Sister Miriam Pollard Sister Miriam was born in New London, CT in 1933, the only child of Francis and Florence Pollard. She was baptized Elaine Frances a few weeks later. Her father was in the US Coast Guard and would serve in the North Pacific during WW2. Sister Miri was not one to speak of herself; she was more interested
Seventh Sunday of Easter (Year A, May 17. 2026) John 17:1-11a “… but rather one whose work could change me …” I do not want in any way the sort of God whom my desire could change from the truth of his Word to me, but rather one whose work could change me from the vanity of my word.
From the hills of Kenya to the cloisters …. From the hills of Kenya to the cloisters of Notre-Dame de Bonne-Espérance and finally to Santa Rita Monastery in the desert of the United States — my vocation story has been, in many ways, a holy adventure directed by God… with occasional moments of divine comedy. I often say my vocation
Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A, May 10. 2026) John 14:15-21 “… truly loves God for God’s sake and not for his own benefit …” Man’s frequent needs oblige him to invoke God more often and approach him more frequently. This intimacy moves man to taste and discover how sweet the Lord is. Tasting God’s sweetness entices us more
Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year A, May 3. 2026) John 14:1-12 “Although you foresee trials that menace you like thorns or thistles, let not your heart be afraid…” ‘As a lily among thorns so is my love among maidens.’ O shining lily! Tender and delicate flower! Unbelieving and seditious men surround you: see that you tread with care among
Forth Sunday of Easter (Year A, Apr 26. 2026) John 10:1-10 “To make oneself a stranger to the actions of this age (Saeculi actibus se facere alienum)”(RB 4:20) St. Benedict finds those who are to become his followers in the midst of the multitude of people (Prol. 14), but in calling them to undertake the journey to the
A Grace‑Filled April 2026 Monastic Experience Weekend — A Weekend of Prayer, Community, and Discernment “From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with so much love. I could truly feel the presence of God dwelling in the monastery and within the sisters. I felt more at home than I ever have.” – Darlen Warm, bright Easter spring at Santa
Third Sunday of Easter (Year A, Apr 19. 2026) Luke 24:13-35 “Were not our hearts burning within uswhile he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” “Speak, Lord, to the heart of your servant, that my heart may speak with You” (Guigo). This is the whole amazing mystery of God’s Word, coming once
With Gratitude for Mother Vicki, With Prayers for Mother Pam (Apr 9. 2026) Our community wishes to share an important moment in our life together. After serving faithfully as our superior since 2012, Mother Victoria Murray has offered her resignation. We are deeply grateful for her years of wholehearted service, compassionate leadership, and steady dedication to our community.
WHO: Women ages 20 to 40 who are interested in or discerning religious life
WHEN: April 10 (Fri) 4 pm ~ April 12 (Sun) 6 pm, 2026
WHERE: Santa Rita Abbey, 14200 E Fish Canyon Rd Sonoita AZ 85637-6545
COST: No fee
REGISTER: Monastic Experience Weekend, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected] / 520-604-7972
FURTHER INFORMATION: Monastic Experience Weekend