Tucson Prioress Sister Ramona is all smiles

We are so happy to announce that Sister Ramona Varela, OSB has been chosen to serve a second consecutive term as prioress of our Tucson, Arizona, community!

Sister Cecilia Rose (left) pledges her support and obedience to Sister Ramona

She was installed during yesterday morning’s Lauds. Sister Cecilia Rose was the last of the Sisters in procession to give the symbolic gesture of support and obedience to our dear prioress.

A Tempe, Ariz., native, Sister Ramona entered the Benedictine Sisters shortly after her high school graduation. She made her first monastic profession on Sept. 12, 1963, and has held several positions throughout the Congregation.

She served part of a previous term as prioress in Tucson but was elected as prioress general of the Congregation shortly after in 2002. During that time, she spearheaded a variety of projects, such as an expansion of the Benedictine Sisters’ Web presence and e-commerce shopping site, development of a low-gluten altar bread, long-range strategic planning and exploration of renewable energy resources.

Sister Ramona is well-known for her musical compositions and expertise at the organ. Her musical background extends to the guitar, for which she has composed various songs. With her knowledge of the Spanish language and culture, she is an absolute gift to our monastery in the Southwest.

Sister Ramona, who was last elected prioress in 2008, will serve an additional four years.

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