Archbishop Shawn McKnight Enjoys Benedictine Hospitality 

 Shawn McKnight, one of the last archbishops appointed by Pope Francis in April 2025, was warmly welcomed to the Mount on November 16, 2025. After presiding at the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the Choir Chapel, the archbishop greeted sisters and lay guests, ate dinner with the community in the monastery dining room, and addressed the sisters. He spoke about his desire that every parish, every religious community, and every Catholic organization be a center of charity and a sanctuary of mercy. 

The community gave the archbishop a number of gifts, including Sister Judith Sutera’s inclusive translation of the Rule of St. Benedict with commentary; a copy of Benedictines magazine on the theme of synodality; honey from our beehives; jelly made by Sister Marcia Ziska; a miniature sheep crocheted by Sister Eleanor Suther (reflecting the archbishop’s role as our shepherd); information about our Laudato Si’ platform; and some treats made by Sisters Loretta McGuire and Rosemary Bertels.  

After receiving a blessing from the sisters and blessing them in return, the archbishop toured Dooley Center, the monastery, St. Scholastica Chapel, and Sophia Center. He took particular interest in our beehives during a tour of the grounds with Sister Elaine Fischer. When he departed, the Archbishop told Prioress Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, “I loved every minute of my time here.”