Valiant Women: Sister Mary White
Sister Mary White will celebrate her 60th Jubilee as a Benedictine Sister of St. Paul’s Monastery on July 11, 2026: six decades of embracing her monastic profession. She recently reflected on this milestone anniversary and what it means to her. “It was a surprise for me to realize that it has been sixty years. It […]
It is Good to Be Human!
Come and discover a connection between your physical body and your spirituality – An Introduction to BSF, Level 1 Summer often reminds me of long days and evenings spent climbing trees in my backyard and roller skating along cracked sidewalks as a child. Now, active play as an adult looks like watching the changing seasons […]
Then and Now: A Story of Transformation
Transformation is woven throughout the Benedictine story. It is rarely sudden or dramatic. More often, it unfolds through faithful responses to changing circumstances, guided by prayer, community, and trust in God’s unfolding call. This can be illustrated well by an event which occurred almost ten years ago, the celebration of the Sisters’ 70th anniversary in […]
Milkshakes and Memories at Mac’s Diner
Without question Mac’s Diner is a special neighborhood diner. The old school atmosphere, the regular attendance of locals, their neighborhood history, and of course, the food. That is exactly why so many Sisters, staff members, volunteers, friends, and family are excited for our upcoming fundraiser on Monday, June 29. As we come closer to the […]
Valiant Women: Sister Carol Rennie, OSB; 1936-2023
Remembering Sister Carol Rennie This month, we remember Sister Carol Rennie, who passed away three years ago on May 26, 2023. Her funeral Mass was held June 3, 2023 at the Monastery, celebrated by Father Paul Feela, one of her students at the St. Paul Seminary. Excerpts from his eulogy follow, as he remembered the life […]
Reflections on Two Years of Benedictine Formation
As we conclude the second year of the Certificate in Benedictine Formation program at Hill-Murray School, I find myself deeply grateful, grateful for our students, grateful for our partnership with St. Paul’s Monastery, and grateful for the enduring wisdom of the Benedictine tradition that continues to shape lives in such meaningful ways. The Certificate in […]
Make Space for What Matters
Summer at St. Paul’s Monastery and Benedictine Center There are seasons in life when the pace of the world leaves little room to breathe, reflect, or simply be. We move from obligation to obligation, often carrying more than we realize, while the deeper parts of ourselves wait quietly for attention. At St. Paul’s Monastery and […]
Sunday Homily by Father Kwatera
Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire! -St. Benedict Homily by Father Michael Kwatera, OSB | Sunday, May 3, 2026 Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A Join the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery on Sundays! Morning Prayer is at 10:00am with a short break before 11:00am Mass followed by an incredible homecooked Sunday Brunch. Evening Prayer […]
Valiant Women: Sister Paula Hagen, OSB
Sister Paula (Mary Lorraine) Hagen, OSB was Prioress of St. Paul’s Monastery from 2014-2019. She was born into a devout Catholic family in Bird Island, Minnesota, a small town (population 959) in Renville County. Her grandfather, Frank Hagen, was a German immigrant who became a successful farmer and raised livestock. Sister Paula and her brothers […]
The Art of Holly Newton Swift
St. Paul’s Monastery is pleased to welcome painter Holly Newton Swift for an upcoming gallery exhibition opening June 1. This new show invites viewers into a deeply reflective body of work shaped by decades of engagement with the natural world—particularly the rugged, ever-changing landscape of Minnesota’s North Shore. Swift’s artistic vision is rooted in her […]