Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any good, orthodox benedictine orders out there. Also is anyone discerning with the Benedictines?
Thanks. so much.
God's Peace,
Amanda

Hey Amanda! I haven't visited these orders, but heard good things!

Westfield Benedictines
-very cool, these sisters chant the Divine Office and have Mass in Latin

Abbey of St. Walburga
Colorado based and have some new vocations

Our Lady of the Desert
new community in the desert of New Mexico, a daughter house of a monastery in Australia

Mount Caritas Monastery
founded in the 70's in CT.

St. Emma Monastery
founded in Germany, now in PA, has had pretty steady vocations

Petersham Priory
in MA

There is also the Benedictine Sisters of Corpus Christi in Ann Arbor, MI
4485 Earhart Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9710
Phone: 734-995-3876

I'm not discerning with the Benedictines, but I have a great respect for them. Good luck w/ discernment!

Thanks so much for the links, thyholylove, it's really helpful. I'm just starting to discern and I definitely feel called to the contemplative life and have mostly been drawn to the Poor Clares but I also have this little voice in my head saying Benedictines!?! So, I want to look. I love the Rule of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica is also a favorite. I almost named my cat after her. I'm also in contact with the Domincans in Lockport, mostly because i feel I have been prejudiced against the Dominican order by a friend who was forced to read too much Aquinas. Anyway I really appreciate the info. Thanks again,
Amanda

I know that figuring out where God wants you is very confusing but hang in there. Read up about the communities that intrest you and visit them if you can. Visiting makes all the diference.

I'm not biased or anything (hahaha!) but I'm glad you're checking out the Dominicans. I love them and all their traditions. The Dominicans at Lockport are great and so are the Dominicans in Summit NJ. Here is their blog Dominican Nuns

There is also a new community of Benedictine Sisters starting in Florida at Ave Maria Unveristy. They are sort of "limited active". I don't know their url but they do have a website. It's Queen of Peace monastery.

Don't be prejudiced against the Dominicans You might like to also look at some different monasteries of Dominican Nuns. The Lockport Sisters are just a small community of 2 (with one postulant) and not fully "nuns' yet. Some on phatmass are attracted to the idea of being part of something "new" or rather, restarting, but I know not everyone is attracted to that and would rather be part of a stable community with longer traditions, etc.

The Summit Dominicans are good: Summit Dominicans and there are monasteries in MA, TX, CA, CT, NY, AL and MI. I think there is a website that lists them all somewhere. Yep, here it is!

Dominican Nuns

God bless you in your discernment!

I am sorry Susan but you are greatly misinformed. I am not sure who you are getting your information from on the Lockport Dominicans but where ever it is the information is faulty. The Lockport Dominicans have 4 members and on December 30th they will have five. That's 3 new memebers in 6 months. They are real nuns they have been canonical established for the last 25 years. They were founded by the foundress of the Dominican nuns in Lufkin Texas. They are refounding , but they are still canonically established and their tradition is long because they are affiliated with the Order of Preachers which gives them an 800 year tradition just like the other Dominican communitys. I would like to ask you to please double check your information before you post things all over the internet. There is nothing wrong with the Lockport Domincans they are a wonderful community and I would know seeiing as I have lived there.

Karin

The Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration (Missouri) are a semicloistered order that came to this country from Switzerland about 125 yrs. ago. They wear black and white dress as a habit, and are not veiled. Postulants and novices wear plain clothing, and do not wear religious dress or take a religious name until first profession. They make altar breads and publish a magazine (Spirit and Life). They also engage in retreat work and some manual labor for the upkeep of their monastery. They recently developed an almost gluten free host for wheat allergic/intolerant folks approved by the Church. They have a beautiful website, although I can't think of it offhand. Just do a search on Benedictine Perpetual Adoration and you should get there.

Other Benedictine orders you might check out are the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters and the Benedictine Sisters of New Jersey. Both have active ministry and wear modified habits.

Another cloistered order is in Connecticut--the Abbey of Regina Laudis.

I'm glad to see some interest in the Benedictines here. The Rule of St. Benedict is over 1500 years old and still is such a sane and well-balanced way to live, whether you are layfolk or religious.

Benedictines are well known for their tradition of hospitality. Hope you enjoy your discernment with them.

The Westfield Benedictines are FANTASTIC! Their vocation directress is an amazing person. I don't think I am called to that community, but I can't thank God enough for my correspondance with Sr. Maria Magdalen.

Dear Karin,
I did NOT say there was anything wrong with the Lockport Dominicans. I'm sorry you got that impression. There sure isn't! I know you are hoping to enter there and that's GREAT! But I was told by another Dominican monastery that they are not nuns, per se, but still contemplative sisters under the bishop. I was told that once they have enough members they hope to be established as full Nuns of the Order of Preachers as the other monsasteries are. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them! It's just that I know not everyone feels called to be part of community getting refounded. It's simply a matter of where one is being called.

I thought there were only 2 nuns and one postulant! There are 5!!! Are there a few sisters hiding from the camera

Please don't be offended and I'm only going by the information I received from another Dominican monastery.

Amanda, welcome to phatmass. I'm also from nc so that's cool. There's a benedictine cloister in Norway. Their website is: http://www.tautra.no/English/

I know one of the sisters there. The community consists of nuns who came from a Benedictine cloister in America and started this one in Norway. They are in need of vocations so even though it's in Norway, it's def a viable option if you're looking into the Benedictines.

And I would concur with those who have suggested that you look into the Dominicans. Don't be biased against them (although I'm def biased for them). Summit is a very good place to start.

Welcome to PhatMass, Amanda!

I actually joined after you today, but have been lurking around these boards for such a long time I already feel like a member! I think it is awesome that you have overcome your prejudice against the O.P.'s and are in discernment with the Dominican Nuns in Lockport. They are SO COOL!!! I love them I know a lot of girls (including me) who are seriously interested in their Community. I think that three PhatMassers have already been accepted there. Even more are talking about planning visits to their Monastery to be interviewed. WAHOO!!! Did I mention that I LOVE THEM

I am praying for you, Amanda. Please continue to update . . .

P.S. You may want to check out the many awesomeness of Lockport threads that have already been started.

Say HI to Mother Mistress for me if you talk to her before I do

Oblates of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Pennsylvania.

Their site explains it all and has a page for past and present newsletters...fully habited nuns, faithful to the Pope and The Church... are amazing

Everyone,
Thank you so much for your responses and prayers. There are so many amazing communities out there. I am particularly interested in the Westfield Benedcitines and the Oblates of Mary queen of Apostles. I can't type a capital q, weird. However, I am very appreciative in all your help as I discover God's will for my life. I discerned when in I was in high school but it was a very different experience. All I want is to do God's will. I'll keep praying for everyone here. Please have a blessed last few days of Advent. Rejoice!! He is coming soon.
God's Peace,
Amanda

Everyone,
Thank you so much for your responses and prayers. There are so many amazing communities out there. I am particularly interested in the Westfield Benedcitines and the Oblates of Mary queen of Apostles. I can't type a capital q, weird. However, I am very appreciative in all your help as I discover God's will for my life. I discerned when in I was in high school but it was a very different experience. All I want is to do God's will. I'll keep praying for everyone here. Please have a blessed last few days of Advent. Rejoice!! He is coming soon.
God's Peace,
Amanda

I'm so glad to see that there is someone else out there who is discerning with the Benedictines.

Personally I feel very drawn to the Daughters of Mary in Sweden ( which is where I'm from ), and I'd recomend them, though I guess they might be a little far away.

In fact, I'll be going to visit with them for a week on January 1st. I've been there a couple of times before and ever since I left the last time, I've been longing to go back. There is nothing quite like participating in the Divine Office in a community where you simply feel at home. God never feels as close to me as he does when I'm praying with the sisters.
I can't wait to go. Only 10 more days, and then I'm off!!

Sorry, I seem to rambling, but I'm just so excited.

Pax

There is another order, The Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priests. They are a mix between Salesian and Benedictine sisters.

Of course, if you really want to be contemplative, there is always the Carthusian Order!

Awesome!! I'm so glad you get to go visit with them. I will be praying for you!! I've never been to Sweden but have several college friends from Sweden and Denmark and they are always trying to get me into that corner of the world for a visit. Though, I think most of my Swedish friends now live in either Australia or England. However, good luck and God's blessings in your discernment.
God's Peace,
Amanda

Hi Clayton,
I'll have to think about that. I love St. Francis de Sales. His Introduction to the Devout Life is one of my favorite books but I've never really felt an attraction to the Visitation. As for the Carthusians, no. Not that it isn't a wonderful call but it's not for me. Again thanks for the info and God Bless.
Peace,
Amanda

Amanda:

I would very much recommend the Oblates of Mary Queen of Apostles- www.oblatesofmary.com and the Benedictine Nuns of Regina Laudis- www.abbeyofreginalaudis.com

God bless,
Brendan

If you're looking for a good orthodox Benedictine community, check out the Cistercians Nuns in WI (www.nunocist.org). The Cistercians were a Benedictine reform movement that began in 1098. The nuns are fully habited and follow a strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. I've made two visits there if you'd like more information.

I've heard some sketchy things about the Regina Laudis community. That they're not as orthodox as some would expect. But I never looked into the Benedictines so I'm not sure.

Yes, I've heard some really great gregorian chant from that community and I had gone to their website to find a contact address and I just got weird vibes when I was looking through it. Nothing in paticular really turned me off but I just wasn't sure. And I never did find the contact address. However, I would not let "weird vibes" prevent me from contacting an order and praying over it. This is the Lord's decision and I trust in his ability to do with me what he wishes. Regina Laudis really does produce some wonderful music, though. I'd make a visit just to listen.

Hi ForHimAlone,
I have a question. What is the difference between a Cistercian and a Trappist? I'm sure I could go look it up but if you have and can post any information I'm sure it would be educational for all.
Peace,
Amanda

PS And a very blessed and merry Christmas day to all.

Amanda:

Trappists are Cistericans- those of the Strict Observance- OCSO.
The original Cistercians are those of the Regular Observance- O Cist.

So, Trappists are reformed Cistercians, who are are reformed Benedictines.

Both OCSO's, O Cist's and OSB's are Benedictines of various observances, all following the Rule of Saint Benedict, and all claiming the patriarch of Western Monasticism as their spiritual father.

Hope this helps.

God bless,
Brendan

Thanks Brendan!! That actually really clears things up. I knew they weren't the same but just wasn't sure of the difference. There is a Trappist monastery near me in SC and I've known some people who have gone on retreat their and really loved it, but I've always been a little bit afraid of that kind of life. But, I sense there is great joy in it. I need to do some research. Again thanks.
God's Peace,
Amanda

I had the same reaction when I first looked at Regina Laudis ... I couldn't quite put my finger on what was making me queasy ... but now I think it must've been because, at least on their website, they emphasize "professionalism," so much.

Not that there's anything wrong with having lots of degrees. But the way they talk about it ... from their website:

"As we develop a contemporary understanding of the dignity of all human labor and the Gospel mandate to be wise stewards of creation, we strive to support new and diverse expressions of that stewardship. We believe contemplative life must build on natural aptitudes and prior professional experience."

There's nothing really wrong with that, I don't think. But it's so ... cold and sterile. And didn't St. Benedict, St. Francis, etc. have a good understanding of the dignity of all human labour and stewardship of creation? Why does a new "contemporary understanding" have to be developed? And do they mean to suggest that you need prior professional experience to be a Benedictine?

Maybe I'm reading too much into things. But something about it gives me the hibby-jibbies!

P.S. Their Gregorian Chant is absolutely gorgeous

Is that the order with the nun who acted with Elvis and who votes for the academy awards? It was in Oprah's magazine a year or two ago.

If it is, one of my priest friends goes on retreat there, and he really likes it (he says that it's peaceful and the cheese is good). Other than that, I don't know enough about that order to have an opinion about it.

I actually contacted them a year ago, To inquire abour a possible vocation. I got a chance to talk with Rev. Mother briefly. I also have a friend whom has gone to visit their community several times.

Interesting note about their community they don't put an hourium on their website also they prefer a girl interested to come and visit. Instead of talking to Rev. Mother or the Novice Mistress. In the words of Rev. Mother, when one has a religious vocation one is called to a particular order, and monastery. Again they REALLY insist on one visiting rather than calling!! Just my experience

Lastly my friend whom visited did get weird vibes from the place as well..

In JMJ

I am not sure if this community was suggested, but they are the Benedictine Sisters in Louisiana, they are a contemplative order of benedictine nuns who follow the rule of St. Benedict and they are a smaller community in southeast Louisiana, so perhaps you'd like to view their webpage to learn more!

http://www.ourladyqueenmonastery.org/

God Bless You!

After listening to the Regina Laudis sisters on their CD, I decided to contact them a while back. They seemed all right, but after my first letter with them, their response was basically that I should visit and they will be able to decide, based on my aptitudes, if I am right for them. I felt that it was more like a job interview than a conversation/correspondence about religious life. It was a letter all about my talents, etc. There was nothing in the letter that talked about who they were, at all. It didn't attract me. But I am sure, judging by their numbers, that there are those out there who find them attractive. Yes, there is a sister there who used to be a professional Broadway actress. They still do put on secular plays on their stage on the monastery grounds.

Abbey of St. Walburga
They have just admitted 3 more postulants, check out their interesting website.

St. Emma's Monastery and Retreat House
This monastery has a relationship with St. Vincent's Archabbey in Latrobe PA and they have a very interesting history. They are very dedicated to retreat ministry. They have great local support and have recently built a beautiful chapel. They are experiencing a rebirth of vocations over the last 6-7 years. I grew up in western PA and can tell you it is a beautiful part of the country.

Has anyone here ever contacted either of these groups of Benedictines?

Amanda,

Earlier in this post, someone recommended (not sure who) the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration. I was in contact with them initially as they have a monastery about 2 hours from here. They do not wear a habit at all. Their 'habit' (what they are calling it, which is misleading) is combination of: Black or white skirt, black or white top. Some wear one color, some mix and match. In order to call it their 'habit', they require that all postulants and novices bring their own clothing which cannot be those two colors. In addition, they have another monastery in Oklahoma, STL, and one other place (Wyoming I think). The one in OK has an 'ashram' for a chapel where all the sisters sit on pillows in a circle. Their prayer can include, as they have invited into the chapel for talks and prayer services people of non-Christian faiths, like gurus, yogis, etc. Their Blessed Sacrament Tabernacle is actually hanging from a tree in their ashram.

The vocation sister said that with them, you don't just enter one of the monasteries, you enter their motherhouse, and then can be assigned to a monastery, or even transferred, but they 'try to keep in mind your preferences'.

It just sounded. . .phishy. I would not inquire there as I know you are interested in a more orthodox community.

I will keep you in my

Denise

I contacted a couple of Benedictine orders and both were really nice but I am pretty certain my call is not there. There is on order that I really took a liking to though, tyburn convent. They have perpetual adoration and I was going to try to visit them this summer or fall but my plans to go to the UK fell apart and I honestly don't know if I will ever get back to England. Mother Simeon is very nice and they replied very promptly and encouragingly. As one of the first communities I contacted I think this contributed to my favorable impression. Anyway, I'm kind of rambiling so,
God's Peace always,
Amanda

Wow, I've heard about monasteries incorporating Eastern style monasticim into their traditions(and never entirely approved) but that is really crazy. I mean what is wrong with traditional western style monasticim? Sorry, I'm really unnerved by this.
Amanda

It is disturbing. You should have seen me, when I was corresponding with the vocation director. She wrote a few times after I told her I wasn't really interested in a community that would use an 'ashram' in a Roman Catholic Monastery. She said something about being 'open' to our brothers and sisters who are not Christian.

Uh, you don't see Muslims putting up crucifixes in order to be 'open' to us? By integrating non Catholic things into our worship says to others that our own worship is not complete, that we need to add other forms of worship to somehow make ours more perfect, more complete. Uh.
No. Wrong! Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

First off WELCOME Amanda! So nice to have you here to chat with in phatmass.

Susan, I am in complete agreement with you. I called the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux and was informed that they are NOT and established monastery (Pontifically through Rome). You need 9 members be be established by Rome, that is be a Pontifical community. You are correct Susan, they are under Bishop Sam Jacobs and answer to the Diocese. According to the Chancellor, Sr. Miriam of that Diocese, they are made up of only two members with one postulant. My information came straight from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux!

Maybe the other 2 are camera shy!

Susan, you are right again to say it doesn't make a community good or bad because they have two, three, four...how ever many members.

It's really up to GOD where one is called.

Peace and all good!
Tootles!

Thank you Lauren

and Amanda!!! I live fairly close to a Tyburn convent. They are beautiful Gods will, WILL be done! and it is all in His time. I hope you do get to visit the UK, though

You live close to tyburn convent? WOW I looked into their community at one point. So have you gone and visited? Whats it like there??

I made the original post about the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration way back when.
I'm not a devotee of eastern monasticism myself, but there has been of late an exploration between eastern and western monastic traditions to see where parallel contemplative practices exist. You will probably find that of interest within some Cistercian communities, not so much elsewhere.
The Oklahoma monastery/ashram tabernacle does not hang from a tree. However, if you go to the website, you see it is suspended in front of a large wooden cross. Again, not my style, but not sacrilegious either.

What has been true for ages is the appeal of the Rule of St. Benedict to every stripe of Christian and non-Christian. Hospitality is written into the Rule very clearly and Benedictines take it very seriously. People from other religious traditions who are interested in studying the Rule are welcomed by most Benedictines not just this particular congregation.

These sisters motherhouse is in Clyde, Missouri. While they no longer reside in St. Louis, I had several occasions to meet them and attend the Eucharist in their chapel. I never saw anything but the most reverence for prayer. They were kind gracious and warm to all visitors. I am a subscriber to their magazine Spirit and Life which has published nothing contrary to Catholic doctrine.

As for their dress, simple black and white clothing does qualify as a habit. The Rule of St. Benedict does state that the habit was not to be given until the member made profession. In that light, these sisters returned to that practice in having the novitiate members wear their own clothing.

Sorry to ramble, I know this congregation will not appeal to most of the discerners here, but this group is not as strange as made out to be.
I did make mention of the Benedictines in Virginia Dale CO and Latrobe PA who are more traditional in dress and practice.

PAX

I made the response that it didn't seem to qualify as a habit because, when one thinks of the words religious habit, they don't think white shirt, black skirt. I haven't gone so far as to put a poll out, but, for instance, there were some OP sisters here, who, back in the mid 90s, wore a modified habit of white mid calf length tunic and scapular and shorter veil. Later, they just wore white shirt of some sort and black skirt. All the people, young and old, when seeing them, would say. .. How come they're not wearing their habit. The sisters themselves said, 'we're now opting for simple dress, and not a religious habit.'

Interestingly enough, there are many communities, Benedictine in spirituality and charism, who invest the novice in habit and white veil, not giving her the black veil until vows, as is common in many monasteries of all charisms and orders.

While I understand your comment that Benedict was adamant in his decree of hospitality, I don't know if he would go so far as to allow those of other religions to give talks on their faith in our own chapels. In addition, I certainly don't believe that he would go so far as to build a Buddhist temple, Muslim mosque or native american ashram in order to make those coming feel that they are receiving better hospitality.

As for the Tabernacle hanging from a tree or a cross, again, I don't know if our Lord would be all that happy to be hanging on one side of the cross, while a potted plant was hanging on the other.

I'm pretty traditional in that, when feeling my call to religious life, one of my foremost thoughts was that I was called to a community completely faithful to the Magesterium of the Church, wore a traditional habit and lived in community with full prayer in common. So my posts here will reflect that.

I, for one, am delighted that you are here!

I second that OLAM Dad!

And I can third it

Can I fourth it?

Wow, what a blessing. They really do seem like a good community. Let's hope that God's will and His time will allow me one last visit to my motherland(s). (I am English, Scottish, and Welsh).
Amanda

You guys are all so crazy, I just love you! And I will miss you all heartily. Even though we haven't met in person, I just feeeeeel the love!