A week at the Monastery

I’ve been traveling to Beech Grove, Indiana, to the Monastery of our Lady of Grace for over twenty years. First, as a part of a Lilly renewal ministry for women clergy called Women Touched by Grace, and then as a Benedictine Oblate of the Monastery.

I’m here on retreat with intentional prayer and discernment for what my response is to be in the chaotic, cruel times we find ourselves in.

I’m guided by questions of discernment offered by the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber:

What’s mine to do? What’s not mine to do?

What’s mine to say? What’s not mine to say?

What’s mine to care about? What’s not mine to care about (meaning the work of others to do)?

I’ve taken walks in the Peace Garden, a community project of reclaiming part of the monastery property with native plants and as a natural habitat.

I’ve prayed with the Sisters in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.

I’ve painted prayers.

I’ve knitted.

I’ve had times of silence.

I’ve had time of listening to the wisdom of the Sisters.

I’ve read.

I had an unexpected evening with women who share devotion to St. Mary in fellowship, praying the rosary, and more listening.

I’m still listening, God.