Federation News

Choosing to Live as People of Hope: CIB 2010

Federation Sisters attending CIP, front row, l-r: Martha Ueda, Muroran, Japan; Susan hutchens, Rock Island, Ill.; Lucia Schwickerath, St. Paul, Minn.; Nancy Bauer, St. Joseph, Minn. Back row: Maria Beda Oka, Muroran, Japan; Janine Mettling, St. Joseph, Minn.; Elaine Schroeder, St. Joseph, Minn.

Born in 2001, the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum met in Rome in September to continue our efforts to recognise and appreciate our unity in the Rule of Benedict and in the Benedictine tradition. The CIB has enabled us to experience in profound and concrete ways the rich expression of the Benedictine charism manifest in the lives of our communities. (Read Sr. Susan Hutchens' reflection on Abbot Primate Notker Wolf's presentation.)

This year's meeting furthered that sense of richness, with 100+ Benedictine women from 19 regions throughout the world in attendance. We enjoyed seeing different dress, hearing different languages, and learning about different cultures and ministries throughout our time together.

We also enjoyed praying as one voice - differences aside - every day, no matter the language, no matter the song. It was moving and beautiful.

A few other observations:

Srs. Janine Mettling and Elaine Schroeder, Saint Benedict's Monastery, prepared beautiful liturgies in 6 languages. The closing liturgy was especially moving, as Sisters from each region were blessed by one another.

African Sisters danced with grace and joy.

While a variety of talented organists accompanied us at prayer, other Sisters contributed their musical gifts as well. Camaldolese Sisters led us in chant. A Lithuanian Sister played the violin. A Bristow, Virginia Sister played the flute. All were beautiful!

We sat 8 to a table during meetings, listening to translations through headphones, like the U.N.!

We were blessed to be able to renew our vow at the Church of St. Scholastica outside Norcia.

It was a graced time!

We enjoyed many fine presentations.

Sr. Judith Ann Heble, Sacred Heart Monastery, Lisle, Ill., used the Annunciation passage in Luke to reflect on Miryam as a woman of hope.

Sr. Maricarmen Bracamontes, Monasterio Pan de Vida, Torreon, Mexico, presented "The Place of Hope in Benedictine Spirituality."

Sr. Therese-Marie Dupagne, Our Lady of Hurtebise Monastery, Belgium, presented in 2 parts: "Hope Against All Hope," and "Living in Hope: Rediscovering the Art of Living."

Other presentations included a panel on hope by members of the CIB Administrative Panel and a roundtable conversation among the young Sisters who represented 15 regions. Additionally, a presentation was given by Abbot Primate Notker Wolf. Sr. Susan Hutchens reflects on his presentation.