On the Feast of the Assumption at Morning Eucharist, Sister Beverly Raway was installed as the 14th Prioress of St. Scholastica Monastery. Sister Kerry O’Reilly, President of the Federation of St. Benedict, of which we are a member, officiated at the installation. Bishop Paul Sirba of the Diocese of Duluth presided at Eucharist.
In the ceremony, Sister Lois Eckes, who has served as our Prioress for ten years, officially relinquished her authority. Sister Beverly then accepted the authority of Prioress, promising to carry out the duties of Prioress and to implement the direction statements that the Community developed over several months this past winter.
As new Prioress, Sister Beverly accepted a copy of the Holy Rule from the Federation President. The Community then pledged to consider her the representative of Christ among us.
In a deeply moving symbol of our pledge, each Sister came up and placed her hands between Sister Beverly’s to give their obedience and support, and to receive a blessing.
We prayed the Litany of the Saints together, as Sister Beverly asked for God’s guiding help. Then Bishop Paul Sirba prayed over her, asking God to give her a heart full of compassion and zeal, so that she in turn will inspire her Sisters to live the life of the Gospel.
Four other former Prioresses were present: Sister Grace Marie Braun, Sister Clare Marie Trettel, Sister Danile Lynch, and Sister Kathleen Hofer.
As Sister Lois Eckes takes a well-deserved rest after her years of devoted service, we thank her for her wise and loving guidance.
As Sister Beverly takes on the mantle of Christ, we ask God to bless her with a strong and loving heart, so that the charism of leadership will continue to grow in her.