Reflections from Sister Carol Ann

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we are invited to renew our commitment to listening, hospitality, compassion, and the common good through the wisdom of Benedictine spirituality.

As summer light stretches long into June, this reflection invites us to slow down, notice what is flourishing, and rediscover the Benedictine rhythm of gratitude, prayer, and presence.

Mary is a mother for each of us in these times, teaching us how to respond.

May the Risen One change us in our listening, loving, and labor.

The first word of the Rule of Benedict is “listen.” Lent gently schools us again in this posture of attentiveness.

In a world that has been fractured by division, rush, and noise, the invitation of this month is beautifully simple: return to love.

In the stillness of winter, when the earth rests and the days so slowly grow lighter, we are reminded that God is always at work in the hidden places of our lives.

As the candles of the Advent wreath grow brighter week by week, we are reminded that God’s approach is gradual, tender, almost hidden.

The question, “What will God think if we don’t all arrive together?” lingers like a holy echo in this season.

What a wonderful gift each guest is. As we hear your stories, we are blessed to share your pain as well as the joys.

We’re coming to the time of harvest, the season of bringing in the fruits of our labor. On August 11, the Mount lost an amazing woman.

August holds many memories of summer. The days are still long and warm, but there is a whisper, a promise of change.