With the coming of June, our community begins a year of Jubilee and a living lectio of gratitude. We celebrate 50 years as an independent monastery and 110 years of presence and ministry in the Pacific Northwest. We will be reflecting upon our heritage, pondering the gifts bestowed by our Benedictine foremothers and celebrating who we have become.

Our story actually begins before the beginning. In 1881, six Benedictine Sisters from Minnesota established a mission in Grande Ronde, Oregon with the hopes of an independent monastery. Their plans were interrupted and the dream went underground. In 1892, another opportunity emerged for a mission in the Pacific Northwest and three Sisters arrived in Tacoma. Our Sisters took responsibility for the new Holy Rosary School. Their new home consisted of two rooms on the third floor of the school (still under construction) with cracks in the roof that gave them a view of the stars at night. When the rainy season arrived, they moved to the ground floor of the school. Several blocks away a one room cabin on stilts served as their refectory, kitchen and community space. Soon other Sisters arrived to help with the growing school.

This mission grew but attempts to form an independent monastery were repeatedly delayed. Two World Wars and several major economic depressions proved major challenges to their dreams. The Bishops of Seattle remained consistently supportive of the Benedictine Sisters and tried many different, creative ways to make the dream of an independent monastery a reality.

In 1925, more Sisters arrived to staff the new Visitation School in south Tacoma. The Benedictine presence grew. So did our Benedictine foremothers love for the people of the Puget Sound region. These women built a heart-felt connection with their neighbors—and collaboration with our friends became a way of life. South Tacoma had truly become "home" and young women from the area traveled to Minnesota in order to join in the life of the Sisters they came to love.

There are dear memories of trips to Mount Rainier and the ocean, fishing, Mass and devotions shared with the parish community, and roller-skating down the hardwood halls of the schools--habits "blowing in the wind." Hours were spent teaching classes, summer CCD along with art and private music lessons, helping with choirs, feeding many who came quietly to the back door of the convent. In their "spare" time, the Sisters were utilizing every free evening, weekend and summer completing university degrees. Life was very full and the Sisters were being immersed in the realities of the Pacific Northwest.

We honor these pioneering women who embraced an unknown frontier, confronting their fears and living into the adventure of monastic life in a new home. Our Benedictine foremothers have taught us to live into crises and opportunities and confusing circumstances with courageous faith, trusting in God's Providential care. They were women rooted in prayer: daily Mass, praying the Divine Office, devotions and time for private prayer was the source of their strength and sustenance.

Our Benedictine foremothers built a significant presence with few personal resources but an abundance of friends. They have shown us that littleness can accomplish great things. At times, life has felt shaky and precarious, but our faithful friends have encouraged us to continue through times of doubt and uncertainty to uncover God's Will in our lives. Friends are a great treasure indeed!

Our Benedictine foremothers embraced continuous change: exterior and interior. They left the comforts of Minnesota, uprooted from family, friends and the familiar. Adapting to what they found became a way of life. At times, the personal sacrifice was great; however their love for religious life and their students overcame this sense of loss. But then, they always loved an adventure! They show us the myriad possibilities awaiting us when we courageously let go of the comfortable and trust into the future. Their lives were motivated by their love for God, the Church, students and their families. They exemplified the Benedictine motto, That in All Things, God May Be Glorified!

For Sister Laura's other articles, go to
Living Lectio: Founding
Living Lectio: Unexpected Twists and Turns
Living Lectio: An Ancient Identity Emerges

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