We are entering a very sacred and significant time for our monastic community. For the next three days, beginning this evening, we sisters will be together to discern and elect a prioress. Since last June, we have been engaged in a process to discern our future. The first step of that process was to develop a strategic plan for our community. That plan, which we officially approved in February, provides a future direction for our community and will now help guide us in discerning the person who can best lead the community into the future. We ask that you pray with and for us as we seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit during this time of discernment and election. 

This tree, now filled with blossoms and fruit, was placed in Cloister Hall during our Community Day on December 31, 2007, as we began our discernment process to elect a prioress. At that time, its branches were bare, awaiting new growth and fruitfulness — symbols of the hope we have for our community as we discern and elect our prioress.

Memorial Day — a day to remember those who have died serving our country. As we honor their memory, let us pray for the men and women who continue to serve our nation in today’s wars, and let us pray for peace.

In the Ferdinand town cemetery, rows of tombstones mark the graves of soldiers killed in WWII (front row) and those killed in WWI (back row). The iron crosses behind the stone markers are the grave sites of the first 30 sisters who died at the Ferdinand monastery between 1870 and 1892, before the monastery had its own cemetery.

Thanks to our sisters and lay employees who gave the gift of life today by donating blood for the American Red Cross blood drive held here at the monastery. Red Cross workers said they are always in need of blood donors, especially in the summer months. We invite you to give blood in honor of or in memory of your parents, who gave you the gift of life.

A nurse working the blood drive readies Sister Anna Marie Brosmer for her blood donation. Sister Anna Marie has given blood many times in the past 35 to 40 years.

About 40 students from 16 elementary, middle, and high schools in this area performed at music recitals this afternoon and evening at the monastery. They all take music lessons from one of the music instructors at the monastery — Sisters Madonna Helmer, Mary Karen Hill, Kimberly Ann Mandelkow, Helen Maurer, Theresita Schenk, and Rose Wildeman.

Sister Helen Maurer, musician and music teacher for the past 66 years, accompanies one of her voice students at the recital. Sister Helen has taught music at elementary and high schools and universities during her career.

Benedictine Oblates associated with our monastery gathered here today for their monthly meeting, the last one until August. With a discussion about “preparing a table,” they completed their study of the first five chapters of Radical Hospitality, a book they have been reading this year. And to demonstrate how preparing a table represents hospitality, Oblates Mel and Patti Schroeder prepared a beautiful table setting and a modified Seder meal for those in attendance.

Patti and Mel Schroeder welcome the guests with warm hospitality and invite them to share not only food, but also gifts of respect, friendship, openness, and understanding.