It's a Jubilee Year!
Join the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our founding in Richmond, Virginia on May 1, 1868!
Catch up on our history by scrolling through our archive of stories, pictures, and prayers of thanksgiving for the goodness of God and all who have supported us for 150 years.
Saint Benedict Monastery continues to be home to 30 monastic women and the headquarters for our ministries: BEACON, BARN, Benedictine Pastoral Center, Place of Peace Columbarium, Benedictine Counseling Services, Linton Hall School, and Saint Gertrude High School (Richmond).
This year-long celebration will culminate on May 4, 2019 as we mark the 125th anniversary of our establishment in Bristow, Virginia with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington.
Vision Statement
We, the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, believing in the sacredness of all creation, claim monastic stewardship as our corporate witness.
As a community of monastic women with a contemplative vision, we are “impelled to preserve, cherish, and nurture all that is touched by the Creator’s hand.” —Of All Good Gifts
Out of our sense of reverence, hospitality, and responsibility, we commit ourselves in a spirit of peace to conserving, using, and sharing our gifts, resources, and heritage.
As we progress in this way of life and in faith,
we shall run on the path of God’s commandments,
our hearts overflowing
with the inexpressible delight of love.
(Rule of Benedict: Prologue)
The CELEBRATION
of our
SESQUICENTENNIAL
May 1, 2018
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Altria Theater Grand Ballroom
Richmond, Virginia
Contemplative Prayer
Embracing a life of contemplative prayer and merciful works, we, the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, warmly share our Benedictine charism with all who seek peace through understanding and a deepening spirituality.
Communal Prayer
Daily life in the monastery is comprised of communal prayer, meaningful ministry and the sharing of our common life. Praying the psalms, or the Liturgy of the Hours, at morning, midday and evening, we bring the needs of our world to the timeless praise of God.
Everyday Moments
Common meals, household chores, and holy leisure round out the monastic life. Essentially, we are sanctified by the daily – by seeking God in the everyday moments of life lived simply with gratitude and joy.
Our ministries focus upon helping our most vulnerable populations become self-sufficient and productive.
- Linton Hall School, is a pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school for girls and boys
- Saint Gertrude High School, Richmond, Va is an all-girls Catholic High School in the Benedictine tradition
- The Place of Peace Columbarium, on the beautiful grounds of Saint Benedict Monastery, provides individual niches for the cremains of the departed.
- BARN Community Housing, provides housing and support programs for families facing homelessness
- BEACON, an adult literacy program focuses on helping low-income immigrants learn English
- Benedictine Pastoral Center offers workshops and spiritual direction to help individuals deepen their personal relationships with God
- Benedictine Counseling Services, located in Richmond, provides mental health therapy and counseling for individuals and couples, as well as workshops and presentations for groups of any size.
News & Events
Benedictine Oblate Conference 2017
Three of our Benedictine Oblates from Bristow and Bedford are on their way to the Benedictine Oblate Congress in Rome to represent our Saint Benedict monastery. We ask your prayers for them as they travel and while they are there….
