Comments
from visitors to Saint Bede Center
"In the more than twenty-five years that I have lived in Eau Claire, it had never occurred to me that I might be welcome to participate in the liturgy at St. Bede Monastery, Rather, it was through my experience at St. Bede's mother house in St. Joseph, MN that I came to find community among these women in my own back yard.
I received the gift of a sabbatical in the summer of 2008. I am a full-time program staff member working in a local protestant church. In this time of retreat, I imagined what it might be to withdraw completely from the need to produce something. Could it be possible to let go of my deep sense of responsibility? Would letting go of responsibility ultimately be a decision for leaving? Would deep solitude sink into unhealthy sloth or depression? My desire to experience myself's single purpose became so strong that I didn't even suggest a goal for my time away. My only plan was a destination.
I spent two weeks at St. John's Guesthouse in Collegeville, MN and four weeks at St. Benedict's Monastery, at nearby Collegeville. As others have experienced in retreat, it took most of the first two weeks simply to let go of the need for an agenda's comfort. I found that I set imaginary goals each day to read, walk or write; anything that might provide structure for the frightening freedom that I had. It was another two weeks before I stopped my critical observation of sleeping and reading and reading and sleeping. Finally, I found that I had become quiet.
During my stay at their hermitage, I had entered into spiritual guidance with Helene Mercie of St. Benedict's Monastery. With her companionship, I reflected upon what was revealed during my time of retreat. I was surprised that the hospitality and community of women in their liturgy was what most comforted me. I loved the sounds of other voices joined with mine, other concerns surrounding mine and other lives gathered next to mine regularly, peacefully and beautifully. So when Helene asked, 'What part of this experience can you take with you to Eau Claire?' the answer was obvious. I wanted the practice of community.
As soon as I returned to Eau Claire, I contacted (St. Bede's) monastery to inquire about their liturgy of the hours. I join (the Sisters) in prayer each morning that I can. Praying the liturgy is a rich, spiritual practice for me that draws me continually into the presence of the Holy Spirit and back into community."
~ Jill Christopherson, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
"For several years the Benedictine community at Saint Bede Center has hosted our monthly class days for the Eau Claire site of the Diocesan School of Biblical Studies. Any season of the year you can count on some essential things with the Sisters and the Center: A generous and warm welcome, clean and attractive programming spaces, a staff aching to please, healthy and nourishing meals, in a peaceful setting where the Word of God is honored. Such dependable hospitality is a rare and precious thing."
~ Rev. Mark Pierce, Pastor, Newman Parish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
"It's hard to explain, but in a perfectly strange place, I felt at home...To be welcomed in such an inviting way...was the most profound expression of hospitality I have ever experienced...I truly felt that God met me at Saint Bede's..."
~ Anonymous
"It is always a joy to come here. Thank you for making it home."
~ Anonymous
"Many and continued blessings to you and your ministry."
~ Anonymous
"I loved coming to St. Bede's! It was beautiful and I appreciated your friendly spirit-filled hospitality."
~ Anonymous
"Your hospitality is such a gift to us."
~ Anonymous
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