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We Benedictine Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery,
and sponsors of the
University of Mary,
offer our heartfelt
congratulations to the University of Mary
as the recipient of The
Chamber Bismarck-Mandan
"Granite Award" on June
11, 2009.
* * * * *
Believing in Belize
Sister
Nancy Gunderson, and theology students from the University
of Mary, just returned from a unique missionary experience
in Belize.
Located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula
in Central America and bordering Mexico and Guatemala,
Belize boasts dense jungles, markets and the second longest
barrier reef, the Cays.
In an effort to spread the word of Jesus, Sister Nancy
and the students ministered in the village of San Estevan,
visited door-to-door, taught children in Vacation Bible
School in the classroom and provided supplies to the
orphanage. They stocked a library of children’s books and
painted the school.
Sister Nancy painting the school.
Much pre-trip preparation was required, mentally,
spiritually and physically. Each missionary was allowed to
take 50 lbs. of supplies to Belize. "The mission group we
were hosted by is Praying Pelican Missions," said Sister
Nancy. "They briefed us about what to expect during our time
in Belize." The missionaries’ schedule was enough to make
your head swim. Each day began at 7 a.m. and ended at 11
p.m. After their eight-day ministry in Belize, missionaries
were provided time for debriefing because, as Sister Nancy
explained, "There is no doubt we have been forever changed
by this experience." She enjoyed connecting with the women
of Belize and learning about their culture. "I felt humbled
to experience their complete trust and openness to us."
This woman is showing Sister Nancy a "custard apple," -
common to Belize.
Why are we sharing this with you? We want you to know of
our gratitude and that, through your support, you are truly
making a difference. Missionary experiences are part of our
initial formation program. Our sisters are required to
participate in a mission experience to serve the broader
world and respond to the needs of its people. We see these
opportunities as a powerful way to spread the mission of
Jesus.
Sister Nancy shares a group hug.
We thank you so much for your friendship. Please pray for
all of the missionaries who participated in this work and
for the beautiful people of Belize - that they continue to
benefit from the message and service offered by the
missionaries.
* * * * *
Sister Hannah Runs Half
Marathon
With her trademark infectious enthusiasm, Sister Hannah was
all smiles after completing the Fargo Marathon on May 9.
Finishing her first half marathon (10k=13mi), in an
impressive time of 1:50:58 and placing number 65 out of 544
race participants in her division, she is eager to run
another race. "Running is refreshing and exhilarating in
every sense - physically, mentally and spiritually," says
Sister Hannah. Congratulations, Sister Hannah!
* * * * *
Sister Thomas Welder
Tribute
A Legacy of Leadership
April 24, 2009 ~ Bismarck
Civic Center
Prioress Sister Nancy Miller and
incoming University of Mary President, Father James Patrick
Shea, read Pope Benedict's special Papal Blessing to
Sister Thomas Welder. (Photo courtesy of Jerald Anderson,
University of Mary)
Over 1,300 people attended the "Friends of
Sister Thomas Welder" Tribute
Governor John Hoeven remarked on the
tremendous leadership Sister Thomas has provided to the
University of Mary as well as to the state of North Dakota
and beyond.
Sister Thomas acknowledges the standing
ovation by 1,300 people. (Photo courtesy of Jerald Anderson,
University of Mary)
The crowd
of 1,300 people and presenters sing along in a blessing to
Sister Thomas sung by Job Christianson. Pictured on
stage, (from left to right) are: Bishop Robert Lynne,
Harry Pearce, Sheila Schafer, Greg Nelson, Sister Thomas
Welder (with Star Blanket presented by the United Tribes),
Martin White, and Kevin Cramer. (Photo courtesy of
Jerald Anderson, University of Mary)
* * * * *
Ecumenical Prayer Service
Celebrating the Legacy
and Leadership
of Sister Thomas Welder
Sister Thomas Welder,
president of the University of Mary, was honored in a prayer
service on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at Our Lady of the
Annunciation Chapel. Among many friends gathered, a
touching "Litany of Gratitude" was offered by University
of Mary Vice Presidents, division chairs & teaching faculty,
Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, administrative & support
staff and students.
Sister Thomas Welder, OSB
Sister Nancy Miller offered the following greeting at the
prayer service:
"It is indeed an honor to welcome you this morning to a
prayer service that celebrates the life and leadership of
Sister Thomas. Sister Thomas has been an integral part
of this university for many years and it is truly fitting
that we gather as a faith community to mark this moment in
time and to give thanks to God for the gift of her life
among us.
'Robert Greenleaf says that "good leaders must first
become good servants." To be a good servant means to live
out all those Benedictine values that we emphasize. We
have all seen the many ways that Sister Thomas has been
servant here at the university. But her living out the
values began long before she became involved with the
University of Mary. Her family life was steeped in
values and prayer was always important. These values
deepened as a Benedictine Sister. Her faithfulness to
her Benedictine community life and prayer has sustained her
in all that she has done.
'What better way to honor Sister Thomas and show our
gratitude than to gather in prayer. Sister Thomas, we
thank you for your faithful leadership and for all you have
done for us. Our prayer for you is this: May God
continue to sustain you in all you do and may the blessing
you have been to others return to you a hundredfold."
~On
behalf of all of the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery,
Sister Nancy Miller offered: "We are the Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery. We are the founders and
sponsors of the University of Mary, and represent the many
Benedictine women, who have courageously dedicated their
lives to seeking God in prayer, lectio, and service and who
have had the privilege of collaborating with many others to
further the mission of Jesus. Sister Thomas, you have
mirrored us well, shepherding our beloved university these
past 31 years. Together we have worked to serve the
religious, academic, and cultural needs of the people in
this area. Our community has nurtured connections with
others in a spirit of hospitality, respect, moderation,
service and prayer. We are most grateful for your
leadership, always shored up by our community's prayers and
support. For this vision and direction, we offer -
from your home - our heartfelt thanks to you, Sister Thomas.
You have touched our lives in many ways and made a
difference in the world."
Holy Week Blessings
Sister Gemma makes Hot Cross Buns (for recipe, click "From
Our Kitchen")
We have many beautiful Holy Week traditions, including the
baking and blessing of Hot Cross Buns before the Agape meal.
We enjoy wonderful community and private prayer, the washing
of the feet, and silence from the evening of Holy Thursday
through the Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday is truly a
glorious day of praise and celebration. We wish you
all the blessings of Easter!
Sister Ralphine and Sister Edith dye Easter eggs
Sister Michael, Sister Hildegarde and Colleen
Sister Grace and Sister Michael
Sister Miriam
The finished product - "all of our eggs in one basket!"
* * * * *
Sisters, Songs and
"Shake, Rattle and Dough"
As part of Benedictine
Awareness Days at the University of Mary, our Sisters held a
special Mass for students and staff this morning. (See
reflection by Prioress Sister Nancy Miller, below photos).
The sisters also served up an afternoon treat of 50s music
and donut holes (dropped into baggies and topping -
cinnamon, powdered sugar, cocoa). A refreshment bar of
hot chocolate and special coffees were also offered in the
University's "Marauder's Cove."
Here are some of our
sisters - ready to serve up some donut holes!
Sister Hannah demonstrates proper form for eating donut
holes.
Just add your favorite toppings and "shake, shake, shake"
Sisters Gemma, Nancy and Kathleen taste the treats before
the event - they called it "quality control"....
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