May 2022
Issue #21
Reflections from the Hill
Occasional Outreach from the Benedictine Sisters
Praying for Peace
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
Our Lady of Kyiv
at St. Scholastica Monastery

Recently, this beautiful picture of Our Lady of Kyiv was discovered by a retreatant at Omega. The picture was brought to the Monastery and is a daily reminder to pray for the peace of Ukraine and for all its people.
Here we are in May. Flowers and trees are blooming, birds of all species are returning and singing, and things seem to be tranquil. Yet my heart cries for the people of Ukraine and what is happening to their lives and their homelands. But not just Ukrainians... Click here to read the remainder of Sister Bernice's Reflection on our website.
Please remember our Sisters on May 27th!
YOU ARE INVITED to the 20th Annual None's Ball (A No-Show Event!) which will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022. No one will gather, but we do ask that you please remember the Sisters in your prayers. You can click here for more information about this special event that supports our elder Sisters!

Keeping in Touch

Sister Mary Agnes Zinni, OSB, age 96, says she is "The Old Encyclopedia" for her family. She loves to have Zoom calls with her relatives, especially since Covid has prevented visiting. Her most recent call included family in Texas, New York, Virginia, Florida and even Vasto, Italy.

Sister Mary Agnes said being able to see everyone and talk this way is real blessing. Her smile certainly affirms that. Her family means so much to her!
Our nurse, Carolyn Ruiz, LVN, took this photo. We look forward to Sister's return to the Monastery!
Sister Mary Lou's son, Richard, took this photo. He visits her daily at the hospital.
Healing Prayers for Sister Mary Lou Hernandez, OSB
Another of our nonagenarians, Sister Mary Lou, fell in the parking lot while coming out of a doctor's appointment last week. She fractured her hip, requiring surgery. She is recovering now, getting three hours/day of rehab therapies.
Please keep Sister Mary Lou in your prayers. Her 95th birthday is today - May 1st!
Benedictine Oblate Information
The Benedictine Oblates and Initial Formation Group, along with the Boerne Benedictine Sisters, have reached another milestone as we complete the 2nd year of virtual Oblate gatherings. 

There will be only one Oblate meeting this month on May 15th. It will be a Virtual Oblation Celebration/Service. We plan to livestream the event on Facebook. We joyfully welcome our new Oblates and those who will be renewing their Oblation!

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Benedictine Oblate, please click here for more information or email us by clicking here.
The Sisters have completed their Commitment Statement and continue to refine their goals for their Laudato Si’ Action Plan.
Sr. Ursula Herrera, OSB, Director of our Caridad de Corazón ministry, reviewing the Sisters' Laudato Si' documents.
Sr. Susan Mika, OSB, Director of our Corporate Responsibility ministry, discussing the Sisters' Laudato Si' commitment statement and goals during a recent community meeting.
Click here for more information about our Corporate Responsibility and Caridad de Corazón ministries.
Health and Wholeness Center
Above: The pool during repairs.
Below: Grateful for the re-opening!
The Health and Wholeness Center is THRILLED to re-open the pool after 5 weeks of repairs to the enclosure. The entire roof was removed and replaced, including the shade panels. We were able to simultaneously install new sand filters and are in the process of repairing the heater. Over 200 members have already attended the first week of water aerobics and we are looking forward to many more!

Omega Retreat Center
Spring cleaning is in full force at Omega! 
 
It is well-known that weekends on 'the Hill' are BUSY. When we found ourselves with a few open weekends we decided to take full advantage of this. Our house-keeping staff has been busy deep cleaning every room in Omega. From the Chapel to the Kitchen; scrubbing, steaming, shining, and sweeping. 
 
We want you to feel at home when you are here, and sometimes it is the small things that mean the most. Repairs have been made to upholstery in Lidwina’s dwelling and handrails painted in Haider-Kean Inn. We can’t what to see you here again soon.

We truly appreciate all those who shop and donate to Sisters' Attic! All proceeds benefit our Boerne Ministries.
Thank you for praying with us during our
Federation's 100th anniversary celebration year.
Click here for more information or to Register for the Benedictine Colloquium June 21-24, 2022.
(Onsite in Atchison, KS, or Virtual participation options available).
MISSION STATEMENT
We are called to seek God in community and to respond in ministry through sharing our spirituality and addressing the needs of the people we serve, especially the poor.