The Benedictine Sisters

     The feast of Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict, the monk, the father of Western monasticism and patron of Europe, is celebrated today.  She and Benedict were of one mind and heart in their love of the Lord and their commitment to each other.  On this, her feast, we pray for all of the women religious who follow the Rule of Benedict in the spirit and charism of Scolastica.

     In my life, I have come to know two groups of Benedictine Sisters.  The first are the Benedictine Sisters that cooked for the Saint Vincent Community in Latrobe during my high school years (now taken over by a food service).  Originally from Germany, the Sisters now have a retreat center, book store and gift shop, bed and breakfast and of course their monastery at Saint Emma in Greensburg, under the leadership of Mother Mary Ann Knoll.  The second are the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh who helped at both the school and the parish ministries at Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale.  I have been to their monastery in Pittsburgh and experienced their gracious hospitality.  I have been blest in knowing these women of Faith.

    HAPPY FEAST OF SAINT SCHOLASTICA!