What does it take to keep away the rain when you’ve set your
minds and hearts on an outdoor Mass and barbecue? Perhaps it takes a miracle —
or the prayers of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia who celebrated their
125th anniversary in Bristow May 4. The sisters also celebrated the 150th
anniversary of their founding in Richmond May 1, 1868.
“I would like to welcome you all to this fabulous celebration
day. It is the conclusion of our celebration of our 150th anniversary of coming
to the commonwealth of Virginia and it is the beginning of 125 years in this
spot in Bristow — 125 years we have been teaching and expanding to other
ministries,” said Benedictine Sister Joanna Burley, who will become prioress
June 22.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass under a canopy on the
grounds outside the convent. Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde, Father Donald J. Rooney,
pastor of St. Bernadette Church in Springfield; Jesuit Father Pat Conroy, chaplain
of the U.S. House of Representatives; and Father Lee R. Roos, pastor of All
Saints Church in Manassas; concelebrated.
“We gather together, dear friends, with profound thanks for relatively
a short amount of time for a community whose order’s history spans more than
1,500 years,” Bishop Burbidge said. “But for the church in the Diocese of
Arlington, the presence of the Benedictine Sisters at Bristow has been a gift
since our own foundation as a diocese in 1974. As the fourth bishop along with
Bishop Loverde, I give thanks to the sisters for their tremendous contribution
to the spiritual foundation of our local church, which ultimately has its
origin in our Risen Lord, Jesus.
“We know that all prayer and reflection, communal and personal,
lead us to the Eucharist, the church’s perfect prayer of thanksgiving, which we
celebrate with great joy today, marking this significant anniversary,” said
Bishop Burbidge. “And the Eucharist, the source of our unity, calls us to
humble and sacrificial service. Such service is beautifully reflected in the
lives of our Benedictine Sisters throughout their rich history and until the
present day.
“We are very pleased you came to our party,” said Benedictine
Sister Cecilia Dwyer at the end of Mass, offering a reflection on the history
of the order. “So, what you may ask have we been doing for the last 150 years?”
Examples of their evolution and ministries include Linton Hall
School; BEACON, an adult literacy program that assists immigrants with low
incomes learn English; and the Benedictine Pastoral Center, which offers workshops
and spiritual direction.
For many, the Benedictines provided a home away from home.
“The sisters here at the monastery and the land itself has been a
godsend to me,” said Karen Robicheaux, who recently relocated from Louisiana.
“The area has afforded me the opportunity for reflection and growth, and the
sisters have been extremely welcoming and hospitable. The land and space offers
spirituality and growth on a personal and communal level.”
When Linda Stoltz first moved to the area and away from family,
she looked for a community. “I walked into the chapel on the first day and
Sister Pat Hagarty gave me a big hug,” she said. “I felt so blessed and
wonderful.”
When Stoltz’s mother was in town and Stoltz had to leave for her
father-in-law’s funeral, it was Sister Hagarty and Sister Ann Marie Lange who
kept her mother company. “These ladies are pretty fabulous,” said Stoltz.
Lisa Fusco, a Benedictine Oblate and teacher at St. Gertrude High
School in Richmond, said the Benedictines “continually evolve to meet whatever
the need is.”
Following Mass, guests were treated to burgers and hot dogs with
sides served by area Knights of Columbus, and the opportunity to explore the
grounds.
Benedictine Sister Charlotte Lange said the
celebration was wonderful. “I think there are people who don’t realize we have
been around all these years,” she said. “To have all these people here says
they support us.”
