Sister Charlotte Vesely, OSB

Sister Mildred Slabenak, OSB

The Benedictine Sisters staffed St. Joseph Orphanage where I grew up. They were an inspiration to me in my formative years by their dedication and nurturing. From a young age, I wanted to give my life to God in the service of others. Later, as a Benedictine Sister, I taught young children. Now I am a Parish Sister visiting the sick and the dying; listening to their stories and bringing them the comfort of the Eucharist. How happy I am to know that I am God’s instrument of peace and joy to others.

Sister Irene Jasien, OSB

The Benedictine life attracted me since I saw it as an extension of family life. On entering the monastery, I was introduced to the chanting of the Divine Office and a method of reading, reflecting and praying with scripture called “Lectio Divina”. These prayer forms became the “meat and potatoes” of my spiritual life. During these forty-eight years of spiritual growth, I treasure the support the Sisters’ gave me when I was a teacher, principal, therapist and as the parish pastoral associate. Now, as the pastoral associate at our retirement villa my life continues to overflow with opportunities to draw closer to God.

Sister Regina Ann Weissmann, OSB

With my Benedictine influence in the Academy, I was drawn to love the daily chanting of the Divine Office by the Sisters. Then, in reading the passage: “To receive all guests as Christ” in The Rule of St. Benedict, I knew my mission was to extend the richness of our Benedictine hospitality to others by receiving them “as Christ.” I can continue to do this as the nurse for our Sisters, in my vocation ministry and in my link to the Hispanic Community.

Sister Christine Kouba, OSB

The reason I entered the Benedictines was because Sister Charlotte was my model. She was so cheerful and just radiated joy. I wanted to be just like her. As a member of the monastery, I became an elementary school teacher and later a school secretary and principal. Now, I am working at our Benedale Center with our elderly residents and I love it. I strive to live and embrace our four core values of hospitality, stewardship, respect and justice.

Sister DePaul Stava, OSB

I recall my elementary school years with the Benedictine Sisters. They taught me so well and developed in me a love for prayer and the Eucharist. On an outing to Lisle, we visited the chapel while the Sisters were chanting Vespers. This gave me a lasting impression of what their life was like. Since music was my gift, two, beloved Sisters nurtured my love for piano and also taught me to play the organ for parish Masses. After I joined the Benedictines, I further developed my musical talents, and in addition to my teaching ministries, I have been accompanying the singing at the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist for many years.

Sister Roberta Knakal, OSB

By God’s providence, I transferred to a high school staffed by the Benedictine Sisters. I began to sing in the church choir for the early Masses and help the Sisters with their tasks after school. I was deeply awed by the Sisters’ spirit of dedication, kindness and zest for life. When we went to Lisle on an outing I was able to hear the Sisters sing the Divine Office. I always loved to sing so it was no surprise that I decided to enter their Order. Through the years, I have served as teacher and principal and now I am an administrative assistant in a parish school where I continue to reach out to many children and parents. I love my Benedictine vocation.

Sister Patricia Fallon, OSB

It was and is definitely the prayer life, both communal and personal of the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart that drew me to religious life.  As a Benedictine, my life has been enriched by the support and interaction of community members, by staff and students at Benet Academy and now with staff and residents at our corporate ministry at Villa St. Benedict.

Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB

I have been a Benedictine sister for more than sixty-five years. My life’s goal has been “to seek God” in living the life of a Benedictine. Each day I count my blessings of communal prayer and communal living. In my retirement years I am blessed with the opportunity to visit the senior residents and pray with them.

Sister Celine Laketek, OSB