About: Mary Elizabeth Ilg

Mary has a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. In 2021, she became an Oblate of St. Paul's Monastery and also joined the Benedictine Center staff. She writes: It is an honor to begin a new position as Co-Director/ Office Manager of the Benedictine Center as we re-open our doors to the sacred threshold of the Monastery, after a long hiatus. I am grateful to work in such a peaceful setting, where faith and daily life intersect. The beautiful silence of contemplative prayer surrounds us here, and we are excited to share this space with you again. I have been privileged to attend many retreats at the Benedictine Center, and we hope that the past programs we enjoyed will return in the near future. I have especially benefited from learning the practice of Centering Prayer during a retreat in 2019. This is one of many ways that guests can deepen their relationship with God and enrich their spiritual lives profoundly. I pray that all who enter here to find a respite from the noise and chaos of the world will come to know the peace which passes all understanding. I look forward to serving the Sisters of Saint Paul’s Monastery as they continue their outreach of bringing Benedictine spirituality to the Twin Cities, and with the charism of hospitality, welcoming all guests as Christ.