This past year is one that will show up clearly in the Sisters’ historical records. It was the year for St. Scholastica. In 2025, we met with Sister Posa, Australian Author to learn of her new book on St. Scholastica. Later, with that knowledge still fresh in our minds, a bronze image of St. Scholastica was delivered to our courtyard. This culminated the following month with a visit from the artist, Linda Dabeau, (who also created the Monastery’s statue of St. Benedict) and a ritual of blessing the new statue once in place in the Monastery courtyard.
In the Fall of 2024 and into the start of 2025, word began to spread through the Monastery of a new book. Many Sisters hold Saint Scholastica as a dear companion, so they were especially interested in this publication. Sister Carmel Posa of Melbourne, Australia worked in
a historical method, Hagiography (A work of fiction, but true to established historical parameters and knowledge. In this case, derived from writings by St. Gregory the Great.) to explore St. Scholastica’s life and experiences.
Since we were all excited about this new book, it naturally lead to an interview in January 2025 with two of our Sisters, Paula Hagen and Karen Sames about St. Scholastica (You can watch this on our YouTube channel). This is how our year began. It was a fitting start because just four months later, an opportunity materialized for us. The Oblates and Sisters were able to talk with the author over Zoom from Australia about her book, The Lost Dialogue of Gregory the Gre
at: The Life of St. Scholastica.
Meanwhile, the Sisters were in talks with the artist Linda Dabeau, creator of the Monastery’s St. Benedict sculpture. Their plans were gradually coming to pass and the arrangements for delivery were set for the month of May. This meant that the evening with Sister Posa would be a prelude for the anticipated delivery of the new St. Scholastica statue.
The day of delivery was thankfully bright and clear, making the process a little easier for all involved. The statue was placed on a forklift and trucked along the back of the Monastery building into the courtyard. This delivery was like a small parade, taking a lot of planning, maneuvering, and consideration. Once the statue was in place all work stopped for Prioress, Sister Catherine Nehotte to confirm placement and then work began to install the statue permanently.
In the next month, the Sisters welcomed the artist Linda Dabeau in person. She stayed at the Monastery overnight and took part in the blessing ritual of the St. Scholastica statue the next day. This day was blessed with rain. It helped us all to recall the moment St. Scholastica prayed for her brother, St. Benedict. She wanted him to stay with her and in response to her prayer, the Lord sent a storm, preventing him from any further travel.
Have you ever looked back at your life and recognized how the events seemed orchestrated? This was one of those moments where the Holy Spirit was clearly at work. St. Scholastica’s sculpture was gratefully received at the Monastery and the events surrounding her arrival were a fitting welcome. Of course, we have to thank also Jack Farrell and his family. You may know that just before his passing in August of 2024, Mr. Farrell announced that he would donate the St. Scholastica statue (as he did the St. Benedict statue previously). It is because of him that the Monastery courtyard is graced by the figures of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
Now, we return to our annual February events, occurring on St. Scholastica’s Feast Day. The Sisters have chosen this day to honor an outstanding Monastery volunteer. This year we honor Kami Pohl, who is part of our Oblate leadership team. We invite you to celebrate her with us, starting at midday prayer (11:30am) on February 10, followed by lunch and gift presentation.
In addition, we set aside this time of year to consider all that St. Scholastica brings to our faith. Her feminine Benedictine spirit reminds us that transformation does not come through power or force, but through presence, listening, perseverance, and love. If you value the traits embodied by St. Scholastica, please consider a gift in her name to St. Paul’s Monastery to ensure that women of faith continue to bless the Church for generations to come.
