Reflections from the Sisters on their Annual Silent Retreat
Each summer, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery set aside several days for their annual silent retreat—a cherished rhythm of Benedictine life that creates space for prayer, listening, and renewed attentiveness to God’s presence.
This year’s retreat was led by Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB, major superior of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. A spiritual director for more than four decades and a Benedictine for nearly 50 years, Sister Dawn invited the community to reflect on a reality familiar to every person: transition.
Whether moving from one stage of life to another, embracing new ministries, facing uncertainty, or simply navigating the changing seasons of daily living, transition is woven into every human story. Drawing from Scripture—especially the journeys of God’s people throughout the Old Testament—Sister Dawn reminded the Sisters that these passages are not merely stories of the past. They continue to offer wisdom for our own journeys today.
I spoke with Sisters Karen Sames, Paula Hagen, and Mary White on their experiences and review of the retreat. They all felt the theme of the retreat was very timely and reflected on how meaningful it was to revisit scripture as it holds examples of transition, specifically the story of the Exodus and its enduring message of trust. Each Sister in her own way also mentioned the theme of noticing how God is present shaping the transition.
Sister Mary White shared, the retreat offered reassurance that even when life feels clouded with uncertainty, God remains present. Those reflections became a source of prayer throughout the week, encouraging a deeper confidence that God faithfully accompanies us through every challenge.
For Sister Karen Sames, the retreat’s focus felt especially timely amid the uncertainty many experience in today’s world. The presentation invited honest questions, but it was unique in that the Sisters retired to self-reflection rather than enter into a group dialogue. In her reflection, Sister Karen asked, “How do we recognize God’s presence in moments of change? Are we willing to allow God to lead us, rather than insisting on our own way?”
Sister Paula Hagen appreciated the thoughtful way Scripture illuminated transition. One teaching that especially stayed with her traced the growing depth of Christ’s invitation to love: to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated, to love as God loves us, to love as Christ has loved us, and ultimately to extend to others the same grace and compassion we ourselves have gratefully received.
Like every silent retreat, this week was not about finding quick answers. It was about creating space to notice God’s quiet invitations. In the stillness, the Sisters were reminded that transition is not simply something to endure. It is often the very place where God continues the lifelong work of shaping hearts, deepening trust, and drawing us ever closer.
The wisdom of retreat extends well beyond monastery walls. Every life includes seasons of change, uncertainty, and new beginnings. As the Sisters return to the rhythms of prayer, hospitality, and community, they carry with them the reminder that the God who guided generations before us continues to lead us today—one faithful step at a time.
