As Christians, we journey through Lent and Jesus’ death toward the Resurrection – God’s promise of eternal life – and the celebration of Easter. In our daily lives we celebrate the coming of spring, the vaccine and the hope of brighter days ahead as we slowly emerge from the isolation wrought by the pandemic.
Through both journeys we are reminded of the essential value of connectedness in the world today. Thus, we celebrate a year of unity, that all may be one, the phrase from the Gospel of John that is engraved above the entrance of the monastery building. It is a constant reminder that according to the Rule of Benedict, each guest, each person is to be welcomed by the people of the monastery as they would welcome Christ. A hospitality for all people.
While the pandemic has significantly impaired the “normal” work of Holy Wisdom Monastery, our connections with people near and far became more necessary and vibrant than ever before.
Guests enjoyed the monastery’s sacred outdoor spaces for peaceful meditation, nature exploration and recreation. The Oblate, Friends of Wisdom Prairie, Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal (ECCSR), Sunday Assembly and Benedictine Women of Madison communities united through virtual prayer and worship opportunities, retreats and lectures – reaching people from coast-to-coast, as well as in Chile, Ireland and Mexico.
As we look forward, Holy Wisdom Monastery is determined to expand access to our Benedictine spirituality resources and enhance connections through the monastery without walls.
Despite the hardships of the past year, our generous communities united with unprecedented support of the monastery’s mission to weave prayer, hospitality, justice and care for the earth into a shared way of life; a quality of life the world needs now. We are humbled that more than 800 of you contributed $835,815 during 2020, a 25-percent increase over 2019.
A new year is underway and the gap between revenues and expenses is shrinking; however, we need the continued, generous support of our communities to sustain our efforts and implement our aspirations. Would you consider a gift this Easter to help us live out the monastery’s mission, vision and ministries? If you feel called to do so, please give by April 12, 2021.
There are several ways to give:
- Give online safely at HolyWisdomMonastery.org
- Mail a check payable to Benedictine Life Foundation to 4200 Cty Rd M, Middleton, WI 53562
- Make a distribution from your IRA, a Donor Advised Fund, or other retirement account
- Give a gift of stock or securities using Merrill Lynch (DTCC #8862, A/C#670-07A30, EIN 39-1830847)
Let us open our hearts and give thanks to God for being ever-gracious.
With prayers,
Sister Mary David Walgenbach, Prioress
Charles P. McLimans, Chief Executive Officer
PS Save the date for A Celebration of Community on Sunday, September 26, 2021. More details coming soon.