70th Anniversary Celebration
A shared journey of the heart & spirit
Nearly 200 people joined us on Sunday, July 9, for a special 70th Anniversary Celebration of the sisters’ arrival in Wisconsin. The day began with worship at 9:00 am, followed by brunch, a short program and prairie tours.
We hope you can connect with us during this anniversary year as we celebrate the past, appreciate the present and look forward to the future.
It’s not too late
Send the sisters a note of gratitude or share your story of how the sisters or this place impacted your life. We will compile your notes into a book for the sisters.
Honor the sisters with a gift during this anniversary year so they can continue their mission of weaving prayer, hospitality, justice and care for the earth into a shared way of life.
Share a Note & Pledge a Gift for the SistersThrough the decades
As the 70th anniversary of the sisters’ arrival in Wisconsin is celebrated this year, it is important to share the history and culture of the Benedictine Women of Madison. What brought the sisters to this area? What influences shaped the mission, vision, and values? Who played key roles in what eventually became Holy Wisdom Monastery?
1950s
The focus of the 1950s is on the beginning of the Benedictine Women of Madison at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, Wisconsin. We invite you to read more and join us on the journey.
1960s
The 1960s, a time of great change and upheaval in the United States. Through personal and communal experiences in the 1960s, the Sisters of St. Benedict also felt drawn to change and transformation.
1970s
In the 1970s, welcoming Christians of other denominations and practices, as well as the Dalai Lama, helped form the ecumenical heart of the sisters’ community and St. Benedict Center.
1980s
The sisters began exploring new forms of monastic community in the 1980s – the ecumenical Community of Benedict, The Resident Program and the intentional Christian Bingen Monastic Community.
1990s
In the 1990s the sisters focused again on examining their future, their place in society and how they as a community would continue to seek God – how will our community move into the 21st century?
2000s
The new century brought more changes for the Benedictine Women of Madison as well as recognition of their commitment to serving others and the land. The hard work resulted in many of their dreams coming true.
2000s2010s
The focus on the environment and sustainability continued. The monastery earned the highest LEED rating, Pleasant Rowland gave a generous gift and a Lilly grant helped create a center for clergy renewal.
2010s1953 – 2023
Thank you for being a part of our journey! We are excited to see where the future leads as we offer radical hospitality and acceptance in a weary world. Come, build community in a place where all are welcome.
70 Year HistoryShare a note with the sisters & pledge a gift in their honor
Add your thanks and notes for the sisters in our commemorative 70th anniversary book. Use the form below to tell the sisters what their presence at Holy Wisdom Monastery means to you.
We also invite you to make a pledge to support the sisters, communities and this place into the future.