I became familiar with the writings of Michael Casey, a Trappist Monk from Tarrawarra Abbey in Australia, on my first visit to St. Scholastica Monastery back in 2006. Ever since then I have been enamored by his writings and ever eager to read his books devouring every word. The first book of Michael Casey that I read was Toward God, a book on prayer. I went on to read about lectio divina in his book Sacred Reading. Next came A Guide to Living in Truth and Strangers in the City. I read those books while I was studying as a Novice. Most recently while reading Casey’s book An Unexciting Life I decided to write him a letter to thank him for his writings. I wanted to let him know how he has helped me on my Benedictine journey; to tell him how much he has influenced me, and inspired me, and has helped me fall in love with monastic life. I wrote the letter never expecting to hear from him. After all, he lives clear across the world in a Trappist Monastery and he is a famous author and speaker. So, you can imagine my delight when I found in my mailbox a letter from Australia!
“I pray that your experience of monastic life may be as life-enhancing and joyful as mine.”
—Michael Casey, OCSO (quoted from my letter)
Sister Lisa Maurer
Sister Lisa Maurer was born and lived in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, before entering the Monastery, She taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa made her first Monastic Profession in August 2009. She currently ministers at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth. See all of Sister Lisa’s posts.
