Have you ever been in a supermarket check line, when the person at the checkout presents a fistful of coupons? Groannnnn. Or thrown into the grip of frustration hearing those four dreaded words: “I need a price!” Or how about the other four dreaded words: “I need...
Monday Mewsings
Sharing Moments Filled with the Glory of God
An Account by Br. Ricky, Novice Master When Cloister members gathered to talk about their moments full of God's Glory, everyone was there - the Benedictine sisters Nikki and Espy along with the Resident Novice. The Worldwide Novices had joined by Zoom. I first posed...
Moments Full of God’s Glory
The Challenge of Finding Moments of God's Glory I will be honest. On one level this sounds scary. Remember the story of Elijah who encountersGod in the sound of “sheer silence”? (1 Kings 19:11-13) That story always gives me chills. Then there’s the smoking fire pot...
Setting Aside Time to Be With God
A Personal Quiet Day or Retreat Hello, Novices! In the July 2023 issue of Monday Mewsings I shared my experience of being on retreat at St. Benedict’s Monastery-Feline, in Minnesota. To read about my retreat, tap your paw here. Worldwide Novice Shadow of...
Awareness of God’s Presence
Reflections from Amma JaneAwareness of God's Presence Make me aware, O God, of the eye that beholds me, the hand that holds me, the heart that loves me, the Presence that enfolds me. David Adam,Power Lines: Celtic Prayers About WorkHow do We Become Aware of God’s...
Br. Ricky Reflects on His Retreat
Br. Ricky Reflects on His Retreat at St. Benedict’s - Feline: Finds Two Verses to Guide Us Every DayPrefer nothing whatever to Christ. RB 72.11"…Seek first the reign and justice of God..." (Mt 6:33) RB 2.35Hello, Novices! Amma and I flew out to Minnesota in July...
Living in the Present Moment
Hello. Novices and friends. In July, 2023, I spent a wonderful week in a hermitage at St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. This was my fifth retreat with the wonderful sisters. I would like to share what I discovered about living in the present moment...
The Benedictine Cure for a Lop-Sided, Crazy-Busy Life
Hello. I’m Resident Novice Sebastian Thomas. Br. Ricky thought I’d be a good candidate to write this article about Benedictine ways to find balance in life. One of the reasons I came to the Cloister is that I was totally overwhelmed with everything I had to do. You...
St. Benedict’s Plan for a Balanced Life
The cloister members Sisters Nikki and Espy along with the Resident Novices are seated in a semi-circle around Br. Ricky in the Chapter Room. Hushed mews are heard as the felines anticipate the first discussion of how the Rule of St. Benedict can help humans. ...
What My Human Needs to Learn
You are just in time to join Br. Ricky, OSB-F, Novice Master, and Sr. Maggie, OSB-F, Cloister Contemplate and Assistant Novice Master, on their Zoom call. Sr. Maggie, on assignment in Florida, has finished compiling the results of one of the questions on the Novice...