The - Fall, 2019 Vol. 32.1 - Mount Saint Benedict ... (2024)

the CrookstonBenedictineFall, 2019Vol. 32.1 page 1

from the prioress . . . Dear Friends, As I write, we are on the threshold of a new liturgical makes dim and inconsequential what separates us. In ouryear. We’re beginning to hear the strains of John the times, especially, the practices that support our mutuality, Baptist’s “Prepare our appreciation of one another, our sense of being a the way of the people committed to the common good are precisely what Lord.” And show us to be fit for the Lord. we face the Thank you for all the ways you have shared yourselves, conversion we your prayers, your gifts with us. May God bless all of you must undertake. at Christmas and into the New Year. The Baptist is charged with the task of preparing something else, too. The angel who describes John’s mission to Zachary in the announcement of the child’s birth also notes that Sister Shawn Carruth John is to prepare a people fit for theLord (Luke 1:17). What we often forget, especially in thesetimes, it seems to me, is the call to allow ourselves to beformed into a people. Yet, that is what I think of so often as I look back on theyear that is coming to its conclusion and on all the waysyou, our friends—friends near and far, old friends andnew friends—have joined with us in the celebrations ofour centennial. Truth is, we’ve been on a people formingjourney together for 100 years as our presence to and withone another makes visible what we hold in common and The Crookston Benedictine articulates the vision, charism and Liturgy Schedulemission of the Sisters of Saint Benedict, Crookston, MN, and helpsthe monastic community maintain and build relationships with the Morning Prayer: 11:30 am Sundaywider community. 8:30 am Monday - Saturday The Crookston Benedictine is published twice a year by the Noon Prayer 11:50 am Monday - SaturdaySisters of Saint Benedict, Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, SisterDenise Schonhardt, editor, and Sisters Anne DeMers and Evening Prayer 4:30 pm SundayLorraine Kraft staff. Katrina Genereaux, Heidi Whiting and 5:00 pm Monday - FridaySister Denise Schonhardt, photographers. Eucharist 8:00 am Tuesday and ThursdayCover: Lippi, Fra Filippo; Madonna and Child, c. 1450-1465, tempera on 11:15 am Wednesdaypanel, 92 cm x 63.5 cm (36 in x 25.0 in), Uffizi Gallery, Florence.Page 2: Martini, Francesco Giorgio. Nativity, 1475, Wood, 198 x 104 4:30 pm Saturday (Sunday Mass)cm, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Siena.Page 36: Schonhardt, Sister Denise. Icon. c. 2000 personal collection. page 2

Sisters host Rose Ensembleto honor centennial page 3

by Katrina Genereux Associate Editor, Our Northland Diocese On April 8, the Sisters of Mount Saint Benedict sponsored a free concert by the Rose Ensemble at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to honor and celebrate their community’s centennial. “It is so wonderful to see such a full and happy, joyous crowd here this evening,” Sister Shawn Carruth, Prioress of Mount Saint Benedict said, addressing the crowd of 300 gathered for the concert. “We are pleased to be able to simply offer this to you as part of our centennial celebration.” She spoke about the community’s foundress, Mother Eustacia Beyenka. As a young sister at the monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, Sister Eustacia was sent to study Gregorian Chant. In May 1919, Bishop Timothy Corbett, the first bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, asked her to lead a new community in his diocese. “For many years at Mount Saint Benedict, Mother Eustacia herself directed and trained the sisters in the schola in this style of singing which we call Gregorian Chant. For at least the first half of our history, Gregorian Chant was at the core of our liturgical celebrations,” Sister Shawn said. “I think being able to sponsor this musical event in our centennial year should be very pleasing to the spirit of Mother Eustacia. Once she said, ‘Sisters, if ever the love for music or the beauty of Gregorian Chant dies out among you, you may look for me in these corridors for I will come back to haunt you!’” The Rose Ensemble was founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Jordan Sramek. The group is in their 23rd and final season. They have performed across the United States, Europe and Latin America with a repertoire spanning 1,000 years and 25 languages. To learn more, visit www.roseensemble.org. Eight vocalists and two guest instrumentalists captivated the crowd performing sacred music composed or inspired by Benedictine monks and sisters in the 1600s. The singers were Chelsie Propst, Phoebe Rosquist, Alyssa Anderson, Raquel Above: Sister Shawn Carruth visits with Bishop Victor Balke.page 4

Winnica, Garrett Eucker, Bradley King, Jordan Sramekand Daniel Mahrun. They were accompanied by Paulafa*gerberg on the Italian-Baroque triple harp and MichaelAsmus on the positiv organ. Sister Marmion Karels, a sister of Mount Saint Benedictfor 67 years, enjoyed the performance and the manyconnections the pieces had to her experience of monasticlife throughout the years. “Being at the Mount for high school, Gregorian Chant issomething I have kind of grown up with,” she said. “Then,after high school, staying and joining the community andbelonging to the schola, I just love Gregorian Chant.” She appreciated the portions of the Rule of St. Benedictand stories of the lives of St. Benedict and St. Scholasticathat were read by members of the Rose Ensemblebetween performing pieces of music. One of the storieswas about a yearly visit St. Benedict paid to his sister, St.Scholastica, at her monastery. She begged him to staylonger, and when he declined, she appealed to God. St.Benedict was trapped at the monastery overnight by astorm too severe for travel. “In my teaching at the grade school, we performed thelittle skit about Benedict and Scholastica almost every yearon the feast of St. Scholastica,” Sister Marmion said. “Thestudents dressed up as Benedict and Scholastica. That’s justbeen part of my whole life.” The concert also connected with her current experiencepraying Liturgy of the Hours in community. “As they were singing, and the English translations wereon the sides [of the program], I noticed that they sangmany of the things that we prayed at 5 o’clock prayertonight,” said Sister Marmion. Lines including “Godcome to my assistance, Lord make haste to help me” andthe Gloria Patir, or Glory Be stood out to her during theperformance. Teresa Cymbaluk, a parishioner of Cathedral, was agraduate of Mount Saint Benedict’s final class. She enjoyed the performance. “It’s amazing to be able to bring them here toCrookston,” she said. She was also grateful for the high attendance andopportunity to celebrate the Sisters of Mount SaintBenedict. “They are such a beautiful group of women. It’swonderful to celebrate them,” she said. On September 15, the Sisters of Mount Saint Benedictheld another public Centennial Celebration includingMass and a reception at Cathedral of the ImmaculateConception.Above right: Sister Anita Whalen and others chat with one ofthe performers after the concert. Right: Members of the RoseEnsemble. page 5

Memories of centennial celebrationpage 6

Faces from the centennialcelebration page 13

Benedictine sisters your lives and your deeds is certainly encouraging to our own hope.” Mass was followed by a reception. The gymnasium wasclose centennial year ringed by a display of all the “Sister of the Day” entries. Ron Schroeder of St. Mary, Two Inlets, is the nephewwith final celebration of Sister Carol Jean Schroeder. He was impressed by the number of photos of sisters the community has had over the years. “The sisters have done so much good,” he said. “It isBy Katrina Genereux/Associate Editor, OND, Crookston – amazing what they have done.” One of his favorite memories of visiting Mount Saint Throughout the year, the Benedict was touring the gardens with Sister Flora Klier.Sisters of Mount Saint Benedict, Dianne Foss of Nisswa attended the celebration.Crookston, have honored their She has been visiting Mount Saintcentennial in a variety of ways. Benedict forBeginning in January, a “Sisterof the Day” was featured witha photo and brief biographyon their website and in themonastery. The community’sprioresses have beenhonored in an ongoingseries of columns in OurNorthland Diocese. Thesisters hosted a freeconcert featuring theRose Ensemble in April.They also held a privatecommunity celebrationin May. On Sept. 15, 350people gathered at Cathedral of theImmaculate Conception, Crookston, for the final eventto honor the centennial year. many Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner celebrated Mass with yearspriests of the diocese. to see “We sincerely are grateful for your presence and life her twoas sisters of Saint Benedict here in this diocese,” he said aunts –during the homily. “Your good, beautiful, noble works Sisterhave benefitted so many. They are truly appreciated, and Joanthey are not forgotten. The beauty of your life of good andworks has drawn others to Christ. We are so happy that Sistertoday your presence and involvement continues with us Cuthbert, who is now deceased – and her cousinstill.” Sister Karen Violette. Near the end of Mass, Sister Shawn Carruth, Prioress of She was viewing the photos of the sisters with KathyMount Saint Benedict, shared a few words of gratitude. Karges of Rosemount, Minnesota. Karge’s niece is Sister “All of the parishes, and schools and hospitals and Myra Schmieg.outreach, all of the ministries that we have engaged in Both women agreed the day was very uplifting and theythroughout these past 100 years, all those people have now would not have missed it for the world.become somehow part of our lives too,” she said. “We are Above left: Bishop emeritus Victor Balke and Bishop Michael Hoeppner begin the entrance procession into the Cathedral.grateful to the Diocese of Crookston, to all the clergy and Above: Sisters Kathy Kuchar and Myra Schmieg reflect duringall the faithful of this diocese because the goodness of the Centennial Mass. page 14

Sisters celebrate golden and diamond jubilees Sisters of Saint Benedict, a job she fills efficiently and Sustain me, O God, as you have promised, that I may live. graciously.Disappoint me not in my hope. – Ps. 119:16 Every sister at When Sister Eileen retired as Director of Crookstonher profession or a jubilee sang these words. Surrounded Public Library, the chair of the Friends of the Libraryby sisters and family members, Sisters Eileen Beutel and praised her for her virtues ofDenise Schonhardt sang them on July 11 at their Golden kindness and organization. TheJubilee Eucharist. sisters would add generosity and approachability.Sister Eileen Beutel Sister Denise Sister Eileen Beutel was Schonhardt born on January 4, 1949, to Frank and Eileen Beutel. She Sister Denise Schonhardt, was baptised Margaret. She daughter of Harold and first met the Sisters of Saint Adeline Schonhardt, born on Benedict at Saint Jude’s School July 12, 1949, received the in Mahtomedi, MN. After baptismal name of Gladyce. She attended Waubun Public elementary school, she attended School through 6th grade and Saint Michael’s School in Mount Saint Benedict Academy. Mahnomen, for grades 7 and 8. She enrolled at Mount Following high school, Saint Benedict Academy, where she received her high Margaret joined the Sisters of school diploma.Saint Benedict, and when she entered the novitiate, she She adapted well to life at the academy and grew toreceived the name, Sister Eileen. She made first monastic admire the sisters. When it came time to discern herprofession on July 11, 1969, and final profession on July vocation, she chose to enter Mount Saint Benedict11, 1974. Monastery as a postulant. Upon entering the novitiate, Sister Eileen’s first teaching assignment was as a first- she received the name, Sister Denise. She made her firstgrade teacher at Sacred Heart School in East Grand Forks. profession in 1969 and her final profession in 1974.After receiving a bachelor’s degree in library science from She began teaching in elementary schools -- SaintSaint Catherine’s University in Saint Paul, Sister Eileen Francis Xavier School in Benson, MN, and Saint Joseph’sserved as a librarian at Mount Saint Benedict High School School in Moorhead, MN. She received a bachelor ofbefore becoming the assistant director of Mount Saint science degree in history and secondary education fromBenedict Center. In ensuing years she worked with the the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND, and later sheliturgy at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery while also earned bachelor and master of fine arts degrees from theserving as the librarian at the monastery. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. Sister Eileen was hired by the Crookston Public Library, She taught history and art at Mount Saint Benedict Highfirst as a part-time assistant and then rising to the position School and art at Sacred Heart High School in East Grandof director. Sister Eileen created friends no matter in what Forks, MN. But as she looked forward to developing her dposition she served and as she traveled in all kinds of artistic skills, the community had other plans. oweather to satellite libraries to assist them in serving their Mount Saint Benedict needed a Director of stain me, O Gcommunities. Development and Sister Eleanor, prioress, chose Sister u Sister Eileen currently is the secretary for the Denise for the position. NotS page 15

Sister Adeline Karels Sister Adeline Karels was the second of the five children of Marcus and Kathryn Karels. Though her parents baptized her Joanne Kathryn, she was called Annie. Annie attended Saint Joseph’s School in Rosen, where she admired Sister Bernarda, her eighth-grade teacher. She attended Mount Saint Benedict Academy, where she again esteemed her teachers. At the age of eighteen, she entered the Sisters of Saint Benedict. She was invested in the Benedictine habit on July 4, 1948, and sheSisters Eileen and Denise exit the chapel after the renewalceremony. received the name, Sister Adeline. She made first vows on July 3, 1949, and final monastic profession on July 11,long after she began this work, it became evident that 1952. A few years later her sister, Sister Marmion joinedthe Mount community needed to start a capital campaign her as a member of the Sisters of Saint Benedict. Sisterbecause the original monastery building was on the verge Adeline characterizes her as not only her sister but also asof collapse. After the campaign reached its goal, Sister her best friend.Denise became the Director of Mount Saint Benedict Sister Adeline served in the healthcare ministry herFoundation, formed to support the ministries of the entire life as a sister. She received her nurse’s training atSisters of Saint Benedict. Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD, and her anesthesia Sister Denise had dual responsibilities as Foundation training at Saint Cloud Hospital School of Anesthesia.Director and Director of Communications for the Sisters Sister Adeline nursed as an RN at Saint Francis Hospitalof Saint Benedict. in Crookston. After receiving her anesthesia training, she She continues to be a kind, hospitable presence, served at Saint John’s Hospital in Browerville, Saint Mary’swelcoming others to the monastery, engaging them, and Hospital in Detroit Lakes, and the Out-patient Surgerymaking friends. One could not miss her hearty laugh. Center in Willmar. Upon retiring as an anesthetist, Sister Adeline found a second ministry in making and decoratingDiamond Jubilee candles for sale in the candle department. Sister Adeline stated that the things she appreciated Sisters Adeline Karels, Rosalia Fink, and Evelyn Strei as you have romised about monastic life at the Mount were the quietcelebrated their 70th jubilees on July 26 when Sister Adeline atmosphere, the Liturgy of the Hours, times for reflection,joined Sisters Rosalia and Evelyn at Villa Saint Vincent for family-style living, and community celebrations.the celebration. Sister Adeline commented that she finds that she has received the hundred-fold p as promised by Jesus. (Mark 10:30) page 16

Sister Evelyn Strei The sixth of the twelvechildren of Joseph andCecilia Strei, Sister EvelynStrei was baptized LouiseJean though she was called Sister Shawn chats with Sisters Evelyn and Carol Jean.Lou Jean. Her father was abarber, but his real love was in Concordia, KS, and Mount Saint Benedict Center. Infarming. addition to these ministries, Sister served as an archivist Lou Jean attended Saint Joseph’s School in Rosen and at Mount Saint Benedict, and she worked to help buildMount Saint Benedict Academy. Lou Jean entered the an ecumenical Benedictine community at Saint BenedictSisters of Saint Benedict on January 3, 1948. She received Center in Madison, WI.the Benedictine habit and the name Sister Evelyn on July 4, Sister Evelyn wrote about years in the monastic1948, and made first vows on July 5, 1949. She made final community. “. . .I saw my life as a journey going frommonastic profession on July 11, 1952. place to place serving God’s people. Over the years, I Sister Evelyn received a bachelor’s degree in education have come to realize that the monastic journey is an innerfrom Saint Catherine’s University in Saint Paul and a journey of the heart, daily seeing the marvelous works ofmaster’s degree in theology from Mount Angel Seminary a faithful God in community and all of creation. As myin Mount Angel, OR. loving Creator has a place in my life so I am in harmony Sister Evelyn was known as an excellent primary teacher. with my Beloved and I have a place in the Universe.”She taught at Sacred Heart in East Grand Forks, Saint Sister Rosalia FinkJoseph’s in Red Lake Falls, Saint Philip’s in Bemidji, SaintJude’s in Mahtomedi, Saint Francis Xavier in Benson, Saint Caroline Catherine Fink was born in Britton, SD,Joseph’s in Moorhead, Saint Jude’s in Osseo, and Cathedral of Julius and Emelia Fink. She was known as Carriein Crookston. Sister Evelyn became a parish minister in to her family. She attended Saint Michael’s School and that I y live.Saint Dominic’s in Northfield, Saint Boniface’s in Hastings, Mahnomen High School. and Saint Elizabeth’s in Dilworth. Sister Evelyn Caroline and her sister, Joan, entered the Sisters of also served in spirituality ministries at Saint Benedict in 1948. When they became novices and Manna House of Prayer ma received the Benedictine habit, Caroline received the name Sister Rosalia, and Joan was named Sister Clarissa. They made their first monastic profession on July please turn to page 10. page 17

4, 1949, and their final Mount Saint Benedict. In 1990, Sister Rosalia joined the profession on July 11, staff of the Community Action Council of South Texas in 1953. Rio Grande City. While at CACST, she worked with almost Sister Rosalia received 500 employees to help oversee care for the abused. a Bachelor of Science Sister Rosalia returned to Mount Saint Benedict in 2006, degree in elementary where she worked with the Community Supported Garden education from the for three years. College of Saint Theresa Sister Rosalia felt called to return to Rio Grande City in Winona, MN, and to establish a shelter for abused women. She was assisted another bachelor’s degree by Sister Jeannine Spain. People from the locality formed in business education from a committee and named the project the South Texas Minnesota State University Empowerment of Women Center. Moorhead. From the beginning, the District Attorney tried to Sister Rosalia’s first teaching assignment was at Sacred help by giving them property that had been confiscatedHeart Grade School in East Grand Forks. She also taught from the drug cartel. The night before they were to beginelementary grades at the Cathedral in Crookston; Saint cleaning the buildings, a small building on the propertyJude’s in Mahtomedi, Saint Bernard’s in Thief River Falls, was set afire, and the location was deemed too unsafe to occupy, so Sister Rosalia was back to square one. Another donor gave three acres for the shelter. Some people thought that transitional housing should be built first but Sister Rosalia saw the need for providing shelter for abused women and children. More than 90 people were served in the first year. Upon completion of the shelter the transitional housing unit was begun. After the shelter opened its doors in 2016, and Sister Rosalia felt confident of its future, she returned to Mount Saint Benedict.Sister Dominica celebrates Sister Adeline’s jubilee with her. Sister Rosalia died on October 22, 2019. Sister Rosalia is precededSaint Michael’s in Mahnomen, Saint Thomas in Asherton, in death by her parents Julius and Emelia Fink, brothersTX, Saint Vincent’s in Osseo and secondary education in Joseph and Peter, and sisters Barbara and Sister Clarissa.Asherton, TX, where she was the principal of the public She is survived by many nieces and nephews and thehigh school, and Sacred Heart High School in East Grand members of her monastic community.Forks. In addition to teaching typing, accounting andbusiness law for 14 years, she directed the cheerleaders The jubilarians celebrated the fact that God does sustainand pom-pom girls. She rode over a hundred pep buses to them, and God does not disappoint them in their hope.out-of-town games in addition to attending all the home The lives of the jubilarians attest to God’s faithfulness.games. Sister Rosalia was known as an excellent educator, Peaceand she received a certificate as one of the outstandingeducators of America in 1970. After Sister Rosalia left Sacred Heart High School, shebecame the office manager for the business department at page 18

Your messages . . . Some time ago we and graduated fromrequested memories you I went to the Mount Cathedral. The childrenhave of the Sisters ofSaint Benedict. You will are Michael Dale Lysne for my freshmanfind them interspersed (deceased April 3, 2013) and sophom*ore years.throughout the next few myself, Lorraine Lysne My mother, Rachelissues of the Crookston McDunn, and my aunt,Benedictine. Look for them! Guttu -90 years old, Joanne (Lysne) Gagnon Sister Edwin, also went Mount Saint - 86 years old, Connie there. Many memories,Benedict gave our (Lysne) Chase -85 years but my most favoritefamily the comfort as old, Howard Lysne- 82 was taking piano lessonsan extended family years old, Geraldine from Sister Carmella.for prayer, support (Lysne) Psick (deceased She was such fun andand peace. Our prayer 7-13-13), Myron Lysne made lessons enjoyable!!request for healing for -76 years old, Suzanne Congratulations on yourour daughter Susan‘s (Lysne)Nomis – 71 years centennial!breast cancer and old. Suzanne, Suzie was --R.M.N. Barnesville,friend’s ovarian cancer the only one of us that MNwere answered with an graduated from Mount I graduated fromamazing rapid healing Saint Benedict. I don’t Sacred Heart Highand remission. Thank know how our parents School in 1974. I haveyou and God bless you. managed to see that we long remembered and --S.K., Mora, MN all had a good Catholic will never forget, the I need to start education. We are very great teaching guidancemy story with my grateful to them and and patience that Iparents Conrad and also so blessed that the received from the sistersBlanche Lysne who good nuns and priests of the Order of Saintraised eight children made sure we got a good Benedict. Sister Joyce,who all attended Catholic education. God Sister Joan, Sister Brian,Cathedral grade school bless and thank you all. Sister Marietta, Sister --L.G., Pembina, ND Rosalia, Sister Felipa, page 19

Sister Scholastica, six children. Roy had Shirley, and I. We had Sister Hyacinthe, Sister a heart attack while a good time and lots of Bernarda, Sister Alexine, with his oldest son, meals and lunches. She and so many more. Last Thomas. The sisters is gone, for six years. And but first, was my first from Cathedral and the I still miss her. But, I sister for kindergarten Mount were with us have good memories . . . and then later Sister throughout our sorrow. W. B., Walhalla, ND Germana. They brought gifts for I have wanted and my children and were so When I was a young intended to write them kind. They prayed with boy of grade school long letters of thanks. us. All of my children age, Sisters of Saint With time, most are went to the Catholic Benedict would come now gone, I’m older than schools and loved it. So to Oslo -- Saint Joseph I wish. I love, and loved many teachers to thank. Parish, for two weeks them all. I got a letter to God helped us each day. of Catechism. Those Sister Germana years ago. Thank you, thank you, were memorable days – She sent me a rosary. thank you so much. My learning some long, new God bless all of you. daughter attends Mass prayers “Acts of Faith, --T. C., Roseville, MN with me at the Mount Hope, and Charity,”,Th e each Saturday night. Commandments and Raised on Walsh And when my other Beatitudes. I remember Street, and still live on daughters are in town attending a child’s Walsh Street, for my they also attend. I love funeral (she had died father built my home going there for Mass. of smoke inhalation) for my husband Roy in Thank you again. I especially looked 1956. I was raised in a --J.P.B., Crookston MN forward to “earning” or very loving home with receiving “homemade” my brother Dwane. We A few years ago we holy cards, made by the went to the Cathedral stayed at the Mount sisters. And I still carry schools. I was married for a few days, my wife, a “Sacred Heart image” in 1956, and we raisedpage 20

badge in my billfold. daughter Cathy play friendship and -- F. D. P., Fargo, ND ball for UMC. hospitality and the Wonderful person! generosity of all the I have very fond Wonderful peoples! nuns at the EGF conventmemories of the Sisters Wonderful at that time. I don’tof Saint Benedict – memories! know the names of theparticularly those at Congratulations on person who did theSaint Francis Hospital. your centennial! cooking – eating atMy father, Dr. O.K. Behr --J. B., Willmar, MN the convent now andand his family were then I found out that Ispoiled rotten by them. I lived in Sacred actually liked liver andThey would entertain Heart Parish from onions! I can’t believeme on Saturday 1968–1976. In 1974–1976 that I went back formornings while Dad I volunteered at the seconds!made rounds. They elementary school. - A. B., Grand Forks,provided us with their Sister Mary Jean Gust NDhomemade sausage at was the principal. IChristmas. And they was working with My first visit waswere always so kind and Sister Cecilia Smith November 2017. I stayedconsiderate. and the 1st grade, Sister in the Hermitage. A Dad had a special Eulalia in 3rd grade and peaceful setting - nicerelationship with various other assigned “cabin in the woods.”Sister Germana, (and of tasks (I helped tutor -- C. S., Hopkins, MNcourse, Father O’Toole, students with theirthe hospital chaplain) multiplication tables), We, our family,that carried on well taking the 1st grades thank the Sisters forpast retirement. Caryn for PE etc. I will never taking care of Grandmaand I would visit forget the hundreds of Bertha Stuart in herSister Germana while in copies of worksheets I last days. We also thankCrookston watching our copied. you for the care of Sister I enjoyed the Mary Ann Stuart. She page 21

loved you all. Linda we had good talks. I December 1, 1950, I went and I continue in wonder now if she to Anchorage, Alaska to our support of Mount influenced me in my join my husband. I was Saint Benedict for the career choice - as I am there from December wonderful work you do. an RN (retired). She died 1, 1950 to July 1966. By God Bless.--D. S., in 1973, and I still miss now I had two sons Hershey, PA her. She was so special! I and two daughters have a twin brother, and when we moved back I have three aunts mom was in the hospital to Minnesota. One day, who were Benedictine there for a long time I went to visit Saint sister’s Sister Digna before we were born. She Vincent nursing home Arends, Sister Enrica gave me “our” x-ray! and talked with Sister Arends, and Sister --J. and J. H., Battle Beata, she offered me a Maryanne Arends. They Creek, MN job, so I started January are my dad’s sisters. He 1, 1968. I went to the was so proud of them! I My daughter went Villa when it was open was a student in 1963 to Mount Saint Benedict and worked with Sister to ‘65 and I graduated for three years and liked Bonaventure. From there in ‘65. Sister Digna was it very much. Of course, I went to the Mount the lab/x-ray technician we visited there often. and the new health at the hospital. When --R.C., Mahtomedi, care unit until ‘96-97. I wanted to “get out” I MN I worked with Sister would only have to say Walberg and Sister to the sister at the door, In 1949 to 1950, Winifred. that I wanted to visit I was hired by Sister These were some my aunt, Sister Digna, Beata and worked with enjoyable years in a at the hospital. We spent Sister Imelda on first Christian environment; many hours together floor. It was a hospital the sisters were always - she would show me and then St. Vincent so kind and considerate. x-rays and bloodwork nursing home. Sisters I mostly worked nights, under the microscope, roomed across the alley. so my children werepage 22

home and secure. When made sure she had are close friends. Two orI started working in privacy, getting ready three of the girls are now1968 my children were sisters at the Mount,and then sleeping in17, 16, 12, and five years which is great. Thanksuch close quarters withold. At my retirement, my mother and me. We you for two good yearsthere was a lovely party at the Mount, and thehad a great time in DC,given for my family and although I choked in sisters of the Cathedralme which I shall never were good, too. the contest and came inforget. I was presented only at 35th Place. The --D. D., Crookston, MNwith a plaque which following year she andhangs on my kitchen Back in 1953, when I accompanied Frankwall saying “29 years of I was a seventh-grader Walz from Holy Rosary at Holy Rosary School in to the state contest inservice to the Sisters of St.Benedict”. Detroit lakes, my teacher Minneapolis. I’ll never --B. S. R., Crookston,was Sister Casimir. forget Sister Casimir, MN She took me under her OSB, a great teacher. wing and helped me --M.J.H., St. Paul, MN I liked most all of study “Words of thethe sisters when I went Champions” because Sister Paschal - I hadto the Mount for two she noticed I had a her for sixth grade atyears, but one sister and talent for spelling well. St. Francis Xavier andI didn’t see eye-to-eye. I With her help I won Benson. It was a toughhad to quit school and go the county in the five- class, I felt so bad for herto the Cathedral because states spelling contest. and Sister Dominica,my folks couldn’t afford We were on our way to there were somethe Mount anymore, the national spelling disruptive boys in theand lo and behold, there bee in Washington DC! class, and I felt helplesswas the sister , but we We took the train which to show her the respectgot along OK. I liked the was an adventure for she deserved. She gave usMount, made so many us all! We shared the each a book of Psalms, Ifriends, and still have same compartment still have it, and I thinkseveral of the girls that for sleeping, and she of her very often when page 23

reading a Psalm. Also, I candy striper, and Sister only two “old ones” left. remember vividly and Winifred liked her work --J.C., Detroit Lakes, love the way she taught so well, she liked her MN 56501 us to organize when to work on weekends reading homework text. as a nurse’s aide. Pam Our cousin Sister Sister Lenore – the became RN and worked Laurian made a trip paper chain floor to the for over 43 years nursing here in the 1990s, and ceiling American flag, as a surgical nurse. we took her to many what a great memory. I Sister Anne gave my churches and through still love to make paper youngest daughter some the mountains. We chains (with scotch tape of her guppies. Sister enjoyed her very much instead of glue, tho!) Stella was a sweetheart. on this trip. She liked to Sister Dominica the Sister Ambrose (Monica look at the map and see small plaster statues Helen) taught me how where we were headed. for piano rewards. to make gravy, white I believe she enjoyed Sister Lenore guitar sauce and the correct our cat, Joey. He liked playing! So warm and way to slice roast beef sleeping on her bed. friendly. and pork. Sister Myra We, the Colorado Lashas, --J. G. G., Avon, MN arranged for me to take met her the first time a home college course for her 50th Jubilee. We I enjoyed the back and I became a food have always enjoyed rub Sister Francella service supervisor our phone calls and gave me after six of my and her assistant. Both letters from her. I always children were born at Sister Bennett and Sister wished I could slice St. Mary’s hospital. Sister Charitas were great potatoes for frying as she Roland took pictures of administrators. I enjoyed did! They were perfectly the new babies and gave working at St. Mary’s sliced. We all love her the mothers one which for over 21 years. Many very much! I put in my children’s of my coworkers have --K.L., Colorado baby books. My oldest retired or expired. Mary Springs, CO daughter, Pam was a Mitchell and I are thepage 24

A treasured legacy and currents in the stream Sister Cornelia Gust On December 31, 1976, Sister Cornelia Gust was elected the sixth prioress, but would not take office until June 5, 1977. When her predecessor, Sister Victorine, took office there were 290 community members, and when Sister Cornelia became the prioress, thecommunity numbered 240. Sister Cornelia taught on all levels of education fromelementary grades through college; prefected high schoolgirls at Mount Saint Benedict Academy; worked withyoung women seeking to become finally professed sisters; Paintings of Saints Benedict and Scholastica by Sister Veronica Kavanaugh. directed spirituality programs and served as a spiritual director. Upon becoming prioress, Sister Cornelia was certain of one thing: that the sisters had elected her to be their spiritual leader. Sister Cornelia was determined to lead theBishop Victor Balke blesses Sister Cornelia during her community with an emphasis on holiness, wholeness, andinstallation as prioress. page 25

criteria for ministry, social needs in the contemporary world, religious formation, interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and prayer. By the end of the chapter, the sisters endorsed eighteen resolutions, which they prioritized during the following year. In spite of this time of celebration, challenges continued to faceSister Cornelia places the mission cross around the neck of Sister Frances Solum while Sister Lorraine the community.watches. One of thoseintegration of prayer and service. challenges was In 1980 Benedictines celebrated 1500 years since the Mount Saint Benedict Academy. Enrollment had fallenbirth of Saints Benedict and Scholastica. The celebration from a peak of 315 students to about 160 in 1977. Inhad three facets. The first was that, at the suggestion of 1982, despite efforts of the sisters, the diocese andThe Congress of Benedictine Abbots, in preparation for the local Catholic parishes, the school closed, endingthe celebration, communities began to re-energize their more than 70 years of Catholic secondary education incommitment to monastic values through the study of Crookston. Many sisters found this to be especially sadthe Rule of Benedict. The sisters responded by studying because they had graduated from the Mount.the themes of the Rule to come to a consensus on the The closing of Mount Saint Benedict Academy broughtvalues found in the Rule of Benedict and key issues facing the challenge of how to use both Marian Hall Residencethe community. The Sisters at the Mount opened the and the high school building. Marian Hall provided spacecelebration on the feast of Saint Scholastica (twin sister for ministry programs, retreats, workshops and meetingsof Saint Benedict) on February 10, 1980. It was, as Sister and living accommodations for an increasing number ofCornelia said, “a wonderful opportunity to realize the retired and semi-retired sisters. The classroom buildingwealth of what it means to be Benedictine.” remained vacant for three years before being sold to the The second facet happened when hundreds of Cathedral parish to be used as a grade school.Benedictines from Minnesota and surrounding states While Mount Saint Benedict Academy struggled, thegathered at Saint John’s University and the College of Saint healthcare ministry also needed attention. AmericanBenedict to hear presentations and to share insights about Healthcare Management leased three of the healthcareBenedictine values. institutions for nine years. Experience with AHM varied The third facet occurred when Sister Cornelia convened in the different institutions. The sisters realized they didthe monastic community in a life chapter (meeting of not have the expertise to address the challenges facing theall professed members) in which the sisters considered healthcare industry, so they terminated sponsorship ofresolutions related to the meaning of Benedictine life, their healthcare institutions except for Villa Saint Vincent in Crookston and the Warren Dental Clinic. Internally, the sisters began experimenting with small group living. Small groups of sisters began living in the former chaplain’s residence and Mary Mount Farm. At the Mount small groups formed for recreation, prayer, and study. page 26

In 1978, Sister Joan accepted an appointment by Bishop Victor Balke as the pastoral coordinator of the parishes of Mentor and Fertile. She promoted lay leadership in these parishes along with an ecumenical spirit. Sister Joan left this ministry reluctantly when the community called to her to be prioress. Once again, oneAfter the closure of Mount Saint Benedict Academy, Marian Hall was used for conferences and retreats, such of the challengesas the Progoff workshop led by Sister Virginia Evard from Winnipeg, MB, Canada. that faced the new prioress The sisters chose to share their life by establishing anOblate program which grew quickly. Oblates share inBenedictine values to the extent that their way of lifepermits. Sister Cornelia’s term ended on August 6, 1985, whenSister Joan LaCoursiere continued a current in the stream.Sister Joan LaCoursiere Sister Joan LaCoursiere grew up in a family steeped in French- Canadian culture and the Catholic faith. She followed her sister, Sister Cuthbert, into the monastic community at Mount Saint Benedict. Sister Mary Fay, in her short biography ofSister Joan, wrote, “After her religious profession in 1940,Sister Joan spent over thirtyseven years as a teacher andschool administrator, a ministry in which she was effective, Sister Joan teaches chemistry at Sacred Heart High School inwell-liked and successful . . .” East Grand Forks. page 27

centered on the healthcare ministry. Due to low census, problems with physicians, the depressed economy of the area and the possibility of alternate uses for the Saint John’s Hospital Saint John’s Hospital, Red Lake Fall closed due primarily to low census. the city of Red Lake Falls and Northwestern Hospital accepted the sisters’ proposalSister Anselm Hammerling, President of to terminatethe Federation of Saint Gertrude installsSister Joan as prioress. sponsorship of Saint John’s tothe dismay of many citizens of Red Lake Falls. In 1986, Sister Joan began to receive reports aboutcomplaints at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes aboutpatient care, in-service programs, and staff relationships.When the Council conferred with the management firmfor Saint Mary’s with these concerns, they promised towork on a plan of action to resolve them. Meanwhile, Saint John’s Hospital, Browerville closed when the last physician left.Sister Rebecca Wright contacted the community indicatingSaint Mary’s Hospital, Detroit Lakes, was sold to Benedictine Health System. page 28

that Benedictine Health System from Duluth might be Another issue challenging the sisters was the care ofinterested in sponsorship of Saint Mary’s. Benedictine elderly sisters. In light of their Saint Benedict’s valueHealth System promised to emphasize quality care of the of caring for their sick as Christ, the sisters decided tosick. The monastic council voted to sell the hospitals in establish a healthcare unit where the sisters could live aDetroit Lakes and Browerville to BHS. When the sole monastic life for the rest of their lives.physician in Browerville decided to move, there was no During Lent, 1989, the sisters began a discernmentother option except to close Saint John’s Hospital. process to elect a prioress. Sister Joan had announced that Funds from the sale of Saint Mary’s helped begin a she would not accept nomination for another term. Onfund to be used for the retirement of the sisters. Despite June 23, the sisters chose Sister Eleanor Mueller as theirthis, the general financial condition of the community prioress for a four-year term to begin in August 1989.continued to be a challenge. One of the reasons for After the close of her term Sister Joan fulfilled herthis was that fewer sisters were earning each year while dream of working with the poor at Care and Share Centerhealthcare and plant maintenance costs were increasing. in Crookston where she taught English as a second language to persons from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. After three years at Care and Share, Sister Joan was asked to tend to the spiritual needs of the sisters in the healthcare unit. Sister Mary Fay aptly wrote, “Sister Joan, as prioress, teacher, and pastoral minister, remained true to her vision, that of being a professional Benedictine woman, a leaven in the community, in the Church and the world.” Sister Joan passed the leadership of the community on to Sister Eleanor Mueller who continued the current in the stream of the Sisters of Saint Benedict. To be continued in later issues.Sisters Joan and Evaristus with parishioners from Saint Joseph’sin Fertile. When sisters and other lay people were allowed to serveas pastoral associates and parish administrators, severalsisters responded to the opportunity of pastoral and parishministry. The ministry of education also faced diminishmentprimarily because of the retirement of sisters. Sisterswithdrew from Saint Philip’s School in Bemidji and SaintFrancis de Sales School in Moorhead. Within the monastic community, one of the issuesSister Joan dealt with was a clarification of the essence ofmonastic life. Sisters realized that ministry flowed out oftheir monastic way of life. The sisters studied monasticeconomics, the meaning of monastic poverty, simple livingand stewardship. Sister Joan appointed Sister Mary Beth Banken asDevelopment Director to explore options for MarianHall. Mount Saint Benedict Center used the entire firstfloor, and parts of third and fourth floors providedaccommodations for overnight Center guests. Sisters whocame home in the summer also needed space. The sistersdecided that Marian Hall would continue to be used forthose purposes. creative commons page 29

Bishop Hoeppner blesses one of the murals in the Sisters ofSisters honored Mount Saint Benedict Addition.by SacredHeart School May 10, 2019, Sacred Heart Schoolhonored the Sisters of Saint Benedict fortheir service to the school. One-hundredforty-seven sisters served at SacredHeart since 1919. Sacred Heart has a good problem.The school has grown to such an extentthat it needed to add five additionalclassrooms. Imagine a Catholic schoolhaving to add classrooms rather thanclosing! Sacred Heart honored the sistersby naming the new addition to theschool Sisters of Mount Saint BenedictAddition. We hope that they will growMIDDLE RIGHT: The faces of SistersEileen Mohs, Judy Moen, and MarmionKarels exhibit the emotions they experiencedduring the dedication. RIGHT: Students,carrying signs thanking the sisters, line thehall to the cafeteria.Please turn the page. page 30

sisters are humbled by the decision of the school to name the addition after the Sisters of Saint Benedict. Part of the dedication ceremony was a procession throughout the elementary school led by the Knights of Columbus to place A crucifix is placed in a classroom. crucifixes donated by the sisters in the classrooms. The sisters took seats in the commons area for the unveiling of three murals one of the child Jesus, one of Jesus with the children and one of the Good Shepherd. The main attraction is a wall made of glass which has a giant cross that divides the wall into four parts. TheMonsignor Mike Foltz blesses the mural of the Good Shepherd. corners have a Benedictine medal displayed in them. At the crossing is an image of the Sacred Heart. Theso much that this will not be the last addition they will Benedictine motto “That in all things God may beneed to add. glorified.” is at the top and bottom of he cross. By the The dedication ceremony began with Bishop Michael time all these were unveiled, there was hardly a dry eyeHoeppner blessing the addition. Bishop Hoeppner among the sisters.reminded the attendees that Jesus Christ is the reason for Many sisters commented that the most poignant part ofthe school. Monsignor Mike Foltz, pastor of Sacred Heart the ceremony was walking between two lines of studentsparish expressed gratitude to the sisters for their service holding signs that said, “Thank you, sisters.”to the school. The audience made up of Sacred Heart The Sisters of Saint Benedict return their gratitude tostudents and alumni responded with a standing ovation. the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Sacred HeartSister Shawn Carruth, prioress of Mount Saint Benedict, School.expressed the feelings of the sisters when she said that the Bethlehem this day resembles heaven, hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices. Ask not how. For where God wills, nature yields. For He willed. He had the power. He descended. He redeemed. All things move in obedience to God. This day He Who is born and He Who is becomes what He is not. He is God become man, yet not departing from His Godhead. Saint John Chrysostom page 31

Remembering . . . In 1999 Sister Cathi was elected as the tenth prioress of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. During her five-year term she consistently approached the critical issues of the community by calling the Sisters to listening and dialogue.Sister Catherine Merck, OSB She engaged qualified consultants and seasoned facilitators to gain and process solid information for the entire Catherine Louise community. She trusted fundamental Benedictine values, Merck was born in Ada, met new challenges with an open mind and relied on MN on June 1, 1942, the monastic chapter to make well-considered decisions. the youngest of seven During her term the community took new initiatives for children of Anthony J. providing care of elderly infirm sisters and began to vacate and Margaret (Jerome) and remove outlying buildings on the Mount campus. Merck. She attended Whether they were concerns of the community or of Saint Rose of Lima individual Sisters, as prioress she addressed them with school in Argyle, MN discretion, fairness, consultation and courage. from first to eighth Sister Cathi was a friendly person, light-hearted, grades. She attended interested and appreciative of others. She was gentle in Mount Saint Benedict manner, even genteel. Being herself neither defensive nor Academy as a five-day confrontational, she could be stunned by rudeness.boarder and graduated with the class of 1960. In her She was modest about her achievements. She seemedsenior year she entered Mount Saint Benedict convent and most proud of having established the custom of athat summer received the habit of a Benedictine sister and continually filleda new name, Sister Natalie. She made candy dish inher first profession of vows in 1961 the subprioress’and perpetual profession in 1966. office. HerSome years later she returned to her accepting naturebaptismal name and preferred to be and turn towardknown as Sister Cathi. enjoyment were Sister Cathi was diagnosed with matched withmultiple sclerosis in her mid-twenties. a brave innerDespite the unpredictable and strength ofcumulative physical limitations it which she mayimposed on her, Sister Cathi attained not have beena broad education and filled a number completelyof responsible roles. aware. She earned a bachelor degree in Due tobusiness administration and took increasingopportunities for courses in topics disability, Sisterranging from monastic life to film Cathi movedstudies, from team leadership to to skilled careinterior design. Her energy and in Villa Saintinterests always ran to whatever was Sister Cathi leads the community in prayer. Vincent inuplifting and inclusive. August 2013. She used her education, her savvy Until her last illness, she transported herself around theand talents to contribute in a variety of significant ways to facility in a motorized chair. She died February 5, 2019 atMount Saint Benedict community and others. She was an Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.engaging and welcome presence on the staff of Corbett She is preceded in death by her parents, brothersCollege in Crookston, Colegio Santa Maria in Bogota, Anthony, Jr. and Leo and her sister, Anna Marie. SheColombia and Holy Spirit parish in Fargo, ND. She was is survived by brothers Lawrence Michael, Robert andmonastery treasurer for a time and later the director of Edward, her niece Sister Anita Whalen of Mount Saintcommunity self-study and ongoing formation. She was a Benedict, many other nieces and nephews and the Sisterssubprioress for Sister Cornelia Gust. of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. page 32

Sister Lucille Schafer Sister Lucille Schafer with people and parishes and schools. Years of true (88) died at Villa Saint fulfillment were found in teaching, administration, serving Vincent, Crookston, on as pastoral associate and in tutoring students. January 17, 2019. ‘I served as a parish pastoral minister and as a school Lucille Schafer, tutor in the Foster Grandparent Program. Opportunities daughter of Rose (Kuld) to travel to Rome, Medjugorje and Croatia were added Schafer and George occasions for spiritual and cultural enrichment. Schafer came into this ‘Now it is with a grateful heart that I glance back over world on December the past years observing all the favors God has extended 20, 1930. She was the to me.” third of four children, two brothers: Raymond and John and a sister, Sister Yvonne.Sister Lucille said that one of the things she wasmost grateful for was the Catholic faith passed onto her by her parents. Lucille started her education in the rural public-school district #63. When she was in the sixthgrade, she transferred to Saint Joseph’s Schoolin Red Lake Falls. She attended Mount SaintBenedict Academy for high school. She graduatedmagna cum laude from the College of SaintBenedict in Saint Joseph, MN. Later she receiveda master’s degree in theological studies from SaintJohn’s University, Collegeville, MN. Lucille joined the Sisters of Saint Benedict ofCrookston on January 2, 1948. She made hertemporary monastic profession on July 5, 1949and her final profession on July 11, 1952. Sister Lucille taught in elementary schools inCrookston, East Grand Forks, Red Lake Falls,Benson, Mahnomen, and Detroit Lakes. She alsotaught in a catechetical school in Slayton. Sheserved as principal in Red Lake Falls, Mahnomenand Detroit Lakes. Later she served as pastoralassociate in Red Lake Falls, and as a fostergrandparent in Thief River Falls where she alsoserved as a safe environment worker for SaintBernard Parish. Sister Lucille was known for her quiet, gentleways in the classroom and out of it. She declared Sister Lucille in her office as principal.that even if she had not entered the monasticcommunity, she would have been a teacher. Sister Lucille wrote, “Throughout the years I sought Sister Lucille was preceded in death by her parents andand found my way of seeking God in living and praying her siblings: Ray, John and Sister Yvonne. She is survivedin community with the Sisters of Saint Benedict. I further by many nieces and nephews and by the Sisters of Sainttried to pursue God’s call through my ministry of working Benedict. page 33

Sister Mary Jean Gust Her education prepared her for teaching and administration of schools. After eighteen years of teaching, she became the principal at Sacred Heart Grade Sister Mary Jean Gust School, working with parents and students in a loving and died on July 31, 2019, at supportive way. In 1978 Sister Mary Jean began serving Mount Saint Benedict, as Director of Schools and Religious Education for the Crookston, MN. Diocese of Crookston. Under the leadership of Bishop Sister Mary Jean was the Victor Balke, she served in that capacity for eight years. third child of George and She put on thousands of miles visiting parochial schools in Julia Gust of rural East the rural Crookston Diocese. As such, she developed close Grand Forks, Minnesota. relationships with numerous people across the far-flung She said that her diocese. She also served in the same capacity in the Fargo childhood days were filled Diocesan Office and developed relationships there also. with peace. She loved A special opportunity presented itself when she was able school and loved to read. to accompany Sister Karen Violette to Belgium to help a She also enjoyed weeding group of contemplative semi-cloistered Benedictine Sisters in the family garden, in their retreat and outreach programs. The year she spent though not neglecting there was blessed with spiritual and physical renewal.household chores. Sundays were special days of going to When she returned from Belgium she began work atchurch and visiting with grandparents. the Cathedral parish in Crookston, on staff with Deacon When sisters came to her family’s home asking for Denny Bivens, whodonations, they often brought introduced her toa pail of Mount honey and the parish needsone time brought small and programs.rosaries for the children. The pastor at thatMary Jean and her elder time, Monsignorsister Margaret had the good Roger Grundhaus,fortune of attending high asked if she wouldschool at Sacred Heart in East consider goingGrand Forks and grew to love to Fertile to be atheir teachers, the Benedictine pastoral presencesisters. They appreciated the to the people indedication and interest that the parish andthey had for each student. In community and1946 Mary Jean was inspired to assist himto take steps to begin her life with his parishas a Sister of Saint Benedict, Sister Mary Jean and her sister, Sister Cornelia. responsibilities.together with her older sister, Sister Mary JeanMargaret. was a presence not only to Catholics but to the entire Mary Jean and Margaret entered the community on June community which is predominantly non-Catholic. After24, 1946. They entered the novitiate and were invested many years at Saint Joseph Church in Fertile, she realizedwith the Benedictine habit on March 19, 1947, when they that she needed to retire and return to the Mount ingot their religious names. Mary Jean received the name 2016 to tend to her failing health and live a more relaxedSister Ameliana, and Margaret became Sister Cornelia. Benedictine monastic life.Sister Ameliana later returned to her baptismal name, Sister Mary Jean is preceded in death by her parents,Sister Mary Jean. During her first years in the novitiate and George and Julia Gust, brothers Joseph, Robert, andjuniorate, she grew in understanding the Divine Office Gerard and sister Sister Cornelia Gust and sisters-in-lawand the monastic life. She didn’t really understand what Rosemary, Alice and Risong. She is survived by sistermeditation was about but she did her best to practice it, Betty Ann (Burnell) Skelton, brothers Timothy and Philipeven though she might fall asleep during the meditation (Zenaida), sisters-in-law Susan and June Gust, many niecesperiod which she admitted was the Lord’s way of showing and nephews and her Benedictine community.her she needed more rest. page 34

The - Fall, 2019 Vol. 32.1 - Mount Saint Benedict ... (2024)

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