Sr. Cathleen Marie visits with Northwest Missourian reps, explaining her job making handcrafted soap

We frequently receive media requests from reporters and producers working on stories, but it’s usually on a specific topic: altar bread production or renovations or our prayer ministry.

Then, on occasion, we have someone who just wants to learn more about the monastic way of life. So today we welcomed two members of the Northwest Missourian, a student publication at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

The students spent the morning with us, beginning with our Ash Wednesday Eucharist, and stayed through Day Hour. They met Sisters, learned about our altar bread production, our soap shop, the correspondence department, our daily schedules and tasks and just listened to funny and interesting stories Sisters shared.

They observed our life in a way that isn’t quite normal for us as we’ve been a bit displaced during renovations. That means our prayer services are held in different areas rather than in our Adoration Chapel. Our offices are carved out of larger areas, creating cubby holes in which to work. However, we’re glad they’ve promised to return once the grass turns green, the flowers and trees bloom and we’re back together under one roof in our newly renovated monastery.

The Rule of Benedict instructs that we treat each guest as if he or she were Christ himself. So we treasure the moments, these opportunities, to share our lives and our homes with others. It is one of our greatest blessings!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.