Volume XXXII No. 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter 2019

Sacred Heart Monastery

From thePrioressAs Prioress, I have

the unique gift andresponsibility ofaccompanying eachSister as she lives outher monasticcommitment within our community. Intemperament, personality, andgiftedness, each Sister is unique,and Benedict calls the monasticleader to be respectful of thesedifferences. While moderation isone of his key instructions when itcomes to leading the community, it isalso a vital element in the care ofsouls which is how Benedictdescribes the task of the monasticleader. Whether it is adapting to thecharacter of each Sister or being“discerning and moderate” (RB 64)in their assignments, moderation isan important expression of thediscretion required for monasticleaders.

Among the ways that Benedictdescribes this moderation is hisinstruction to “arrange everythingthat the strong have something toyearn for and the weak nothing torun from” (RB 64:19). As Prioress,Benedict encourages me to listenwith the ear of my heart to the needsof each Sister in order that I mayknow when to support and when tochallenge. It is about a genuine lovefor each Sister as an individual andthe desire to call her to spiritualgrowth without, as Benedict quotesIsaiah, ‘crushing the bruised reed,’yet also challenging her to growth.The relationship between a Prioressand each Sister is a sacredrelationship built upon the love ofChrist. It is love that leads tomoderation, and moderation thatfosters love. It is this love thatenables the Prioress and Sisters tojourney together on paths of peace.

(Continued on page 3)

Sr. Tonette Sperando, O.S.B.

“All things are to be done with moderation.”Rule of St. Benedict 48:9

St. Benedict counsels the monastic leader to arrange and assignwork in a manner that takes individual capabilities and needs intoaccount. This is but one example of the value St. Benedict places onmoderation. It is a theme and pastoral approach that can be seenthroughout Benedict’s Rule whether referring to the amount of foodand drink, the goods of the monastery, or the care of communitymembers.

In thisissue, we willexploremoderationfrom theperspectiveof several ofour Sisters.One themethat comesthrough intheirobservationsis the way inwhich thediscernmentneeded for alife ofmoderation –not too much,not too little –ultimatelyfosters a self-awarenessthat leads tocompassion.

Your support sustains us.Whether it is the generous supportof your prayers, your kind speechin spreading the word about us, orin your direct financial support ofthe Sisters and our ministries, weare most grateful to you! As youwill read within this issue, ourBenedictine values call us to amode of living characterized bybalance, moderation, anddiscretion – all rooted in love.Your donations are received andstewarded with attention to thesevalues. Amazon Smile: At the time of

this writing, holiday shopping is

just around the corner. We arepleased to announce that theBenedictine Sisters of Cullman,Alabama is a charity recognizedby AmazonSmile. What isAmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is asimple and automatic way for youto support your favorite charitableorganization every time you shop,at no cost to you. When you shopat smile.amazon.com, you’ll findthe exact same prices, selectionand convenient shopping as atAmazon.com, with the addedbonus that Amazon will donate aportion of the purchase price tothe Benedictine Sisters ofCullman, Alabama if you chooseus as your favorite charitableorganization.Sustaining Donors: We value

all of your contributions, but yourmonthly, bi-monthly, and quarterlycontributions to our Annual Appealsustain us in our prayer and work.Your regular gifts help to keep ouroperations (in support of ourministries) going. Some do this byrequesting that we deduct a setamount from their credit card untilthey ask us to stop. Others havemade arrangements with theirbank to send a regular check fromtheir account. We have beenadvised that sustaining gifts arethe backbone of a successfuldevelopment program, so I wouldlike to invite you to considermaking your contributions in asustaining manner. You may evenfind it more convenient!

(Continued on page 7)Page 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2019

Nearly the entire community was able toattend the Abbatial Blessing of Abbot Marcus.Sister Tonette was invited to serve as a lector.

We congratulate

Abbot Marcus Voss, OSBon his election as the

Tenth Abbot

of St. Bernard Abbey

A Note from DevelopmentSr. Karen Ann Lortscher, O.S.B.

What a wonderful time we had with our brothers from “across the creek” when the monks of St. BernardAbbey joined us for supper one evening in August. It was a lovely evening of visiting and sharing.

Sr. Mary Grace Mecke, O.S.B., diedpeacefully in the monastery infirmaryon October 21, 2019, at the age of 93.Born in 1926 in Florence, AL, Sr. MaryGrace was baptized Gertrude MarieMecke at St. Michael Catholic Churchin St. Florian, AL. She was raisedwithin a devout Catholic family in arural close-knit community with astrong German heritage. Sr. MaryGrace described her family as “veryhappy, very close, and having muchfun together.” Her early years ofeducation were in St. Florian whereshe formed fond memories of beingtaught by Benedictine Sisters. Aftercompleting high school, Sr. MaryGrace attended a business college andbegan several years of employment ata bank in Florence.

During choir practice one evening,a Sister pulled her aside and asked Sr.Mary Grace whether she might have avocation. After praying a RosaryNovena, Sr. Mary Grace decided toenter the Benedictine Sisters ofCullman, later calling it “the best

decision I ever made in my life.” Sheentered the community as a postulantin 1947, made her temporary monasticprofession in 1949, and her perpetualmonastic profession in 1952.

After her entry, Sr. Mary Gracecompleted academic work inpreparation for teaching. She laterearned an M.B.A. from the Universityof Notre Dame and an M.A. in Englishfrom Catholic University of America.

Sr. Mary Grace was an admiredand effective teacher in Catholicschools within the Diocese ofBirmingham and the Archdiocese ofMobile. Following many years in theministry of education, Sr. Mary Gracespent several years serving in rolesthat utilized her administrative skills.

Sr. Mary Grace was rarely foundwithout a book in her hand.  She wasespecially fond of historical andbiographical works, one of which couldusually be found right alongside herspiritual reading.  Looking back on heryears as a Sister, Sr. Mary Grace oncesaid about her vocation, “I am so

convinced and certain that I am wherethe Lord wants me to be.  Theblessings of peace and love that aremine are inexpressible.”

Winter, 2019 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 3

Sr. Mary Grace Mecke

One of our two ‘grandmotherhouses’ – St. Benedict’s Monasteryin Bakerstown, PA (a suburb ofPittsburgh) – is celebrating its150th birthday this year. As part ofthe celebration, Sr. Tonette wasinvited to participate in a specialevening of celebrating theirministerial heritage, including thefounding of their daughter-housesand grand-daughter houses.

One of St. BenedictMonastery’s daughter-houses isHoly Name Monastery in Florida.When our community was formedin 1902, eight of the sixteenfoundresses of the new foundationwere from Holy Name. Sr. Tonetterecounted this history for thePittsburgh community and theirguests, sharing with them a quotefrom our published communityhistory: “The story of how thesegroups came together through aseries of apparent setbacksilluminates the profound truth thatdestiny waits in the hand of Godmore than in the designs of human

beings.” (From Sister Mary RuthCoffman’s On Good Ground,1993.)

In her remarks, Sr. Tonette drewa connection between Pittsburghand Birmingham, with the latter asthe “Pittsburgh of the South,” andused steel as a metaphor todescribe the “tensile strength”present in both communities.

Celebrating with our “grandmother house”

Sisters mourn the loss of Sr. Mary Grace Mecke

Sr. Tonette (r) with the Sr. Karen Brink, Prioress of St. Benedict’s Monastery inBakerstown, PA, and Sr. Roberta Bailey,Prioress at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL, our grandmother- andmother-houses respectively. Sr. SherrieBrainard (not pictured) also representedour community at the celebration.

From the Prioress(Continued from page 1)

In addition to guiding mydiscernment with individual Sisters,the entire life of a Benedictinemonastery is to be governed by asense of moderation. Whether it isthe times for meals, the quantity offood and drink, the frequency ofspeech, the times of prayer, or theamount of work…Benedict counselsa balanced moderation for all of this.Although it is the role of the Prioressto foster peace and harmony withinthe monastery, each Sister plays animportant part in making this a dailyreality. As each Sister seeks to findher personal balance of prayer, work,and leisure, she knows that others aredoing the same. It is by gentlysupporting one another on this questfor moderation in all things thatcommunal peace and harmonyresound throughout the monastery.Perhaps this healthy, measuredapproach – so practical, realisticallyhuman, and rooted in love – is whyBenedict’s Rule has stood the test ofcenturies. We are blessed here atSacred Heart to be instilled with thisdeep understanding of how seeking amoderate life leads to a greaterfulfillment in life and love. I invite youto consider how you might consciouslyincorporate a sense of moderation intoyour life, a moderation rooted in anexpansive love for Christ and forothers.

Sr. Mary McGehee –

On ModerationSr. Mary sees Benedict’s use of the word "discretio," or discretion, as a key to

understanding what a life of moderation might be. We need discretion to live the simplerealities of being human with its importance of relating witheach other in kindly ways. “Living together – whether in themonastery or in any type of community – we need to beaware of our own needs and those of others,” she relates.She points out that needs may be different for differentpeople.

“Moderation implies the idea of ‘measure,’ or forgoingexcess. It helps us be attuned to, or ‘measure’, our genuinehuman needs, and then see what is beyond those needs asexcess.” Moderation is a striving toward greater simplicity.Sr. Mary feels this is a particular need for people today.“We fly ourselves all over the place with distractions. Ittakes an inner sense of discretion to discern what we needin order to find balance in our lives.” Sr. Mary believes thatmoderation is especially needed when we speak.“Discretion is needed with words,” she says.

Sr. Benita Peters –

On ModerationLiving with moderation is a wholesome way to live,

observes Sr. Benita, noting that “It’s all connected –spiritual, mental, emotional, physical – and everything I dois connected to others. The decisions I make about how tolive affect my relationship with God, with myself, and theSisters with whom I live.”

From her own experience as a monastic, Sr. Benitamakes two particularly important observations. One, shesays that “The monastic value of moderation leads me to becareful with both people and things, including followingBenedict’s instruction to treat the goods of the monastery asthe sacred vessels of the altar. A second observation is thatthe discipline of living with moderation helps one look at

oneself with honesty – “because you have to make a choice to speak or not to speak, andthis helps you relate to others with more integrity,” she relates. Sr. Benita says that having toponder a choice makes you more aware of your own thoughts, feelings, and abilities, andless likely to criticize others. “It boils down to humility,” she says, adding that “I am less likelyto criticize others when I know I have the problem myself and I realize that others are just ashuman as I am. Moderation has a lot to do with being able to see rightly.”

Sr. Mary McGehee

More On ModerationSr. Mary, who studied in Rome with Benedictine scholar Sr. Aquinata Bockmann, relates that the

Rule of Benedict, compared to earlier monastic rules, is much more moderate. Although St. Benedictoften copied sentences or even paragraphs from his predecessors, he edited them in ways thatreflect how attentive he was to the Gospel and the Gospel ways of love. This is evidence of his longpractice of lectio divina with the scriptures and the internalization of the holy Gospel.

Sr. Benita Peters

Mod

erati

on

Page 4 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2019

Sr. Treva Heinberg –

On ModerationSr. Treva sees moderation as vital for community

relationships, stating that, “When people live together ittakes a deep spirituality to accept not only one’s self butalso others in their humanness. Moderationaccommodates and makes allowances for ourweaknesses as well as our strengths. It helps usaccomplish a mutual flexibility that allows us to acceptother people, and love them.

Sr. Treva also connects moderation with mindfulnessand presence, in particular because of the moderatinginfluence that being mindful can have on one’s actions.“Benedict stresses the motivation of the monastic, thereason why they cameto the monastery. Itmust be to seek God.One must have aninterior sense of whyone is doing somethingin order to be mindful,and then work from thiscore. This allows one tosee a broaderperspective but alsoavoid extremes,” Sr.Treva says. She goeson to say, “Monasticcommunity life tendstoward the center,” shesays, “and Christ is thecenter.”

Sr. Margaret Mary Liang –

On Moderation“

We are not meant to live at extremes,” says Sr.Margaret Mary. “Benedict’s middle path of moderationwas wise. It is a path that is reachable, but we stillencounter our limitations and weakness as we walk and

grow. Because of thiswe develop humility,and in encountering ourown limitations webecome moreaccepting of others’weakness.”

Sr. Margaret Marymakes the goodobservation that eventhough the Prioressand the communityitself help keep acommunity on amoderate path, “peoplealso moderatethemselves.” It is aspiritual discipline to keep on the middle path and avoidunhealthy extremes. “The discipline of moderation is anaid to individual growth while also an aid to communitylife,” she concludes.

Sr. Bernadette Sachs –

On ModerationSr. Bernadette serves as Director of Food Service for

the community and is on the front lines of moderationwhen it comes to our food and drink. Although her workinvolves practical decisions, the decisions come fromdeep spiritual roots for Sr. Bernadette. She says,“Moderation teaches us to look at what we’re doing andnot run ahead and try to do more but to do what’snecessary.” The deeper meaning of what we are doing isimportant, Sr. Bernadette relates, saying that “It’s not justabout bodily food. We’re feeding each other spiritually,including in the way we go about our work.”

When asked how she keeps herself on track in themonastic value ofmoderation, Sr.Bernadette says,“There is a point atwhich moderation issimply a way of life, nota conscious effort.However, like anyone,I can sometimes get ona roller coaster andforget what I’m doing.Short prayers, walkingoutside, or asking forhelp – these all bringme back.” This is goodadvice for anyone.

Winter, 2019 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 5

Sr. Treva

Sr. Bernadette

Sr. Margaret Mary Liang

More On ModerationSr. Treva connects the Benedictine value of

moderation with both the ‘golden mean’ of earlyphilosophy and the Scholastic philosophy of themedieval era. She says, “Moderation isn’t just aBenedictine value, it’s a human value. The Scholasticphilosophers had it right: In medio stat virtus (Virtuestands in the middle).”

Page 6 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2019

Retreat Center Offeringsretreats@shmon.org

256-734-8302www.shmon.org

January 2020-July 2020Introduction to Centering Prayer

January 24-26, 2020Contemplative Outreach Birmingham Staff

Letting Go and Letting God:The Wisdom of Twelve-StepSpiritualityMarch 7, 2020Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B

Holy Week at the MonasteryApril 9-12, 2020Benedictine Sisters

Intensive Centering PrayerMay 1-3, 2020Contemplative Outreach Birmingham Staff

Thomas Merton and WomenMay 8-10, 2020Bonnie Thurston, Ph.D.

8 – Day Intensive/Post IntensiveCentering PrayerMay 26- June 2, 2020Contemplative Outreach Staff

Hope and Healing for the SpousalLoss SurvivorJuly 10-12, 2020Rev. Steve Sweatt; Jan Owen

Want to SupportUs? Here’s How: Gift Options:

• Cash, Check, or Credit Card • Property • Bequests • Life Insurance

• Stocks & Bonds • Annuities • Charitable Trusts • Gifts-in-Kind

When you meet to discuss your plans withyour legal advisor you will need thefollowing legal name for the Sisters:

Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabamaor

Sacred Heart Monastery of Cullman,Alabama Foundation

Thank you for considering this importantand tax effective form of supporting the

Benedictine Sisters!May God bless you richly for yourgenerosity to our Community.Sr. Karen Ann Lortscher, OSB

Development Office916 Convent Road, NE

Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 615-6071

e-mail: development@shmon.org

Our Retreat Center ministry hasbeen strong and active with manycomings and goings of groups andindividuals this past fall. Among thehighlights:

In early October we joined in thelocal Oktoberfest activities with aLunch and Learn program entitledOktoberblest. The event featured aGerman menu, Bavarian décor, and aprogram on St. Gertrude the Great, aGerman saint. This was the first inwhat will be an annual OktoberblestLunch and Learn in which we plan tocomplement our city’s Oktoberfestactivities with a focus on the spiritualheritage bequeathed us by saintsfrom Germanic lands.

In late October, the RetreatCenter hosted members of Region 5of the Leadership Conference ofWomen Religious for their fallmeeting. The event drew leaders ofwomen’s religious communities fromLouisiana, Florida, Mississippi, andAlabama. Participating in themeeting from Sacred Heart wereSisters Tonette Sperando, PriscillaCohen, Lynn Marie McKenzie, andElisabeth Meadows.

Sr. Mary Adrian helped decoratefor the Oktoberblest Lunch and Learn.

Retreat Center Update

Please help us conserve costs andstay in touch by notifying the

Development Officeof any name or

address changes.

TheOblates ofSacred HeartMonasterygathered atthe RetreatCenter inOctober fortheir annualretreat. SisterPriscillaCohen, OSB,OblateDirector forSacred HeartMonastery,was thepresenter. Shespoke on the theme of “Sharing the Gift of Benedictine Hospitality in OurWorld Today.” In this picture, Oblates enjoy sharing with one another at table.Please see page 8 for more coverage of the retreat.

Oblates are called to live the Benedictine way of life in the world as theirstate in life permits, and to be witnesses of Christ by word and example to all.By their spiritual affiliation with Sacred Heart Monastery, they promise toshare in the prayer and good works of the community that “in all things Godmay be glorified.”

If you are interested in becoming an Oblate affiliated with Sacred HeartMonastery, please contact Sister Priscilla Cohen

(priscillacohen@hotmail.com).

(Continued from page 2)Donations to the Sacred Heart

Monastery Foundation: Yourcontinued gifts to the Sacred HeartMonastery Foundation will help toassure that Sacred Heart Monasterymay continue to be a source ofspiritual renewal for both now and inthe future.

Planned/Deferred Gifts: Willsand Bequests provide a means tomake contributions. In this way, youcan be assured that a portion of yourestate will be of service to othersthrough supporting thelife and ministries of theSisters. By rememberingthe Benedictine Sistersof Cullman in your will,you can ensure that partof your estate willcontinue to benefitothers through the workof the Sisters.

Preserving ourheritage: For those whoprefer to contribute to aspecific project, we arecurrently working toupdate our methods ofpreservation and storageof the community’sarchives. Others havetold us, includingprofessional archivists,that our archives are a

treasure. We think so, too! If you have an interest in

preserving the history and heritage ofthe Benedictine Sisters, pleasecontact Sister Karen Ann for moreinformation.

If you have any suggestions,concerns, or if you would like todonate, please don’t hesitate to callSister Karen Ann, 256-615-6071,write a note, or e-maildevelopment@shmon.org.

God bless you for your generosityand loving support.

Our community mourns the loss ofour Sr. Mary Grace Mecke, O.S.B.(see pg. 3). We also share in thesorrow of our Sisters and theirfamilies who have lost familymembers: Sr. Sherrie Brainard uponthe death of her mother, LauraBrianard; Sr. Mary Adrian McLean onthe death of her sister-in-law, IsleMcLean; Sr. Minona D’Souza for theloss of her brother-in-law, MarioBraganza; Sr. Regina Barrett, uponthe death of her nephew, MarkMahoney; and Sr. Tonette Sperandoon the loss of her great-uncle, JosephMonte.

We extend our sympathy to themonks of St. Bernard Abbey upon theloss of Fr. Kevin McGrath, O.S.B.We also extend sympathy to OblateMary Reid whose mother, BarbaraStidham, recently went to God.

Among alumni who have gone toGod: Adalaide Fitzgibbon, ’44; YaraMarrasé, ’48; Christine Webb, ‘56;Frances Davidson Wilkins, ’67; DavidSandlin, ’72; Tobby Blackwood, ’75.We also mourn with alumni who havelost loved ones: Mitzi HassellBrumleve, ’76, for the loss of herhusband, Walter Bernard Brumleve;and Colleen Fitzgibbon Meloney, ’70,on the loss of her mother, AdalaideFitzgibbon.

We remember friends who havedied: Rev. Msgr. William James of theArchdiocese of Mobile; Rev. CamillusBlazak, Rev. James Handerhan, andMsgr. Eugene O’Connor of theDiocese of Birmingham; A.C. Short;Betty Huetteman; Yolande Roy;Dolores Anderson; Catherine (Kitty)Owens; Josephine “Josie” PattiMerritt; George Laux; Vernon Miller;and Robert Luckie.

Requiescant in Pace.

Winter, 2019 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 7

In Sympathy

A Note From Development

As the school year was gettingoff to a start, the principals of

diocesan schools within theDiocese of Birminghamgathered in our Retreat

Center where Sr. Tonetteled them in a time of retreat.e community is grateful

for the many diocesanconnections we have and we

are always glad for thechance to share together.

Coming soon..A new www.shmon.org!

We are revising our website andthe new site should be on-line

sometime in December. Check outnew functions such as on-lineretreat registration, a prayer

request submission form, quotesfrom the Sisters, and expanded

Meet the Sisters section, and more...

Digitizing archival documents and photographs such as this one of Ottilia Hall in 1918 is an important element in being able to tell our story of Benedictine life inAlabama and properly preserve the documents that help tell this story.

Page 8 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2019

The annual retreat of our Oblatecommunity focused on Chapter 53 ofthe Rule of St. Benedict, TheReception of Guests. Hospitality isone of the core values of Benedictineliving. We are called to true attentivelistening, a single focus on the other.We are called to truly listen and tosee Christ in others and to be alwayslovingly attentive as Christ is to us.Yet, hospitality is a challenge in ourfast-paced lives. In order to behospitable, we must be prayerful andmaintain a healthy balance in ourlives. St. Benedict’s exhortation isappropriate for our world today. “Allguests who present themselves are tobe welcomed as Christ, who said: ‘Iwas a stranger and you welcomedme’ (Matt. 25:35)” RB 53.1.

Various Scripturesources andpassages from theRule of St. Benedictwere used forpersonal reflectionand sharing. TheOblates sharedhow they practicethe gift of hospitalityin their home,church, workplace,and the world.

Under the direction of SisterTonette Sperando, Prioress, andSister Priscilla Cohen, OblateDirector, twenty-two Oblates renewedtheir Oblation. Four inquirers wereenrolled as candidates: Nancy Heck(Birmingham), Jane Searcy(Tuscaloosa), David White (Athens),and Barbara Gifford (Decatur, GA).Angie Barbarena (Thompsons Station,TN), Pat Ryan (Birmingham), VickiSeeger (Wetumpka), Jean Shanks(Birmingham), and Barbara Starling(Decatur, AL) made their FinalOblation.

The Oblates gathered for their 2019 Annual Retreat

(left to right) Barbara Giffors, Nancy Heck, Jane Searcy, and David White were enrolled as

Oblate Candidates

(left to right) Angie Barberena, Pat Ryan, Vicki Seeger, Barbara Starling, and Jean Shanks

made their final oblation

Oblates Gather for Annual Retreat

Benedictine Updateis published bi-annually by the

Benedictine Sisters,of Sacred Heart Monastery

in Cullman, AL.Editor: Benedictine SistersContributors: Srs. TonetteSperando, Priscilla Cohen,

Karen Ann Lortscher, and ElisabethMeadows, OSB.

Photography: Sr. ElisabethMeadows, OSB;

Sr. Blandyna Michniewicz, OSBap; and contributed photo

Circulation: Sherri Arndt and DeMara Faris

Printed by: Alabama Web Press,Cullman, AL

In September, Sisters Tonette andLynn Marie attended the CommunioInternationalis Benedictinarum (CIB)Conference of Delegates meeting inCuernavaca, Mexico. Sr. Lynn Mariechaired the meeting as Moderator ofthe CIB. Sr. Tonette attended as adelegate from Region 9. Theygathered with 21 Benedictine women

from 11 different CIB regionsworldwide. During a portion of theirweek of meetings, CIB participantsmet jointly with the Synod of AbbotPresidents of the BenedictineConfederation, also gathered fromacross the globe.

Sr. Tonette, reflecting on themeeting, said“Although we live indifferent countries,speak differentlanguages, live ourBenedictine way of lifeaccording to variedcultures, ourBenedictine languageis universal. We holdthe same beliefs andvalues about ourBenedictine charism.

We acknowledge the cries from thepeople of our world who summon us,as Benedictine women in today’stimes, to be the voice and arms ofhospitality, peace, and unity. We arebeing called to give witness aspeople with diverse backgroundsliving in peace and harmony.”

Sisters Tonette and Lynn Marie attend international Benedictine meeting in Mexico

Sisters Tonette and Lynn Marie cantor during Vespers

The group made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.