“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/