Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

monastic

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Leave a Comment

Are you a person of integrity? Can people take you at your word? If you can answer, I am, then folks know that your ‘Yes’ means ‘Yes,’ and our ‘No,’ means ‘No.’

Jesus makes it clear that our yes is enough to satisfy a binding requirement. It’s the same with a vow – a vow doesn’t need an oath. If we do not mean it, if we hold on to “except when” or “unless” or “until it’s not working or it doesn’t fulfill me – then I’m out of here’ – that’s perjury, a false oath.  We vow with “no strings attached.”

As vowed Benedictines what do we do to insure we are truly life-long learners – committed to a perpetual pursuit of growth in the monastic way of life?  What do we do to increase our familiarity with the Rule of Benedict?  How deeply do we delve into Scripture to realize new, fuller meaning of God’s Word?  What do I hear today that somehow I never heard before?

Do we strive to enlarge the understanding of our vows?  If instance, the application of our vow of obedience?  Has our observance of obedience matured beyond a childish fear of a parent finding out we took an extra cookie? Or a beginner’s strict adherence to every regulation to please the novice director?  Do I worry that the whole community is watching me that day and night?  What does obedience mean to us?  What is legitimate authority?  In a spirit of mutual obedience do we conscientiously seek input from each other?  Do I give a request serious consideration or was my “Yes, Sister” simply pro forma?  Do I give a half-hearted acquiescence to a request as merely a suggestion?  Or was that a call of the Spirit in my life to follow or not as I choose? How distressing it can be to have someone say “yes” –  pretend she’s going to obey – but then never perform the deed or show by her every comment to others and her body language that she detests the suggestion or group decision?

What if the group makes a decision I don’t like – do I have any obligation to follow it if I voted against it?    Here’s the authentic test question: how closely does our behavior mirror Benedict’s “deference to one another?”  To keep our “yes” a “yes” takes much prayer, honest introspection, willingness to open our hearts to new meanings and a spirit of grounded integrity.  Otherwise, our vows, a couple’s marriage bonds, are not worth the piece of paper they are written on.

This is where our vow of stability comes into play.  With our vow we are publicly professing responsibility to work on fidelity to our covenant with God and our commitment to one another.  That takes an awareness of what is going on inside of ourselves, and a responsibility for how we might be contributing to the building up or destruction of a bond into which we’ve entered.  Remember: if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

In this Gospel reading Jesus is talking about a lifetime pursuit of a way of living, in which our integrity isn’t just a matter of external conformity, but an internal way of life.  There’s that sticky vow of conversion of life.  This calls for strength and integrity, an inner discipline, an awareness of and acknowledgement of what makes us tick.  Our words should simply be our bond, and mean what we say.

When we say yes, you should speak it with enough conviction that there’s no doubt. When you say no, mean it.  If you sometimes say yes with your lips when your heart is thinking NO WAY!  People will pick up on that.  When in my heart I say NO, but my lips say yes…that’s deceit, it’s a lie.   My tongue speaks what my heart isn’t feeling. I’m lying to myself and to another person.  If I solemnly say “I promise I’m telling you the truth,” does that mean that sometimes I’m not telling the truth?

One of the angels in the Book of Revelation tells us: I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  But because you are neither, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! “

Ultimately our relationships with other people are inseparable from our relationship to God; and it is the love of God that binds all in all.  It is God’s love that teaches us about relatedness, about truth, about personal integrity.  Heed Jesus’ words: Let your YES be YES and your NO be NO!

 

From the archives of S Roberta Bailey, O.S.B.

Ideas gleaned from a variety of sources

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Sirach 15:15-20         Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Gospel:   Matthew 5:17-37
Continue Reading

Fifth Sunday of Easter

by Leave a Comment

Our Gospel reading is taken from the middle of the Last Supper discourse when Jesus speaks about his relationship with his disciples – with each of us.  He teaches about the importance of the words He has taught and how he will remain with his disciples, with us.  Jesus promises to remain in a vision rich in intimacy that is profound and personal.

He uses an example to which His followers can easily relate to – fruit of the vine ripening for harvest.  He knew the details of pruning and removal of non-fruit bearing branches, throwing out and burning withered branches.  The people had asked him before to speak literally and not be so subtle.  When He spoke about vineyards the people of Judea knew what he was talking about.  It was their cash crop, not like grain which were raised purely for consumption.

He could have chosen any number of crops. However, I am glad He was attracted to the vineyards.  I like the ring “I am the vine, you are the branches.”  Imagine if he had used figs or olives, melons or cucumbers – I am a tree, you are the fig, the olive, the melons. The metaphor of the vine and the vine dresser made me curious about hidden symbolism beyond the obvious fact that the twigs are connected to the blossoms; the blossoms to the branches and the branches; to the vine, the vine to the root.

Grapes are one of the most ancient crops known to humans.  The form to which the grape vines are trained is limited only by the grower’s imagination and the vines-in-training themselves.  They must be pliant enough to yield to the contour God is shaping.

Grapes are sold as rooted cuttings.  Care must be taken to ensure that the cuttings are planted right-side up. Growers are advised to plant the vines in clearly marked rows in a north-south orientation to capture the most sunlight.  When the weather is cooler up to 90% of new growth is removed and young vines are typically not permitted to bear fruit for the first three years.

The pruning process reminds me of what we do every Lent.  We monitor our spiritual life to remove unwanted growth, pull and discard weeds, and through our resolutions we water fledging efforts to be strong Christians – good community members – worthy disciples.  Preventive action offers the greatest benefit in controlling the spread of disease from vine to vine.  Visit the vines often, screen cuttings for good potential, prune as needed, dispose of dead and diseased parts, rake the soil, scout for insects.

So, what are the “Big Five” community fungal diseases?  The Benedictine Mark Scott (our retreat director in 2016) suggests the big sins for Benedictines are forgetfulness, murmuring, laziness, resentment and neglect.   These, he says, are the things that damage relationships, complicate things, create chaos, instill mistrust and generally disturb the peace.

How can we prevent or combat the monastic fungus?  Benedict gives us 72 tools for a holy life.  Surprisingly he does not start with prayer but with very basic tools that promote healthy relationships: love of God, self and your neighbor.  In Chapter 4 of the Rule you can see that Benedict was intent on his followers being transparent, peace-loving, self-controlled, humble and willing to grow and change.  And he says you don’t need to look beyond the walls of the monastery.  You will have plenty of opportunities in community to be shaped, pruned and coaxed, like the grape vines, upward into the sunlight, which is Christ, the divine vine-grower.

As we advance in the way of monastic life, we come to recognize more keenly the intimate, loving, shaping influence of God which is the heart and core of our commitment.  Like wild vines, we may stumble around reaching for false sources of sunlight, maybe even seeing only glittering reflections of light on the ground.  Too often we may trudge along with our heads down looking at where we have been rather than where the divine Vine Dresser is gently training our spirits to look upward – gracing us to see beyond our dreams.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 Have a pleasant week!

 

First Reading:   Acts 49:26-31         Second Reading:  1 John 3:24-28
Gospel:   John 15:1-8
Continue Reading

1st Sunday of Lent

by Leave a Comment

WHO LIVES HERE?

Imagine, please, if you will, there’s this young boy in Publix who’s wandered away from his mom.  He spies a pack of Oreo cookies with an unsealed edge.  You can almost see his wheels churning; the tip of his tongue trying not to lick his lips.  The nearby stock boy notices him eying the cookies and moves closer.  “What are you doing there?”  “Nothing.”  “It looks to me like you’re planning to steal a cookie or two.”  “No….  That’s just it, I’m trying not to.”

We all know that temptations can lead to trouble, sometimes even when we don’t give in.  Such was the plight of the man that I read about in Reader’s digest.  This man wrote that he was shopping in the mall with his wife when a shapely young woman is a short, form-fitting dress walked by.  He followed her with his eyes.  Without looking up from the item she was examining his wife asked, “Was it worth the trouble you are in?”

We know we can’t just shrug and say: “The devil made me do it!”  The devil can’t MAKE us do anything.  The devil may be clever, but not all powerful.  It may feel that way, however, when we’re dangling on temptation’s hook, because the devil has a tried and true strategy for luring us into the net.  First, lay out the bait like a fisherman luring a big fish.  Observe the prey’s habits and hangouts; drop a custom-made lure right in front of our noses.

If we don’t bite, then, comes the appeal.  What happens when we catch a glimpse, or hear a snatch, of tantalizing bait?  We’re drawn in, we linger over it, we toy with the idea, roll it over in our minds until it consumes our imagination.  We just HAVE to know what the gossip tidbit was that we only overheard part of.  Now the struggle really begins.  Our conscience jabs us in the ribs, the SOS flags go up and the red light begins blinking and warning sirens go off in our heads.  The invitation is so delightful!  What are we to do?

Notice how Luke ends his report in our gospel – the devil departs for a time.  We know Satan kept track of Jesus and returned to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The depth of Jesus’ trust in God is shown most fully when He rejects the temptations to turn away from His God-given mission.  Christ let Satan try all his evil forces, and defeated him on every angle until the devil got discouraged and left “for a time.”

Benedict knew about this, didn’t he?  Remember in chapter 43 he warns if the monastic comes late for chapel, even though ashamed, she should still come into chapel lest she be tempted to return to bed and sleep.  Or worse he says, “settle down outside on the bench outside the chapel and engage in idle talk, thereby giving occasion to the Evil One.  She should come inside the chapel so that she will not lose everything and may amend in the future.

Either we will resist temptation or we’ll yield, swim away or swallow the temptation whole.  When you give in, you know the feeling of emptiness and the pain that clings around your heart.  But, be alert when you do resist – be ready for the temptation to come full force from a different direction.  Somebody else will open the gossip trap asking if you know why so and so said such and such.  Or you know it’s prayer time, but you’ll just finish reading this one chapter.

When you feel good that you’ve resisted and you renew your resolve to be your best self, be ready.  It seems there are three general kinds of temptations that our adversary will use.  We may be caught off guard to notice new tempting wiles on the heels of a spiritual high point in our life.  Our halos may shine on Ash Wednesday; we curb every negative thought.  But that was on a day of silence and prayer.  What happens the next day?

You’ve probably noticed that temptation may come at a time of physical weakness due to illness or lack of sleep.  And, when we’re alone we are more susceptible to temptation.  Be prepared for a major attack.  Consider the rise in domestic violence during COVID shut-downs.  Remember, Jesus experienced the devil’s temptation following his 40-day fast alone in the desert; just after his baptism and the Father’s affirmation: “This is my beloved Son.”

The one thing common to all three of the temptations described in the Gospel is that Satan attempted to distract Jesus from his mission and to destroy his relationship with his Heavenly Father.  You may have to fight the battle more than once to win it.  Don’t give up!  There is truth in the story of what Martin Luther said when he was asked how he overcame the devil.  “When the devil comes knocking at the door of my heart, asking who lives here, Jesus comes to the door says: Martin Luther used to live here, but he has moved out.  Now I live here.”

 

~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 26:4-10     Second Reading:  Romans 10:8-13
Gospel:  Luke 4:1-13
Continue Reading

Seekers Week

by Leave a Comment

A Special Invitation – Seekers Week!

A place to just be

Are you discerning a vocational call to religious life?  Are you a single Catholic woman who is curious about the Benedictine way of seeking God.  We invite you to come spend time with the Sisters to learn about our life together.  Seekers Week at Holy Name Monastery is:  December 26, 2020 to January 1, 2021.

Time for Seekers is an opportunity to listen to God in the richness of prayer, liturgy, silence and Community in a monastic setting.  Sharing with others and a vocation director is also part of this special program.  If this sounds like something that could be the answer to your prayer, register with S. Mary Clare at 352-588-7188 or maryclareneu@gmail.com.

If the Seekers Week schedules are not convenient, please know that you are welcome to visit our community when you can arrange to be free of other commitments.  There will be opportunities to join the Sisters at daily prayer, Mass and meals.  There may be some planned program presentations and time to spend in personal prayer, or enjoy our outdoor environment.  The cost in a free-will donation.

Or, you may want to attend our Sunday liturgy (Mass) at 10:30 a.m. to get a sneak preview before arranging an overnight visit.  Let us know ahead of time and then introduce yourself and we’ll welcome you for a meal.

To arrange a day-visit please contact me at vocation@saintleo.edu or call 352-588-8318.  To make arrangements for an overnight visit, contact S. Mary Clare at 352-588-7188 or maryclareneu@gmail.com.  Please share a little bit about yourself…where you are residing, your parish involvement, your profession, your interest in our community…

In the meantime, you may like to explore the vocation survey found on this website.  https://vocationnetwork.org

With kind regards and a prayer that God’s blessings be with you.

 

Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., Office of the Prioress

vocation@saintleo.edu

 

Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery

PO Box 2450 – 12138 Wichers Road

St. Leo, FL 33574

Phone: (352) 588-8320

Continue Reading

Klar and Klar Architects: Holy Name Monastery Addition Serves Community

by Leave a Comment

New Wing will Help Benedictine Sisters of Florida Provide Hospitality to Visitors and Retreat Participants. This addition is the culmination of a relationship that came to life through a mutual commitment to supporting those in need.

Tampa, Fla. (PRWEB) July 10, 2017

An addition to the Holy Name Monastery, home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, was recently completed in February 2017. Designed by Klar and Klar Architects, the 4,000 square foot addition, finished two years after the completion of the main monastery, will house guests to the Florida Benedictine Order. The addition, which serves as part of the sisters’ original master plan for a new monastery, includes 10 bedrooms.

“We are proud to help the Benedictine Sisters of Florida fulfill their mission to serve both the local community and the community of God,” says Roberta Klar, Co-Principal of Klar and Klar Architects. “This addition is the culmination of a relationship that came to life through a mutual commitment to supporting those in need.”

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida originally contacted Klar and Klar Architects after learning of their Veterans Housing Facility on the Homeless Empowerment Project (HEP) campus in Clearwater at a seminar on area homelessness. At the time, the sisters lived in a 100,000 square foot, 1950’s facility that originally operated as a high school dormitory. The sisters had lived in the old multi-story school since 1960.1  While the building originally housed 65 nuns, the space had become too large and expensive for the 14 sisters that inhabit the monastery today.1,2

Klar and Klar worked closely with the sisters to create a master plan that serves their immediate and long-term needs. Ideas and wishes for the project were developed during a one day charrette where the sisters shared what was most important to them. After God, the sisters’ love of nature and music stood out as possible design inspiration.3

“We gave the monastery a contemporary organic aesthetic that is both in-tune with the sisters’ love of nature and resonates with the surrounding landscape,” adds Klar. “The building is also energy efficient which serves to protect our environment and save on energy costs.”

Roberta Klar, Co-Principal of Klar and Klar Architects, talks about the design of the Holy Names Monastery.

Klar and Klar finished the design of the main monastery in the fall of 2014. The original design included a light-filled chapel, administration office, community dining and living areas and 20 private bedrooms. The living areas and exterior porches constitute 15,700 square feet. Soon after moving into their new home, the Sisters installed a hydroponic garden that grows fish and vegetables together.

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida are dedicated to living the monastic way of life and working in ministries that serve the People of God and further the Gospel message.4  For 125 years, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida have played a significant role in the spiritual growth of the local community.1  However, their ministry extends beyond the spiritual. For example, the sisters provide a Thanksgiving meal every year which feeds more than 200 people.1  In addition, they have been instrumental in local schools and have served on organization boards including Sunrise Spouse Abuse Shelter, Saint Leo University Haitian Mission Project, Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, Catholic Charities, Coalition for the Homeless, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and DayStar Hope Thrift Store and Food Pantry.1

Holy Name Monastery is tucked away from the rest of the world, you can find your own comfortable place to recharge… a sanctuary from the bustle of everyday life.  Come give yourself the gift of time away in quiet reflection and concentrate on what you know is important; connect with your deeper inner self or just enjoy yourself and nature’s beauty.

For more information go to our website: Benedictine Sisters of Florida

    Call: (352) 588-8320

Email:  Hnmdevelopment@saintleo.edu

1.    Manion, B.C. “The New Holy Name Monastery: A Place for Spiritual Growth, Refreshment.” The Laker/Lutz News. N.p., 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 30 June 2017.

2.    Kinsler, Laura. “Benedictine Sisters Plan New Monastery in St. Leo.” TBO.com. N.p., 13 Apr. 2013. Web. 30 June 2017.

3.    Buie, Lisa. “Planned Monastery a Blessing for Nuns.” Tampa Bay Times. N.p., 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 June 2017.

4.    “Welcome.” Benedictine Sisters of FL. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 July 2017.

Continue Reading