October 2023 Monastic Experience Weekend
Our Monastic Experience Weekends (MEWs) are for young women curious about life in a contemplative monastery and open to becoming a nun. This year we had the joy of welcoming Cristina, Anna, and Adrienne for the weekend of October 6-9.
The entire weekend was punctuated with prayer as our guests joined us for the seven hours of the Divine Office (a.k.a. the Liturgy of the Hours), beginning on Friday evening with Vespers at 5:20, followed by a period of quiet prayer and the Office of Compline. They stayed at the retreat house overnight and joined us again at 4:15 a.m. for the Office of Vigils on Saturday. This meant braving a five-minute walk in the dark before and after Vigils!
After Lauds at 7:00 and a Scripture and Communion Service at 7:30, Sisters Rita and Pam met with them at the family guest house and introduced them to the history of the religious life and to monastic prayer and spirituality. There was time for a little morning outdoor work time tending to the monastery’s iris garden, and a tour of our altar bread bakery in the afternoon.
On Sunday morning our sisters shared their vocation stories and answered questions, and in the afternoon there was a viewing of “Hidden: A Life All for God,” a vocational documentary from our motherhouse, Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey in Massachusetts, and more questions!
It was a joy to give these beautiful, faith-filled women a glimpse into the Cistercian way of following Christ and of serving the Church and the world through a hidden life of prayer.
Here are some of their impressions and comments afterwards:
What did you find most meaningful/helpful about the weekend?
–Going on this retreat was a beautiful experience. The sisters invited us into their home. It wasn’t like other retreats where the hosts prepare for months and there are talks. They invited us into their daily life, and I am so thankful for that.
Was there a particular moment that stands out in your mind?
–I remember on the last day, watching as each sister received communion and the joy present in them. I thought, I want to love Christ like them.
Please join us in praying for Adrienne, Anna, and Cristina as they continue to open their hearts to God and to seek his will for their lives.