PHOTO: BSPA Prioress General Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB (far right) joined leaders of three other U.S. congregations of Benedictine sisters in July for “a taste of the Indy 500” at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana.
The presidents attended the June chapter of the Monastic Congregation of St. Gertrude. Also pictured (left to right) are Sister Nancy Bauer, president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict; Sister Jeanne Weber, president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Gertrude; and Sister Lynn McKenzie, president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica. Credit: Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict
As the temperatures heated up this summer, so did travel plans for Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB, prioress general of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri.
Sister Dawn Annette was invited to attend as an observer at the Monastic Congregation of St. Gertrude in June at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana.
The general chapter included leaderships of the different congregations represented who invited special guests such as Sister Dawn Annette. A chapter is held by a religious community or congregation - usually mandated by their governing document or constitution - in order to elect leadership, address matters of great importance and plan strategically for the future. Observers attend but are not voting members for elections or any decisions made.
“I most enjoyed meeting with the delegates and listening in on their future planning,” Sister Dawn Annette said. “I found it most helpful for our own Congregation to listen to the updates of their constitution and listen to sisters who are making some very important decisions for the care of their sisters.”
Soon after, Sister Dawn Annette traveled to Sacred Heart Monastery in Lisle, Illinois, to present a retreat to its community members. She gave two retreat conferences each day centered on the theme of “Transition” and met with the 14 individual sisters for spiritual direction.
“I enjoyed sharing the daily life and prayer of these wonderful sisters,” she said. “Their community is moving through a time of transition, and I was grateful to be able to reflect with them on God's action in this time of change.” |
