With Grateful Hearts - 150 Years of Presence
Excerpt from "The Meaning of the Mountain" by Sister Mary Faith Schuster, p. 25-27
The sisters reached Atchison at eleven o'clock on an early November evening, ferrying across the Missouri River. Atchison was a promising town of rapid growth in the midst of a country which had all the problems of growth. That night, an hour before midnight, James Kennedy and Lambert Halling, carpenters for the abbey, were swinging lanterns up and down the street in front of the newly built convent. Their march had several causes. The city had grown to more than 5000 in nine years. It had tasted westward expansion and civil war. ... The war had brought restlessness and fomented all manner of misunderstanding. Mr. Finney, the wharfmaster, had heard of threats to burn down the house if sisters came. The house that stood at Second and Division Street, a stately little building ... had cost $4,150. Besides the personal safety of the sisters, it was important that the house be protected ...
But the sisters were aware of no worry that night. To the swinging of the friendly lanterns, they reached the convent ... as long as they lived, they would remember the stagecoach, the river, the singing as they came, and the fact that lights were lit for their arrival.
Sesquicentennial Celebration
November 11, 2012, marks the beginning of the 150th year of the Benedictine Sisters' presence in Atchison. Many events are being planned for the Sesquicentennial year to celebrate the boundless blessings of these 150 years with all who have touched our lives. It is with deep gratitude that we look forward to this year of jubilee. Mark your calendar to join us for one or more celebrations and visit this site to follow the activities throughout the year.
Inquiries and RSVP to any event may be made by calling
913-360-6200 or emailing 150years@mountosb.org.
Read the Proclamation by "Abraham Lincoln" and the City of Atchison for our Sesquicentennial Celebration
Calendar of Events for Our Sesquicentennial
How we've already celebrated...
June 10-16, 2012 - "With Grateful Hearts" Retreat - All members of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica spent the week in prayerful reflection in preparation for the year of celebration. Sister Margaret Malone, Good Samaritan Sister from Australia, led us in the retreat centered on the Rule of St. Benedict entitled "With Grateful Hearts."
November 11, 2012 - Opening of the Sesquicentennial year - Following a special vespers service, the Mount St. Scholastica College alumni class of 1963 hosted the evening meal and entertainment for all members of the community in a private celebration to mark the opening of our 150th year. Photos
November 18, 2012 - Our annual gathering with St. Benedict's Abbey was expanded to include area clergy for an evening meal and vespers. Photos
Jananuary 29, 2013 - A celebration with the Atchison Catholic Elementary Schools (ACES) during Catholic Schools Week. Photos
February 5, 2013 - An historical panel presentation on Atchison in the 1860's was be held at Benedictine College.
February 10, 2013 - Feast of St. Scholastica - Women religious from throughout the region joined us for a special liturgy and meal.
Sister Anne's welcome given at the Liturgy. Photos
March 21, 2013 - We celebrated with Maur Hill-Mount Academy High School and on April 17, we were the keynote speaker for Benedictine College's Discovery Day. Photos
April 14, 2013 - Atchison Day will be the first of three days planned for celebration with our families, friends, neighbors, alums and all the people of Atchison. The Atchison Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. and will include a picnic lunch, tours and local choirs. All are welcome! Photos
Upcoming celebrations
May 25-26, 2013 - The Great Return is an invitation to all former members of Mount St. Scholastica to return for a visit to the Mount to renew friendships and share memories.
June 5, 2013 - Employee Picnic - For our annual employee picnic, we extend an invitation this year to former employees of the Mount to join in the celebration and renew acquaintances.
June 8 - 18, 2013 - Pilgrimage to Benedictine sites in Italy and Germany. (Hosted by Mount St. Scholastica with Pilgrim Tours) Please check here for more information.
June 15, 2013 - Benedictine College Alumni Weekend - Plans are in process for inviting MSSC and BC alums to visit the Mount while they are in Atchison for the BC Alumni weekend.
July, 2013 - During the month of July, we will be blessed by the presence of our five Brazilian sisters from Mineiros, Goias, Brazil as well as sisters from our daughter houses in Colorado Springs, Glendora Cal., Mexico City and Torreon, Mexico. Activities for the month include the jubilee celebration for our silver and golden jubilarians on July 7, the feast of St. Benedict on July 11, and a special guest speaker,Wanjira Mathai, who is the daughter of Mount St. Scholastica College alum and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, on July 11. Wanjira will also be the guest speaker for Keeler Women Center's 10th anniversary celebration on July 12.
September 15, 2013 - Kansas City Day will be the second of three days planned for celebration with our families, friends, neighbors and alums. The Kansas City celebration will begin with a special Eucharist at 2 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish in Mission, KS. A reception will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome!
September 22, 2013 - The Fellin Lecture The lecturer for this annual series sponsored by Mount St. Scholastica at Benedictine College will be Judy Valente, broadcast journalist, poet and author. Judy will speak on her experience with the Benedictine Sisters while writing a book, tentatively titled "Atchison Blue," on contemporary monastic life and its applications for people in the work world.
October 5, 2013 - Oblate Renewal Day - This annual oblate renewal day will be an opportunity for a Sesquicentennial celebration with all the oblates of Mount St. Scholastica.
October 13, 2013 - Seneca Day will be the third of three days planned for celebration with our families, friends, neighbors and alums. This celebration, at the site of the Benedictine Sisters' first mission, will begin with a special Eucharist at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, KS. A reception will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome!
November 10, 2013 - Closing Celebration - Community members will gather for a final celebration as a community on the eve of the last day of our 150th year.
November 17, 2013 - Night of Dreams - Our annual Night of Dreams will provide the climax of the Sesquicentennial year of celebrations. It will be a night to rejoice in the blessing of family and friends.
