A shared intangible

Holy Wisdom MonasteryWeekly Wisdom 4 Comments

Written by Anne Beffel (she/they), 2026 Vicky Tzoumerka Knoedler Artist in Residence When I teach, or work as a public artist with communities, I try to enter into currents and relationships already in place. At best, I make decisions in response. Even before I left home to serve as the Vicky Tzoumerka Knoedler Artist in Residence at Holy Wisdom Monastery, I understood the public art project I’d described in my application was merely a thought experiment. It was disconnected from Monastery communities. Connection could develop fully only in closer proximity with the land and its inhabitants. As a kind of …

Reflections on 25 years as a sister at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Lynne Smith, OSBMonastic Life, Sisters at Holy Wisdom Monastery Leave a Comment

Submitted by Lynne Smith, OSB (she/her), Prioress At the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat prior to my final profession, Sister Meg Funk from Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana, described Benedictine life as having two aspects: above the river and below the river. This image has stayed with me over the years. Above the river we go to prayers and meals, share in community work and conversation, greet guests and participate in leisure activities. Under the river is where the soul work happens as we seek God in all things. Under the river, praying the Psalms has offered an …