“First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself”

(Rule of St. Benedict 4:1) 

 

     As monastics, the Rule of St. Benedict directs us to live the greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.  Our neighbors come in all shapes and forms.   

 

     Our primary work as monastics is prayer.  We pray from the world, the Church, and for the many intentions that come our way.  Through our prayer, we place everyone who is our neighbor in the hands of Christ on a daily basis. 

 

     Through our service outside of the monastery, we model our love of neighbor in our words and actions.  Whether it is a sister in a classroom, a sister distributing food at a food pantry, or a sister giving a retreat to deepen another’s spiritual life, we are loving our neighbor by helping them get in touch with the light of Christ within them.   

     As Benedictines, we also love our neighbors through our practice of hospitality.  The Rule of St. Benedict states, “All guest who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ” (RB 53:1).  We greet everyone who comes to our door as Christ.  In a world where division is rampant, the Rule encourages us to see Christ in each person and to see the good in each person and each person as someone created by God and as someone that God loves.  By doing this we welcome Christ into our lives and share the love of Christ with all the world. 

 

     Please consider a gift to ensure the continuation of our call to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Your contribution helps us live our life of prayer and take the fruits of that prayer to the world.  Your partnership is a gift we treasure.  Because of you and your gift, our hearts swell with gratitude for your friendship and support. 

 

Sincerely, 

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Sr. Julie Sewell, O.S.B. 

Prioress