 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Threshold Summer 2007
Heralding Hope
by Linda Herndon, OSB
On the weekend of February 16-18, 66 sisters aged 55 and under from the Federation of St. Scholastica gathered at Mount St. Scholastica. The purpose of the weekend was to provide the younger members of these communities with the opportunity to form new friendships, to reflect together on the future of our American Benedictine way of life, and to be of support to one another. The idea for this gathering came from Sister Esther Fangman, President of the Federation of St. Scholastica and member of the Mount community. The weekend was planned by a steering committee of six sisters that was chaired by Sister Louise Whipple from the Mount.
Throughout the weekend it was evident that there is a lot of energy, creativity, passion, and a deep commitment in the younger monastics. During these days we had the opportunity to share with one another what we valued most about our communities as well as what inspires us about Benedictine life. We were given a chance to imagine and to share what we think the future of Benedictine life holds for us. Sister Esther also had the opportunity to share her wisdom and her hopes for us as younger monastics and Sister Elaine Fischer was one of six participants who gave a brief talk to share with us her vision and hope for the future of monastic life.
The 23 sisters from the Mount as well as all the other participants went away from the weekend with renewed enthusiasm and great hope for the future of monastic life both in Atchison, Kansas, and across the North America. And we look forward to the next opportunity we will have to be together.
Herald of Hope
Protected
by shadowy
holy tendrils,
I probe the depths
unafraid.
The darkness nourishes
bubbling life
as it floats
slowly toward
the Light.
Finally, lungs bursting
with discovered mercy,
I shatter the glassy surface
of unexplored waters
newly created
newly energized
newly loved
filled with future,
heralding hope.
by Diana Seago, OSB
composed for the gathering
Herald of Hope ©2007 Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS