Hospitality is a cornerstone of Benedictine spirituality. In his Rule, St. Benedict instructed that all guests should be welcomed as Christ Himself. This timeless guidance continues to shape the way Benedictine monasteries open their doors and hearts to the world.
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have embodied this principle since the founding of their monastery in the late 1800s. Over the generations, their commitment to hospitality has included welcoming the faithful into their Adoration Chapel, offering space for retreats, providing education to local children and caring for orphans. Now, 150 years later, the monastery remains a beacon of prayer, service and sacred welcome.
One person helping extend that spirit of hospitality is Amy Luke, a lay employee who serves as the portress and guide, warmly welcoming all who visit the monastery. A native of nearby Conception, Missouri, Luke grew up with her parents and five siblings. After earning degrees in education, she taught in local schools for 31 years, followed by a position with the Head Start program in Maryville, Missouri.
When a job opportunity opened with the Benedictine Sisters, it was her daughter who encouraged her to apply. Not only was the position closer to home, but it also offered Luke a new way to continue teaching – this time about the Sisters and their monastic life.
“I enjoy meeting all the visitors who come to the monastery,” Luke said. “Those of us who live here know how blessed we are to be near such a beautiful and sacred place. Most guests can’t believe a site like this exists in what they consider ‘the middle of nowhere.’ They’re so moved by the beauty and history that many return later with family and friends.”
As part of her role, Luke leads tours of the Adoration and Relic Chapels and shares the history and charism of the Benedictine Sisters.
“One of my most memorable moments was with a guest whose mother had attended the Academy years ago. She was deeply moved to find handwritten notes in the archives about her mother’s time at the school,” Luke recalled. “Another time, a young boy discovered the relic of the saint he was named after – he was thrilled!”
For information about visiting the Benedictine Sisters’ monastery, click on www.BenedictineSisters.org.
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