Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

Sister Pat (left) and Sister Jane, the new superior and assistant superior, respectively, of the Clyde community

We celebrated Founder’s Day in style this year, installing the new leadership at our Clyde monastery after Lauds this morning.

We are excited to announce that Sister Pat Nyquist has been appointed superior of the Clyde community. She will be assisted by Sister Jane Heschmeyer.

Sister Pat was appointed Clyde superior, returning to the community leadership role she held as prioress from 2005 to 2008.

A native of Moorhead, Minn., she joined the Benedictine Order in 1974 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.

The appointment will last two years, during that time she will continue her job as prioress general of the Congregation. She takes over from Sister Sean Douglas, who worked tirelessly to steer the Clyde community through the massive Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories renovation.

Sister Jane is originally from Kansas City, Mo., and entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1980. She wrapped up her term on the  General Council in 2008 and since then has served as a baker in the low-gluten altar bread department and as the Clyde community’s sacristan, preparing all the articles necessary in the celebration of Mass.

Sister Jane received degrees in sociology and psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in addition to her monastic studies at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. She was also instrumental in helping develop the Sisters’ low-gluten altar bread. She takes over the assistant superior role from Sister Judy Niesen upon the completion of her term.

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.