The Community celebrated the diamond anniversary of monastic profession for three Sisters on the weekend of the Assumption of Mary: Sister Maria Volk, 70 years; Sister Claudia Cherro, 60 years; and Sister Theresa Spinler, 60 years.
On August 14 at Evening Prayer, Sister Claudia Cherro and Sister Theresa Spinler renewed their vows in chapel before the Community. Together they sang the Suscipe three times, each time on a higher note: “Receive me, O Lord, according to Your word and I shall live, and do not fail me in my hope.” Each time the Community responded with, “We have received, O Lord, Your mercy in the midst of Your temple.”
Both had written by hand the vow formula that promised stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience: the foundations of community life. The more familiar promises of poverty and chastity are part of fidelity to monastic life. Together Sisters Theresa and Claudia read their vows, then placed them on the altar and signed them. Prioress Beverly Raway then countersigned, accepting their promises in the name of God.
At Mass on Sunday, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, Sister Beverly gave all three Sisters her blessing. We then gathered for dinner in the dining room to celebrate with our Sisters.
On Sunday afternoon, Sister Maria Volk renewed her vows in the presence of the Sisters on Benet Hall.
