Submitted by and Lynne Smith, OSB (she/her), and Everline Jeruto, OSB (she/her)
Benedictine Women of Madison
Last week, we set out on a two-day road trip to Waverly, Nebraska – an adventure filled with both anticipation and purpose – as we journeyed to attend a five-day gathering of the Benedictine Monastic Congregation of St. Gertrude. Founded in 1937, this vibrant Congregation traces its roots to the rich heritage of Benedictine women’s monasteries in Germany and Switzerland. Today, it brings together 11 Catholic monasteries and two ecumenical communities spread across the United States and Canada. Each monastery is autonomous and guided by its own prioress, yet all share a common heartbeat in the Rule of St. Benedict.
Every three years, this shared life finds a special expression in the gathering of the Chapter. It is a time to pause, listen, reflect and look forward together. At the most recent Chapter, the Congregation gathered under the inspiring theme: “Growing with Christ in Love for the World.”
This gathering was not just about meetings and reports – it was a sacred opportunity to listen deeply to the Spirit and to one another. With the guidance of Sister Carol Zinn, SSJ, executive direction of LCWR, the sisters explored what it means to live Benedictine life faithfully in today’s world.
One of the central invitations was to continue growing with Christ – not only through prayer, but through honest reflection and discernment. Growth, as it turns out, is not always comfortable. It requires openness to uncertainty and trust in God’s presence, even when the path ahead is not entirely clear.
Another key focus was synodal living – walking together as a community. This means shared responsibility, active participation and mutual support. It is about building a culture where every voice matters and where decisions are shaped through listening and collaboration.
The Chapter also emphasized that vocation is never static. Even after many years in religious life, the call continues to unfold in each of us. Ongoing formation remains essential, helping sisters respond thoughtfully and creatively to the changing realities of the world around them.
And at the heart of it all lies a simple but profound call: to love the world as God does – with compassion, courage and a willingness to engage deeply with the challenges of our time.
The sisters acknowledged both the challenges and the signs of renewal present in religious life today. While the world may be complex and ever-changing, Benedictine life offers a steady foundation rooted in prayer, community, obedience and stability.
These timeless values provide not only a way of life for the sisters, but also a gift to the wider world – a witness that a life centered in God can bring peace, purpose and hope.
With eyes toward the future, the Congregation is beginning preparations for a remarkable global celebration: the Benedictine Jubilee in 2029, marking 1,500 years since St. Benedict founded Monte Cassino.
The theme of this Jubilee, “Places of Hope since 529,” beautifully captures the enduring spirit of Benedictine monasteries around the world. For centuries, monasteries have been places where people can find quiet, clarity and connection – spaces where prayer is lived, hospitality is offered freely and community is deeply valued. The Jubilee will celebrate this legacy while inviting a renewed vision for the future.
As part of this celebration, monasteries across the globe will open their doors even more widely, welcoming visitors and pilgrims to experience Benedictine life firsthand. It will be a unique opportunity for many to step into these sacred spaces and discover their rhythm of prayer and hospitality.
The journey toward 2029 has already begun. As a Congregation, the sisters are embracing this moment with intention and creativity. Preparation includes:
- Deepening spiritual life – nurturing a strong and faithful relationship with God
- Expanding hospitality and outreach – welcoming others in new and meaningful ways
- Strengthening collaboration – building closer connections among monasteries
- Engaging oblates and wider communities – recognizing that Benedictine life extends far beyond monastery walls
- Sharing the Benedictine witness creatively – finding fresh ways to tell their story and invite others into it
The Congregation of St. Gertrude stands at a moment filled with grace and possibility. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet open to the future, the sisters are embracing their call with renewed energy and hope.
As they continue to grow with Christ, strengthen their communities and respond to the needs of the world, they do so with a deep sense of purpose – and with joy as they prepare for the Jubilee. Together, they carry forward a powerful vision: that their monasteries will remain true “places of hope” – not only for today, but for generations to come.
The Sisters of Holy Wisdom Monastery will gather a group of representatives from each of our communities to plan ways to celebrate the Benedictine Jubilee. We will invite people to experience Holy Wisdom as a “place of hope.”
Comments 1
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.