Discovering Benedictine Life... by Sr. Paz

The Benedictine Explorers program started on June 23 and continued through August 16. This program was designed to offer an opportunity for discerners to have a deep monastic experience. It is amazing to observe the many ways God is calling diverse women to religious life. During this time four young Christian women followed their call and experienced the Benedictine way of life. Each one has a particular story and, in each story I witnessed how God is alive, present and longing to be in relationship with each of them. The first week they stayed at the Priory Spirituality Center, and after that they moved to the Monastery. They prayed and worked with the sisters even more closely. Ora et Labora, following the monastic rhythm of life.

The Benedictine Explorers mostly followed the same schedule as the sisters: In early morning they practiced Centering Prayer, followed by Liturgy of the Hours, then some work time or classes and at midday noon prayers and lunch with the sisters. During this time the Benedictine Explorers had the opportunity to talk with the sisters and clarify all their doubts about monastic life. After that they helped the sisters with dishes if needed and more work or classes depending on the schedule. At evening we all went together for vespers prayers followed by dinner and Centering Prayer. Each day was a little different; for instance, every Monday was a contemplative day. We called it a desert day, a time of silence, meditation and pondering God’s call to religious life. Tuesday was a day for Zentangle class with Sr. Monika Ellis. Wednesday was Desert Mothers class with Sr. Laura Swan. They also had classes in the Rule of Saint Benedict.

The Benedictine Explorers attended various retreats like Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina with Sr. Anna-Camille; God the Artist—We the Co-Creators with Sr. Sonja Weber and Walter Siegel. Not all was classes, work and prayer! We also visited Mount Rainier. Our friend Annika Wallendahl was our guide. Benedictine Explorer Maria brought a fresh salad and pico-de-gallo (salsa) with chips. Annika prepared fresh coffee with a very clever device she uses when hiking.

Maria, Sr. Paz and Hieu en route to Mt. Rainier

Sr. Sonja accompanied us too; it was a great day! For Maria and Hieu, it was their first time at Mount Rainier. They loved it and bonded well during the whole Benedictine explorer experience.

Annika, Maria, Sr. Paz, Sr. Sonja and Hieu enjoy a summer day out!

Sr. Paz, Maria and Hieu

Maria continues to stay with us and is discerning religious life at St. Placid Priory. We ask all of you readers for prayer for her and for us, that we may follow God’s guidance. Hieu went back home and will return in October to experience a little more of St. Placid during the fall. The other two explorers enjoyed their time at St. Placid Priory and continue to discern God’s call in their lives.

Ora et Labora et Gaudium! --Prayer, Work & Joy!