Conversion

Sister reading her Vows during her Monastic Profession

Today we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul. Conversion can come in different ways. 

Paul needed to be knocked off his high horse, what does God need to do to get us to convert and become closer to Him? 

We as Benedictine Nuns take a vow of conversion. This means that we vow to constantly change, so that we might be more like Christ. This isn't as easy as it sounds. There are days that we don't see how we are lacking in this virtue, so God reminds us in subtle ways, okay, some days not so subtle. I have to constantly ask my self God do you really want me to do or act in this way? I say a quick prayer and then do it. Sometimes the prayer is just HELP.... or really God.... and for the smaller things, an Hail Mary works just as well.

I often look back at my life and marvel at how God worked in the various area of my past so that I might be the Nun that I am today.

Take the time to stop and reflect on how God worked in your past that has made you who you are today.

The Benedictine Vows, Part III

Obedience is one of those words whose dictionary definition does not fully describe the dynamic that the vow expresses.  According to "Webster", obedience refers to being deferential to authority or submissive while obey means to accept or comply with. 

While the obvious expression of obedience is that given to the superior, obedience is also manifested in the mutual obedience shown to one another.  It is also expressed in being punctual for The Divine Office and community functions. 

Perhaps it is best expressed as "a listening as a return to God.  Though obedience requires effort at the beginning, it is still service for Christ...  On this way of obedience we 'go to God'[1]." 

In looking at stability and conversatio morum, one find obedience already intertwined with them both.  It is a needed and necessary element to bind that binds the three together and makes seeking God the aim and goal of the monastic's life in the monastery.

[1]Perspective on the Rule of St. Benedict by Aquinata Boeckmann.  Liturgical Press, Collegeville, 2005.  Page 123.

The Benedictine Vows, Part II

Conversion to a monastic manner of life (or conversatio morum) is somewhat to difficult to interpret, as it does not refer to one particular aspect as it does to a way of living, a way of loving.  (Poverty and chastity are part of this vow.)

As Benedictines, we strive to live a manner of life that has the Gospel as its guide as seen through the lens of the Holy Rule.  What does this mean?  We endeavor to see Christ in the superior, in our fellow community members, in the guest, and in the stranger.  St. Benedict in his Rule, gave us a list of various "tools" to help guide us in this endeavor, as well as directives about silence, humility, how to pray The Divine Office, taking counsel, caring for each other, caring for the property of the monastery, care of the infirm, the young and the old, receiving guests, and much more. 

In this vow we translate all this into our own life.  It is a constant turning toward God.  We, like everyone who lives on the face of the earth, always need to begin again.  Hence, conversion is not something static but rather something dynamic that we need to say "yes" to daily.  And yes, it requires a lot of death to self andself-will, and is a continual turning toward Christ to live in the fullness of His life.

The Benedictine Vows, Part I

Sr. Gaudentia's 78th profession anniversary is the inspiration and springboard for this three part series. 

Unlike the vows most people think of in regard to religious life (i.e., poverty, chastity and obedience), St. Benedict who wrote his Rule much earlier, identified the vows his monks should make as stability, conversion to a monastic manner of life and obedience. 

What is meant by the vow of stability?  It means that we make vows to this particular monastery -- our lives are spent here.  However, it has even deeper meanings. 

Stability also means to stand firm, to hold one's ground even in times of personal temptation and difficulties.  It is to persevere in this way of life, as understood and interpreted in this monastic community, under the guidance of the Holy Rule and the spiritual leadership of the Prioress. 

Simply put, it could also be translated:  Bloom where you're planted.