PHOTO: Twenty-seven members of women religious communities attended the North American Benedictine Vocation Formation Conference Symposium in April in Schuyler, Nebraska. (Credit: NABVFC)
Two Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration attended the North American Benedictine Vocation Formation Conference Symposium in April at the St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, Nebraska.
Vocation Director Sister Maria Victoria Cutaia, OSB and Postulant Director Sister Joan Ridley, OSB joined 25 other women religious for the meeting, which revolved around the theme and main presentation titled “Hope for the Future: Trusting God in Uncertain Times.”
The NABVFC, with roots extending back to 1982, offers programs for novices and sisters in temporary vows as well as a symposium for vocation and formation personnel.
At the symposium, attendees formed breakout groups to focus on facilitation for vocations and formation programs within religious communities and gathered for the Liturgy of Hours, meals and fellowship. Three new members joined the Core team, which includes Sister Maria Victoria.
“Since I have only been the postulant director since last September, this was my first experience of being part of the conference of Benedictine formation and vocation directors,” Sister Joan said. “I was struck by the energy, commitment and love for the monastic life among the women who are directing vocational efforts and forming new members in their monasteries.”
Gathering with fellow Benedictine women religious is a fantastic way for Sisters to collaborate and learn from other communities.
“There are certainly far fewer women entering monastic communities today than in the distant and more recent past, but communities do make great efforts to pass on the richness of this way of life to newer generations,” Sister Joan said. |
