Working for Wellness: A Benedictine Value

Saint Benedict’s Monastery • Winter 2013
Working for Wellness: A Benedictine Value
3G: Nurturing Wellness in the Women of Tomorrow | Never Turn Away | 60th and 75th Jubilees
From the Prioress
Michaela Hedican, OSB
Holy, whole, healthy are
all words derived from the
same root meaning: to be
sound, well, integrated.
St. Benedict does not
directly address any of these
realities in his Rule; rather,
they are woven throughout
the Rule as he sets before
us a way of living and being
together. This way brings
us to an ever deepening
integration into the life of
God. It is a way that leads
to holiness, wholeness and health. How fascinating it is that
the greeting “Hello!” is a word with the same derivation; it
was originally a way to wish good health to others. Even our
Benedictine value of hospitality is connected to holiness,
wholeness and health.
Benedict seemed to be aware of the importance
of order and a sense of rhythm as he looked to organizing
our community life for optimum well-being and holiness.
A framework of prayer at certain times; rising and retiring
as Mother Nature opens and closes the day; scheduled times
for work, meals, resting and reading — all provide a means
whereby a well-integrated life could be lived. Allowing for the
variances that would arise, Benedict shows us the importance
of being able to adjust and adapt if one is to be holy, whole and
healthy. An example of this is seen in Chapter 36 of the Rule,
“The Care of the Sick.” Benedict advises that those who are ill
be allowed to eat meat and also to take extra baths. When they
return to health, they are to resume their usual practices
of eating and bathing.
Research today supports what Benedict taught us: being
with others, living a life of adaptable rhythm and moderation
in all things — these are the pillars of wellness. One can
experience this dedication to a life of well-being as Sisters are
seen walking each day, participating in exercise classes, using
exercise equipment or following a régime set forth by physical
therapists. These activities are entwined in the daily schedule
of prayers, meals, work, rest and time with the community.
How grateful we are for the opportunities and space we have
for these activities to take place!
Our Sisters at Saint Scholastica Convent look forward
to a new addition to the building which will focus on this
dimension of well-being; special places will be included
for physical therapy, exercise, tending plants, delighting in
music, a library and space to enjoy the outdoors. It has been
a magnificent effort by all at Saint Scholastica Convent to
prepare for this addition. It will be one story and stand in the
footprint of the original, four-story 1890 building, in which
many of these activities have been taking place. We are most
grateful to all who have been a part of planning for, preparing
for, and now adjusting to new areas for these activities while
they await a sound, new place to continue their dedication to
staying well and growing in holiness, wholeness and health.
We pray this New Year finds you growing in your desire for
holiness, wholeness and health.
Eileen Kron, right, encouraging Sister Magdelen Schwab, left, with her exercises
See pp. 4 – 5.
Contents
Wellness at Saint Scholastica
4
3G Nurturing Wellness
in the Women of Tomorrow 6
Never Turn Away 8
Celebrating 60th Jubilee 11 – 19
Celebrating
Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict’s Monastery • Volume 17 – Number 2, Winter 2013
Editorial Board
On the Cover
Nancy Bauer, OSB
Sisters with physical therapist,
Eileen Kron, pictured left to
right: S. Magdalen Schwab, S.
Ruth Nierengarten, S. Marion
Sauer and S. Merle Nolde
Michael Doyle
Owen Lindblad, OSB
Mary Lindstrom
Jana Preble
Gen Maiers, OSB, Director: Development/Communications
Karen Rose, OSB
Karen Rose, OSB, Editor
Tom Stock
Jennifer Morrissette-Hesse, Designer
Photos: Nancy Bauer, OSB
Jane Bodsgard
Karen Streveler, OSB
Printing: Palmer Printing
75th Jubilee
20
Hokkaido Homecoming 20
In Loving Memory 21 – 22
Johanna Becker, OSB
Marlene Guggenberger, OSB
Mary David Olheiser, OSB
Lucille Lawrence, OSB
Sisters Behind the Scenes 23
Columns
From the Prioress 2
by Michaela Hedican, OSB
Christ Still Comes in Human Form10
by Gen Maiers, OSB
104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220 • www.sbm.osb.org
Benedictine Sisters and Friends is published three times each year by the Office of Development and Communications, Saint
Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn. The purpose of the magazine is to share the stories of our Benedictine lives and engage our
relatives, friends, Oblates and benefactors in the mission and ministries of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
3
F
or nearly 22 years, the hub of the Wellness Center has been
Eileen Kron, the nursing assistant dedicated to helping
Sisters implement their treatments. She runs the Wellness
Center, with some very welcome part-time assistance from Lori
Keller-Jordet, Natasha Forsting and Julie Bird.
Eileen’s role includes overseeing general exercise programs
for the Sisters and working with professionals from SPOT
(Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy), making sure that
Sisters follow through with rehabilitation programs. Treatments
focus primarily on improving balance, strength and pain relief.
Given the number of Sisters living at Saint Scholastica’s,
and the flow of Sisters from Saint Benedict’s who require
rehabilitation following surgery, such as knee and hip
replacements, that’s quite a tall order. As Eileen says:
“I multitask all day.” Sister Marion Sauer, a regular in Wellness,
would probably agree, listing hot and cold packs, hot wax
(for arthritis), bicycle, treadmill and anodyne treatments (for
neuropathy) as some of the therapies available. Add to that
essential oils therapy and massage, which S. Lisa Rose provides,
and it makes for a busy department!
Full of Sap
“In old age they will still produce fruit; they are always
green and full of sap.” Psalm 92:14 is a favorite verse for
many Sisters; the Wellness Center is a key reason why. As
visitors to Saint Scholastica will agree, it’s a place where you
can see Psalm 92 in action.
Sister Merle Nolde, who worked for several years providing
wellness services for Sisters, and now uses them herself, sums
up this philosophy: “It’s an important part of life here. The
difference between mobility and immobility relates to having
this kind of therapy. It’s a crucial part of what’s available for
an aging population.”
S. Merle is an example of the benefit of keeping someone
mobile and active; a tireless worker for peace and social
justice, she is a well-known and much respected figure in the
St. Cloud area and beyond.
Serving the Sisters Who Have Served Us
Karen Rose, OSB
“Wellness is really top-notch!”
If that’s what your clients say, you must be doing something right. And that’s exactly what Sister Ruth
Nierengarten said when asked her opinion of the care provided to Sisters in the Wellness Center at Saint
Scholastica Convent.
Above: Ruth Nierengarten, OSB, participates in therapy several times a week at Saint Scholastica Convent
Page 5, lower left: Merle Nolde, OSB, receives a foot treatment from Eileen Kron Page 5, upper right: Marion Sauer, OSB, works on exercises
to improve strength and mobility in her arms.
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Another example is Sister Magdalen Schwab, formerly a
grade school teacher and hospice worker. In retirement, she
continues to assist her family to run a food shelf, We Care, in
Morgan, Minn., which served over 400 families in the week
prior to Christmas 2012.
More than Mobility
Wellness is certainly not only about the body. It’s about having
trusting relationships, being able to express needs and concerns
and feel understood. This is something which Eileen highlights:
“There’s a big trust thing. They get comfortable with me and they
do talk.”
Neither is keeping Sisters mobile, pain-free and independent
good just for them; it enables them to keep contributing, serving
their own community and those who need help in the greater
world. For many Sisters, who have spent their entire monastic
lives serving others, being able to continue to serve is part of
maintaining a healthy physical, psychological and spiritual
balance in their lives.
For Sisters, dedication to their prayer life, community life and
spiritual reading is an essential part of maintaining that balance.
So, too, is the opportunity to pursue recreational activities such
as music, crafts and growing plants. These activities all take place
as part of wellness provision at Saint Scholastica.
Hard work, Hard Conditions
“Top-notch” was a sentiment repeated time and again by
Sisters who use the Center; but, a “but … ” hangs in the air. It
certainly has nothing to do with the caring staff or the quality
of the programs; it’s the location that’s the problem.
Wellness grew up where there was available space, but
the space where it’s been housed was never intended for
the purpose. It’s in an old building, which everybody loves
because it’s part of our community’s history, but which is
inconvenient and lacks privacy. As Eileen says: “It’s a high
traffic area.” S. Magdalen sums up how Sisters feel: “The
care and follow-up is something unbelievable. However, if,
for instance, Sisters are using the balance bars, it’s in the
thoroughfare. Everybody sees you.”
Wellness on the Move
For years now, staff and Sisters have struggled to maintain
the Wellness Center in less than ideal conditions. There was
always a feeling that, at some stage, something would have to be
done. We’ve reached that stage. The building’s age has caught
up with it; it’s crumbling to the point that it doesn’t meet code
anymore. The reality is that we have to bid it farewell.
That’s sad, but there’s a positive side, too. The spirit of the
Wellness Center will continue and thrive in a new addition
designed for the purpose. In the future, we’ll look forward to
Sisters receiving care that is even a notch above top!
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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“3G helped me grow in my faith immensely. When the
girls had a question, I had to be confident in my answers
and in my faith that I would guide them down the right
path. My fellow counselors kept me strong; we had each
other to lean on. We prayed together for strength. I’ve
never felt the strength of a community like this before. My
girls would constantly remind me of God’s love when they
would ask me to talk about my faith or what I believed. I
didn’t realize how much of an impact I had made until the
very last day. On a card, one of my girls wrote:
‘I grew closer to God because of you and I think that is
because I could see God through you.’”
Nurturing Prayer Liferayer Life
What is 3G?
Summer 2006, and the first “3G” (Girls, God and Good Times)
Camp sponsored by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict,
welcomed 66 fourth and fifth grade girls together with 11 camp
counselors. From its outset, the Camp stressed the value of the
Benedictine way of life and faith. For many girls attending their
first three-day, two-night camp, it is also their first experience
of Sisters and a monastery. They must like it because many now
return year after year!
… Nurturing Wellness in the Women of Tomorrow
Lisa Kittock, OSB
Sisters and New Friends
Our Sisters are grateful to all the parents who have sent their daughters to
the Girls, God and Good Times Catholic Benedictine Camp over the years;
they have added joy and inspiration to our lives and those of one another.
Through letters, e-mail correspondence and meeting summer after summer,
the strong friendships formed among them continue to grow:
“Every year that I go to 3G, I am extremely impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the Sisters
and counselors. I make lots of new friends and even more memories each time I go! I really enjoyed
lectio divina and I truly deepened my relationship with God.. I discovered more about myself and I feel
like a new person. I learned about the Sisters’ way of life through the Liturgy of the Hours, talking
with them and asking questions. BEST CAMP EVER!”
Stephanie, Grade 8
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
For the first few years, the majority of girls were from
towns in the St. Cloud Diocese. However, the word about an
all-girls, Catholic, Benedictine camp spread, and registrations
from throughout Minnesota and beyond appeared. The camp
counselors, too, spread the word in their home towns; some
invited little sisters or cousins, and these girls brought their
friends. Technology means that the brochure and registration
form can now be downloaded from the monastery Web site:
www.sbm.osb.org. The result: in 2007, we added a second camp
for sixth through eighth grades. Statistics for the past 6 years:
890 campers! 13 camps!
Camp Counselors
Campers live in groups of six. Each group is led by a volunteer
camp counselor. Counselors are College of Saint Benedict
students, already familiar with Benedictine Gospel values
through their college curriculum and residential living; those
values come to life in “educating” the young campers.
The counselors are a marvelous asset. Besides being role
models who value higher education, they share their gifts and
talents in a way that expands their own self-knowledge and
defines their personal leadership style. Over the past six years,
171 CSB women volunteered to serve as counselors. This is how
Marie, a 2012 counselor, summarizes the experience:
Photo above: Sister Janine Mettling enjoys a meal with the campers
in the Gorecki Dining Center at the College of Saint Benedict
Prayer, in particular the Sisters’ daily lectio
divina (Latin for holy reading), is taught by the
counselors. Campers begin a conversation with God by
reading a line from Scripture and pondering it in their hearts.
Before bedtime, each counselor leads her small group of girls in
this way of prayer.
Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church for the
world’s needs, is prayed in the monastery three times a day. It is
introduced to the campers with all its ritual: bowing, blessing
of self, ringing the special prayer gong. At the Eucharist with the
Sisters in Sacred Heart Chapel, campers sing hymns, read the
Scriptures, offer petitions and bring gifts to the altar. There is also
the opportunity to pray the rosary at the grotto of Our Lady of
Lourdes.
“Praying, playing and living in community”: may 3G continue
to nourish the hearts and minds of our campers as they grow
into faith-filled women of the future.
big swell
“The full group was a
, and I really
of happiness and love
le and being
liked meeting new peop
myself.”
Alana, Grade 7
“It was so much fun.
all the
I loved learning about
so loved
Benedictine values. I al
the camp song a lot.”
Greta, Grade 5
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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Karen Rose, OSB
Karen Rose, OSB
The game is Jeopardy, the category “psychology”.
Answer: Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
Question: What links Carl Jung and Catholic Charities?
Puzzled? The answer relates to two of our Sisters: Judith (Judy) Huber, a psychologist at the Catholic
Charities Caritas Mental Health Clinic in St. Cloud, and Galen Martini, a Jungian psychoanalyst. Although
they have different approaches and work in different settings, both are dedicated to helping people
improve their psychological and emotional health.
drawing, which can reveal the unconscious. Then she read
Anyone and Everyone
“Caritas” is Latin for “love” or “care”, so
it’s fitting that the Catholic Charities’
Web site (www.ccstcloud.org/
MentalHealthClinic) defines the
purpose of the Caritas Clinic as “Offering
professional services to promote health,
clarity, purpose, peace and happiness.”
S. Judy is certainly a professional. An English major, she
made monastic profession in 1969, worked in secondary
education and then with women discerning a call to monastic
life. A combination of circumstances, including encouragement
to consider teaching at college level and discovering a gift
for informal counseling, led to S. Judy obtaining a PhD in
counseling psychology and her license to practice.
After several years in student counseling, S. Judy felt
a call to work with a broader segment of the population and
moved to Catholic Charities. Here, she says: “Our clinic serves
anyone and everyone.” For those without insurance, a sliding
fee scale means that Catholic Charities is one of only a few
organizations in the area able to serve a group of clients who
are seriously underserved.
Her present job has three main aspects: psychotherapy,
psychological assessments and parenting capacity
assessments. Assessments involve interviewing, testing and
writing reports which, in child protection and custody cases,
are submitted to the courts.
Working with vulnerable clients experiencing health,
family and economic difficulties is challenging, but S. Judy
says she feels supported and valued in her work. She’s also
aware that it’s a way of living out her faith: “It links up with
the Gospel call to serve the poor in whatever way they may
present themselves to us. That’s what keeps me going.”
Catching the Shadow
Teacher, writer, poet, artist, Sister
Galen Martini not only brings these gifts
to her work as a Jungian psychoanalyst
but identifies her writing as the reason
she’s in it.
Awarded a prestigious Bush Fellowship
to spend a year writing, she found herself with a bad case
of writer’s block. S. Galen learned a hard lesson: “There are
unconscious forces you can’t control.”
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
S. Galen set herself to find a way “for the energy to flow
round.” She began working with dreams and left-handed
Carl Jung and recognized the framework for the inner work
she was doing. With the community’s blessing, she began
a rigorous journey—11 years of study to become a Jungian
psychoanalyst. During these same years, she worked as
a psychotherapist at a St. Cloud Clinic and completed her
studies as a licensed psychologist.
Specializing in work with those in their middle years,
S. Galen’s work includes “finding and untangling the welter of
internal messages and unconscious patterns that keep people
blocked or conflicted.” An acknowledged expert in accessing
these unconscious patterns through dreams and art, S. Galen’s
recent book, Dream Manual for Therapists and Other Listeners,
is used in analyst training and by individuals seeking to
understand the messages their dreams hold.
For S. Galen, Carl Jung’s work is not just a theory, it’s
a way of living. The promise of conversatio (fidelity to the
monastic way of life) means “facing what we deny in ourselves
and project onto others, catching and befriending the
shadow before it can harm others.” It’s about becoming
authentic human beings, a teaching at the heart of the Rule
of St. Benedict.
To Be Open …
A third psychologist in the
monastery is Postulant Angela McCormick,
who is discerning whether she is called to
our community. Angie, as she likes to be
known, says that her decision to become a
psychologist “… comes from a combination
of personality, experiences and a desire to help people who
are suffering spiritually and emotionally.”
Angie was recently awarded her doctorate and license.
Her training included a variety of experiences (e.g., college,
church-based and inner city counseling). Most recently,
she has been teaching college-level psychology classes and
working in rural practice, primarily with Native Americans.
A dream job for Angie would include practice, teaching and
research but her greatest hope is: “To be open to however God
wants to use my education and gifts as a psychologist; to help
those in need.”
In a world where broken relationships, conflict and
confusion are commonplace, need takes many forms,
which the Gospel and Rule of St. Benedict call us to address.
Thank you, S. Judy, S. Galen and P. Angie, for your
wholehearted response.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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Christ Still Comes in Human Form
Gen Maiers, OSB
Still fresh in our memories is the
tragedy in Newtown, Conn. While
wondering how these families could
celebrate Christmas, we faced losses
right on our doorstep.
Death claimed two of my cousins
just before Christmas and S. Mary
Weidner’s brother on New Year’s
Eve. On January 11, a 14-year-old
granddaughter of a dear friend
died of flu complications. For these,
and many more personal as well as
communal losses, our question is: “Why, God?”
That’s Maureen Dowd’s question in her December 20,
2012, article, “Why, God?” (The New York Times), as she
struggled to reconcile God’s love with current tragedies. She
approached Father Kevin O’Neill for his thoughts. He writes:
“The God of unconditional love has chosen to enter the world
today through others, through us. … God does come to us in
human form today, just as God did over 2,000 years ago. ... How
we are with one another in our daily experiences, suffering and
dying makes all the difference as to whether God’s presence is
felt or not and whether we are comforted or not.”
However, it is not only in tragedy and grief that we
experience God’s love in human form. We Sisters feel God’s
presence in your prayer requests, cards, e-mails and generous
donations. Can you believe that during our annual appeal,
1,550 donors have come into our lives, giving $301,978 to
help us support our mission and ministries of liturgy and
hospitality and our Spirituality Center? You ARE being God’s
love in human form.
Then, too, we, the Sisters, want to be God’s presence in your
lives as we welcome you to our chapel for the Eucharist and
prayer, or to our Spirituality Center. And when we bring your
“Then, too, we,
the Sisters, want to be
God’s presence
in your lives
as we welcome you …”
requests and the needs of the world before God in prayer,
what is it but God’s very presence to you and to us in one
gracious gesture?
Currently, God’s presence in the Sisters’ lives is
taking a new turn, especially for our retired Sisters at
Saint Scholastica Convent. The old part of the building,
constructed in 1890, has come to the point where it has
more than paid its dues. Alas! It no longer meets state safety
requirements. Renovating the building is not a cost efficient
option, so we have to say “Good-bye!” and replace it with a
one-story addition.
The new addition will be constructed to meet current
“green” standards; this will cut energy costs by a third or
more. And more good news: although smaller, it will not
only provide ample space for physical therapy services and
activities promoting health and wellness, but will also allow
Sisters easy access to all existing wings.
Invariably, a price tag accompanies a project! The
projected cost is $2.2 million. Thanks to the generosity of
donors, we have already reached 50% of our fundraising
goal! Construction for this venture begins in February 2013,
with completion by December 2013.
Photos clockwise
1. Sister Agatha Zwilling appreciating her students’ art work; 2. We take our baking seriously. Sister Elaine Gagne (left)
with Sister Emerentia Fleischhacker; 3. Sister Colleen Haggerty celebrating with her mother, Olive; 4. Sister Germaine
Gagnon, happy to be caring 5. Tulips bring a hint of spring to Sister Burkhard Bragelmann (right); 6. Serene and smiling,
Sister Elizabeth Roufs
6
May we ask you to reflect on what you might be able to
do to give this much-needed endeavor a gentle but generous
“boost?” You are invited to participate by making a donation
for this wellness project. Are we setting our hopes too high
in wanting to achieve that last 50% by June 30, 2013, the end
of our fiscal year? No, not at all! Through your gift, Christ’s
presence in human form becomes real in all our lives, but
most especially in the lives of our Sisters at Saint Scholastica.
To all our readers, thank you for your continuing interest
in us, for your support of our undertakings and, above all, for
your prayers on our behalf. In turn, know that you are in our
heartfelt prayer each day.
5
Architect’s drawing of the new addition at Saint Scholastica Convent
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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Agatha (Clara) Zwilling, OSB
Stefanie Weisgram, OSB
Sister Agatha Zwilling has no regrets
as she celebrates her 60 years of
monastic profession.
There has been variety during
that time. She taught grade school
students for 39 years, was responsible
for hospitality in the monastery and
currently works at the reception
desk, in the monastery archives,
schedules physical therapy and hair
appointments and leads a full monastic
life—all at the same time.
While she claims never to have
been overly fond of teaching, when she
speaks of the students and her fellow
workers, her face lights up and her
love for them speaks more than her
words. She claims not to be especially
outgoing, but her graciousness when
meeting people and gift for forming
relationships are evident. Seeing her
welcome people to the monastery
and their appreciation shows what S.
Agatha values—being there for others.
When her stories about teaching,
administration, hospitality and
service over the years reach an end,
she always comes back to what she is
most grateful for—her Benedictine
community. Praying together, eating
together, rubbing elbows with a variety
of people all dedicated to the same
goal, are what speak to her and this is
what makes her grateful for God’s call
these past 60 years.
What is most apparent is her total
dedication, no matter what she is
called to do. S. Agatha responds with
her whole heart, with joy, generosity
and honesty.
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Germaine (Mary Adeline) Gagnon, OSB
Burkard (Marcella) Braegelmann, OSB
Colleen (Joanne) Haggerty, OSB
Elaine (Nazaire) Gagne, OSB
Elizabeth (Zachary) Roufs, OSB
Juliana Lauer, OSB
Linda Dusek, OSB
Germaine Gagnon, OSB
Owen Lindblad, OSB
Karen Rose, OSB
The third of four girls, Sister Burkard
Braegelmann was born on August 30,
1927, in Richmond, Minn., grew up on
a farm and attended a country district
school. Her mother died young and her
father raised the family.
Celebrations are a welcome event for
Sister Colleen Haggerty. At this stage in
her life, she knows that it is best if one
meets these events with expectation and
grateful hope.
Quite likely the seeds nourishing Sister
Elaine ’s desire to become a Sister and
to prepare for a career in business were
planted by her parents. She remembers
her family as one strong in faith. Her
mother, having little formal education,
wrote in her personal diary daily,
perfecting her script and the content.
This inspired S. Elaine to elect typing
and shorthand in high school and pursue
further courses after graduation.
Sister Elizabeth Roufs is celebrating a
life she has loved since her college days
at Saint Benedict’s, when she first heard
the chanting of the psalms by the Sisters
in Sacred Heart Chapel. “I was really kind
of taken by that,” she writes in her oral
history. Her friend and instructor at the
college was Sister Firmin Escher, from
whom she received the Sisters’ diurnal
to pray the psalms herself. Betty Jane, as
she was known, also joined the Campus
Singers and developed her singing voice,
which has enabled her to sing the psalms
enthusiastically for 60 years.
Throughout her monastic life, Sister
Germaine Gagnon has sought Christ with
her whole being, striving to live into the
mystery of God. Although her ministries
have given her the opportunity to draw
closer to Christ through serving others,
she recognizes her need for silence and
solitude. In particular, she finds that
nature brings God to her in a special
way: “What has always held me up is my
love of God and my love of God through
nature.”
S. Burkard says: “I believe I had a
calling to prayer when I was about 15
years old.” Entering the monastery
fulfilled that call. Here she shared her
housekeeping skills on many missions
and loved each place. In 1970, she
was awarded her G.E.D. Six years later,
in 1976, she began a new service as
caregiver for the mother of Sisters Janice
and Lois Wedl. When Mrs. Wedl moved
into the nursing home, S. Burkard also
went and was happily employed there
for more than 30 years.
In 2007, she fell, needed surgery,
recuperated at Saint Scholastica Convent
and stayed. Here, as at the nursing
home, the work she loves is with Sisters
in comfort care: “It is a privilege to
accompany them as they make their
final journey to heaven.”
With more time on her hands,
Sister can do more spiritual reading,
play soft music and, sometimes, just sit
and have quiet time—“prime time”—
which blesses her with a sense of
closeness to God.
For 60 years, S. Burkard has tried to
fulfill her calling. She acknowledges the
help she has received from many people.
Her hope is that: “Going along from day
to day, striving to draw closer to God, I
have touched others, too.”
Reflecting on S. Colleen’s
celebration of 60 years in monastic
life, the qualities of perseverance,
faithfulness, steadfastness and patience
stand out, as becomes a woman of
strong faith and beliefs. Those who
know her well would attest to just how
strong that faith is.
Often S. Colleen has expressed her
desire to focus on “who she is” and
not so much on what she has done.
The oldest of four children, a synopsis
begins with the deep love she has
for her parents and family. During
her 25 years in health care ministry
at St. Cloud Hospital, she served as a
dietitian, assistant administrator and
was involved in the first major hospital
additions in the early ’70s. Subsequent
service included various physical
plant projects at the monastery: the
remodeling of Sacred Heart Chapel and
the 1988 addition at Saint Scholastica
Convent; twelve years of working
with monasteries as President of the
Federation and, most recently, being part
of the monastery Development Office.
She has a very strong love and belief
in monastic life, finding it life-giving and
feels she has experienced a special grace,
never questioning her call to this way
of life.
A favorite quote from Julian of
Norwich speaks to her: “God alone
is enough.”
In 1971, encouraged by Sister Mary
Anthony Wagner, S. Elaine became an
aspirant at Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
After the novitiate, she worked as
a receptionist at St. Cloud Hospital.
Preparation for a career in business
education followed, including a master’s
degree; she taught business at Cathedral
and Pierz Memorial High Schools. She
loved the students and the “mission” life.
Another love was the outdoors and going
for walks.
Generous service has been a hallmark
of S. Elaine’s life. She found herself in the
monastery business office and library,
driving the E-Z-GO, working at the
Stearns County Historical Museum and
volunteering at the Cambridge Hospital
for mentally challenged children and
adults.
A gentle chuckle usually accompanies
the joyful smile for which S. Elaine is
known. When questioned as to a reason
for this, her answer is prompt: “I am
so happy that I was able to become
a Benedictine Sister, to live in this
community. It’s wonderful! God has been
so good to little me. Maybe that is why
I can smile so much.”
When Betty Jane was a CSB
sophomore, she decided God was
calling her to this Benedictine
community. She majored in history,
which she later taught at Cathedral High
School, but it was the art classes she took
at the University of Minnesota and Notre
Dame that encouraged her artistic and
creative talents, including calligraphy
from Sister Thomas Carey, which she
continues to share.
Sister is very grateful for God’s
goodness to her and is still overwhelmed
by God’s love. She has a keen sense
of humor which helps her through
the losses which come with life. She is
the last of her siblings who, with her
parents, have preceded her to heaven.
Her nieces and nephews are special to
her. Her father had built a cabin on Lake
Mary, near Winsted, which remains a
summer gathering place for the family
to this day. Lastly, Sister is grateful
for her friends who continue to love
her dearly.
S. Germaine also takes inspiration
from reading. If something really
speaks to her, she memorizes it and
often recites from her mental stock
of literature when taking a walk. Her
choice is extensive and wide-ranging;
for example, The Hound of Heaven by
Francis Thompson and You’re Only Old
Once by Dr. Seuss are both part of her
repertoire.
From childhood on, S. Germaine
harbored a desire to be a Sister-nurse.
However, her first obedience was grade
school teaching. An insightful prioress
realized she was called to nursing. She
became a registered nurse and worked
in nursing homes, hospitals and a home
hospice program. In retirement, she
qualified as a footcare specialist and has
served the Sisters at Saint Benedict’s
Monastery in this capacity for the past
12 years.
Celebrating her 60th jubilee,
S. Germaine is grateful for her loving
family, her community and vocation,
leading her to a place where she can
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
13
Photos clockwise
1. The machine knows who’s boss! Sister Lauren Keppers at the duplicator; 2. It tastes better with care: Sister Leonore
Mandernach helps with food preparation; 3. Sister Luanne lends a hand to a friend in Alabama; 4. Sister Madonna
Kuebelbeck records Dom Helder Camara, Archbishop of Recife/Olinda 5. Sister Leora Juettner welcomes her brother
and nephews; 6. Sisters and friends: Sister Jocile Robinson, right, with Sister Alice Imdieke
Jocile (Beatrice) Robinson, OSB
6
Carol Berg, OSB
Renée Domeier, OSB
Sister Jocile Robinson’s 60 years as
a Benedictine at Saint Benedict’s
Monastery gave her a rich diversity of
experiences in elementary teaching,
religious education and nursing. Now
in retirement, she gives herself the title
“chief putzologist”, applying it to her
Liturgy Office assistance. Generosity is
a hallmark of S. Jocile, ready to assist
in many ways.
Second oldest in a family of seven
children, Sister Lauren grew up on a
farm where “we all helped with the
work and had lots of fun together.”
She credits her parents with instilling
in all of the children a devotion to
prayer—especially Mass and the
rosary. Benedictine Sisters became a
major influence, too, in her elementary,
secondary and college education.
She is very active, creative, funny,
responsible and responsive—
especially to the aging. The fourth in a
family of 13, she would happily claim
a relationship of virtually hundreds,
among whom are many religious
and priests. She is our S. Leonore
Mandernach, fifth in her immediate
family to enter religious life and first to
reach her 60th jubilee celebration.
The adage: “Dreams don’t die of old
age, they die of neglect” had special
meaning when, age 50, S. Jocile received
her nursing degree and RN license.
Home care and hospice were her most
rewarding nursing experiences:
“I was walking with the whole family at
a difficult time of loss.”
At her 50th jubilee, S. Jocile said:
“I look forward to returning to Saint
Benedict’s.” When asked: “What
specifically did you look forward to?”
S. Jocile quickly responded: “Monastic
prayer life in a larger community. Every
stage of my life has been richly blest,
including aging, even with its physical
limitations.”
The fruits of the Spirit are obvious
blessings in S. Jocile’s 60 years of
monastic profession.
4
14
Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Leonore (Annella) Mandernach, OSB
Patrice Reed, OSB
When S. Jocile developed
confirmation programs in religious
education, she recognized her creative
interests. Her creativity might begin
with “putzing”, but leads to paper
and felt crafts, making children’s
quilts, baking cookies for Sisters,
experimenting to make something
function better or by adding a story
with perfect timing to the conversation.
5
Lauren (Loren) Keppers, OSB
S. Lauren experienced several
career changes over the years, almost
a “Jill-of-all trades.” She taught in
elementary schools, worked in the
college print shop (duplicating)
and served as an accountant in the
monastery Business Office. Her last
career was as a licensed cosmetologist
at the monastery. S. Lauren says she
liked all these jobs, though she had to
learn the art of “letting go” after each
of them.
In 2007, S. Lauren moved to Saint
Scholastica Convent and is very much
at home and at peace. She keeps busy:
pushing wheelchairs, helping in the
laundry, being in charge of guest
rooms and taking a turn at giving
Communion to the sick. She wants “to
pitch in where needed and try to do
what I can.” Approaching 80, she jokes
that “I’m one of the young ones here.”
Since prayer life is very important
to her, S. Lauren appreciates the
schedule at Saint Scholastica which
gives her time for much prayer
and, on the side, allows for another
love, reading—with card playing
and occasional TV shows as other
relaxation. “This is a good place to be,”
she says.
All her life, S. Leonore experienced
monastery leadership calling forth her
gifts. With little or no preparation, she
was asked to utilize her nursing skills
(she became an LPN later) and work
in both short-term and long-term care
of the sick and aging. She was asked to
organize programs, care for the sick on
Broadway, the former nursing floor at
the monastery, and manage the Senior
Dining area at Key Row Apartments, St.
Cloud. Because, as she said: “The Key
Row Dining Service was much more
than food,” she capitalized on the fact
that anyone who came to the center
bonded with other members of the
group. She organized sing-alongs, bingo
parties, birthday parties and watched
faces come alive in one another’s
company. She continues this sort of
activity at age 80+. She says she has
always loved what she did, knowing
that her prayer life was the sustaining
grace of her ministry.
We celebrate the life and work
of this St. Martin girl. It will be a huge
celebration there if the parish chooses
to join the closely knit family for
conversation, remembering, playing
cards and dancing.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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15
Photos clockwise
1. Sister Marion Sauer, radiating compassion in her nursing days; 2. Sister Rita Marschall and friends from Long
Prairie in a celebration mode; 3. Enjoying a break with canine friends: Sister Theresa Lodermeier; 4.Sharing the
Spirit: Sister Maranatha Renner; 5. Music and teaching: Two of Sister Marius Hiltner’s passions; 6. Sister Owen
Lindblad with her cat friends
Leora (Barbara) Juettner, OSB
Luanne (Floy Ann) Lenz, OSB
Madonna (Goretti) Kuebelbeck, OSB
Elaine Schroeder, OSB
Mara Faulkner, OSB
Kerry O’Reilly, OSB
“I’ve been a learner since 1938,” says
Sister Leora Juettner. One could say
“since 1932” when she was born,
youngest of four, to George and Helen
Juettner in Minneapolis. She is grateful
for the values learned from her
parents—caught rather than taught:
how to act, respond and behave. The
wisdom gained from them, Mary
Helene Juettner, OSB (her sister), Jim
Juettner and Bob Juettner, FSC (her
brothers) are mirrored in her life today.
She is increasingly aware of the debt of
gratitude due to them for the good she
does or may have done.
For 60 years, Sister Luanne Lenz
has quietly made people’s lives and
surroundings beautiful. Drawn to
Benedictine monastic life by her desire
to serve, S. Luanne notices the needs
around her and finds playful and
practical ways to meet them. A gifted
teacher, she spent many years in grade
school classrooms, where the wide-eyed
enthusiasm of children energized her.
When young, Sister Madonna was
a figure skater and “a pretty good
one”, she would admit. At age nine, she
already knew that she wanted to be a
nurse and began achieving that goal
when she came to St. Cloud Hospital
School of Nursing. Along the way, she
joined Saint Benedict’s Monastery,
picked up a couple of degrees in nursing
and skated her way into being an
initiator, innovator and pioneer.
A lifelong learner, S. Leora was
always excited about experiences that
enriched her ministry and religious
life. Highlights were National Catholic
Education conventions and spiritual
enrichment workshops and retreats.
Elementary education was
significant in her life; she was teacher
and administrator and taught a
technology class to education majors.
Some duties challenged her: playing
the organ and directing a choir at
Elrosa, or cooking (wieners were a
handy fallback!). Her diligent, wise
and humorous demeanor made her
a favorite among students, parents,
teachers and parishioners. After her
“education” years, she turned to her
present “chair” in the monastery
business office. Her computer skills
and wisdom in things financial are
graciously dispensed from there.
A great love of S. Leora’s is reading.
Her hold on routine in monastic life is
firm, her hand graciously extended to
help and her enjoyment at community
gatherings full.
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
She moved from teaching to
other ministries. One of the most
memorable was the Benedictine School
for Exceptional Children, run by St.
Gertrude’s Monastery in Ridgely, Md.
She worked with “the most beautiful
children in the world,” each needing
personalized service: everything from
being a dorm mother to teaching silk
screening to playing at the beach—
“teach and beach,” they called it. She also
remembers fondly her years in Selma,
Ala., helping set up an adult day care
center for elderly African Americans. She
taught crafts, but mostly sat in a circle of
rocking chairs praying, singing spirituals
and talking with the people. She found in
them tested wisdom, eagerness to learn
and a spirit of give-and-take.
For the past few years, S. Luanne has
lived and worked at Saint Benedict’s
Monastery, including the Spirituality
Center, where she offered hospitality
to guests and added her trademark
touches—a flower or shell or scarf
placed just so.
The encouragement of family and
friends and God’s mysterious call to
a life of service brought S. Luanne to
Saint Benedict’s Monastery and have
sustained her.
S. Madonna began nursing at St.
Cloud Hospital when it and St. Cloud
were growing. She saw needs and
initiated solutions. The Intensive Care
Unit, for patients needing constant
attention after surgery, was her creation.
This was followed by the formation
of the Mental Health Unit. As its first
clinical nurse specialist, she sensed
the importance of specialization and
innovatively created a separate unit for
chemical dependency and another for
adolescents.
S. Madonna was creative in many
ways—sewing her own clothes, creating
cards and decorations, cooking excellent
meals. She was up to tasks as needed,
including learning Portuguese for her
next venture.
S. Madonna became a pioneer and
fulfilled a dream to be a missionary
when she went to Recife, Brazil, to
test the waters for a new mission. She
worked with Dom Helder Camara,
Archbishop of Recife/Olinda, to bring
attention to the needs of patients with
mental illness. One joy marking her
Brazil experience, she would tell you,
was having her niece adopt a premature
baby girl and bring tiny Sara Marie to the
United States.
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5
3
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Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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Maranatha (Rosemary) Renner, OSB
Theresa Schumacher, OSB
Fittingly, this brief profile of Sister
Maranatha Renner, was written in
the midst of Advent with the constant
theme: “Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus!”
S. Maranatha is an Advent woman.
She knows how to wait, to watch, to be
expectant, to be loving and joyful. She
unassumingly carries Christ within
and gives birth to Christ in her dayto-day life. Sisters, retreatants and
seekers benefit from her ministry of
spiritual direction. Living with physical
and mental pain and with post polio
syndrome, S. Maranatha is wise and
experienced in “the hard and rugged
ways by which the journey to God
is made” (RB 58). Her invitation in
the spiritual life is to grow, through
situations and circumstances, from
bondage to freedom.
Born in Walker, Minn., Rosemary
lived on Leech Lake developing a
friendship with water. She wants to be
“in it” or “by it” to rejuvenate her body
and spirit. A favorite thing for her is
being at a lake, taking frequent dips,
sharing a picnic and relaxing in God’s
bounty. Might her creative writing have
emerged from such reflective, happy
moments? Ask her.
S. Maranatha shared her special gifts
teaching classroom music and directing
choirs in parishes. When she taught
voice at the College of Saint Benedict,
she was engaged in music and liturgy
at the monastery. She was part of the
liturgy team in planning, playing the
organ and directing the schola. She
continues to be involved in music and
liturgy at Saint Scholastica Convent
where she now lives.
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Marion (Mary Louise) Sauer, OSB
Marius (Marjorie) Hiltner, OSB
Owen (Joan) Lindblad, OSB
Linda Kulzer, OSB
Stephen Kurpiers, OSB
Sister Marion Sauer, fifth and youngest
child of Margaret and George Sauer,
grew up in Rice, Minn. Living in town
gave her the opportunity to help with
work at Immaculate Conception
Church where she assisted Father
Siegler’s housekeeper. She attended
a two-room grade school and then
Cathedral High School in St. Cloud.
In 1950, she graduated as an RN
from the St. Cloud Hospital School
of Nursing and was immediately
hired as head nurse in the hospital
nursery there.
Many talents, many “hats”! That’s
a thumbnail sketch of Sister Marius
Hiltner.
One year later, she decided to give in
to persistent thoughts about entering
Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Having
completed her novitiate, she made
her first profession in 1953. She was
asked to return to the St. Cloud Hospital
and worked in the delivery room. She
made her final profession in 1956, and
in 1959 she began study at St. Louis
University, completing her bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in nursing
administration.
When she finished her degrees in
1961, she returned to the St. Cloud
Hospital as assistant administrator
and director of nursing service for
seven years, followed by director of
nursing for two years at Queen of Peace
Hospital, New Prague, and five years at
St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, Utah.
She then returned to St. Cloud Hospital
as director of admissions for 16 years.
In 1989, she retired from hospital
duties to live at Saint Scholastica
Convent where she has worked in
nursing and as sacristan, and continues
to serve as receptionist. She loves
the prayer and community life at
Saint Scholastica.
She and her twin brother were the
youngest of six. When they were two,
a brain tumor left their father blind. For
25 years, this family “blessing” made
compassionate understanding a part of
every day; perhaps that’s a reason why
S. Marius developed a caring heart.
Music has played a major role in S.
Marius’ 59-year ministry as a teacher/
administrator. As a girl, she took piano
lessons from Sister Wilma Escher,
paving the way for directing a children’s
choir, playing the organ for parish
liturgies, giving piano lessons, teaching
music in school and often directing
the Christmas pageant. The pageant is
not only a marvelous production, but a
remarkable collaboration of school staff
and parent volunteers—all coordinated
by S. Marius!
Passing on the value of respect for
life is another ministry for S. Marius.
For almost 30 years, she has taken her
sixth grade class and their artistically
designed posters to the Capitol in St.
Paul for pro-life rallies. Still another
“hat” finds S. Marius devoting her
energy to the parish Liturgy Committee
and Council.
However, the most beautiful
hat, worn for 60 years, is that of a
Benedictine Sister, daily praying the
Liturgy of the Hours and attending the
Eucharist. She also maintains a rich
community life, both at the monastery
and in the Luxemburg, Minn., parish
where she resides.
Rita (Johnelle) Marschall, OSB
Theresa (Trinita) Lodermeier, OSB
Philip Zimmer, OSB
Patricia Ruether, OSB
Karen Rose, OSB
This Wisconsin/Washington native
shares a myriad of gifts and talents with
our monastic community as well as with
a wider span of people in which her
ministries have found her.
Talented, generous, determined—
that’s Sister Rita Marschall! Many
remember her as a creative high school
math teacher, having students build
three-dimensional objects to better
understand geometry. Teaching was
always great, but doing it in the Bahamas
was best! Even after retiring, S. Rita
“taught” as a foster grandparent to grade
school children.
“A missionary!” That was S. Theresa
Lodermeier’s hope as she prepared for
monastic profession.
From the solitude of the Washington
Redondo Beach, where she lived in her
junior high years, to the wider world as an
educator of lower elementary students,
Sister Owen has been formed in her
reflective, responsive way of life and ability
to see the divine in all creation.
Today finds S. Owen in different
ministries, yet sharing the same gifts she
used in the past. Whether as a Sister
visitor to our elderly community members
at Saint Scholastica Convent in St. Cloud,
where she brings her wit and cheery spirit
to lighten Sisters’ days, or using her strong
organizational skills in the monastery
archives, S. Owen remains very present to
the people around her.
Her creativity, which has seen her
articles published in local newspapers
and magazines, and insightful authorship
of books on parish and family histories,
flows today in producing articles for the
monastic community and local radio
meditations.
Friends, family and community
members will attest to S. Owen’s care for
others through remembering them with
cards, treats and visits on those special
days and times when that presence is
most appreciated.
Together, we celebrate God’s gift of
these 60 years of God’s faithfulness to
S. Owen and her gracious response to
that love.
From teaching, S. Rita moved into
pastoral ministry in the Befriender and
Stephen Ministry and clinical pastoral
education; these prepared her for
work in chaplaincy and pastoral care
in parishes. Her most rewarding
experience was her role in empowering
others to minister to the sick and the
poor and families preparing for a death.
S. Rita is known for her sharing and
giving. Look at her hobbies—baking,
making pickles, crocheting, sewing,
gardening—all opportunities to make
others happy. She’s also known for her
saving. Ask her for anything—she’d
most likely have it and share it, be it
a screwdriver, a greeting card or an
article of clothing.
Hiking, biking, canoeing or crosscountry skiing, were special times in
S. Rita’s active life. Now retired at
Saint Scholastica Convent, the bike is
stationary and hiking consists of walking
to St. Benedict’s Senior Community or
strolling about the convent grounds.
Gardening is still in her bones as she
putters with potted plants.
S. Rita explains that each experience
in her life has been a unique step on
the journey of faith she began in a faithfilled family.
Her first appointment, teaching
third grade at St. Paul’s School, St.
Cloud, didn’t quite fit. Four years later,
assigned to teach, be principal and
“maybe” janitor in Collegeville, Minn.,
she unexpectedly had a missionary
experience. Reporting to the prioress
that the school was dirty, she was
stunned to hear: “You asked to be a
missionary!”
However, her six years there
were a blessing. She lived first with
Sisters working in the Saint John’s
Abbey infirmary, befriending a young
monk who was dying. She then lived
with a group of Mexican Sisters who
worked in the Abbey kitchen. These
experiences taught her compassion and
about relating to people from different
backgrounds. She continued learning
at her next mission in the Bahamas,
a time “full of wonderful experiences
and insights.”
Returning was difficult, but S.
Theresa adapted to her situation. She
served as coordinator of St. Raphael’s
Retirement Home for eight years and
religious education coordinator in
Hampton and Cannon Falls. In 2006,
she was missioned to Red Lake, serving
the Native American community; she
enjoyed running the mission store.
In 2009, S. Theresa returned to the
monastery. She works in environmental
services and gardening and connects
with students regularly. Both Sisters and
students are blessed to benefit from her
caring heart nurtured through the years.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
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In Loving Memory
Johanna (Lucille) Becker, OSB
December 17, 1921 – September 22, 2012
Olivia Forster, OSB
Marie (Alphonsetta) Brang, OSB
Renée Domeier, OSB
Sister Marie Brang loves to tell stories. About her birthday, she
says: “I was born on the French national holiday, July 14, 1917.
While France celebrated the fall of the famous Bastille, I was
born in Meire Grove, Minn., and baptized Mary Catherine.” As a
child, she was in choirs, talent shows, anywhere she could watch
the Benedictine Sisters who taught her. She watched the Sisters
pray, care for the altar, drop the veil down over their faces when
returning from Communion. So when her mother asked if she’d
like to go to Saint Benedict’s, she responded wholeheartedly.
“Although I cried all the way to my new home, I saw the
postulants having fun and I decided: This is the life. I will like it!”
Sister Marie Brang was honored with the
JCPenney Golden Rule Award for her work in
the community
As a young Sister, S. Marie did substitute teaching, which she loved and never wanted to leave at the end of the assignment.
“Besides the Sisters doted on me and fed me white sugar cookies.”
She laughingly tells of students who called her “Elephantsetta” or simply “Alfie,” either because they couldn’t pronounce her
given name, Alphonsetta , or more likely because they knew she loved them and could take their teasing. However, when Mother
Rosamond sent her to Luxemburg to teach the sixth, seventh and eighth grades and be principal, she protested: “Mother, I have no
idea what principals do!” M. Rosamond insisted: “You must go; the Holy Spirit will help you.” Later she quipped: “That was the best
experience—five-and-a-half good years!”
S. Marie has left an impressive legacy. Besides teaching grade and high school, she worked in the registrar’s office at the College
of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, initiated the FAST program at the College (Fundamental Accelerated Skills Training),
and prepared herself to teach reading through the Laubach Literacy Program. Many adult students thank her for helping them read
a recipe for the first time, a doctor’s report , a letter or book! Later in life, S. Marie learned how to gather herbs, dry them, and make
sachets, bouquets, cards, teas, herbal butter and breads. Longevity is in her bones. She is our 75th jubilarian!
Hokkaido Homecoming
by Tom Haeg
A botanist once observed a tragedy in nature: the flower’s inability
to know the seed. At the age of 88, Sister Olivia Forster recently
returned for a fortnight’s visit to Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan, to
witness the seeds she planted there almost 40 years ago.
She and her companion, Sister Colleen Haggerty, visited the
Japanese high school, Kaisei Gakuin, founded by Sisters from
Saint Benedict’s Monastery. S. Olivia served there as teacher and
principal for over 20 years.
During her visit to Hokkaido, S. Olivia was honored in several
ways. She was celebrated with a white-glove tree planting
ceremony on the school campus, a reception at City Hall by
the mayor of Muroran, pronouncing his city’s gratitude, and a
professional Japanese tea ceremony performed in her honor.
A stellar performance by Hokkaido’s ichiban opera singer, Mineko
Sugawara, wife of assistant principal, Toshiaki Sugawara, was
conducted on her behalf. In addition, S. Olivia was blessed with
many receptions by alums. Former principal, Mitsuo Takada, who
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
currently resides in
Kyoto, made a special
effort to meet her at
Narita Airport in Tokyo
upon both arrival and
departure.
S. Olivia’s Hokkaido
homecoming also
proved a wonderful
opportunity for
current students at
Kaisei to understand
and connect with
the history of their school—some of the parents of the current
students were S. Olivia’s pupils. Assuredly, our botanist will find no
disappointment in this very special homecoming.
Tom Haeg, with S. Olivia, graciously funded her visit. A fuller
account of the visit can be found on www.sbm.osb.org
When entering a room, Sister
Johanna seemed to fill it with her
graceful presence. One could
count on a conversation with
her to be stimulating. She had a
curious philosophy about tardiness
— couldn’t tolerate it, but saw
absolutely no need to be early — rather, be precisely on time.
An invaluable gift she left was an appreciation for the delights
of human life, and a courageous example of how to dignify its
boredom, suffering, and challenges by unfailingly keeping an
eye on its inexpressible beauty.
Remarkable intelligence, integrity of character and
immeasurable courage fired her unusual artistic talents and
created in her a figure almost larger than life. Yet, hers was a
humble gratitude for the countless and unusual opportunities
that came her way; she never hesitated in developing her
talents and sharing them generously with her community and
the world.
A professional to the core of her artistic being, the same is
true of her dedicated “religious” being. The path she chose on
entering Saint Benedict’s Monastery at age 29 was well worn
by years of joyful, faithful service. From this path she now
returns to God the beauty created in her, nurtured in her long
life on earth, and now brought to its final fruition in the light
of eternal joy.
Marlene (Marie) Guggenberger, OSB
December 26, 1918 – October 12, 2012
Karen Rose, OSB
From the days of her childhood in the
farm country between Cold Spring
and Richmond, Sister Marlene felt
God’s calling. In 1937, she responded
to that call when she entered Saint
Benedict’s Monastery.
For S. Marlene, work was a way to live out Benedictine
hospitality. Throughout her 75 years in the community, her
ready smile never failed as she filled a variety of positions
in food service: in the monastery kitchen, and as cook and
housekeeper for Sisters in parish convents, including two years
in Ogden, Utah.
A dedicated professional, after earning her food supervisor
management certificate, she spent 17 years as patient food
service supervisor at St. Cloud Hospital. In 1986, she moved
to Benedict Village as nutrition assistant. One of S. Marlene’s
greatest joys was that her work allowed her to serve people
at all ages and stages of life.
In 1998, S. Marlene officially retired, but continued
her ministry of hospitality at Saint Scholastica Convent
as receptionist, accompanying Sisters to doctors’
appointments, helping in the dining room and engaging
elderly Sisters in friendly conversations.
S. Marlene was a true Benedictine. She loved daily prayer,
the Eucharist and community celebrations. Her care for all
who crossed her path will remain a treasured memory in the
hearts of those whose lives she touched.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
21
In Loving Memory
Mary David (Felicia) Olheiser, OSB
January 13, 1918 – November 27, 2012
DeAnn Kautzmann, OblSB
Born in Dickinson, N.D., Sister Mary
David was the third of Rudolph
and Magdalena (Goetz) Olheiser’s
five children. She loved reading,
halvah, playing bridge, licorice chip
ice cream and conversation. She
would have loved being a perpetual
student—forever in the classroom absorbing information. She
relished being a monastic and at a very young age was certain
of becoming a Benedictine and a teacher.
By word and example, S. Mary David radiated
Benedictinism. Her hospitality was unquestionable. She shared
her God-given gifts, made evident by her roles within the
College of Saint Benedict and the St. Cloud Diocese. Justice, as
being paramount, permeated her being. She was driven and
did not tire physically or mentally. She was a no-nonsense,
Sister Ephrem Hollermann, left, and Sister Mary David
Olheiser, right
punctual person who took responsibilities and deadlines
seriously. Her entire life was spent actively “doing,” whether
in the classroom, speaking on marriage and annulments or
working with hermits. She always had much to say and was
eager to get it all out! She held to her principles and, if she saw
something as unjust, she spoke up. S. Mary David was eager,
energized and motivated. Her writings were peppered with
exclamation points!
To her delight, she is now reunited with her loved ones,
especially her dad, and enjoys the everlasting love of God.
by Roberta Werner, OSB
Lucille (Julia) Lawrence, OSB
Saint Benedict’s Monastery’s First-Class Postal Staff: Sister Dorothy Noll and
Sister Myrtle Schmitz
December 23, 1926 – December 21, 2012
Roberta Werner, OSB
Sister Lucille Lawrence was born in
St. Paul, Minn., the first of Francis
and Margaret (Ryan) Lawrence’s
four children. She came to Saint
Benedict’s Monastery as a teenager,
graduated from Saint Benedict’s High
School, and soon entered the monastery, making her perpetual
monastic profession on July 11, 1951.
During her 16 years of teaching grade school, S. Lucille
served at Sauk Rapids; St. Joseph Lab School; Pearl Lake; and
St. Paul’s School in St. Cloud. S. Lucille loved teaching in the
classroom and in other roles such as Adult CCD Coordinator
in Sauk Rapids and Religious Education Coordinator in both
Richmond and Albany, Minn. Some interim years found her
working in the Formation Program at the monastery, as
Retirement Coordinator at Saint Benedict’s Monastery and
Saint Scholastica Convent, and as Assistant Coordinator at
St. Raphael’s Convent in St. Cloud. After returning to Saint
22
Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Sister Myrtle, left, and Sister Dorothy, right
Sister Linda Kulzer, left, and Sister Lucille Lawrence, right
Benedict’s, she performed a variety of duties with customary,
quiet faithfulness, including teaching in the summer religion
program for 10 years. She spoke of her religion teaching as
sharing the goodness of God and a way to experience God’s
grace.
S. Lucille had a gentle, sensitive heart. Faithful to her
monastic calling, she selflessly used her gifts in whatever
capacity her community required.
Sister Mary Roger Andert died on Friday, January 25, 2013.
A full remembrance will be included in our next issue.
In 1977, Sister Dorothy Noll
was called to Saint Benedict’s
Monastery to be its postal
director. She had been a nurse’s aide for several years, then
did housekeeping and a variety of other tasks at St. Cloud
Cathedral Convent. In her 36 years of monastery postal service,
S. Dorothy has moved with the monastery post office three
times—twice to different areas in the Main Building, and
then to Rosamond where the postal area still remains. When
S. Dorothy began her service in 1977, a first class letter stamp
was 15 cents and postcards were 10 cents each.
from the monastery to the College of Saint Benedict, Saint John’s
University and Abbey and Saint Scholastica Convent.
Sister Myrtle Schmitz originally moved from teaching into
secretarial work for the monastery leadership team. As part
of the secretarial staff, she took her turn rotating in postal work
from about 1975 on. Starting in 2007, Sister Myrtle began working
in our post office every afternoon, from Monday through Friday.
In the mornings, she helps prepare the mailings in the secretarial
office, and is also involved in the intercampus/off-campus mail
Sisters Dorothy and Myrtle are a real treasure to the
community. They are conscientious, well-organized, superaccommodating and kind. We appreciate their dedicated service
and recommend that the United States Postal Service and the
St. Joseph Post Office give them a medal of honor!
S. Dorothy greatly enjoys her job, her cohorts and
volunteers. She and her co-workers have many a laugh
together. She finds no real difficulties in her job, although
things can get interesting. When she recently received a letter
addressed: “To the Boss,” she routed it to Prioress Michaela
Hedican. It is also a bit challenging when people address Sisters
by their baptismal rather than religious name.
S. Myrtle enjoys doing this ministry. She likes seeing the
Sisters receive their mail and appreciates the good relationship
with the college and city.
Both Sisters describe their duties as: collecting, sorting
and delivering letters and packages; making sure the letters
and boxes have the correct postage, correct city, state and
zip code and are properly sealed. They confirm national and
international postage rates according to weight, and can
provide labels that insure, certify and give express mail
service. The Sisters also sell postage stamps, which fill an
immediate need for those Sisters who cannot get to the city
post office. Each Sister at the monastery has her own postal box;
off-campus Sisters are assigned a special shelf space.
Departmental mail boxes permit convenient transfer of mail
to specific monastery locations as well as to Saint Scholastica
Convent and the colleges.
Winter 2013 I www.sbm.osb.org
23
Office of Development and Communications
104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
Telephone: 320-363-7100 • www.sbm.osb.org
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President Obama’s recent reauthorization of the IRA (Individual Retirement Account)
Charitable Rollover provision is good news for taxpayers aged 70½ or more:
 Transfer money direct from your IRA or Roth IRA to your favorite charity
 No tax on gifts made directly from your IRA to the charity
 Make a gift of any size up to $100,000
 Applies to all gifts made during 2013
Please consider making a donation to the Saint
Scholastica Building Addition.
For more information, contact:
Gen Maiers, OSB
(320) - 363 -7183
gmaiers@csbsju.edu
www.sbm.osb.org