Benedictine Sister Maria Victoria Cutaia, OSB (center) visits with two of the 10 participants in this year’s Summer Monastic Experience. The annual week-long event, typically held our Clyde monastery, took place at our Tucson monastery this year because of renovations. Some of our Clyde Sisters traveled to Tucson for the event.

Even with a new location, participants still had an amazing time spent with current women religious and others discerning a vocation.

“It was a bit different in Tucson because we don’t have as much outdoor space to take advantage of as we do in Clyde,” Vocation Director Sister Ruth Elaine Starman, OSB said. “However, both communities are always warm and welcoming to guests, so the women still achieved a better understanding of our Benedictine lifestyle.”

Ten participants, ranging in age from 18 to 45, spent the week delving into sessions on Liturgy of the Hours, adoration, vocation discernment and contemplative prayer. They also enjoyed playing games and took part in a variety of works such as food preparation, gardening and sewing.

Two participants joined Sister Lucia Anne Le, OSB (center) for some gardening and yard work

“They had the opportunity to learn what our total life in the monastery is like. It’s spent in prayer, in work and in enjoying each other in community,” Sister Ruth Elaine said. “Many of the participants wished the experience was longer and hope to visit Clyde next year. Several expressed that participating in lauds and vespers was a highlight as well as hearing vocation stories and meeting with other women on the same spiritual quest.”

The Benedictine Sisters’ Summer Monastic Experience is a companion retreat to several vocation weekends offered throughout the year and the Spring Break Monastic week-long experience. For more information, please contact Sister Elaine Ruth at vocation@benedictinesisters.org or (660) 944-2221.

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