“Christmas JOY” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

I was only half listening to the radio when I heard the announcement “Christmas Stocking”. Then I realized shockingly that it was play, book or movement called “Christmas Stopping” The idea of a psychologist is to stop Christmas as a holiday and thus end the holiday depression of those who yearly have unmet expectations re: gifts, family obligations, etc. After I finally tuned in to the commercial, I noted there was no mention of the real reason for Christmas, nor of the good times the holiday prompts of gathering together, celebrating and giving the gift of love and friendship.
What we may all well need isn’t the stopping of Christmas, but the deepened realization of the fact that Jesus is the reason for the season. God cared enough to send the very best–Jesus. Like him we each need to reach out, join in, celebrate faith, family, friendship, and to delight in where we are–simple as our setting may be. (Jesus came in a stable to poor shepherds.)

Christmas isn’t about shopping. Love and presence are the best gifts of all. Focus more on Jesus and others and less on yourself. That is the formula for JOY: Think first of Jesus, others and then yourself. Do this and you may discover that every day can be like Christmas–a celebration of God’s love!

Hearing that radio spot and reflecting on it made me remember St. Benedict’s “Seek God and prefer nothing to Christ” That surely is the opposite of the theme of stopping Christmas.

If you’d like to hear more of Benedict’s wisdom contact us about ways to be part of the “School of the Lord’s Service”

Benedictine Sisters
Holy Name Monastery
Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
Phone: 352 588-8320

Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

Prayerful best wishes to all for a JOY-filled Christmas & Blessings for a healthy, happy New Year!

“Ordinary People + Extra-ordinary Love” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

       “Have you ever thought of being a Sister?” I asked. She was 30 something, single; she cared about peace/justice issues, and was active in her parish’s Food Pantry–in fact she told me, her parish ministries were more important to her than her career. She sat quietly for a moment. “I’m not good enough,” she responded hesitantly.” If you were perfect,” I teased, “you wouldn’t fit in a religious community! We Benedictine Sisters are just ordinary people, doing ordinary things, but with extra-ordinary love. Listen with your heart to how God may be calling you. Come and see.” “Thanks,” she said sincerely. “I’ll think about it, and I’ll pray,” she added.

That conversation happened years ago but I am more convinced than ever that our life style as Benedictines has values that our world so needs today.

What are these values alive in us –our charism–that we share with others? I’ll highlight three:

Community: We live a common life together–striving to see Christ in the other, to be Christ, calling forth the best in the other.

Prayer: Eucharist is central to our life together. We pray Liturgy of the Hours together at least 3 times a day. Our private prayer is scriptural. We read and meditate on Scripture daily; this “lectio divina” guides and strengthens our hearts.

Work: Our life is a balance of prayer and work. Our prayer overflows in works of service. We minister to each other and to God’s people. Our Mission and Corporate Commitment Statements say it well:

We, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, have as our purpose to seek God in community

through the monastic way of life and to enable all people in our realm of influence to develop their fullest human and spiritual potential.

We accomplish our mission by sharing our human and material resources and our monastic values of community and liturgical worship through works of mercy, education, hospitality and stewardship. Mission Statement

We, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, commit ourselves and our resources, to respond with the compassion of Christ to the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social hungers of the people of God. Corporate Commitment Statement

Our Community life and prayer are central to the Benedictine life; from them flow our ministries. We are ordinary people doing what we do with extra-ordinary love. What ever we do– spiritual director, social worker, hospitality minister, community prioress or treasurer...we do with Christ’s love and for Christ’s sake as a response to God’s loving call to us. Living together and praying together strengthens our commitment to our call from God.

Have you ever thought about being a Sister? Listen with your heart to how God may be calling you. Come and see. Think about it, and pray.

Check our webpage: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

“Don’t Miss A Real Life” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

A College 101 class was getting a tour of our Monastery; a guy asked, "Don't you miss a Real life, Sister?" Other students laughed but maybe they had the same question.

I guess there are those who think the life of a Sister is quiet, lonely, boring. They don't know us or that the Monastic Community is a place of much activity. Despite what students may think; I don't just sit and wait for them to call, email or text me.

Sisters at our Monastery in St. Leo, FL work at the University, and the local food bank/thrift shop. They work in education and hospitality; one is even a para legal. You'll find Sisters working in the kitchen and garden, quilting, composting... All working/contributing. All take turns serving table/washing dishes; no matter their status all work together, from the prioress to the postulant. All work is considered sacred, and every person important.

I told that college student I thought my life is the Real life. It is a regular life of prayer and work (note: prayer comes first) This life is based on love/belief, on God. This life is rich in relations and care, free to respond to what is important in life: God, nurturing faith, being a living witness to the possibility and desirability of Community and Peace. Sharing, caring, serving, celebrating...(did I mention the good food and fun?)

Want a taste of the Real life? Visit the Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery visit for a day or stay a life time. It is a very Real life!

As the prophet Micah says: "This is what God asks doing justice, loving tenderly, walking humbly with our God" All that makes for a Real life.

For further information: Benedictine Sisters of Florida

Holy Name Monastery
Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574

Phone: 352 588-8320

Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

“Would you like MORE?” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

If we’re honest we’re all probably seeking More–more money, friends, time, stuff... The problem is that the More we get the more we want. Nothing seems to fill that longing. Jesus sensed this in those fishermen he met on Galilee’s shore. “Come, walk with me. Follow me” he invited those disciples. Thy found matching steps with him a satisfying but different path. It meant suffering, challenge, hardship and difficulty, but at the same time it meant More joy, meaning and fulfillment than they’d ever dreamed.

When you, as a follower of Jesus, want to be More/do More, it may be a call to walk with Jesus in love–to be compassionate/concerned. This is a way of being More fully oneself–to share, to serve. Yes, love is a challenging way–whether one is single, married, a religious Sister or Brother, a deacon or priest.

Are you hearing a challenging call? Jesus asks, “What do you want?” If nothing seems to satisfy your deepest longing, Jesus offers the same invitation to disciples today, “Come, walk with me. Follow me. Be not afraid. I will be with you. You will know life in abundance”

Take it from me–it is the truth! I’ve been a Benedictine Sister for longer than some of you have been alive. I’ve had More friends, experiences, opportunities, More love...I’ve done More, become More my true self and grown More in love with Christ and his people every day.

Consider a religious vocation. The Church needs people who recognize their search for More as a call to follow Jesus.

Want to learn More? Check out our webpage  http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: 352 588-8320

“Living or Dead?” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

Years ago philosophers were saying, “God is dead!” Now when we read the newspapers or watch news while it happens, many could wonder whether God ever lived. We can lament the violence and lack of values or be concerned even with the lyrics of music youth are plugged into, but only lived faith will make God credible to this world.

Talk is cheap and saying “I believe” and then acting contrary to the Gospel gives a reason to some for not believing or being part of organized religion.

Only through us can God come near–we are the only heart, hands, feet and voice He has. Our lives may be the only Gospel some others ever read.

We need to focus on God and God’s way revealed to us in Jesus, our Way, Truth and Life. God will show us the way to open our hearts/minds to speak to others of God’s love. Our lives will tell what we believe, and sometimes we can use words.

We must be like St. Benedict, who in the trying times of turmoil and decadence of the 5th century, sought and found God in solitude, and prayer, and others in Community.

Are you ready to be a living sign of our faithful and compassionate God?

Join the Florida Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in prayer/community/ministry as a retreatant, Oblate, Volunteer or even a vowed member.

Seek God and focus on Jesus! It’s a choice!
For further information contact: Benedictine Sisters of Florida

Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574

Phone: (352) 588-8320

Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

“Like a Love Letter” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

When it comes to prayer---fast, loud and more is not better. We can be tempted to think we don’t have time for our prayers so out of duty get through them as quickly as possible. Surely if we want God to hear us we need to multiply our words and try to impress, right? Wrong.

I used to tell second graders to pray “with heart not just by heart”. They thought the latter meant saying rote prayers real loud. Some who come to the Monastery and join in our prayer have the same misconception. It is natural, I suppose, to want to read the psalmody of the Liturgy of the Hours like we might read the newspaper–quickly and without heart. Prayer in a Monastery is different; it is relaxed, deliberate and slow enough to let the meaning of the words touch our hearts so we can know and mean what we say. We don’t rush; we pause between lines and after the reading.

I’ve found a way to explain how we pray to our guests. “Pray the psalms like a love letter.” Even 6th grade girls visiting understood what that meant and prayed with us like they had done it for years.

If you want your prayer to be a pause that refreshes you, try praying the psalms like a love letter from God. Better yet visit the Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery and join us for prayer. Experience it for yourself. In the relaxed rhythm of word and quiet, come listen to the Scriptures like a love letter from God, which indeed they are.

For further information: Benedictine Sisters of Florida

Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574

Phone: (352) 588-8320
Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

“Are you Known for your Good Works?” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

Our chaplain was commenting on the gospel where rich put into the collection from their surplus, while the poor widow gave from her want the little she had. He confessed the collar and robes he wears is a challenging call to him to be authentic. “Too easily”, he noted, “we can let the collar and robes get us respect or advantage.”

St. Benedict would agree. In his 5th century Rule he tells his monks to wear clothing available in the area, that is not expensive, and that fits properly. He also says when they get new clothes to give the old to the poor.

The Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day wanted to look good. Jesus said that it is the heart and the actions that come from it that tell if we are really good. Yet people judge from appearances too often. We all do it.

We were all measuring ourselves against the words of the homily as it concluded, “The important thing is to be known for our good works not our collar or robes. The Sisters have made a good decision in dressing as they do and being known for their good works and not for how they dress.”

Are you known for your good works?
Do you want to partner with us?
You can share in our good works as Volunteer, Oblate, or vowed Sister.

Find out about our Good Works on our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Call: 352 588-8320

“Now is the Spirit’s Time–IF” by Sr. Mary David Hydo, OSB

I had a friend who, as a child thought the Holy Spirit a kind of Casper, the friendly Ghost. The Spirit is the sort of forgotten person of the Trinity. Yet the Spirit is the ever-present, in-dwelling of God. We use many names to try to understand–but like every person the Spirit is a Mystery–all we can do is keep learning/loving this Comforter.

“IF the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then God will also give life to your mortal bodies thru His Spirit living in you.” Rom. 8:11

This passage from the Letter to the Romans is a promise of eternal life-- in a time in some distant future. But the IF of the passage, “IF the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you...” helps us see it is also speaking of NOW.

The Spirit lives in us Now IF we give space/control to God,

If we Live by the Spirit –letting our self be led by Spirit
and; If we lead a life pleasing to God

Baptism was the beginning of our life in the Spirit. The Spirit makes us New–but we want everything done to our old standards. We must let go of our need to control time, and let the Holy Spirit make us New so we can Grow/Change.

We are called not to fear or slavery, but to Adoption–we can call God “Abba”-- Father–or a better translation, “Daddy” -that strong, tender, caring, protector who wants only our good and is willing to die for love of us.

Before the glory of the resurrection, however, comes the trials of discipleship; we must struggle to Grow:

to see the goodness of God in self, others, and situations;

to stand firm in our faith;

to not just be good, but to do good–to think in our daily life--WWJD?

What would Jesus do? Or not do?

IF we struggle and Grow through these trials of discipleship we are, Paul tells us, “heirs with Christ Provided (ie. IF) we suffer with him and so can also be glorified with him.” We can’t do anything without God’s help. It is the Holy Spirit who strengthens us, prays in us, Hopes in us, enriches us with His gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Goodness...

I’ve said it often to myself and to others “This life is not meant to last forever. We’re in Training for heaven and eternal life NOW” If we don’t practice Love, forgiveness, sharing/caring now, how will we ever do it later?

What do you need to Practice now so you’ll be ready to enjoy heaven/eternal life?

Ask the Holy Spirit to be your Trainer–to guide your discipline, to help you see with Jesus’ eyes, understand with humility, grow through struggle into a whole/holy person, and to bear fruit for the Kin.dom. (I use that term because I like it better than Kingdom. Kingdom reminds us we are in this together-- we are all God’s children, brothers and sisters to each other.)

Christ is the Vine, the Spirit is the Life in us, the branches.

The Spirit speaks through St. Benedict when he says, “IF we wish to reach eternal life...then while there is still time...we must run and do now what will profit us forever.”

~ Holy Rule Prologue 42-44

IF you want to grow with us, contact:
Sr. Mary David Hydro:

call (352) 588-8320 or check out our
website at: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

May the Spirit bless you! May you bear in abundance the fruits of the Spirit in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. Gal. 5:22f

“Religious Habits” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

She was a 40 year old woman discerning a call to religious life. In answering her request for information, I explained our charism and shared some history. Then I suggested she look at our webpage.
The next day came her reply: “Thanks but I am limiting my search for an order that wears a habit.”

When I was in the 6th grade, girls looked at the different habits nuns wore and picked a group to join in the future. However this is 2010 and she is 40!

I pray she has got other criteria for her choice. I have known 3 women recently who entered “communities” in existence a year or two; they wore habits. In all these cases a Diocesan Vicar for Religious or a Bishop has had to step in and demand connection to a canonically recognized group.

(This is an aside but–when asked about my Benedictine Community wearing a habit my answer is we follow the Rule of St. Benedict written in the 5 century that says “the clothing of the monk should be something obtainable in the area, not expensive and fits properly” and again it states “when the monk gets new clothing, he is to give his old to the poor” This time-tested Rule for an Order over 1500 years old seems to imply that the monks must have been dressing like the poor of the day.)

Clothing doesn’t make the man or woman; a habit doesn’t make a nun. Religious will be recognized for their seeking of God in a life of prayer and service, in counter-cultural values like simplicity, sharing, caring, a balanced life of prayer/work, welcoming others, making peace, building community and having concern for the common good. These are the “habits” that discerning woman needs to seek in herself and in any group she might aspire to join. If these “habits” fit, then maybe she (or you) are hearing a call to enter a religious community and be-come a Sister.

Benedictine Sisters of Florida
 http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

or call (352) 588-8320

"Life in Focus" by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

As a child I remember the sugar doughnuts Mom bought; I think they were called Monk Doughnuts. I still recall the quote on the side of the box:

Whatever you do, wherever you go, Brother,
keep your eye on the doughnut and not upon the hole.
It was a catchy ditty, but I didn’t understand it until I grew up.

In a class recently I held up a sheet of paper with a black dot in the center and asked a group of women what they saw. “A black dot” came the answer. “What else?” I questioned. All remained silent. I explained, “You’ve focused on the mark and completely missed the sheet of paper!”

Too often we focus on the disappointment, trial or hurt and forget the life full of blessings God lavishes on us.

Jesus wishes us to have “abundant life” but we must see/accept the gifts offered. Is your cup half full or half empty? “Your attitude determines your altitude,” another teacher once said. If we focus on the Lord and God’s blessings, we’ll see them multiply. They are there all the while but we may not see and so miss them. When we count our blessings and cultivate gratitude our eyesight improves and we see God’s gifts and God’s presence everywhere. “Seek God!” says St. Benedict in his Rule. Every thing, every person and event is a stepping stone to God.

Focus on Christ, his love/blessings. Even adversity has its blessing–as Joan Chittister, OSB, challenges, “What’s right with what’s wrong?” A trial may show us what is really important, deepen our strength and faith in God or help put things in perspective. So praise God for your blessings–it will make your life more satisfying than reviewing your complaints.

Keep your eyes on Jesus; keep your life in focus. Whatever you do–“keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.”


Benedictine Sisters of Florida:
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or call: (352) 588-8320

Needed: Carriers of HOPE by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love!” —it’s an old song and still quite true, but it seems to me also that what the world needs now is Hope.
“Our hope is in God who loved us and sent his Son to redeem us,” Pope Benedict XVI says in his encyclical, “Spe Salvi” God is ultimately the foundation of our hope and the One who can be trusted to keep his promises.

Christians must be persons of Hope, carriers of Hope. It is too easy to look at the war, violence, hunger, poverty and disease in our world and to want to give up in despair–or treat it like some do global warming–something that doesn’t exist, or if it does, to explain that these conditions are just cycles we pass through.

Signs of distress do exist: hunger/famine, the AIDS pandemic, lack of education and health care, homelessness, racism, senseless violence, abuse, severe poverty, the cost of war–in lives and dollars... We cannot deny that they are all around us if we open our eyes.

In our society, we find many today seeking material prosperity through consumerism or self-aggrandizement. At the same time, however we see others who are seeking “meaning” in their lives by turning or returning to religion/spirituality for an inner life and a connection to God. We need to see this spiritual hunger as a sign of Hope.

We each can be a sign of Hope by living our faith and welcoming the seekers. (St. Benedict says in his Rule that we are all seekers, beginners and learners on the Christian path.)

Here are some ways I think each of us can seek to be a sign of Hope:

*Counter the difficulties, disunity and injustice of our time with a positive attitude & good actions

*Pray instead of getting discouraged or worrying

*Do something to solve a problem –don’t complain about it

*Love people and use things (Note. not love things and use people)

It is through our words, and especially our actions, that we will be carriers of Hope. What we say and do infects and affects others’ words and actions for better or worse.

People of prayer are persons of Hope. Prayer nourishes and makes grow the seeds of Hope God has planted within us. In our difficult times there is a special need for prayer and finding our strength, our Hope in God.

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in Hope” Rom. 15:13

In the course of history and to the present, many have become witnesses to the importance of prayer by giving themselves wholly to the praise of God and the life of prayer/service in monasteries. If you feel called to give prayer first place and to seek a renewal of your spiritual life, visit Holy Name Monastery, St. Leo, FL– become a carrier of Hope. Come for a few days or a lifetime.

See http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ for varied ways to share Benedictine life: Retreatant, Volunteer, Oblate, vowed Sister

”What Is Your Hunger?" by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

We recently had a cherished Sister die. Sr. Germaine had battled cancer for 9 months. She had formerly been our prioress. A memory that came to me was something that happened over 10 years ago. I was meeting with the prioress, Sr. Germaine, she asked me, “What is your hunger?” The question took me aback. (I learned later that she asked everyone who came into her office the question. More than once I was asked.)

We had just accepted a Corporate Commitment:

"We the Benedictine Sisters of Florida commitment ourselves and our resources to respond with the compassion of Christ to the physical, spiritual, emotional and social hungers of the people of God”.

Sr. Germaine knew somehow that knowing one’s own hunger was important. Trying to meet that hunger would in turn help feed the hungers of others. For example when I hungered for community and took quality time to relate to my Sisters I was feeding their hunger for community, too. Seeking to meet my hunger for prayer, silence, and solitude, gave space and encouragement to others to do the same.

“What do you hunger for?” I had to admit it was a good question with no pat answer. I asked and answered the question over and over through the years.

Our stomachs may be full, but we can starve ourselves spiritually by not feeding ourselves what is necessary for a healthy relationship to God, who is our Ultimate hunger.

What do You hunger for–Prayer? Community? Truth? Justice? Peace?

Maybe you need to meet the Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL– we have these same hungers and they have led us to ministries of direct assistance to the poor, spiritual direction, retreat/hospitality, education, and peace/justice.

We’ve been in Florida since 1889. We help our oblates, volunteers and women interested in vowed membership to answer the question, “What is Your hunger?” May we help you?

Visit our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ or  Call: 352 588-8320

“Be Good News” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

There isn’t a lot of good news around these days. There are many opportunities to be good news, but few take advantage of or choose them.

Jesus told a similar story (Lk. 14:15ff) Those invited were too busy with possessions, jobs, or setting themselves before God, to respond.

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida try to be good news. We believe a life of prayer and service can make the world a better place and build the Kin.dom of God. We pray together 3-4 times a day, and we share our gifts and serve in varied ways: musician, receptionist, principal, school counselor, spiritual director, hospitality and retreat director, paralegal, driver, liturgist, archivist, and director of Daystar, the local food bank and thrift store...

We choose to Seek God and respond to God’s invitation to bring good news, to Be Good News to others.

Will you be good news? Will you set God first in your life? before anyone or anything? before awards, achievements, possessions?

Can we help you RSVP?

Contact us about a way to share in the Benedictine legacy of Seeking God and Being Good News as Volunteer, Oblate or vowed member.

Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Call: 352 588-8320

“Giving Up or Giving?” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

It was a weekend for teens at the Monastery–to let them “Share Life” with the Sisters and get an inside-the-convent experience. At the last wrap-up session, there was a comment I’ve not forgotten even though it was 20 years ago. Ellen, a student at a parish where we served said, “I always thought the life of a Sister was about giving up, but that is not true!” I waited wondering what would follow. She said, “A Sister’s life ’s not about giving up, it’s about giving!” I was pleased with her insight.

The society tells us life is more about what we have, or do, or who we know, than who we Are. We think happiness is a Buy-product. We make grumbling a hobby as we look at what others have or do... The fact is our Christian faith life is not a spectator sport. Faith is to be Practiced.

To follow Christ has a cost–we’re to give up everything, let Christ and his will be #1 in our lives ie. Give up our self-will and anything that hinders us from full discipleship. Those things are not always “things” Sometimes they are positions, attitudes, relations, prejudices, additions...

Ellen was right; religious life is more about giving than giving up. The Rule of St. Benedict says “prefer nothing to the love of Christ”and again “prefer nothing to the Work of God” Christ must be #1 in our lives; He is the Intimate Friend, the Faithful Companion. Jesus is the Reason! Not just for a season but for the whole of life. When there is a chance to pray, to do good–feed, shelter, educate, heal, comfort, build community, bring peace, share the Good News of the Gospel, we are impelled to give ourselves to it.

Paradoxically, like the Gospel that brings forth Light out of darkness and Life from death, all we give up for Christ’s sake we will get back 100 fold: families, friends, meaningful work for the Kin.dom, joy and peace, all we really need, contentment, wholeness, holiness and a growing awareness of, and trust in, God’s loving Presence.

Practicing our faith we grow stronger and better at it. We follow Christ with “hearts expanding with love; to follow/give become less a struggle and more a natural response of one who loves/is loved.

And You? Do you follow Christ? Most of the time? Sometimes? When it is convenient?

When do you let go self will? Most of the time? Sometimes? When it is convenient?

How will you practice your faith this week?

Consider how you might Share Life with the Benedictine Sisters of Florida as a Volunteer, Oblate, or Sister. Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ Ask about a chance for an inside-the-convent experience. Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: (352) 588-8320

"Fear of Commitment" by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

There is a subtle infection affecting society; like a bad cold it hangs on and reoccurs in large or small occasions. I mean a fear of commitment. Granted there aren’t too many models around. Generally folks quit, leave and/or blame others. However commitment is a choice for fidelity in “good times or bad”, a choice for faithfulness over a lifetime.


My Benedictine Sisters and I have chosen to risk commitment to Christ and seeking God together. God is a Sure thing! That doesn’t mean there won’t be uncertainty or that we will not be led to people and places that we’d rather not go, but we can be sure God is always with us. God loves all His children and never leaves us.

If you are ready to “let your way of acting be different from the world’s ways” as we are directed in the Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 4:20f, consider joining the Benedictines as a Sister, Oblate or Volunteer. As the father of a new recruit told her, “Give it a good try. God has given you everything–can’t you give him at least a year of your life?”

Get over the fear of commitment. Make a choice. Do it! You will see God’s awesome Presence with you, and in you.

Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: (352) 588-8320

“Counter-Cultural” or “Be Not Conformed to this Age” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

Recently I got to spend 5 hours in the surgical waiting room of a city hospital. It was an experience that made me relish the peace, silence and solitude of monastic life. It also told me more about today’s society. The room was crowded and noisy. The TV was on, adding to the tension and insecurity already there. One thing I observed, although trying hard to read and/or pray, was the violence in the afternoon “soaps”. Everyone was yelling at one another. The people in the show and the story were just like those gathered in the waiting room–ordinary families, and working people. How could those watching the yelling, judging, deception not be affected? The sad thing is so many of us feed our minds/spirits on TV like this, so that violent speech and behavior makes such negative actions more likely and acceptable.

My experience in that waiting room reminds me of a poster I have in my office:

“Speed makes for tension, surface living, insecurity–slow down!”

All these things can lead to negative feelings and behaviors in our personal lives, and in our national lives, to oppression, violence, and war.

Today’s society tells us we need More (but more is not better!)

Today’s society is Noisy (but we need quiet to Listen to others, our self, and God)

Today’s society is in a Rush (but “Speed makes for tension, surface living, insecurity”)

As a Benedictine I am learning the wisdom of our motto: Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work-- Note: Prayer comes first!)

In a balanced life of prayer and work we are counter-cultural. Stopping to pray on a daily basis is good for the body, the mind, and the spirit. We need to relax in the loving presence of God who alone satisfies our needs, who knows and understand us, and who guides us with the Spirit of Wisdom.

How counter-cultural are you? St. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your minds.” Rom. 12:2f If your values seem to be counter-cultural, or you wish they were, contact me about a way to share in the Benedictine legacy as Volunteer, Oblate or vowed member.

Check our webpage: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: (352) 588-8320

“A Gift for God” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

   The holiday season, that begins after Thanksgiving (or Halloween) and stretches to Epiphany, can be a very hectic time–with too much rushing, shopping, partying, clutter and chatter. Indeed, too many things are done out of duty and too few with quiet, gentle love.

The simple story of the humble birth of Christ calls us, instead, to STOP–turn off the TV, radio, cell phone-- and contemplate God’s lavish love. When we do, we are overcome with awe at the Joy, Peace and Love of that holy night. We know we have no gift or love to equal God’s. All we have to give is our self. That’s the only gift God really wants or needs from us. Here’s a hint of a help: don’t let all the technological “chatter” drown out your spiritual life; take some quality time each day to pray. Make a date with Jesus, 15 minutes or a half hour just for being with Him.

We can also celebrate the Holy Child by caring for his kin: the lonely elder, widow, teen or child, the poor and hungry next door or around the world.

Why not start the New Year with cleaning the garage, a closet or a drawer and giving to a Thrift Shop? Or you could take the time to really listen to another, to your own heart, and to the Child in the crib.

In 2010, daily, offer yourself, your day, work, words and thoughts to God. In doing these things you will find Christ present with you, and others will find Christ present in you, too.

The Word became flesh in Jesus. He gave himself completely for love of each of us.

How will you give yourself to God?

If you’d like more ideas or support consider the different ways you can share the life of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida: Oblate, Volunteer, or vowed member.

Ask about a chance for a visit with us.
Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ or
 call: (352) 588-8320

“Christmas Peace” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

What do those Benedictine Sisters do? Here’s one answer– We have quite an active peace/justice committee: we pray for peace, work for peace by lobbying our legislators, try “to respond with the compassion of Christ” as our Corporate Commitment says, to human “hungers” –we feed the poor, teach, encourage, welcome...

As part of a nonviolent, loving community we live in peace together. This in itself is a witness to our fearful, violent, individualistic society of another way.

We know Peace is one of those human hungers that the world is in great need of today.

Since the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq, it is almost 2 years now, several of us vigil out in front of the Monastery on Mondays with signs, “Pray for Peace”.

On a chilly, late December afternoon, standing on the street as hundreds of cars passed, I thought of Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem and the cold they endured. It was only 50' here, but that is cold for Florida. I offered the briskness to God as I prayed for peace in the world and in the hearts of those passing by. I am certain we will never have peace in the world if we don’t have peace in our hearts. Many waved and honked; they seem encouraged by seeing our faithful reminder. This simple act of standing out and standing up for peace is prayer indeed. The waves and honks brought smiles to our faces and were returned with a wave that was truly a Benediction. Could they sense the prayer for peace we offered for them and all they hold in their hearts?

We call the Holy Child born in the stable in Bethlehem the Prince of Peace. We wish family and friends Christmas Peace. We are called by God to be people of peace. What does that mean for you?

For Christians who share the gifts God has given–every day can be Christmas–every day our prayer “Christmas Peace to you!”

Come Join the Benedictine Sisters–in our praying/working for Peace, in our Corporate Commitment actions. Share in the Benedictine spirit and community as an Oblate, Volunteer, or vowed Sister.

Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Call: (352) 588-8320

"The Choice Is Yours” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

The number of priests and Sisters is down. Why?

Times have changed from pre-Vatican ll days. The Church does not hold the same central place in a family’s social life today. Many youth are unchurched. Yet for the active/practicing Catholic, there are many more opportunities to serve in the Church than in years ago. Our society today offers many more temptations to materialism and individualism. Our busy lives can even keep God on “call waiting.”

I don’t think God is calling less persons to religious life today. You know what the Gospel says, “many are called but few are chosen”. When Jesus calls, people don’t always listen. Jesus is very respectful of our freedom, so he waits and wants us to make the choice to follow him. His is a daunting challenge. He wants all of us–no turning back if you choose to follow him. His is a call to holiness/wholeness, to really sharing his life by giving him All of yours.

He gives us the courage to follow him in the Eucharist and in community with Sisters. Will you dare to be open to the call? Can we help you listen and respond?

For further information check out
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

Vocation Article:"The Challenge" by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB

A Youth Minister recently told me how she felt compelled to ask a woman in her parish, “Have you ever thought of religious life?” The reaction was tears and the statement, “Yes! And your seeing the potential in me helps a lot. I’ll stop wondering and just
do it!”

A national survey reports that young adults say no one ever invited them to consider a religious vocation.

Well–I’m inviting you to think about a religious vocation! Will you take up the challenge? Ask the question? Encourage others? Jesus invites, “Come, follow Me.”

If you (or someone you know ) is a single, Catholic woman 20-50 years old, and is looking for a way to “Seek God” in Community (as the Rule of St. Benedict says) and to serve the Church through a life of Prayer and Ministry, check out the Benedictine Sisters of Florida  http://www.floridabenedictines.com/

For a Vocation Discernment Information contact:

Holy Name Monastery - St. Leo, FL (352) 588-8320

email: vocation@saintleo.edu