September-October 2011 Single copy $2.50 Vol. 107:3 ISSN 0038-7592 USPS 510-880

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Clyde, Missouri É Tucson, Arizona É Dayton, Wyoming Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration From Sister Pat

Dear Friends,

There is a mellowness about the autumn season of the year when the intensity of the summer sun begins to wane. Mornings and evenings are cooler. Jackets and

sweaters are brought out of storage. From chimneys, smoke tendrils snake Benedictine Monastery 31970 State Highway P their way into the atmosphere. The earth is shifting into another gear. Clyde, MO 64432-8100 Telephone: (660) 944-2221 In our own more mellow moments we, too, can find ourselves shifting into Email: [email protected] www.benedictinesisters.org another gear, a space of deeper personal reflection. These are the moments when God graces us with an insight about a past event in our life that has shaped us for better or worse. A moment when we made a choice that was either life-giving or death-dealing. In the mellow moment we are held in the embrace of the event long enough to discover at least some of the truth of its impact on and meaning for our life.

Jesus took time for his share of mellow moments when he went off by himself to pray or when he let the disciples go on ahead without him. He downshifted for a while in order to connect with his father in a more con- scious way so that he might know the Father’s will and be strengthened to Benedictine Monastery do it. 800 N. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716-4583 I believe God invites and welcomes the opportunity to enter into mellow Telephone: (520) 325-6401 Email: [email protected] moments with us. When we put aside the demands of everyday life long www.tucsonmonastery.com enough to connect with the One who dwells deep within our being we come to know forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. From there it is further blessing to pass those gifts on to others.

In the Lord Jesus, Sr. Pat Nyquist, OSB Prioress General

San Benito Monastery PO Box 510 Who We Are Dayton, WY 82836-0510 Telephone: (307) 655-9013 The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are a contemporary monastic commu- Email: [email protected] nity with a distinctive dedication to the Eucharist. We serve the Church through our contemplative prayer, and witness to God’s presence in our world through community life, hospitality, and a ministry of the word in ways uniquely appropriate to each of our three monasteries.

GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS: Articles should normally be between 900 and 1800 words. Poetry should generally be less than 50 short lines or 25 longer lines. Send materials by email attachment if possible Our Lady of Rickenbach (MS WORD or WORD compatible) to [email protected]. Otherwise, mail to: Editor, Spirit&Life, 800 N. Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716-4583. Payment is in copies of the magazine. Health Care Center 31970 State Highway P Clyde, MO 64432-8100 Telephone: (660) 944-2203 Volume 107:3 September-October 2011

FEATURES 3 Harvest of Justice 11 Days and Hours SR. LENORA BLACK, OSB SCOTT COVERDALE 3 5 The Prodigal’s Brother 12 Mother of Sorrows MARY S. SHERIDAN SR. JEANETTE VON HERMANN, OSB 7 The Still Life 15 Ordinary? SR. BEDE LUETKEMEYER, OSB GERRY KEIRNAN 11 9 What the Years Teach Us KATHARINE NUTT DEPARTMENTS From Sr. Pat From the Editor Book Reviews ...... 16 Front Cover: Piotr Bizior, Bizior Community ...... 18 12 Photography, www.bizior.com 11

STAFF: Lenora Black, OSB, editor; Reparata Hopp, OSB; Dawn Annette Mills, OSB; Kelley Baldwin; M. Bede Luetkemeyer, OSB; Jeanette von Herrmann, OSB; Kathleen Clare Lahl, OSB, and Mary S. Sheridan. ART AND PHOTO CREDITS: Michael Rieger FEMA, p. 2; Wikimedia Commons, pp. 3, 10; Adrian van Leen, p. 4; Simona Balint, p. 4; Alicia Jo McMahan, p. 4; Rembrandt 1669, p. 5; Giovanni Ambrogio Figino, 1608, p. 7; Hope Rodenborn, OSB, p. 9; Leroy Skalstad, p. 11; Mike Gieson, p. 11; Adriaen Isenbrant 16th Century, p. 12; El Greco 1590s, p.14; Roger Kirby, p. 15; Andrea Kratzenberg, p. 16; Ruth Starman, OSB, p. 18; Lenora Black, OSB, pp. 18, 21; Monica Pinho, p. 18; Mary Glidewell, p. 19; Josetta Grant, OSB, p. 19; Sophia Becker, OSB, p. 19; Lynn Marie D’Souza, OSB, p. 21; Kelley Baldwin, p. 22 (BC).

LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Sharon Nicks, Types Published with ecclesiastical approval Change of Address: Please notify us promptly of change of address, giving both old and new addresses, with ZIP codes. e-mail: [email protected]

Spirit&Life (ISSN 0038-7592) is published bimonthly by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 800 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716-4583. Periodicals postage is paid at Tucson, AZ. Postmaster: send address changes to Spirit&Life, 800 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716-4583. Subscription information Our magazine has no set subscription price. However, we are most grateful for any donation our readers wish to make toward publication of the magazine. FROM THE EDITOR

Perspective: “the capacity to view things in their true feel pain at the suffering of other members, we are in relations or relative importance.” With this harvest issue trouble. Numbness to their suffering leads to growing of Spirit&Life is an invitation to consider the past year insensitivity on our part, and withdrawal into our own and also the past ten years, as we commemorate the tenth safe little cocoon. anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is a We may assure ourselves that our values and our hearts good time to take stock. What was most important to us are in the right places, but, as with muscles, values and immediately following those attacks ten years ago? What hearts lose their tone when not exercised. In the words of is most important to us now, and is there a connection? motivational speaker and writer, Denis Waitley, “You As I write this on the Fourth of July, while we are thank- must look within for value, but must look beyond for ing God for our freedom, I am aware of the murder and perspective.” “Looking beyond” includes past, present, and mayhem only a few hours’ drive south of Tucson, across future. We need to be aware of where we stand here and the border. Our Mexican neighbors live in fear of warring now, in relation to those around us, as we look back to drug cartels, while on our side of the border, the level of harvest the lessons of experience. Only with that perspec- verbal violence escalates nationwide. tive can we look ahead and set our course with confi- dence. The past year’s earthquakes and nuclear disaster, floods and wildfires, may have numbed us to the ongoing When even members of our legislative bodies increas- suffering accompanying them. We need to remember our ingly resort to insults, name-calling and wild accusations first feelings when disaster strikes, when we are suddenly in preference to civil negotiation, we have a right to ask if reminded of our own vulnerability. Instinctively, most of this is any better than bullying in the schoolyard and us will reach out to those in need, at least in our hearts. fisticuffs in the street. These are serious times, with life- Many will generously offer themselves personally to help and-death issues on the table for discussion and decision, where they can. Others may write a check or text a but where are the caring and respectful sharing these donation on their cell phone, responding as best they can. issues deserve? This insensitivity has not turned violent out of the blue. Caught up in heated political rhetoric, we “Human kind / Cannot bear very much reality,”1 Those become part of the problem when we don’t keep our first few days after disaster strikes are precious and perspective on what is at stake. deserve to be embraced, with all their raw pain. If our physical body does not feel appropriate pain when Since September 11, 2001, we have lived in a climate of injured or ailing, we are in trouble. When we, as members fear, whether we want to admit it or not. Some contend of a community—members of Christ’s Body—cease to that this fear has been deliberately exploited by others who are in authority, to gain power and control over those with lesser power. What is unarguable, is that fear is at the root of violence, as well as the result of violence. We have to somehow interrupt that vicious cycle. Each one of us can make changes in our personal, one-to-one relationships for a start. If we truly respect one another, can we show that more often in our behavior? Can we civilize our uncivil language and demand the same from our public officials? Can we risk showing compassion or responding gently when another is in distress? We can— and it’s high time to do it! É Sr. Lenora Black, OSB

1 T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets, “Burnt Norton” I, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1943, p. 14.

2 September-October 2011 Harvest of Justice

SR. LENORA BLACK, OSB

The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. James 3:18.

eace and justice are inseparable, but we hear covenant little thoughtful discussion about their rela- relationship P tionship. Perhaps this is due to a negative with God. impression of justice. The word may conjure up somber images of black-robed judges, courtrooms, a In Micah 6:8 the summons for jury duty—or blind Lady Justice with prophet asked her scales and sword. Courtrooms are more often Israel, “What does the Lord require of you but to do associated with controversy than they are with peace. justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly In an individualistic environment where people are with your God?” Micah, according to Burghardt, was more concerned about their personal rights than the not concerned primarily with an ethical or legal rights of others, contention is inevitable. requirement that every person receive dispassion- ately what he or deserved—a traditional defini- Justice is a concept that urgently needs pondering if tion of justice. “Biblical justice embraces all that, but we are to become peacemakers. Secular or legal goes beyond it . . . the Israelite lived in a world where justice is essential for a well-functioning society, and ‘to live’ was to be united with others by bonds of to the degree that people honestly bring their con- family or by covenant relationships. . .” cerns before the court and receive a fair resolution, Biblical justice is fidelity to relationships that stem peace should be enhanced. This secular justice from a covenant . . . When are people just? When deserves our support, but it has limitations. they are in right relation in every aspect of their lives . . . toward their God, toward their sisters and There is another kind of justice—one that leads brothers, toward the whole of created reality.1 more surely to peace. Peacemaking is not just an option we can ignore. We are committed to it by our Eighteen years ago, the American Catholic bishops baptism, but how do we become peacemakers in our wrote the following in a statement called The Harvest day to day living? Walter Burghardt, SJ, a theologian of Justice Is Sown in Peace. Their words seem even who spent his long life preaching, teaching, and more urgent today: writing, is a help here. In his last years he devoted his At and abroad, we see the terrible human efforts to helping priests “preach the just Word.” He and moral costs of violence. In regional wars, in carefully distinguished between secular or “legal” crime and terrorism, in ecological devastation justice and biblical justice. The justice on which our and economic injustice, in abortion and renewed legal system depends stems largely from English dependence on capital punishment, we see the common law, while biblical justice depends on a tragic consequences of a growing lack of respect

1 http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/~dewolf/homily.htm

September-October 2011 3 for human life. We cannot really be peacemakers around the is contagious. By a kind word or world unless we seek to protect the lives and dignity of the vulner- gesture that improves someone able in our midst. We must stand up for human life wherever it is else’s day, we feel better, and the threatened. This is the essence of our consistent life ethic and the beneficiary of our kindness may starting point for genuine peacemaking 2 reach out to someone else. Spread the infection! After ten long years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and untold thousands of women, men and children killed or terribly wounded, “Walk humbly with your God.” If we have to take a long look at the losses. We are also painfully aware we are in the habit of acting of the disordered state of our immigration policies and their high independently, “going it alone,” cost, humanly and economically. Are we in right relationship with this is a reminder to consider God over our treatment of our neighbors? In a culture of consump- including God in our best efforts. tion and waste that threat- God is already involved, always ens our very life on the present, and it is simple courtesy In right relationship... planet, are we in right to acknowledge that fact. Making relationship with creation? grand resolutions that are never put into action is not enough. In 1965, Pope Paul VI God is waiting for us to start personally challenged the walking. É United Nations General toward God, Assembly: “If you want peace, work for justice!” toward our sisters and brothers, What does the work of peacemaking and healing look like in our day? And how can each of us become “Justice will bring more effective peacemakers? about peace; Biblical justice points us in right will produce the right direction. We can work on our relationships, calm and security.” and all... one by one. “Love kindness,” Isaiah 32:17 (NAB) urges Micah. Since our relationships include God, other people, and all of creation, the field is wide open. Genuine kindness does not forget justice, nor can justice be biblical created reality. without kindness. Kindness

2 A Reflection of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Tenth Anniversary of The Challenge of Peace. November 17, 1993.

4 September-October 2011 The Prodigal’s Brother

MARY S. SHERIDAN

n the media as well as the Bible, it seems, stricting for both “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over of them, and for I one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine the family as a righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Lk whole; reality 15:7). And this, it appears, is exactly what has hap- is far more pened to the brother of the Prodigal Son. If anyone complex than has gotten bad press, it is he. that. But it is also true that, The story is a familiar one, and we should not lose in many sight of the fact that it was told for a purpose: as families, there is a “lost” or errant child who is the part of the discourse of Jesus on the joy of finding focus of parental attention, and a loyal, dutiful child what was lost—a sheep, a coin, a son (Lk 15:1-31)— who does the work and stays in the shadows. and as part of Jesus’s justifying to the Pharisees his ministry to the lost (Lk 15:1). Only incidentally is One can see this clearly, especially when parents age. the focus on the angry response of the older, obedi- They long for the return or reform of the lost child, ent son who cannot welcome his brother home. and talk incessantly about him or her to anyone who will listen. That includes the one who visits them in Traditionally, the Prodigal’s brother has been used as the nursing home every day, or changes their bed an example of hard-heartedness and self-righteous- linen yet again at home, or does their shopping every ness, an image of the Pharisees. If the father can week. It is human nature to take for granted what we forgive his errant son and welcome him back, we have, and to yearn for what we don’t. It is human think, how can the son refuse? Instead of chewing nature to look at the drama of the troubled, and on his jealousy, he could be feasting on the fatted overlook the steady, quiet, faithful help at hand. This calf. We are told not to emulate him, to open our is thin comfort to the one who fulfills the caretaking arms to the repentant. We are told not to be him, to role. know that we are sinners, and to trust that God will always welcome us home. If we identify with the For a moment, let us assume that the Prodigal’s Prodigal and not his brother, we will be OK. But that brother is justified in what he says. He has worked is not always possible. I suspect that, for many who hard in the field. He has swallowed hard and done hear the story, there is a sad identification with the whatever his father wanted. He would never have brother who seems to have been overlooked. dreamed of saying to his father, “I can’t wait for you to die. Give me my inheritance now.” His father— There are many ways to interpret the family dynam- who might have been glad to give him a goat or even ics in this story. Children and adult children often a calf, had he thought of it—has never made the believe that parents favor one over the other; sibling offer. Nor has the Prodigal’s brother wanted to step rivalry is as old as Cain and Abel. Family roles often, out of the shadows and ask. and unfairly, designate one child as “the good one” and one as “the bad.” This is unhealthy and con- If there is trouble between the brothers, standard

September-October 2011 5 psychological advice would be for the Prodigal’s fronted with injustice in the family? I don’t believe brother to look at himself first. This is always good that God wants us to minimize our feelings or to advice. Has his refusal to ask for a goat come from trivialize the problem. “Life is unfair—and then you pride, from a secret view of himself as victim or as die” is not a particularly helpful response, nor a better than his brother? Has he been reluctant to give particularly Christian one. We know little about life up his role as the “good child,” and reluctant to give within the Holy Family at Nazareth, but we do know up his view of the prodigal as “bad”? Is he frightened about Jesus’ approach to injustice.2 that the estate will be divided between them again on The way of Jesus is always that of forgiveness, mak- his father’s death? Is he self-indulgently nursing hurt ing peace, and the patient bearing of injury. It is the feelings? way of love, seeking the best for the other and leav- Next, he should look at his brother, and try to de- ing behind even resentment to which we may have a velop empathy. What childhood and adult experi- right. Dorothy Day said, “As for ourselves, yes, we ences led the Prodigal to leave? Were the fallen must be meek, bear injustice, malice, rash . women really that much fun? What did it take for We must turn the other cheek, give up our cloak, go him to come back? What has it been like for him to a second mile.”3 When one has been injured in a be the “bad child,” living with a “goody two-shoes”? family context, this can call for heroic virtue. But What will it take for them to truly reconcile, to start what is the alternative? Family conflicts fester over life on a more equal and less stereotyped footing? the years, and flare at the most inopportune times, while “How good and how pleasant it is for brothers The problem between the siblings, however, is not at to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1) the root of the Prodigal brother’s complaint. He is speaking of injustice in the way that his father has Turning the other cheek does not mean giving up treated him. It is possible that he has misjudged his our wish for justice, but it determines the methods father—or not. Again, the Prodigal’s brother must we use to seek that justice. It means compassion, examine his own perception of the situation, open to always—towards the sibling, the parent, and oneself. the idea that he may be wrong. Or, he may be right. And part of compassion is to understand that each actor in the family drama is doing the best that he or Although parents are warned not to play favorites, she can do, under imperfect circumstances, even if it they do, for a variety of reasons.1 The results are doesn’t appear that way. often long-lasting hurt and resentment, both of the parent and of the apparently favored child. A quick In the story of the Prodigal Son, it was the father look at internet discussion sites reveals both that this who went out to plead with the Prodigal’s brother. is a common problem, and a painful one. There is a We don’t know if he was able to soften the older certain comfort in knowing that. son’s heart. We don’t know if the brother went in to the party grudgingly, or with true repentance or at What does the follower of Christ do when con- all. Sometimes the one who goes out to plead must Continued on page 8

1 See, for example, Joshua D. Foster and Ilan Shrira, “When Parents Play Favorites,” Psychology Today blog, http:// www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-narcissus-in-all-us/200901/when-parents-play-favorites. 2 This discussion is informed by “A Christian Response to Violence, Part I: ‘Love Your Enemy’ (Article 386),” Saint Mary’s Press, http://www.smp.org/ResourcePage.cfm?Article=386. 3 Dorothy Day, “Love and Justice,” The Catholic Worker, July-August 1952. Downloaded from: http://www.catholicworker.org/ dorothyday/daytext.cfm?TextID=635&SearchTerm=kingdom%20of%20heaven.

6 September-October 2011 THE STILL LIFE

SR. BEDE LUETKEMEYER, OSB

n a recent conversation, a friend who was Lord can be heeded or disregarded. Blessed are we if looking forward to retiring from a successful we arrive at that place of stillness which allows God, I career bemoaned the fact that she had not been the Artist, to shape and form us and bring us to the able to live as a contemplative. When I assured her beauty that is our . that one could live as a contemplative even in the market place, she rejoined, “Oh, but I wanted so Our ancestors in the desert were skilled in the much to live a still life!” A still life! The phrase knowledge of human nature, and of the tendencies immediately brings to mind the field of art. How to and weaknesses that chose the wide and easy path. In define a still life? A short trip to Google and we find: order to come to the stillness that God could use to “A still life is a work of art depicting mostly inani- shape them as he desired with divine artistry, they mate subject matter, typically commonplace objects learned the virtue of hesychia–stillness, tranquility, which may be either natural (food, flowers, plants, quietude. They learned by much practice to live a rocks, or ) or man-made (drinking glasses, “still life!” The importance of unceasing prayer took books, vases, jewelry, coins, pipes, and so on) in an the form of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus, Son of artificial setup.” From this description it is easy to God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” By the constant see that the number and variety of subjects give the use of this prayer, they brought their minds into artist many options. In fact the word “inanimate” their hearts and maintained a continual conscious- covers an infinite array of subjects. ness of the Divine Presence.

Obviously, the inanimate subjects of the artist do One of the results of their inner stillness was their not have to practice any asceticism in order to arrive extraordinary appreciation for beauty, especially the at stillness. It is the privilege of the painter to ar- beauties of nature which reflect the divine beauty in range the objects to be painted in whatever position a way which only the spiritual eye can see. This same suits him or her and to place them in the best light beauty is reflected by the human soul which has so that the desired features are accented. The genius come to inner harmony, beauty being defined by of the artist and his or her vision of the finished that harmony which is present where stillness reigns. work of art determines the details. What do we know of real beauty? We get a clue from God, the artist, also has an infinite variety of sub- the psalms where the “ Zion” is often inter- jects. Unlike inanimate objects, we humans have the preted as the soul. “From Zion, perfect in beauty, freedom to choose our own positions, our own God shines forth” (Ps 50:2). The Spirit of Beauty lights, and our own associations. We have the takes up residence in the soul perfect in harmony, privilege of “begging to be different” as we journey perfect in stillness. The human soul becomes the towards God. The work of the Spirit in us and the perfect “still life” produced by the Artist who has words of the Gospel which point out the way of the arranged the subject matter according to his own genius.

September-October 2011 7 We are aware of an almost mystical beauty in per- and despised, those who count for nothing, to sons who have allowed the hand of God to form and reduce to nothing those who were something; so shape their lives without interference. They are that no one might boast before God. God it is who aware, always, of the providence of the Father and has given you life in Christ Jesus (1:27-30). absorb the beauty that surrounds them because they It all began in the garden when God designed his are empty of care. “If God clothes in such splendor first still life. Designed in God’s image and likeness, the grass of the field, which grows today and is the Master-Artist was well pleased with his handi- thrown on the fire , how much more will work. “It was good!” We are truly “God’s work of art” he provide for you!” (Lk 12:28). (Eph 2:10). Chosen like Mary, the silent one, we are To come to such surrender is the work of many meant to bring forth the beauty of the Word on years, of long spiritual efforts. Having been deprived earth: beauty which is first of all in spiritual har- of inner beauty and harmony through sin, it is only mony, the inner unity of our souls in obedience to through the life and sufferings of Jesus that all can their divine destiny as God’s children. become one again. It was only through allowing his Only then can we look with humility and detach- own beauty to become deformed and lost in death ment on the external works of art, those that come that he could restore us once again through his from the hands of God and those which human Resurrection. “Fairer in beauty are you than the sons artists create through the inspiration and urge to of men; grace is poured out upon your lips, thus imitate God in his creative power. No one sees better God has blessed you forever!” (Ps 45:3). in this regard than Gerard Manley Hopkins, the poet To return to the definition of a “still life,” we note the who constantly exults spiritually in the beauties phrase “typically commonplace objects.” Typical around him: “The world is charged with the gran- translates into ordinary, nothing special. The artist deur of God.” prefers the commonplace and rejoices in transform- It was St. Ignatius of Antioch who summed it all up ing it into a thing of unusual and surprising beauty. admirably in a few words: “He who truly possesses Such is our God who chose the lowly, as Paul re- the word of Jesus is able to hear his silence.” May we minds us in his First Letter to the Corinthians: be granted that gift: to look inward and see our soul God chose those whom the world considers absurd in its “ancient beauty” clothed with the Still Life of to shame the wise; God singled out the weak to the Spirit. É shame the strong. God chose the world’s lowborn

The Prodigal’s Brother Continued from page 6 recognizing a cross that God has given us, to make be the adult child. Sometimes those words will be us better people. Some would say we must accept, met with denial or anger because parents are imper- because within the cross is a lesson that God wants fect and limited by their own past experiences. us to learn.

In such cases, it may be that only prayer for accep- The Prodigal’s father says, “You are always with me, tance is left. “Pray for those who persecute you,” and everything I have is yours,” (Lk 15:31). Whether Jesus says, (Mt 5:44), perhaps because prayer softens these seem like benefits or not, they are a grace for hearts—our own as well as that of the persecutor. the Prodigal’s brother, something to be treasured Acceptance does not mean condoning wrong, but when their father is gone. É

8 September-October 2011 What the Years Teach Us

KATHARINE NUTT

ging may be a trial, but it does afford one a supply personnel special perspective. I review my journey of and needed materi- A ninety years, and I remember: als. The war spread, As a child, staying with grandparents, I became ac- even into Africa. quainted with the telephone. The farming community Before we officially enjoyed one line, shared by all. You could “listen in” any declared war, the draft time. From party lines to private ones and conference was enforced and we sent troops to many key locations. calls, we progressed to today’s ever-present cell phones. After Pearl Harbor was bombed, the war became global. Truly the remarkable achievements in communication, European surrenders came in May of 1945. In the Pacific, putting us in touch with the world, are 20th Century the atomic bomb in its initial use devastated the cities of highlights. Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was President Truman, who Meanwhile, we moved from home delivery of milk, ice became president upon Roosevelt’s death in April of for refrigerators (it took a little card in the window); 1944, who authorized the attack. The horrendous effects washing clothes went from tubs to washing machines. of that weapon were so devastating that the American Heating fuel moved from coal, to oil, to gas. One routine people, though relieved at war’s end, were aghast at the that did not change was that of mail delivery. It is the loss of 250,000 lives and the incredible destruction of same today as ninety years ago, street by street, door by property. door. It was a short interval of peace. Previous attempts to My high school gym suit covered even my knees, as recognize a divided Korea were failing. We were called to modesty was the rule. There were no special sports for bring agreement between the communist North and the girls. We walked everywhere. There were street cars, then “free” South. The war for us was neither won nor lost. buses, but always trains for going to nearby communities. With Russia on the North, the United States on the South, Korea eventually emerged as two units. In the 1930s, we were in the grasp of a terrible depres- sion. The economy collapsed. Effects were worldwide. At least Korea provided us with some needed humor. The For me, those several years proved unforgettable. It delightful TV series, M*A*S*H*, depicted a military seemed everybody suffered. Concern for relatives, hospital run by a very motley crew. It was human, neighbors, and strangers invoked compassion every- laughable, and believable, in its trials and tribulations. where as people shared and cared. We worried for the The decade of the ’60s was a nightmare much of the black population whom we could not help because of time. Three assassinations, all types of protests, and an segregation. I have never again seen such reaching out as endless struggle of black people to gain rights as citizens. was evidenced then. It was beautiful! Amid all this, a non-political culture developed and the The depression of the ’30s stumbled into prosperous use of marijuana and other hallucinogenic substances times as we fulfilled our agreement with England to became common.

September-October 2011 9 Yet, amid all the turmoil, President Johnson signed both (targets once before) were bombed by hijacked planes a Civil Rights Act and a Civil Rights Voting Act, effec- which left the towers on fire. Soon after, a portion of the tively giving black people citizenship at long last. Pentagon was destroyed. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers wrestled with the hijackers. Other positive progress was accomplished. Scientists were excited to realize the largeness of our universe—still The hijackers were found to be agents of the terrorist expanding. Space travel and missions soon occurred. We organization, AlQuaeda, based in Afghanistan. Some put a man on the moon. When NASA’s space travelers 3000 innocent people were killed. Since then, reported to us that our earth is very tiny—almost like a Muslims has been difficult for many Americans. “pea” in the vastness of space, this suggested that other Presently we are searching for ways to end an economic life must exist in this universe. Some day we shall meet crisis all too like that of the 1930s. This one isn’t beauti- another planet with some new form of life. ful, though many Americans continue to aid suffering There were other intriguing happenings. Vatican II people in this country and in disasters abroad. Support initiated significant reforms in Catholic worship. The tends to be less personal—money given online or role of women was upgraded. Women began to be through corporations. welcomed in nearly all careers and in business as well. Our nation seems to be at odds with itself. There is a Then came Vietnam, a vassal state. Russia tried to sup- large group of “right now” people who seem to be port communism in the North. The South wanted to be concerned only with the latest gadgets that technology free. The French were interested for a while, but with- offers. There isn’t easy friendship, generous caring; only drew, and when mediation failed, President Johnson the now is of concern. authorized air strikes. In 1964 and in 1965 there were On the happier side are still the scientists, astronomers, more than 500,000 American troops fighting in the and people who want to see us continue to go forward— unforgiving, unyielding jungles. not only to protect our planet Earth but to find a com- It was a war we couldn’t win, and one that the United panion somewhere in this vast universe. States chose to ignore. Saigon fell. Those who had As I have been writing these memories, I have been watched the reports with misgivings were heavy-hearted watching NASA’s final shuttle launch, ending the space at what we saw on TV. Those last planes with troops and era after 135 missions. The astronauts are lively with refugees were already overloaded and couldn’t accommo- optimism and cheer. I’m convinced that space ventures date all who wished to flee. will continue. Our curiosity will spark desire and daring. The United States had taken pride in never having lost a I find hope in the people challenged as astronauts and war—so why this one? It had to be the failure of the evidenced by the myriad supporters of exploration. military. The veterans were May we remember that God has blessed humankind with ignored, neglected, in- a precious gift of freedom of choice. May the choices be sulted, and scorned. Still, it made with wisdom and prayer. May there be a genuine is not the nature of Ameri- rebirth of freedom. May America exercise leadership, cans to harbor ill will. On tolerance and forgiveness, and embrace justice for other November 13, 1982, the faiths and cultures. Thus we would return to democratic Vietnam Veterans Memo- ideals. That is my prayer. rial recognized the 58,000 men and women who had The years teach us much the days never knew. died or were declared missing in action. A deep scar on —Ralph Waldo Emerson É our nation’s conscience began to heal! September 11, 2001 witnessed the most shocking event in Dr. Katharine Nutt is a retired professor of history who last taught at Northern Arizona University. She is also an active our history. The two towers of the World Trade Center Oblate of the Benedictine monastery in Tucson, Arizona.

10 September-October 2011 Days and Hours

When I am old when I am old and grey and have time to sit down and to go slow and to linger over morning tea when I shake my grey head in wonder and almost disbelief I will ask: did I really walk through all of those days and hours? did I see them one-by-passing-one? did I know that they were treasures?

Yes, old man, yes Yes, I see them Yes, I know them, days and hours to be treasures better than gold and diamonds warm honey pouring sweetly into the sea Yes, old man, I have known this since I was twenty I have known this in dreams known this in anguish, joy and beauty I have seen the days and hours I have stood in them as I have stood in mountain clouds seen them swirl around me felt their wetness on my face and taken in their cool mist as my own breath

So be at peace, old man take time over morning tea know that you have come to that place honestly by means of days and hours including this one here and now Yes, old man I knew them to be treasures Scott Coverdale

September-OctoberSeptember-October 20112011 1111 Mater Dolorosa ~ The Mother of Sorrows 1

SR. JEANETTE VON HERRMANN, OSB

“A sword will also pierce your soul.” Luke 2:35

first time mother, joyfully carrying her new- born son, comes to the Temple in Jerusalem. soul, too, so that the secret thoughts of many Her intentions are faith-filled. She wishes to A hearts may be laid bare.” observe the spiritual requirements of the Torah, and so she presents her child to God, and asks for purification You can imagine the pain that entered Mary’s for herself. It is a happy occasion and the parents come heart that day, and that which came into the heart in rejoicing. of Joseph as well. Like any parents, they probably were devastated by this message. The day ends As the family comes into the Temple, an elderly, righ- with the family returning to Nazareth, where “the teous man by the name of Simeon greets them. Luke’s child grew to maturity, and was filled with wis- Gospel tells us that the Holy Spirit rested on Simeon, dom; and God’s favor was with him” (Lk 2:39- promising that he “would not see death until he had set 40). However, Simeon’s prophecy stayed in the his eyes upon the Messiah.” Simeon takes the new baby, parents’ hearts. No doubt, Mary daily remem- and stirred by the Spirit, he recognizes Jesus as “The bered it, looking for signs and events that would Salvation … for all the nations.” lead to the predicted sorrows. Perhaps her suffer- Both of the parents deeply ponder the meaning of this ing grew as the days went by without any more declaration and prayer, and all too soon, Simeon ex- knowledge of the future and without any solace plains himself and God’s plan. Suddenly, a shadow except her faith. moves over the pilgrimage to the Temple, the offering of The Gospels record various sorrowful events in their first-born, and Simeon’s welcome. The message is Mary’s life. Simeon’s message was the first and by about future suffering and pain, especially for the Christ no means the most painful. Christians over the and his Mother: “You see this child: he is destined for centuries have meditated on seven of these stories the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be and have prayed to Mary as the Sorrowful a sign that is rejected. Also, a sword will pierce your own

1 The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15th, a day after the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross, and this year, four days after the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon outside of Washington, DC, and United Flight 93 that crashed in western Pennsylvania.

12 September-October 2011 Mother. This image of Mary is particularly appealing typical teenagers who don’t understand the fuss for parents. How painful it is for parents to hear that when their parents are worried because they are late their child is seriously sick, or has died. How difficult and haven’t called? Mary and Joseph were real it is to know that your child will struggle with chal- parents and understood the challenges of raising a lenges each day of life. Every good parent would take son at the brink of adulthood. Jesus was divine, but that suffering on themselves rather than have their he also was a growing boy, learning and maturing, child endure it. Mary was no different. Yes, her life advancing in wisdom, stature and favor with the was also one of joy as she saw her son grow to Father and others. maturity as a good person, wise, caring, and holy. Meanwhile, Mary continues to ponder all these However, she also knew not to be a “Pollyanna,” events in her heart. Her heart knows the love of God since leading a life that proclaimed the Father’s and the goodness of her son, but it also struggles, message was not destined to be an easy or pain free fears and hopes like all mothers and fathers. Surely, one. Mary and Joseph seriously pondered how to parent The second of Mary’s recorded sorrows is told in their son when they didn’t fully comprehend the Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23. Joseph is the central figure path he walked. Let us pray for parents, especially in this story. An angel of God, in a dream, tells parents of teenagers and young adults, who walk Joseph to take the child and his mother into the with and guide their children while worrying about safety of Egypt because Herod wishes to kill Jesus. them step-by-step and day-by-day. Let us pray for This sorrow is like the hardship of women immi- those young people who are seeking to know their grants who travel with small children into unknown mission in life, that they will have the assistance and lands, or like mothers who are homeless and struggle support they need even when parents are still pon- to provide for their children. Let us pray for young dering the meaning of their choices. displaced parents, for those fleeing oppression and The next four sorrowful incidents in Mary’s life all poverty, and for those who give up their own heri- occur during the passion and death of her son: Jesus tage and employment for the safety and future of on the way to (Lk 23:26-27); Jesus dies on their children. Let us pray for the homeless, single the cross (Jn 19:25-30); the body of Jesus is taken parents, who are without family to help them, and from the cross (Mk 15:42-45); and the body of Jesus for the children who often must act like adults at a is placed in the tomb (Jn 19:38-42). Except for the very young age. passage in John’s Gospel, Mary is not mentioned The next “suffering parent” story (Lk 2:41-50) specifically in these passages. However, over the recounts the days during which Jesus was lost to his centuries, Christian faith and art have recognized parents, but safe in the Temple. After the Passover that Mary’s loving heart could not have allowed her feast, when everyone is headed home, Mary and to be any other place. No doubt, she was among the Joseph also leave. They presume that the 12-year-old other women who faithfully stayed with Jesus when Jesus is with relatives, but he isn’t. After hunting for others abandoned him. three days, they finally find him in the Temple. What could be more painful for a mother than to Notice Mary and Joseph’s emotions: “overcome,” watch her son suffer and be executed? Mary watches “worried,” and “did not understand.” Meanwhile, as her son walks toward the place where he will be Jesus doesn’t understand either. Why were they killed, she stands by his cross giving what comfort worried? Wasn’t he doing exactly what he was born she can, perhaps she holds his broken body after his to do: the work of his Father? Doesn’t this sound like death and walks with it to the tomb. This truly is the

September-October 2011 13 suffering that Simeon had of another mother, and so Mary predicted those many years knows the suffering of the before. This is the pain that any world’s mothers as they raise, parent experiences as a son or guard, teach, protect, and daughter dies, be it from disease, inspire their children. Mary’s in war, or by accident. Let us love and devotion, her faithful pray that, as Mary walked by her standing by her son, inspires us son, she will also be present to also to remain with those we and comfort those who are love even when it is most moving toward the last days and difficult. Let us pray to Mary, hours of their lives, and that she asking for her prayers to her will accompany those who sit son, so that each of us may with the sick and dying, praying remain steadfast in the face of for healing or peaceful death. suffering, ours and others’. May John’s Gospel is the only one we comfort the sorrowful, pray that reports Jesus speaking with his mother from the with the dying, rise up against cross. Mary, along with several other women, is violence, teach our children to love peace, and may É standing there with the Beloved Disciple. Jesus tells we reach out and offer solace to all in need. her, referring to the Beloved Disciple, “Woman, this is your son.” Additionally, he says to the Beloved Disciple, “This is your mother.” While this portrays Jesus as the loving son who takes care of his mother Thank You For Your even as he dies, there is an additional message in this passage. The disciple can be seen as an image of all Will To Give followers of Christ, and Mary can be interpreted as the new Eve, the mother of all those who live in the Your gift will support our redeemed new creation. The dying Christ suggests that his mother now watches over all Christians who life of prayer, and our prayer in turn can view her as the Mother of the Church, a will be the gift we offer in Church that looks toward eternal life but remains a return, to support you and your suffering Church in many lands at many times. loved ones. As we approach the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, let us remember all those families who suffered as their innocent mothers, fathers, brothers, FORM OF BEQUEST FOR A WILL: sisters, or children died that day. Let us also pray for I give, devise, and bequeath to the Benedictine all those who continue to be the victims of violence Convent of Perpetual Adoration, 31970 State High- for religious, political, cultural, racial, or various way P, Clyde, MO 64432-8100, a corporation or- other excuses. ganized and existing under the laws of the State Christians, remembering Jesus’ mother and her of Missouri ... (here state the amount of money sorrows, pray to her asking that she implore her son’s or description of the property willed). help for them. One mother can understand the pain

14 September-October 2011 Ordinary?

GERRY KEIRNAN

ow that we have finished the glorious season hand of God.” Mary, Joseph, and Jesus accepted God’s of Easter and Pentecost, but have not yet will for them and carried it out through thick and thin. N entered into the preparatory season of Above all, they knew they were the beloved of God. Advent, where are we? We are in Ordinary time—a Guess what? We are also his beloved, known from all time of green, of everydayness, of the lull of summer, , called into life and set on a path he has pre- of longer days, of routine. Like the North Shore of pared for unique, ordinary, you and me! He desires Oahu, a quiet rural area outside of Honolulu, there is that we become yes-men and women, one and all! stillness upon the ocean. Many love this time of “Come on! Give me a break,” you are saying. I am just a snorkeling, kayaking, and long smooth swims. Others regular guy who works on cars. Or a housewife who long for the excitement of winter surf and crashing takes care of kids, a home, a hubby, and listens for the waves. This is much like our lives, is it not? dryer to turn off in the night. Well, greasy Gus and Our Liturgical Year is precious, and we need this time harried Hattie, you ARE God’s beloved! Honest. Look to savor the power of our redemption. We are in the in the mirror. You are ordinary. You do ordinary work. “is” time of “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will You are not on the cover of magazines—and given come again.” How pleasant to hear him speaking the what’s there, maybe you don’t want to be. You are just a Good News to us, to see his tremendous love for the normal guy or gal doing your best to say yes to God poor, sick, lonely, and lowly. To see him smiling at the and others. So am I. So are the Pope and the Mother little ones climbing into his lap, and relaxing with a Teresas and St. Damiens of our time. After all, that is good home cooked meal prepared by Martha. Scrip- how they became saints—by saying yes and doing their ture is filled with his ordinariness. Let’s take a look. best to carry it out. Read the life of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower. She accepted all that each day presented Mary was an ordinary young Jewish girl from a tiny in a cloistered convent—the irritations, the humble town. No grandeur there! Yet she was the one selected duties, and eventually the tuberculosis that led to her to bear Christ, to nurse him, to kiss his scraped knees death. She called it her Little Way to sanctity. She and nurture him. Joseph was an ordinary young man, simply said, “Yes.” She is now one of the most re- a carpenter by trade. He was chosen to call God’s Son nowned saints of all time and a Doctor of the Church! his own. He protected this boy, taught him to work Read the life of Damien, our beloved Hawaii saint. He with wood, took him on hikes, and camped and accepted the call to minister in body and spirit to the pointed out the gifts of nature to the boy. Just a sick and hopeless people of Molokai, ultimately con- normal family in Nazareth; they were nothing special. tracting the Hanson’s Disease (Leprosy) that killed Well, not quite. him. St. Thérèse, Mother Teresa, and Damien were not This family was highly special in the way that counts. born saints. They received the same graces we receive. They were not written up in the Jewish scrolls or I truly believe they each merely got up each day, saw carved on Roman temples. They were not among the the needs around them, said “Yes” to God, and got “rich and famous.” No, their fame rested in one word, moving. “YES!” They responded to the invitations of God. As We, as they, must know that we are God’s beloved. We Mother Teresa would say, we are “only pencils in the have to receive this love and choose to love him back.

September-October 2011 15 BOOK

But to do that, we need prayer, time to get to know him. Father, Son, and REVIEWS Spirit reside within us. He has promised he will always be with us. So why THE ART OF DYING AND LIVING: not visit him throughout our ordinary day? We read his Word, the Bible; Lessons from Saints of Our Timeime, by Kerry it’s his love letter to us. As we frequent the Sacraments, they follow us from Walters, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY, 2011, birth to death. He is actively present in each of them. In fact, he is present 250 pp, $20.00, pb. Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist! In the Holy of It has been said that the time of youth and the Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, he once more offers to the good health is when one should cultivate the Father the same sacrifice of Calvary. Furthermore, he asks us to join him. resources, such as good relationships with Wow, what an invitation! family and friends, that one will need in old age and poor health. Kerry Walters takes this Yes, but what about the “other guys?” The kid down the street who does one step further by suggesting the virtues we should cultivate in preparation for dying. drugs, and is a danger to the neighborhood? The pedophile? The “lady of By reviewing the lives of holy people of our the night?” The CEO who makes money off the little guy? Yes, they are time, Walters identifies key virtues that will God’s beloveds also. So are we when we gossip, cheat, lie, lust, envy, and help in the dying process, but which will also succumb to anger. That’s when we need to look to self and not to others. help us to “live fulfilled.” We need to “cut them a break,” recognizing that we don’t know the pains Those profiled in this book are not “plaster and challenges that life has sent them. We are ALL sinners. God does saints.” Walters gives an honest look at their expect our repentance, our turning away from whatever draws us away struggles, showing how they developed characteristics that made their dying, and from him. God loves each of us with unconditional love! He alone will living, easier. Dying, Walters concludes, is a judge us and the “other guys.” We are not God, but with his grace we can “great test”—one which we all want to pass. become more and more like him. We prepare for this test, Walters says, by the choices we make every day. No book can Once we know we are his loved ones, and love him in return, we begin to teach us how to live or how to die. This book, shine on those around us. Gus and Hattie see that light, want it, and begin however, can play an important role in their ordinary lives of being beloved. reminding us that it’s not too soon to start Their kids will pick it up. The druggie studying for that final exam. Mary S. Sheridan sees something he wants, seeks help, and begins to shine, then passes it on. JUSTICE RISING; The Emerging Biblical Simple: “Love God; love others as he Visionn, by John Heagle, Orbis Books, loves you.” It’s just an “ordinary” Maryknoll, NY, 2010, 182 pp, $22.00 pb. chain reaction. É Heagle calls us to a radical new definition of justice. We are called to recognize charity and compassion for what they are—which is not necessarily justice. We are called to confront our world view and to understand what justice is meant to be, by careful biblical and historical study and clear eyed observation of the world. Heagle describes many people who deserve to be called “just.” Jesus is the foremost of these. Heagle not only challenges us to change our system as much as we can, but Gerry Keirnan is a retired teacher and community volunteer. She lives in gives us advice on creating a beloved Waialua, HI, on Oahu’s North Shore. This article first appeared in The community and on pursuing peace. Anyone Hawaiian Benedictine, a publication of the Benedictine Monastery of interested in justice will find this book well Hawaii, and is reprinted with permission. worth reading. Shirleymae Flake Pajkos

16 September-October 2011 THE COSMIC DANCE; An Invitation to Experience Our Onenessness, text by Joyce Rupp, art by Mary Southard, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY, 2002, 128 pp, $20.00 pb. The authors do an exceptionally effective job of seamlessly combining prose, poetry and art to send their message of unity in the cosmos. There is no hard sell of moving us into a life of hope? In that hope deftly pointing out the hazards of dualistic environmental responsibility, but the reside the most wondrous gifts a loving thinking. He eloquently describes the message comes through strongly and God is waiting to share with us. Edith dangers of identifying with only part of lovingly. Almost immediately Rupp tells Prendergast sheds light on the problem of oneself, rather than the whole self, or of us, “…the air I breath is the air that has feeling distant from God, and also helps defining ourselves by what we are not. circled the globe and been drawn in and us recognize what can overcome that We can build effectively only on what we out by people, creatures and vegetation in distance. Shirleymae Flake Pajkos are for, not just on what we are against. lands and seas far away.” GRACE REVISITED: Epiphanies from Many activists become stuck in a As we proceed with Rupp’s often simple a Trappist Monknk, by James Stephen negativity that is self-defeating. As Rohr encounters with her environment, Behrens, OCSO, ACTA Publications, says, “The best criticism of the bad is the including living human souls, we feel Chicago, IL, 2011, 220 pp, $14.95 pb. practice of the better.” Martin Luther King ourselves relaxing, often sinking into one taught that, “before you go out to witness In this highly readable book, Fr. Behrens of the plentiful pastel pictures. for justice, you have to make sure in your combines two of his previous volumes, Rupp does not leave us entirely off the heart that you could love and respect those Grace is Everywhere and Memories of hook, however. If we did not already sense who disagreed with you.” Even Lenin came Grace, plus one of his essays from The our unity with and responsibility for our to realize that something imposed by National Catholic Reporter. As with other universe, she confronts us with the The domination and violence from above books of reminiscences and true life Eyes of Starving Children, written while creates the same response from below. stories that have been published recently, scraping leftovers from a parish dinner Rohr believes that hope “is the fruit of a Behrens seems to be telling us that God into the disposal “…while the well-fed learned capacity to suffer wisely and brings grace into our lives through burped, and the eyes of starving children, generously,” and this book invites serious commonplace events and the kindnesses with their bloated stomachs, watched my reflection in order that we may grow in of others. Behrens’ focus in this book is every move….” Shirleymae Flake Pajkos that capacity. Sr. Lenora Black, OSB. not so much on life in the Trappist GRACE ABOUNDS: A Call to Awaken Monastery of the Holy Spirit at Conyers, BEHAVING IN PUBLIC: How to Do and Renew Your Faithaith, by Edith GA, where he made vows in 2005. Rather, Christian Ethicsthics, by Nigel Biggar, Grand Prendergast, RSC, Ave Maria Press, Notre it includes memories of his family and Rapids, MI, Eerdmans, 2011, 124 pp, Dame, IN, 2011, 111 pp, $12.95 pb. growing-up years, and his time as a parish $16.00 pb. Edith Prendergast speaks of God priest in Newark. In his latest book, Biggar, who is Regius dwelling in a deep hole of our being. She For those not familiar with Fr. Behrens’ Professor of Theology at Oxford, tries to maintains that sometimes this “well” writing, this is a good introduction. He is steer a middle path in Christian ethics becomes clogged with rocks, debris, and also, however, a talented photographer, between conservative/authoritarian and silt that we must move to bring us closer and the book would have been enriched, liberal/secular approaches, with a to our God. This detritis represents our although made much more expensive, if “common sense” look at the Church’s need to examine our priorities: are we he had accompanied his essays with message to the world. It is not a general sensitive to the needs of others less photos. Mary S. Sheridan treatise on ethics, as the title would seem fortunate? Do we give not only from our to imply, nor is it prescriptive in details. abundance, but from our very selves, to A LEVER AND A PLACE TO STAND: Rather, it suggests an openness to learning forge unity in this materialistic world? Can The Contemplative Stance, the Active from the “world,” while not compromising we overcome our slavish inclination to Prayerr, by Richard Rohr, Paulist Press, the Good News of Christianity. This book selfishness (a form of enslavement), to Mahwah, NJ, 2011, 111 pp, $15.00 pb. is intended for the serious reader, embrace the freedom of running to God? Richard Rohr again offers deeply moving especially one with a background in Can we forgive others, and grant the more and also practical insight into both a life philosophy. difficult self-forgiveness? of prayer and the process of personal Mary S. Sheridan Most importantly, can we recognize the development. He shows the inter- God within and accept God’s grace dependence of action and contemplation,

September-October 2011 17 Community

Tucson hosts annual Summer Monastic Experience This year’s Summer Monastic Experience hosted ten women for a week. Although usually held at the Clyde, Missouri, motherhouse, this year’s event took place at the Tucson monastery because of the renovations underway at Clyde. “It was a bit different in Tucson because we don’t have as much outdoor space to take advantage of as we do in Clyde,” said Vocation Director Sr. Ruth Elaine Starman, who traveled with Sr. Maria Victoria Cutaia from Clyde for the week. “How- ever, both communities are always

warm and welcoming to guests, so the women still achieved a better ➧ Sr. Maria Victoria visits with Lucy understanding of our Benedictine and Monica in this year’s Summer lifestyle.” Monastic Experience. Participants, who ranged in age from 18 to 45, joined the Sisters in the daily Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, and adoration, and received information on vocation discern- ment and contemplative prayer. They also enjoyed playing games, and helped with community work such as food preparation, Making bread gardening, and sewing. together ➧ “They had the opportunity to learn what our total life in the monastery is like. It’s spent in prayer, in work and in enjoying each other in community,” Sr. Ruth Elaine said. “Many of the participants wished the experience had been longer, and hope to visit Clyde next year. Several expressed that participating in Lauds and Vespers [Morning and Evening Prayer] was a highlight, as well as hearing vocation stories and meeting with other women on the same spiritual quest.” In addition to the Summer Monastic Experience, several vocation weekends are offered throughout the year, and another week-long experience is offered at Spring Break. For more information, please contact Sr. Ruth Elaine: [email protected] or call (660) 944-2221.

Lucy and Beverley joined Sr. Lucia Anne Le, (center) for some gardening and yard work. 18 September-October 2011 Community

Earth Day St. Gregory students visit The Tucson community midday prayer on Earth Day Clyde Monastery included blessing a new tree, then proceeding around the The second-grade class at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic monastic grounds to bless other newly planted trees and School in Maryville, Missouri, visited the Clyde monas- plants, as well as older trees and shrubs. “Tying our tery as part of a Liturgy of the Hours with this blessing was a special way learning field trip. The to honor God’s bounty and treasured friendships,” said students toured the Sister Ramona Varela, Tucson Prioress. grounds, including the Marian Grotto, and spoke with Sr. Mary Sophia Becker about religious life and the Catholic faith.

Sister shares love of Eucharistic Adoration Writing a book led to a special journey in May for Sister Joan Ridley, OSB—a trip that led her home. After the of her book, (left) Sister Lucia Ann Le takes a In the Presence: The Spirituality of moment to enjoy the new avocado tree Eucharistic Adoration, she was planted at the Tucson monastery in invited to speak at a variety of April. It was a gift from dear friend locations throughout Louisiana, and cook, Rose Almaguer. where she had spent many years in mission work before joining the Sister Hope garners soap awards Benedictine Sisters. Sister Hope Rodenborn, OSBOSB, received national awards for best packaging and best of show in the “melt and “Some friends invited me to lead a morning of prayer in pour” category, at the 2011 Handcrafted Soapmakers Lake Charles for associate members of their religious Guild 14th Annual Conference in Miami. community, and it grew from there,” Sister Joan said. Over the course of eight days, she spoke on the topic of More than 310 small or cottage “Adoration and Monastic Life” to monks at St. Joseph business makers of soaps/cosmetics Abbey in Covington. She also visited the Archdiocesan attended the conference, representing Spirituality Center in New Orleans to present “Adoration all 50 states and nine foreign coun- and the Eucharistic Mission,” and spoke about Eucharis- tries. Members were asked to vote for tic adoration at several parishes in the Lafayette and their choice of best soap in four Houma-Thibodaux dioceses. different categories. “Eucharistic prayer and adoration are Sister Hope’s soap is one of the many growing among people everywhere,” Sister items crafted by the Benedictine Joan said. “Anything I can do to foster that Sisters to support their contemplative life. Their works is a privilege and a joy. A number of people include altar breads, liturgical vestments, handcrafted assisted in that effort in a wonderful way.” soaps and lotions, and a variety of other products available online at www.monasterycreations.com

September-October 2011 19 Summer Jubilees It was a summer of jubilees as the Congregation honored three Sisters for their years of monastic profession. At the Tucson monastery, Sr. Mary Carmela Rall and Sr. Mary Pascaline Coff celebrated 60 years of religious life on Trinity Sunday. Sr. Mary Cecilia Rose Spreckelmeyer celebrated her golden jubilee on the Feast of the Body and Blood Jubilee of Christ. “All the Sisters in the community contributed in so many ways to make RENEWAL OF VOWS these joyful days perfect,” said Sr. Ramona Varela, Tucson Prioress. “Friends and relatives arrived from all over the United States. One relative said it was the best (Jubilarian) With deep grati- family they’ve ever had. The joy of it all made our hearts wonderfully tude, I (name ), received into full.” the Christian community on the day of my baptism and further Sister Mary Carmela Rall committed to Jesus Christ by For teen-aged Ruth Eileen Rall from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, religious life was my profession of vows many not a priority. The young woman held a love for something different—art. “I had years ago, now joyfully renew always wanted to be an artist,” she said, “but God has designs, and . . . he called my Benedictine vows of Stabil- me to follow him as a contemplative.” ity, Conversatio and Obedience Ruth entered the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1950, making her according to the Rule of first profession of vows as Sr. Mary Carmela on September 15, 1951. It was at the Benedict and our Constitution. monastery in Mundelein, Illinois, that her dream came true: art lessons, then I dedicate myself anew to the paintings and artwork for cards. That led to an opportunity to create stained lived expression of our charism glass windows. In 1999, her life changed forever. of Eucharistic Adoration as I continue to strive for everlast- “I had the privilege of making an icon painting retreat,” she said. “It brought ing communion with God, sup- together my artistic endeavors and my spirituality, my prayer.” Since then, she ported always by the love and has created beautiful icons for people around the nation. of my Sisters in commu- “The most wonderful thing I’ve learned over the years is how to pray, how to nity, my relatives and friends. have a real relationship with God,” she said. “To believe that God is real, here The prioress responds: with us, with me, in me and working through me in everything I do. Most of all, God inspires all holy desires and to believe in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.” brings them to fulfillment. May Her 60th jubilee “was a perfect day, renewing my vows in the presence of all the you continue to grow in good lay people at Mass and my Sisters,” Sr. Mary Carmela said. zeal, seek ever greater purity in Sr. Mary Pascaline Coff prayer, and strive with ever Margaret Mary Coff often stopped in at a church when making her way across greater fervor to imitate Christ her home town of St. Louis. Her favorite spot? One where the Blessed Sacrament who is the model for all was exposed daily. So it was natural that she was drawn to a community that monastics. May God guide you shared her devotion. She entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1949 and made her always by divine grace so that first vows May 20, 1951, becoming Sr. Mary Pascaline. you may fulfill your monastic call with a faithful heart. “Monastic life was a surprise gift that unfolded over the years,” she said. “I have loved its focus on inner and outer transformation . . . to ever deeper levels of consciousness.” That focus led to an interest in interreligious monastic dialogue, and her studies took her to the far reaches of the globe, including India, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. In 1976, she spent a year studying with the late Father Bede Griffiths, OSB, whose ashram in southern India was a center for those interested in East-West

20 September-October 2011 dialogue. In 1980, Sr. Pascaline received permission to co- found the Sisters’ Forest of Peace Osage+Monastery in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Until 2007, this forest monastery ashram served as a place of retreat and refreshment for people from around the world. Sr. Pascaline now lives at the Tucson monastery where she celebrated her special day. “It was a profound joy to celebrate my jubilee and the liturgy of the Holy Trinity on this anniversary of our vows so many years ago,” she said. “I am and shall be eternally grateful for the Lord’s call to me to adore him and witness to his unbelievable gift of Eucharist in this blessed community.” Sister Mary Cecilia Rose Spreckelmeyer Sr. Carmela Rall (left), Sr. Ramona Varela, and Sr. Pascaline Coff Tall and stately Mary Cecilia often introduced herself as the “long-stemmed rose from Texas.” So the name of Sr. Mary Cecilia Rose was fitting when she made her first monastic profes- sion September 12, 1961. Before that day, she had packed a lifetime worth of experiences into a few years. After Catholic schools, she trained and showed dachshunds, worked for a Jewish newspaper, then was a professional model and secretary. However, devotion to the Eucharist helped her realize a calling to religious life. When a friend shared a Benedictine Sisters’ booklet on Eucharistic Adoration, Sr. Cecilia Rose (left) and Sr. Pat Nyquist something clicked. She knew her devotion to entering chapel for Jubilee Mass the Eucharist would be at home there. Sr. Cecilia Rose has lived at monasteries in Clyde and St. Louis, Missouri; Tucson, Arizona; Mundelein, Illinois; and San Diego, California. Her jobs have included manager and bookkeeper of the altar bread department, leading retreats, handling maintenance, driving, and shopping. She served as librarian of the Clyde community for over 20 years, intro- ducing electronic cataloging of books. She continues with library work today at the Tucson monastery where she makes her home. “My heart sang for joy at all the love that was present—or should I say—the Love of God that was there,” she said of Sr. Pat (left) and Sr. Cecilia Rose renewing her vows her jubilee. “How grateful I am for our Congregation, and that it has been my life all these years.” Summer Jubilees We remember... PERIODICALS postage paid at Tucson, AZ

On this tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, we remember all who lost their lives, those who gave of themselves to help the living, and all whose lives were changed forever by the tragedy.

Following is an excerpt from the prayer written for a service commemorating the events of September 11. It was composed by Lewis Williams, the artist whose icon is featured here. Our Mother of Sorrows, In poverty we stand before you . . . Here, where heaven and earth intersect, We are held in a space between; A place of sanctity and . This is the place of transformation, The place we learn we are never alone, Where we are carried in your loving embrace, And sheltered safely in your womb . . .

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth. Lead me from despair to hope, Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories update from fear to trust. There are new additions to the Clyde monastery every day, as the Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories project reaches the final Lead me from hate to love, stages. The elevators and stairways are going in, the delivery from war to peace. ramp has been renovated to accommodate larger vehicles, and Let peace fill our heart, the new entrance is beginning to take shape our world, our universe. The West Entrance/Porch is part of history now: the old entrance steps that visitors and guests used to enter the main Adapted by Satish Kumar building of our monastery have been removed, along with the from the Upanishads. porch and columns. (right) Here’s what it was like originally:

And finally, the And now (below right): Several pieces of the new entrance (left), façade and columns were salvaged and will be which will lead into reused elsewhere. The western face of the the monastery building is smooth and will Chapel with no receive new facing bricks to steps to climb. mask the porch removal and match the surrounding surfaces.

800 North Country Club Road • Tucson, AZ 85716-4583 www.spiritandlifemagazine.com • E-mail: [email protected] Congregation website: www.benedictinesisters.org