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Inviting, invigorating, informative and inspiring only begin to describe the Centennial General Chapter of the Federation of St. Scholastica at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas (June 15 - 19, 2022). This General Chapter’s theme was Benedictine Life: A Vision Unfolding. Each community in the 17-member monasteries sends their Prioress and elected delegates. Sr. Mariette Therese, Prioress and Sisters Dorothy and Philomena represented St. Walburga Monastery.
Sisters came from Mexico and California, as well as many other states. There was great exhilaration and joy as Sisters came together. Seasoned Chapter members welcomed the first timers. The days began with openness, purpose, promise and expectation. At the Opening Ritual, we were blessed and commissionedIn the following days presentations were given on Radical Hospitality of the Heart: El Camino de La Portera.The Presenters were:- Sr. Judith Sutera on St. Benedict’s unique interpretation of hospitality highlighting Chapter 66 on The Porter of the Monastery and Chapter 53 on The Reception of Guests in the Rule.
- Sr. Maricarmen Bracamontes on the correlation of the Papal Encyclical Fratelli Tutti and Benedictine hospitality.
- Sr. Judith Hebel on the Legacy of her community in Lisle, Illinois
Sisters shared insights, yearnings, concerns as well as looking at future possibilities. Listening to one another resulted in life-giving discussions. Directional Statements flowed from the work the Chapter had discerned as the most important going forward. The delegates re-elected Lynn McKenzie, President, for a third term; she and her elected Council have the direction to assist the monasteries in the future.
The delegates voted to rename the Federation of St. Scholastica the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica which acknowledges its juridic reality.The beautiful liturgies and the outstanding hospitality of the Sisters in Atchison enhanced everyone’s joyous spirit each day.
A Centennial exhibit, “Because of Their Time”, highlighted the individuals and movements that shaped the past 100 years. Audio and video clips enriched the exhibit experience. Photos of all the Sisters who have ever served as a Chapter delegate since 1922 were displayed on banners.
In every celebration there is a new beginning. Just as God inspired all those courageous, risk-taking, faith-filled and loving women of the past, so too, the unfolding of the vision continues in the Benedictine women of today and tomorrow!