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| Benedictine
Sisters 1910 Maple Ave. Lisle, Illinois 60532-2164 |
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| Benedictine
Sisters 1910 Maple Ave. Lisle, Illinois 60532-2164 |
A Time of Renewal in Rome
Sister Helen Jilek, OSB,
attended a special conference in Rome from June 7 through July 10, 2007. The
Conference of Benedictine Prioresses hosted an annual gathering of English
speaking Benedictine women entitled: “Deepening Our Monastic Roots − A
Renewal Experience.”
Sister Helen stayed at the Casa Spiritu, a retreat center at the Monastery
of the Benedictine Sisters. There, the conference attendees ate, slept, prayed,
toured and attended classes on a variety of topics, including: the Rule of
Benedict, Imperial Rome, and Roman Ascetic Women of the 4th Century.
During the conference, Sister Helen and other members of the group visited four
major basilicas in Rome − St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the
Walls, and St. Mary Major. Too, they visited San Benedetto, where Benedict
stayed in a small cell when he traveled to Rome, along with San Crisogono, which
is believed to be the church Benedict attended while a student in Rome. Other
sites included the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum and the
Coliseum.
The Benedictine women traveled by bus to Norcia, the birthplace of Benedict and
his sister Scholastica, to Subiaco where Benedict lived in a cave and formulated
his Rule, and to Monte Cassino, Benedict’s monastery. Shopping and wonderful
dining were, of course, part of this special experience.
Sister Helen’s time in Rome include Mass at St. Peter’s on June 29th
for the installation of forty new bishops.
Of her time in Rome, Sister Helen reflects: “It was an enriching, once in a
life time experience. I have a new appreciation for the history and art of the
early church. I am also proud to be part of the Benedictine Heritage.”
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Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery
1910 Maple Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532-2164
(630) 725-6000
Fax (630) 725-6020