Yesterday, the Universal Church celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi. During the celebration, the Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana celebrated a special Mass for their Diamond Jubilarians. I was quite pleased to be a part of this 60th Anniversary celebration of religious life.
My Aunt, Sr. Jeanne Voges, OSB along with three of her classmates had a wonderful day. They were joined by two of their classmates from their mother house in Ferdinand, Indiana, the monastery of the Immaculate Conception. This was where this class made their first profession in 1951, two years after entering the community in 1949.
In 1955, the Benedictine Sisters opened their new Academy in Beechgrove. I believe the monastery was officially established as Our Lady of Grace in 1961. Sr. Jeanne and her classmates, along with several others, were the founding members of Our Lady of Grace. My sister, Sr. Nicolette, OSB, is also a member of this community.
My brother, Fr. Bernie and I got an early start from Tell City to join the community for the 11:00 Mass. It was a beautiful celebration, and a marvelous witness of fideltiy to religious life. The common life of prayer is blessing enough, but it is hard to estimate the number of lives these sisters touch through the course of their Benedictine life and ministry. I am pleased, and proud, to have an Aunt and a sister in their community.
One of Sister Jeanne’s classmates was my teacher in both the 1st and 7th grade. I’m sure, neither she nor I imagined those many years ago I would return as a bishop to help her celebrate her 6oth anniversary! I was so honored to be invited!
Congratulations, Sr. Jeanne, Sr. Mary, Sr. Harriet, and Sr. Phyllis, and the entire community of Grace! Enjoy the pics!
Aunt, Sr. Jeanne Voges, OSB, and myself
Sr. Mary Seghers, OSB, and myself. (My 1st & 7th Grade Teacher)
Sr. Jeanne, Sr. Sylvester with myself. Sr. Sylvester was dad's & mom's 7th grade teacher. Sr. Sylvester entered the monastery at the age of 15 and has been a Benedictine for 84 years!
60th Anniversary Class: Sr. Jeanne, Sr. Mary, Sr. Hariett & Sr. Phyllis
Brother, Fr. Bernie & Sister, Sr. Nicolette and myself.