The Christmas Season Continues: A Christmas Memory

Greetings,

The recent Yankton Benedictines newsletter shared stories from our Sisters' Christmases past...

Sr. Wilma remembers that Christmases were much simpler in those days as she lived through the end of the Depression during WWII and professed monastic poverty. Christmas was celebrated with a nice meal, extra fruit, and candy. The novices would draw names and make a little gift for that sister. When Sr. Wilma was out "on mission," that is, teaching in a parochial school away from Yankton, the Sisters usually stayed there during Christmas vacation. The parents of their students would bring the sisters practical gifts - like a farmer who brought them a nice ham. The Sisters might also draw names and make gifts for one another.

Benedictine Study

Greetings,

As the new year approaches, we begin to consider our lives.  Resolutions are considered and chosen to help us grow, to improve our lives in one way or another.

This new year, resolve to grow in understanding of the Order of Saint Benedict.  Benedictine Men and Women of Courage: Roots and History would be a wonderful way to learn about the development of the Benedictine Order from the earliest centuries to today.

Our Sister Ann Kessler has revised her text which helps readers "explore fifteen centuries of intrigue, controversy, commitment and inspiration...This fast-paced book surveys the vast landscape of saints, scholars, mystics, and reformers whose impact continues to offer insight not only into the past, but into the future" (Lean Scholar Press).

Brother Benet Tvedten, OSB commented that her text is "An appealing and unique history of the Order of St. Benedict becuase it is an account of both male and female Benedictines. Sister Ann Kessler tells the whole story and she does it very well."  You can read what Brother Benet and others have seen in the story of courage at Lean Scholars Press.

Curious about this fifteen-hundred-year story?  Lean Scholar Press offers an overview of the contents of the text.

Blessings and Happy Studying!

Christmas Day at the Monastery

Greetings,

On this Christmas Day, we offer you our prayers and blessings and invite you to take a 'virtual tour' of our monastery chapel decorated for the Christmas celebrations.  The poinsettias and greenery remind us the celebrating begins on Christmas Eve and continues through the Baptism of Our Lord.

A Christmas Blessing and Call to Prayer

Greetings,

This morning Pope Francis proclaimed his Christmas Message and Urbi et Orbi blessing to thousands of pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square.  It carries an important message of our brothers and sisters in need of our love and prayer...

T'was the day before Christmas Eve...

Greetings,

Following our monastic tradition, the sisters don't begin to decorate for Christmas in their personal spaces and common rooms until after the "O Antiphons" have begun.  However, we don't decorate the refectory, Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, or main hallways until the day before Christmas Eve. The flurry of work is made light (and a bit fun) with many helpful hands...

Wondering how it could all be done in one afternoon?  CLICK HERE!

Christmas Eve Blessings to you,

O Emmanuel

The banner was designed by

the Benedictine Sisters

of Turvey Abbey and

sold by McCrimmons.

O Antiphon...

O Emmanuel,
our holy King
and giver of the Law,
the expectation of the nations,
their longed for
Redeemer and Savior:
O come, come soon to save us,
our Lord GOD-WITH-US!

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel"

(Isaiah 7: 14).

"Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us." (Matthew 1: 18-23)

O King of Nations

The banner was designed by

the Benedictine Sisters

of Turvey Abbey and

sold by McCrimmons.

O Antiphon...
O King of Nations,
you for whom
all lands are longing,
you are the holy cornerstone
who binds together
all God's people:
O come, come and save humankind whom you formed
from the dust of the earth.

"Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver" (Isaiah 28: 16).

"Open the gates of righteousness; I will enter and thank the LORD. This is the LORD’s own gate, through it the righteous enter. I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior.  

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. LORD, grant salvation! LORD, grant good fortune!"
 (Psalms 118: 19-25)