From the top left, clockwise: The Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery bless Sister Karen Rose after her election as prioress. Sister Nicole Kunze pins a corsage on Sister Karen Rose at the rite of acceptance of election. Sister Karen Rose with the facilitators of the discernment process: Sister Kimberly Porter, left and Sister Lynn McKenzie right.
Sister Karen Rose will serve as the eighteenth prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN. Sister Karen was elected for a six-year term on Saturday, February 25, following a discernment process. The rite of installation will take place on Sunday, June 4. Sister Karen will succeed Sister Susan Rudolph.
Sister Karen was born in Nantwich, England, She studied philosophy and theology at Oxford University and earned a doctorate in nursing at Manchester University. She entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery as a postulant in 2007, made her first profession in 2009, and perpetual profession in 2012. She is currently the director of the monastery’s Office of Mission Advancement.
The discernment process was facilitated by Sister Kimberly Porter, a member of St. Walburg Monastery, Covington, KY, and Sister Lynn McKenzie, a member of Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, AL, and president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica. Sister Nicole Kunze, vice-president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict presided at the canonical election.
Saint Benedict’s Monastery was founded in 1857 and currently has 157 members.
Sister Marva Coakley was installed as the fifth Prioress of St. Martin Monastery, Nassau, The Bahamas on May 18, 2018. Sister Kerry O’Reilly, President of the Federation, presided over the installation at which all members of the community were present as well as family, friends of the community and coworkers of Sister Marva.
Sister Annie Thompson transfers authority to Sister Marva during the Installation when she gives her the Rule of Benedict and the Mission Statement of the monastery.
The Sisters’ discernment process culminated in three days of discernment/reflection facilitated by Sister Aileen Bankemper.
Sister Marva has been active in education for many years and will complete the school year as she begins her term of four years. The prioresses and delegates will have the pleasure of meeting her when she arrives for the Federation Chapter in July of this year.
The Prioress of the monastic community is spiritual leader, guide and planner. Each monastery elects a prioress through a discernment process and also determines the length and number of terms. Three monasteries of the Federation had elections this year.
Saint Benedict Monastery in Taipei, Taiwan.
Sr Emmanuel Hsiang & Sr Kerry O’Reilly, Federation President
The Sisters met in discernment February 24 and 25 facilitated by Sister Kerry O’Reilly, President of the Federation, and Sister Josue Behnen of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN. The canonical election was held February 26, 2016 and SISTER EMMANUEL HSIANG was elected to a second 6-year term. She was blessed by the community, oblates and friends. It was particularly festive with the presence of their Junior Sister, Sister Maria Sung, from their mission house. The community celebrated with a festive meal and entertainment by the newest members of the community.
When visiting Taiwan the flight connects in Tokyo, Japan so a visit to the Sisters at Saint Benedict’sMonastery, Muroran, Japan was in order!
St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL
Sr. Sandra Brunenn (Photo courtesy of St. Mary Monastery)
also had a re-election on April 3, 2016. SISTER SANDRA BRUNENN was elected by her community to serve a second term of four years. The Benedictine way is to take time for discernment – creating an atmosphere within the house and within the community members of quiet and deep listening. Who is God calling to leadership at this time? What are community members hearing? What can they share about the Sisters raised up for consideration for leadership? A Formal election takes place only after the community seems to develop a broad consensus.
Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND
Sr Nicole Kunze (Photo courtesy of Annunciation Monastery)
Following two re-elections, Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND elected SISTER NICOLE KUNZE to a first term of 4 years on April 9. A community begins thinking about the future long before the election as it prepares Direction Statements. The Sisters ask themselves what is our hope for the future and where is our energy for that future? Where would we like to be four years from now? As they discuss that and formulate general statements it becomes a basis for what kind of skills and gifts would be help move the statements to reality.
Conference of Benedictine Prioresses
The position of prioress is challenging and can be overwhelming even as it has rewards. Benedictine Prioresses from around the country meet once a year for sharing and support and quiet time together. This year’s gathering was held in January at Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana.
Gathering of Professed Benedictines 55 and Under
Gathering of Professed Benedictines 55 and Under (Photo courtesy of Yankton Benedictines)
One privilege of a Federation President is getting to know many Sisters from other Federations. The Sisters from all the Federations and Congregation 55 years old and Under meet every three years and 2016 was one of those years. The presidents are invited to attend and share thoughts. It is a privilege. The energy was high as Sisters recalled formation gatherings they shared, as the theme of Collaboration was explored by Sister Aileen Bankemper of St. Walburga Monastery, and time was given to explore Indianapolis, IN where our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, is located.
Federation / Congregation Leaders at the 55 and Under Gathering: back: Sister Kerry O’Reilly (St. Benedict), Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie (St. Scholastica); front: Sister Joella Kidwell, (St. Gertrude), Sister Pia Portman, (Missionary Benedictines) (Photo: Federation of St. Scholastica)
The Monastic Congregation of Saint Benedict 