Set aside time for this monthly event of spiritual nourishment.
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, 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.