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UPDATE June 1, 2020: All events at the monastery continue to be canceled until further notice. Those seeking information regarding the Columbarium and interment, please contact Sister Mary directly. Visitors are asked to call or email instead of in-person contact. Our guest house is closed until further notice. Our grounds remain open for individuals walking or visiting love ones at the Columbarium or St. Andrew. Please observe social distancing accommodations.

Please know that we are praying for all during this time of uncertainty. Let each of us do what we can to help prevent the spread of the virus, fear and panic. God is with us in all times!

DIOCESE OF ARLINGTON

STATEMENT ON THE CORONAVIRUS

AND THE MASS updated May 15, 2020

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May 2020 News Brief Available Now!

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Sister Mary Leo Wirt, O.S.B.

April 2, 1925 – April 9, 2020

Sister Mary Leo Wirt, O.S.B., passed to eternal life on Thursday, April 9, 2020, having just celebrated her 95^th birthday. Born Shirley Bethleen in Richmond, Virginia to Emmett and Agnes (O’Connor) Wirt, she entered Saint Benedict Monastery in Bristow, Virginia seventy-five years ago. Shortly after profession, Sister Mary Leo began her teaching career at Linton Hall Military School in Bristow, where she would eventually serve for 38 years. She also taught at St. Benedict, St. Paul, Sacred Heart, and Saint Gertrude High School in Richmond, and at St. Charles in Arlington.

Sister Mary Leo retired from teaching in 1996, becoming the community procurator until 2003. From 2003 until her death, Sister Mary Leo worked tirelessly for the benefit of the monastery through the annual Holydays Holidays Sale. The specialty towels, bibs, and other items handmade by her were always in great demand, and she inspired many others to join her in that service. Her love of community, family, and friends was deep and loyal, reflecting her great faith and trust in God.

Sister Mary Leo was preceded in death by her brothers, Jacob Edward, Thomas Clinton, and Emmett, Jr., and her sisters Evelyn Wirt Berry, Cele Wirt Simpson, and Sister Jeanne Wirt, O.S.B. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and their children, and the 29 sisters of her Benedictine community. A public celebration of Sister Mary Leo’s life will take place at Saint Benedict Monastery at a future date, due to the current health restrictions. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia.

Welcome!

The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia are a vibrant monastic community of women who have served the people of Virginia for 150 years.

In the spirit of the 1500 year old tradition of the Benedictine Order, we commit our lives to seeking God in community. Through our prayer and our service, through our hospitality, compassion and mercy, and in all of our ministries, we hope to foster in our world a greater respect for the divine dignity of all people.

As Saint Benedict has instructed us:

“All are to be welcomed as Christ.”

Join us every Sunday at 9:00 A.M. for Mass in our chapel!

S Andrea V with Bishop

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)

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 reflect our Benedictine tradition of being of service to the people of our local area however needed.

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.
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.