Benedictine Explorers ...by Sr. Paz

Students work930med
SMU women help with St. Placid's outdoor spring cleaning

I am playing with the idea of offering a Benedictine immersion program at St. Placid Priory. I envision young Christian women learning about the Benedictine way of life. Praying and working like one of us. Living in an inter-generational environment, focused on spiritual and personal growth.

 I would call it the cave of diversity. Where women of different ages and cultures, for the love of Christ, live together, praying and working to become better humans. Helping the Sisters in their ministries at the Priory Spirituality Center, which offers people an oasis of quiet time and space to come and enjoy our forest land, join us in prayer at the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass, have a meal with us or just be in quiet retreat. 

When stress and chaos is the norm, we need some oasis on the horizon. We need a place where we feel safe, welcome, appreciated for who we are. Where we can celebrate and practice our Christian faith.

SMU women with Sr. Paz at weekly Bible study

I feel a responsibility to show the new generations that chaos is not the norm, that we can all create a safe, honest environment where we can live in peace, being who we are. Without the need to change or mask our True Self in order to feel accepted. The young people of our time have experienced a pandemic that has shattered their sense of security so early in their life.

And now the global political chaos undermines their feeling of safety again. I would like to offer a door that they can open and see that there are many more options. When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in one of their misleading speeches, Jesus showed them that there are always different options when they tried to corner him.

I would like to offer an option to young Christian women to experience the Benedictine way of life that St. Benedict called a “little school for beginners.” At St. Placid Priory, we are all beginners in this way of life. 

Is there anyone who wishes to live life to the fullness of joy? Stay tuned to learn more about the Benedictine Explorers project.

 

 

 

Posted at 12:30PM on March 14, 2025 by Paz Vital, OSB   •   Tagged Benedictine Sisters of Lacey, St. Placid Priory, discernment, religious life, women religious, sisters, nuns, vocation, exploring religious life, monastic experience.   •   Comments: 6

Comments

  • Comment posted by Emily Alberts on March 28, 2025 at 11:49AM (26 days ago)

    Sr. Paz, thank you so much for sharing our women's group. It is so special and brings a bit of peace into our lives. I am honored to lead it with you and hope it can continue to blossom. :)

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 28, 2025 at 1:46PM (26 days ago)

      Dear Emily,
      Yes our Benedictine Bible study or spiritual support group is life giving.
      I hope the new project "Benedictine Explorers" be the safe life giving.
      Blessings,
      Paz Vital, OSB

  • Comment posted by Bianca DeGracia on March 23, 2025 at 12:31PM (31 days ago)

    This is such a wonderful idea! I am excited to learn more about this program. Thank you for all your work! I love the description of your vision, good work!
    Blessings,

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 24, 2025 at 5:34PM (30 days ago)

      Dear Bianca,
      Thank you very much for your comment. I almost twisted your hand to make you read it. I am glad you like it. I am happy to let you that the community like this vision too.
      Blessings,

  • Comment posted by Janice J. Ariza on March 18, 2025 at 9:47AM (36 days ago)

    Brava!! This is a wonderful 'expedition' - an awesome focus on what is needed.
    Blessings and Prayers for your idea to come to life~ Janice

  • Comment posted by Patricia McClure on March 17, 2025 at 7:50PM (37 days ago)

    Love this idea. I will pass the word on.

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 25, 2025 at 9:54AM (29 days ago)

      Dear Patricia, Thank you I appreciate it. Yes, let's pass the word on.
      Blessings

  • Comment posted by Katherine Mattern on March 14, 2025 at 9:21PM (39 days ago)

    That sounds lovely, Sr. Paz!

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 17, 2025 at 9:39AM (37 days ago)

      Thank you for your support Katherine.
      Blessings,

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 16, 2025 at 9:03PM (37 days ago)

      Thanks Katherine. May your blessings reach us.
      Blessings

  • Comment posted by Ann Macfarlane on March 14, 2025 at 8:09PM (40 days ago)

    Good for you, Sister Paz! This sounds like an enticing idea. I love your explanation of it, and of the reasoning behind it. I hope many women (younger than I!) will respond. With blessings to you and all the sisters - Ann

    • Comment posted by Paz Vital, OSB on March 17, 2025 at 9:38AM (37 days ago)

      Thank you Ann, I am praying for God's blessings for this program. May it be a good opportunity for all.
      Blessings,

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