Our Benedictine Authors

Benedictines have a long history of study, writing, and publishing.  At our monastery, Sister Laura Swan was the first to publish a book, followed by Sister Lucy Wynkoop, who co-authored a book on Lectio Divina.

The following books by Sister Laura Swan, The Forgotten Desert Mothers and The Wisdom of the Beguines, are available at online or at your local bookseller. Sister Laura wanted to study early Christian women, especially hermits in the desert tradition, but found only scattered information. Someone told her that since she was doing the research she should write the book. So she did, and now it’s in its second edition. Another topic that intrigued Sister Laura was the Beguines of Medieval times–and so, another book was born.

Between writing these two books, Sister Laura kept busy by compiling a bibliography called The History of North American Benedictine Women, a much needed research and reference bibliography for those interested in Benedictine women’s history in North America. She also wrote Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today, and edited The Benedictine Tradition (Spirituality in History).

Sister Lucy Wynkoop and Christine Valters Paintner together wrote Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness, also available at The Priory Store. Christine is an American poet and writer living in Galway, Ireland. She is the author of twelve books of nonfiction on creative process and contemplative practice, and her poems have been published in journals and reviews. Sister Lucy is a Benedictine Sister of St. Placid Priory who has many years experience of praying Lectio Divina. She also has experience in teaching, leading retreats and journeying with others as spiritual director.

And so our community carries on the long tradition of scholarship and writing that is part of the Benedictine heritage.