Pictured are (from left) Sister Colleen Maura McGrane, OSB; Sister Pat Nyquist, OSB; Prioress General Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB; Sister Valerie Stark, OSB and Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB.
Members of the general council for the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration gathered at the Monastic Congregation of Councils, hosted by the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses in Bristow, Virginia.
This significant meeting offered a rich opportunity for dialogue and collaboration designed to strengthen their shared mission and deepen their commitment to monastic life.
In an era when the numbers of women religious in the United States are in decline, the conference served as a powerful reminder that quality prevails over quantity. Benedictine sisters from across the nation reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that their communities not only survive but thrive. They are committed to creating sanctuaries that offer a place for women who are discerning a journey to religious life – a welcoming environment where one can grow closer to God, explore one’s vocation and discern if this is the calling they are meant to follow.
The Conference of Benedictine Prioresses, known for fostering mutual assistance and encouragement, continues to promote the vision and values of Benedictine cenobitic life in both the Church and contemporary society. Prioress General Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB, observed that the conference was a wonderful opportunity for women religious nationwide to gather and discuss their future as Benedictine women, emphasizing the importance of working together to overcome common challenges. Also in attendance was Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB, a general councilor for the Congregation.
“It was exciting to participate in a large group of fellow Benedictine council members and share ideas on how we can help each other with common challenges,” she remarked.
As the gathering concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and renewed purpose. Despite broader trends, the commitment to nurturing thriving, supportive communities remains unwavering. The religious sisters left with a shared resolve to ensure that their communities continue to be beacons of faith and hope – a place where every discerning woman finds a path closer to God.
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