As the echoes of our recent Cistercian Week (August 15–22, 2026) linger in the quiet cloister of our monastery, we find ourselves filled with a profound sense of gratitude and spiritual renewal. This week was not merely a series of lectures; it connected our modern lives to the enduring wisdom of our Cistercian forebears.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Sisters who dedicated themselves to preparing their papers and presentations. Your enthusiasm was edifying, and the serious study and reflection you brought into your work can help our community’s reflections beyond the Cistercian Week. We are inspired by Sisters Concepcion, Benedicta, and Anne to read the works of Stephen of Sawley, and by Sr. Roxanne to pursue the “quiet elegance and splendor of discipline” as Adam of Perseigne encourages us. We were also deeply moved by Sister Stella Maris’s presentation on the contemporary witness of Marian consecration and martyrdom in Father Christophe Lebreton. Finally, we thank Mother for her insights into Allan of Lille and the Blue Madonna of Chartres Cathedral, and Sister Julie Ann for her masterful historical-theological overview of devotion to the Sacred Heart through Saint Lutgarde of Aywières, reminding us of our call to encounter and communion.
As we return to our daily rhythm of Ora et Labora, we carry with us the insights gained during this blessed week. We are reminded once more that in the School of Love we are always beginners, and from our Cistercian fathers and our sisters, we can find inspiration to live our monastic life today.
February 2, 2026, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
On this day, when the Church commemorates the offering of the Child Jesus in the Temple and celebrates the World Day of Consecrated Life, Sr. Mary Clare offered herself completely to God through her perpetual vows, embracing forever the Cistercian vocation to seek Christ in prayer, silence, work, and fraternal charity.
The liturgy was especially rich in symbolism. Following the tradition of our community, the offertory procession was accompanied by the sisters carrying lighted lamps, each flame quietly proclaiming the words of Simeon: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” As these lamps were reverently placed in the sanctuary, they remained there throughout the day, their gentle light continuing to burn until Compline. Their enduring presence transformed the sanctuary into a visible reminder that every consecrated life is called to become a steadfast light before the Lord.
Against this luminous backdrop, Sr. Mary Clare pronounced her perpetual vows, entrusting her life completely to Christ. Her profession was a profound act of self-offering, echoing the mystery celebrated on this feast. Just as Mary and Joseph presented the Infant Jesus in the Temple according to the Law, so Sr. Mary Claire presented herself before God, placing her entire future into His loving hands. It was not an offering made for a moment, but one intended to endure for a lifetime.
The Church fittingly observes the World Day of Consecrated Life on this feast because the Presentation beautifully expresses the heart of every religious vocation: a life set apart for God, sustained by His grace, and lived in faithful service to His Kingdom. Sr. Mary Clare’s solemn profession became a living witness to this reality, reminding all present that consecrated life continues to be a radiant sign of hope in the Church and in the world.
Perhaps the most memorable image of the day was the sanctuary illuminated by the community’s lamps. Even after the liturgy had concluded, their quiet flames remained, accompanying the hours of prayer until Compline. They spoke without words of perseverance, vigilance, and hope. Like those lamps, the consecrated life is not meant to blaze only for an hour of celebration, but to burn steadily through the changing seasons of life, nourished by prayer and sustained by God’s unfailing love.
The light entrusted to Sr. Mary Clare would now continue to shine in the hidden rhythms of monastic life: in the chanting of the Psalms, in silent prayer, in humble work, in hospitality, and in the daily fidelity that quietly transforms the heart.
As we rejoice with Sr. Mary Clare, we entrust her to the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May the Lord who has called her keep the flame of her vocation burning brightly, until the day she beholds Him face to face.
“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)
Congratulations, Sr. Mary Clare. May your life remain a living offering to God, shining with the quiet, enduring light of Christ, and may your joyful fidelity inspire many others to respond generously to His call.
January 6, 2026, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
On the radiant feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, when the Church celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations through the visit of the Magi, our monastic community rejoiced as Sr. Gennifer made her Solemn Profession. It was a day of profound thanksgiving as she offered her life completely to God, embracing the Cistercian way of seeking Christ through prayer, silence, work, and community.
The celebration unfolded in a setting rich with symbolism. Before the altar, the Christmas crib remained in place, reminding everyone that the Child of Bethlehem continues to reveal Himself to all who seek Him with sincere hearts. The humble manger became a silent yet eloquent backdrop to the sacred rite, inviting all present to contemplate the mystery of God’s presence among us.
Just as the Magi journeyed from afar, guided by the light of a single star, Sr. Gennifer’s vocation has been its own pilgrimage of faith. Through years of discernment, formation, and faithful perseverance, she has followed the quiet yet persistent light of God’s call. Her Solemn Profession became a beautiful echo of the Magi’s own response: arriving before Christ, offering everything they had, and allowing their lives to be forever changed by His presence.
Sr. Gennifer’s profession was more than the conclusion of her years of formation; it was the joyful beginning of a deeper and more complete surrender to the One who first called her by name.
The celebration continued with joyful fellowship after the liturgy, as loved ones and guests gathered to congratulate Sr. Gennifer and to share in the happiness of this memorable day. It was a celebration marked not only by smiles and conversation but also by deep gratitude for God’s abiding faithfulness.
Sr. Gennifer’s Solemn Profession is a beautiful reminder that the light of Christ continues to guide hearts today. The same Lord who called the Magi by a star continues to call His disciples by grace, leading them to discover that the greatest treasure is found in giving themselves completely to Him.
As we continue to pray for Sr. Gennifer, may the Star of Bethlehem always lead her deeper into the mystery of Christ. May her life in the Cistercian tradition shine quietly but brightly, pointing others toward the One who is the Light of the world.
*”We have seen His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage.”* (Matthew 2:2)
Congratulations, Sr. Gennifer. May your lifelong offering be a radiant witness that every journey finds its true destination in Christ, whose light never fades.
A Joyful Yes Forever: Sr. Emily’s Solemn Profession
November 23, 2025 | Solemnity of Christ the King
On this feast that proclaims Christ as Lord and King of all creation, Sr. Emily joyfully offered her life to Him through the Benedictine vows of stability, fidelity to the monastic life, and obedience. As the Church proclaimed Christ’s universal kingship, Sr. Emily freely acknowledged Him as the King of her heart, entrusting her entire life to His loving reign. Her profession became a living witness that true freedom is found in surrendering one’s life to God.
The monastery chapel was filled with prayer, gratitude, and quiet joy as family members, relatives, friends, and members of the monastic community gathered to witness this sacred milestone. Their presence was a beautiful reminder that every vocation is nurtured within a wider community of faith. Those who had accompanied Sr. Emily throughout her journey rejoiced to see her wholehearted response to God’s enduring call.
The rite of Solemn Profession is one of the most significant moments in the life of a Cistercian monk or nun. After years of discernment and formation, the profession of perpetual vows marks a definitive commitment to seek God in the monastic way of life. It is not merely a promise for the years ahead but a lifelong offering of oneself to Christ, lived in prayer, silence, work, and communion with the community.
Following the liturgy, the celebration continued with joyful fellowship as family, friends, and guests shared in a festive meal. It was a time of heartfelt congratulations, thanksgiving, and renewed appreciation for the gift of religious life. Smiles, conversations, and shared memories reflected the happiness of everyone who had gathered for this grace-filled occasion.
The King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”(Matthew 25:40)
Congratulations, Sr. Emily. May Christ the King, whom you have chosen to follow with an undivided heart, sustain you with His grace and peace throughout your monastic journey.
