Threshold Winter 2006

Learning at the Roots of Benedictinism

by Marcia Ziska, OSB

Benedictine sisters from around the world gather in Rome, Italy every summer to participate in “Deepening Monastic Roots: A Renewal Experience for English-Speaking Benedictine Women.” In 1996 the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses established this program for its members to explore their rich heritage. Over the past eleven summers, fifteen Mount sisters have joined 324 other Benedictine women in this international renewal program. Any sister able to make the trip may submit her name in hopes of being selected to attend. Although the Mount usually has only one or two participants per summer, this past year, three sisters were privileged to attend: Sisters Sylvia Kenkel, Mary Rae Schrick and Dorothy Wolters.

Being immersed in the country where Benedict and Scholastica were born and lived brings a new perspective to being a Benedictine. An exploration and study of the Rule of Benedict precedes pilgrimages to the famous Benedictine sites. Going to Norcia, the birthplace of Benedict and Scholastica, and renewing one’s vows in the tiny chapel of St. Scholastica there, is one of several major highlights of the 32-day sojourn. Visiting Subiaco and Sacro Speco, the holy cave where Benedict spent three years before establishing monasteries around Italy, one senses being on “holy ground.” The steep mountain ascent by bus to Monte Cassino, the burial place of the twins, is an exciting journey. Both of these pilgrimages help deepen our sisters appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a Benedictine.

Sister Sylvia is enthusiastic in her praise of the experience. “We opened our day with prayer and travelled in Benedict’s path. Seeing the birthplace of Benedict and Scholastica was a thrill. I always remembered to pray for family, community, friends and the poor who will never get to see these places or make such a pilgrimage. It was truly an awesome experience for which I will always be grateful.”

Presentations and discussions on the early Roman empire are accompanied by visits to the imperial Roman monuments, the Vatican museum, the Sistine chapel, and the catacombs of St. Callistus. Rome’s many churches provide the pilgrim and tourist an educational haven. Sister Mary Rae was particularly moved by the combination of the two elements. “The immersion in both monastic and Roman culture was overwhelming.”

On visiting the major basilicas and other important churches, one experiences the vast array of baroque art by famed artists Bernini and Borromini, the breathtaking sculpture of Michaelangelo, and the wall mosaics that, to this day, tell ancient stories and illustrate theological concepts.

Fountains, cloisters, courtyards, villas, gardens, piazzas … Rome has it all. A visit to Piazza Navonna or Trevi fountain at night is a lively adventure. People gather nightly to see the local artists and entertainers demonstrate their talents. In the abundant restaurants, pizzerias and street-side cafes all enjoy the savory taste of Italian food. The night is not complete without a gelato, the delicious Italian ice cream.

Meeting sisters from Africa, Australia, the Bahamas, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Taiwan, and communities throughout the United States creates a rich cultural experience. This broadens one’s understanding of how Benedictine life is lived from community to community. All in all, it’s an unforgettable experience, an opportunity to touch one’s roots and return home inspired and renewed.
Sister Dorothy Wolters found the whole experience “profound.” She especially appreciated the sense of the greater church which she felt. “At St. Peter’s with the Holy Father, we were with Christians from all over, with the poor. We saw huge basilicas built over little earlier churches. I know I will be thinking about all the things I saw for the rest of my life.”




Ar right, Sisters Sylvia, Mary Rae and Dorothy visit with Father Dan McCarthy of St. Benedict’s Abbey, who is studying in Rome.

At left, Sister Sylvia delights in a painting of St. Gregory the Great and his mother, whose name was Silvia.

Sisters who have attended the Rome renewal: (front) Sisters Marcia Ziska, who directs the program, Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, Micaela Randolph, Mary Ethel Burley and Mary Margaret Kean, (middle) Barbara McCracken, Janelle Maes, Sharon Hamsa, Rosann Eckart, JoAnn Fellin, (back) Sylvia Kenkel, Mary Rae Schrick, Dorothy Wolters, Cecilia Olson (Missing from the group is Sister Delores Dolezal.)