Threshold - Winter 2004

Future Ministers and Doctors: Benedictine Partners

“Life is the best textbook if you can find a place where the subject is covered.”

These words were written by a St. Paul School of Theology student as she reflected on her immersion experience at the Mount. The “real, live, up-to-the-minute version” of monastic life introduced this seminarian and her colleagues to a week of the Benedictine life of prayer, work and spirituality. Exploring monastic culture and its place in church history continues to draw women and men of all faiths to come and feel a part of the all-embracing community of faith which the Benedictine sisters provide. In addition, this atmosphere appears to many to be a mecca for deepening one’s relationship with God and seeking growth in spiritual formation.

The monastic immersion experience, coordinated by Sister Judith Sutera, has grown in popularity with the seminary population over the past ten years. Although St. Paul’s is a Methodist school, students also come from other Protestant faith traditions. The seminarians eat and pray with the sisters. They hear that listening with the ear of one’s heart, acceptance, stewardship, and living simply are Benedictine ideals for which to strive. They have classes, daily lectio, group process and spiritual direction. The week is not complete without some manual labor. They have first hand experience of “actions speaking louder than words.” As one student wrote, “it is one thing to speak about humility, generosity and justice; it is much more powerful to see these ideals embodied.”

Sister Marcia Ziska and Dr. Nehad El-Sawi, at left, and
Dr. Don McCandless, at right, with students from the medical school.

The Nazarene Theological Seminary discovered the Mount through their professor of spiritual formation. When Dr. Doug Hardy moved to Kansas City from Boston, he intentionally searched for a monastic community and retreat center for his own spiritual renewal. He speaks highly of Sophia Center and the whole Mount community, saying “You provide the hospitable space I need for regular time of prayer and renewal.”

He continues, “Sophia Center has become a helpful place for our students to actualize their intentions to pray. In addition to assisting them with their personal devotion, the Sophia Center staff helps educate them about contemplative spirituality.” The students he brings learn about and practice centering prayer, meditation, silence and lectio. Spiritual direction with one of the sisters is also available. These are ways that help “build constructive bridges between Protestant and Catholic Christians.”

In addition, Dr. Hardy applauds the Mount for its “witness as a community of women committed to Christian vocation.” This is especially helpful for the Nazarene female students, a third of the seminary population, who find partnership encouraging and inspiring.

Two Nazarene students share scripture with Dr. Hardy and Sister Micaela.

Theology students are not the only ones who benefit from partnership with the Benedictine sisters. Last July, seven medical students from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences spent five days at the Mount and St. Benedict’s Abbey in an elective course entitled “Igniting the Spirit.” This course provided an interface with spiritual issues and health care, focusing on end-of-life care within a distinct culture.

Their curriculum, designed by Sister Marcia Ziska, director of pastoral care at Dooley Center, gave them an understanding of the Rule of Benedict and its place in the rich heritage of monastic lives. Sister Lillian Harrington taught them the importance of telling one’s story in aging gracefully. Particularly helpful and engaging for the future physicians was a visit to a local mortuary. Sister Chris Kean, a mortician, shared about end-of-life care and about ministering to grieving families.

Sister Alberta Hermann, far left, leads St. Paul students in prayerfully
created pottery known as a “Clay & Fire Experience.”

Key to this program’s success were the conversations with the sisters and monks about their attitudes toward aging, dying, death and going home to God. St. Benedict’s line “to keep death daily before one’s eyes” became real as they visited individually with monastic elders. Many of these doctors in-the-making stated they would practice medicine differently because of their experience. Some described the program as “amazing,” “exceptional,” and unforgettable.” One student called the experience a “blessing.”

The blessing is mutual. Listening to the stories, struggles and hopes of aspiring church leaders and health professionals enriches the sisters lives, too. This exchange of conversation brings a stimulating connection with the outside world and, in turn, the monastery and its gifts are taken back into the world. Both are rewarded.

Marcia Ziska, OSB