The Spirit is Very Much Alive!
Written by Travis Salisbury, OblSB
Last month witnessed the celebration of two Benedictine feast days: St. Frances of Rome, and the Transitus of St Benedict.
St. Frances of Rome is celebrated by the Church on March 9. She is the patron saint of oblates—in addition to being patron of widows and automobile drivers. St Paul’s Monastery joyfully celebrated its oblates on March 9. Over 150 women and men from many Christian traditions made oblation at the altar of the monastery over the years promising—as much as their state of life allows—to embody and live Benedictine values in their lives. During the pandemic, our Oblates have met monthly on Zoom for ongoing formation and recently started several prayer practice groups to grow in faith together as Oblates. The Spirit is very much alive in our Oblates.
The Transitus of St. Benedict is celebrated on March 21 each year and is one of two feasts that honor St Benedict on the Church’s calendar. It is a joyous feast honoring the death of our founder St Benedict. The voices of the Sisters, Associates, and guests filled the chapel with song during Evening Prayer as three of our four Benedictine Associates made their annual commitment at the altar. The Benedictine Associates are Catholic single women seeking God with the support of the monastic community while engaging in the ministries of St. Paul’s Monastery. Associates embody the baptismal call to holiness. The Spirit is very much alive in our Associates!
We celebrate St. Benedict with the Church on July 11. St. Paul’s Monastery will host the 2nd annual Benedictine Festival on Saturday, July 9 from 12:00-3:00pm on the Monastery grounds. This festival is a community event filled with food, fun, and community. The Sisters are excited to welcome you home to celebrate Benedict and to live deeply life in the Spirit with you at St. Paul’s Monastery.
St. Benedict: pray for us.
St Scholastica: pray for us.
All you holy women and men: pray for us.
Saint Benedict statue inside St. Paul's Monastery
