number of BFP members were able to participate. The public came together to challenge the structures that make Erie the most unequal city in the country for black...
“A record 509 registrants helped make the 11th Annual Art & Sole 5K Run/Walk, a fundraiser for the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, a grand success,” said Sister Annette Marshall, NAH Executive Director. “I can’t thank the staff and organizers, participants and volunteers enough!”
Among the participants were a number of sisters and oblates, including Sister Anne Wambach, prioress and former NAH Executive Director. “I love this event,” she said. “There is such camaraderie and a spirit that can’t be beat. The...
Sister Kathleen McCarthy, novice (right), and Sister Marilyn Schauble, novice director, recently attended the annual Novice and Directors Institute (NADI) held this year at Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, SD. The theme was Learning and Growing in the School of the Lord’s Service.
This gathering provided an opportunity for novices and directors to meet, support, and learn about the Benedictine way of life and each other through the lens of initial formation. The eight novices represented seven Benedictine communities across the U.S. “It gave me hope to experience women who are...
Across the country, tens of thousands of people are uniting to revive Martin Luther King’s Poor People's Campaign to challenge systemic racism and poverty.
Benedictines for Peace (BFP) is a co-sponsor of the Erie Poor People’s Campaign.
In Erie, the public is coming together to challenge the structures that make Erie the most unequal city in the country for black residents, that make 16501 the poorest zip code in Pennsylvania, and that keep too many people struggling to make ends meet.
Thursday...
A group of SBA Alum gathered at Erie Ambassador Conference Center for the annual Spring Luncheon in continued support of the Benedictine Sisters and their ministries 30 years after the closing of Saint Benedict Academy. It included a number of highlights. Reminiscing together created some fun moments for those gathered and lots of camaraderie. The announcement of the 20 winners of education scholarships of $250 each, to children, grandchildren nieces or nephews of Alum was received with excited enthusiasm. In addition to a number of vendors selling their specialty items there was another...
“Lemonade for sale!” the children of the Kids Cafe shouted as people drove and walked by. “Only 50 cents a cup!”
On a warm spring day, the children stood outside selling lemonade in hopes to make $60. “The goal of the children raising $60,” said Stephanie Grear, coordinator of the Kids Cafe, “is to go to Denny’s for ice cream.”
The following week, the children walked to Denny’s and each got an ice cream treat of their choice.
Read this story and more on the Emmaus Ministries web page.
The recent immigration policy and practice of separating immigrant and asylum-seeking families is cruel and causes trauma especially for children. In April, Attorney General Sessions announced a zero-tolerance policy, prosecuting those attempting to cross the border. As the adults are taken into detention, their children, including infants, are taken from them. This practice has been growing since last October; now, as stated policy, it is expected to increase.
The United States should be protecting the well-being of all children—no matter the circumstances that brought them to...