On June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Sister Hildegard Wanjiku Mberere changed her vow of stability to our monastery. A native of Kenya, Sr. Hildegard entered our Order in 2002 at Abbaye Notre Dame de Bonne-Esperance in Echourgnac, France. She made her solemn profession there in 2010. Sister Hildegard came to Santa Rita Abbey in 2019 to experience life in an English-speaking community. Now, three years later, Sister Hildegard has changed her stability to our monastery, thus becoming a permanent member of our community. Mother Bénédicte, Abbess of Echourgnac since 2021, came for the occasion, adding to our joy. We were also blessed by the presence of Fr. Ed, monk of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Colorado, who offered the Eucharist for us on this special day, and throughout his nearly two-week stay.

Please join with us in praying that Sr. Hildegard may continue to flourish in our midst, and that we may all continue to grow together in the love of Christ for the sake of the Church and the world.