Gifts Of The Spirit: Wisdom - Monastery Of St. Gertrude
C anticle of S t. G ertrudeA Journal of Our LifeWinter 2021Gifts of the Spirit:WisdomPhoto by Carlahn Gayda.A Message from the Prioressby Sister Mary FormanThe First Gift of the Holy Spirit is WisdomWe continue our series on the gifts of the Holy Spiritin Isaiah 11:2-3 with the first gift — wisdom, whichwe will distinguish from knowledge, another spiritualgift. We begin with knowledge, which “in Hebrew is to experience,” where to “‘know’ is equivalent to ’feel’” or to possess as in the sexual knowledge ofone’s spouse (Gen 4:1).1 Knowledge in the Bible canalso mean to be skilled, as in the wise are “experiencedin the art of living.”2 In the Christian scriptures, to knowmeans “to be willing to recognize, to accept” matterslike commands by obeying them (Lk 19:12), “to acceptthe will of God” (Rom 2:18), “to know the grace ofGod or Jesus Christ” (Col 1:6) “and to acknowledgeit (Gal 2:9).”3 All these notions are not so much thephilosophical understanding of knowledge, that is, “anintellectual apprehension of reality”.4 In the Gospel ofJohn “knowledge and love grow together,” where “thetwo naturally enrich each other,” such that knowledgeis associated “with vision (Jn 14:7-9), emphasizing itsexperiential quality”.5 Thus, biblical knowledge is heartknowledge more than it is head knowledge because theheart is the center of the person’s psychic, intellectualand moral life.1John L. McKenzie, Dictionary of the Bible (New York:Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc./London: Collier Macmillan Publishers, 1965) s.v. “Know, Knowledge,” 485.2Ibid., 486.3Ibid.4Ibid., 485.5Ibid., 487.Our MissionNow we turn to wisdom, a vital reality of the spirituallife.6 Fundamentally, wisdom — sophia in Greek andsapientia in Latin from sapere, meaning “to taste,to savor” — is a universal reality, going beyond theboundaries of culture, religion and historical periods.In its beginnings, wisdom was international in characterand enjoyed a wide exchange in wise sayings across thepluriform cultures of the ancient world. It was thoughtin ancient cultures “that wisdom could be learned onlyby instruction; it was the collective sum of experience,and the young.learned it by docile attention to.elders or not at all.”7 Many times the wisdom ofthe sages was written down in dialogue form: forexample, a person’s dialogue with one’s soul, or thedialogue between master and disciple, as exemplifiedby the apophthegmata of the desert tradition, or evenBenedict’s prologue, of which we only have the master’sadvice, with the disciple’s question: “How may I besaved?” being implied. A third example of dialogue isthat of the personification of a human quality, like thedialogue of human misery shown in Job.8The element, which the Israelites added to theunderstanding of wisdom from the many cultures6Most of the following is taken from a conference, “Finding God by Listening,” given at St. Gertrude’s L.I.V.E., September14, 2020.7McKenzie, s.v. “Wisdom, Wisdom Literature,” 930.8Ibid.Continued on page 6Eager to welcome God’s transforming power in ourselves and our world, we, the BenedictineSisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude, seek God together through monastic professionand respond in Healing Hospitality, Grateful Simplicity and Creative Peacemaking.
sister storySister Maria Elena Schaefers: Prayer A Life of AdventureHer life changed dramatically in 1964 when shebecame a missionary to Bogotá, Colombia. It was thebeginning of a 33-year ministry in South America.Her years in Colombia included establishing schools,administering relief programs, ministering to drugaddicts, improving housing opportunities, teaching,and running programs in growing parishes. SisterMaria Elena returned to Idaho in 1997 and resumedher ministries with vigor in the Boise area. She visitedthe sick, dying, grieving, shut-ins, and families.She believes that including God in daily life becamethe most important thing she taught in religion classesin parishes and eventually prisons. Sister Maria Elenabecame involved in prison ministry when she learnedthat there was a need for bilingual people to workwith inmates. On Sunday evenings she would travelwith a fellow minister to the Idaho State CorrectionalInstitution to lead prayer and singing for SundayEucharist. Then mid-week she would return to theprison to conduct Bible classes and Catholic faithstudies. There were special sessions for any men whowere asking to be baptized.“Prayer has always been present in my life,” saidSister Maria Elena Schaefers. “Growing up we saidprayers before meals and at night before going to bed.At certain times of the year, or for special needs, weprayed the Rosary together as a family.”Born on July 12, 1927, in South Dakota, she grew upwith one sister and two brothers. Her father’s workwith the railroad would eventually bring the family toNampa, Idaho. Her teachers in the 7th and 8th gradeswere Benedictine sisters and it was about that timeshe began to think she would like to become a sister.Now at 93 years old, Sister Maria Elena lives at homeat the Monastery. Until Covid-19, she was still engagedin prison ministry to a local correctional institution.“I have been so enriched praying with my family,coworkers, and my monastic community. Prayer ofany kind makes our lives a real adventure with theLord. It stretches our lives in ways that we could neverhave imagined. I shall always be grateful to the Lordfor having taken me on this adventure.” After a visit to St. Gertrude’s at the age 14, she becamea postulant. She made her First Profession when shewas barely 17 on August 15, 1944. She made herFinal Profession when she was 21.“In my formation at St. Gertrude’s, I was introducedto the Divine Office, the Benedictine daily cycle ofprayer. We learned lectio – Bible readings andreflection – as an important part of our day.”Sister Maria Elena worked in the sacristy and Sister Mariataught the other postulants piano. Soon she Elena (left)began teaching elementary school in St. Mariesserving inand found she enjoyed being a teacher.Colombia.Winter 2021Prayer awakens. Justice impels. Compassion acts.Thy Kingdom Come.
membershipOblates Move Forwardby OblateDebbie McCoyBelow: New oblates are welcomed into theSt. Gertrude’s community through formaloblations in 2019. While Covid-19 preventedgathering in 2020, nonetheless wewelcomed two new oblates.Looking to the future, the oblates of theMonastery of St. Gertrude have shiftedfrom a traditional model of leadershipand announced a new triad model oflay leadership for the oblate community.New oblate leaders are: Jane Somerton,lead coordinator; Barbara Wodynski,formation coordinator; and DebbieMcCoy, administrative coordinator.The team takes over leadership fromSister Teresa Jackson and OblateJeannette Kelley. As coordinators foralmost fourteen years, Jeannette and Sister Teresaled the community through substantial growth andchange. The entire community is grateful for theirprayerful leadership and guidance over the years.While the Covid-19 virus caused cancellation of all2020 retreats and local/regional in-person meetingsas well as closing of the Monastery to the public, thenew team jumped in July 1 with energy and creativityto continue support and leadership for the widelydisbursed community of lay Benedictines.In October a group of oblates presented a verysuccessful online retreat (via Zoom and St. Gertrude’sL.I.V.E.) entitled “Creative Peacemaking in DifficultConversations.” More than 60 people registeredfor the retreat. Since July the new leadership teamhas met regularly via Zoom and instituted monthlyrepresentative council meetings to facilitate ongoingformation, support, and leadership in the community.St. Gertrude’s L.I.V.E.(Living in a Virtual Environment) Online Monastic Studies, Spirituality, and Arts Last summer we beganonline classes andretreats to meet theneeds of the times. Sofar, over 1,200 peoplehave participatied in 25programs. A participantsaid, “What an absolutegift it is to have St.Gertrude’s virtual eventsduring this difficult year.” Visit stgertrudes.orgIf you would like prayer support from our community,please call us at 208-962-3224 orvisit StGertrudes.orgThere are nine local area oblate communities spreadthroughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montanaas well as a few oblates in California. Groups havebeen creatively navigating Covid-19 guidelines bymeeting in local parks and backyards with masks anddistancing as well as using online meetings to maintaincommunity connections and support for one another.Two new oblates and novices were welcomed intothe community this summer during those local areameetings. While not the ritual normally celebrated inthe beautiful St. Gertrude’s chapel surrounded by theircenobitic and oblate sisters and brothers, it is still astep forward and we celebrate our new members.Oblates are men and women, married or single, activein any Christian denomination, who closely associatethemselves with the Monastery of St. Gertrude throughan initiation process and formal oblation (promise).There are nearly 100 oblates of the Monastery of St.Gertrude, living throughout the Pacific Northwest. Tolearn more about becoming an oblate of the Monasteryof St. Gertrude, email oblates@stgertrudes.org. Sisters are serving in thepandemic. Eight sistershave received CatholicExtension’s Sisters on theFrontlines grants to helplocal families. Read a fullfeature at stgertrudes.org.Right: Sisters Kim andMaria Elena get their firstvaccine shots.Canticle of St. Gertrude 3
mission advancementA New Century of Benedictine Life: Building Remodel UpdateFor all that has been – Thanks! To all that shall be – Yes! Dag HammarskjoldTo all those whose generous spirit blesses St. Gertrude’s in countless ways, weare excited to share that we are 95% funded in our 2.3 million goal for ourBuilding Remodel campaign. You make it possible for us to say “Yes!” to thefuture of Benedictine life at St. Gertrude’s.Project OverviewTo prepare for the future, we embarked on a major remodel of the residentialwing of the Monastery in November 2020. Built in 1948, the Annex provideddormitory-style housing for sisters who mostly served in ministries away fromhome. Now, over seventy years later, the Annex is in need of updated plumbingand electrical as well as asbestos abatement. In addition, individual rooms willbe enlarged and will feature private bathrooms. The renovations will create anenergy-efficient residence for those who live at the Monastery and coordinateministries, which (in a normal year) serve 20,000 guests, artists, and retreatantsannually. With a deep commitment to the future of monastic life, according tothe Rule of Benedict, we will welcome new vocations as well as BenedictineCohousing Companions (see next page) — and host sisters, volunteers, artists,and oblates in a contemporary monastery home. Left: Craig Hood of the MaintenanceTeam helps out with the move onOct. 23. Below left: Sr. Placida leadsa moving crew. Right: Sr. Mary, theprioress, blesses Spirit Center after thesisters moved in. Below: The first phasewas asbestos abatement. Other photosinclude scenes from the various stagesof the remodel so far.Winter 2021
The Expansive Vision of ChiefFinancial Officer Janis LanceCo-Praying, Co-Living —Co-Housing“I have a variety of things to do; no two days are thesame.” That is how Janis Lance, the Monastery’s chieffinancial officer, begins to describe her love of her work.She was hired over 34 years ago as a secretary to theprioress and to answer phones. She was moved parttime to the Business Office and eventually assumed thefull-time responsibilities of CFO. Her work includesoverseeing all the Monastery’s financial functions aswell as being involved in general administration. Overthe years she has been involved in the implementationof new telephone and wi-fi systems and now theBuilding Remodel Campaign.People have been living monastic life according tothe Rule of St. Benedict for over 1,500 years. In thepast most of those people took formal vows as monksor nuns. But today many people are looking for newways to live Benedictine life. In our rapidly changing,unsettled times Benedictine spirituality offers a timetested way to live a structured way of life seeking Godabove all. The emerging community of the BenedictineCohousing Companions (BCC) offers women thechance to create a new form of monastic communityin the midst of an existing women’s monastery.“I love accounting; I love a challenge; I am appreciated.The trust I can feel the sisters have in me makes it somuch more than a job.” Janis credits good mentors infinance. The high value she places on job happinesshas led her to decline other opportunities.Her grounded engagement has been the foundationto also help the community envision new possibilitiesfor the future. A few years ago she saw a program on acohousing project in England and shared it with SisterTeresa Jackson as an idea for St. Gertrude’s. On June 11,2018, the community voted to move forward with thecohousing initiative. The subsequent need to expandthe dormitory-style rooms into apartments coincidedwith other updates the residential wing required, anda full-scale remodel project began.“I am so happy to see this happen,” she said. “Outsidepeople bring a different depth and stretch us in healthyways. Plus the space and private bathrooms will makeit a lot more pleasant for the sisters.” The Benedictine Cohousing Companions will be agroup of single women who will commit to creating anew way to live Benedictine spirituality. They will notmake vows or a life commitment but will covenantto explore how to live according to the Rule of St.Benedict. This new venture will require womenwho are adventurous, courageous, able to live incommunity and who desire to live a Benedictine life.Does that sound like you? To inquire about the next virtual info session onBenedictine Cohousing Companions, email SisterTeresa Jackson at membership@stgertrudes.org.Call for Submissions:Come to the Table: Recipes for Loving and ServingA recipe is more than its ingredients, it’s a blueprintfor physical and spiritual nourishment. What dishesor concoctions have fed your spirit? Share with us atreasured recipe and its story. Along with your recipe feedus your poetry, nonfiction, or art. To read the full call visitstgertrudes.org/call or email creative@stgertrudes.org.Prayer awakens. Justice impels.Canticle of St. Gertrude 5
Continued from page 1.around them, was that of faith in Yahweh, who alonewas considered truly wise. God’s wisdom is exhibitedin creation (according to Job 38-39). Moreover, divinewisdom consists of knowledge of how to do things andof the knowledge lying behind creation;9 and it appears“personified as a woman, born of God before all agesand active with God in the work of creation (Prov 8:2230).”10 “Wisdom is also personified as a woman whogives instruction (Pr 8:1-21) and as the heavenly beingwho descends to dwell in Israel.”11Although wisdom can be learned, ultimately it is a giftof the Holy One (Pr 2:6). “The beginning or essence ofwisdom is the fear, or rather, awe of Yahweh, withoutwhich there is no true wisdom (Pr 1:7, 9:10; Job28:28).The peak of wisdom therefore is understandingof the deeds of Yahweh, especially [God’s] judgments(Je 9:11; Ho 14:10).”12 Most of the wisdom literature ofthe Jewish scriptures is concerned with the problems ofthe individual person and draws attention to the dailylife of one who seeks unity and integrity to one’s life,while avoiding “the disintegration of folly.”13 Manywisdom sayings pose wisdom as opposite to folly, inthe form of the “Two Ways.”In the Gospels, Jesus is “the wisdom of God” (Luke11:49; 1 Cor 1:24) “in whom are hidden all thetreasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3) and whois portrayed as “the authoritative teacher of wisdom.”14In the epistles, God alone has true wisdom, whichis too deep for [hu]man[s] to search out (Rm 11:33;16:27) and is manifold (Eph 3:10). Ultimately for Paul,true Christian wisdom is Christ--Christ crucified (1 Cor1:18, 22; 2:2), the wisdom of God considered by theworld to be folly (1 Cor 1:24). Therefore, the wisdomof God in Christ is revelation, unattainable by humansearching; it is a hidden wisdom with a secret purpose-the salvation of humankind, and made known by theSpirit (1 Cor 2:7-10).attribute of wisdom, which God particularly desiredeach of us to receive. She prayed as follows:7.7Therefore I prayed, and understanding wasgiven me; I called upon God, and the spiritof wisdom came to me. 7.22 For in her is aspirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold,subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct,invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible,23beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, freefrom anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, andpenetrating through all spirits that are intelligentand pure and most subtle. [RSV Wisdom 7:7,7:22-23]After she read this passage from Wisdom and we eachprayed for that gift of wisdom we felt God desired tobestow on us, she invited us to hold the memory of thisprayer in our hearts for a month at least. We were not totell anyone else what we had prayed for, but to proclaimthe gift by how we lived our lives, in mindfulness ofwhat we had been granted. In other words, we were toshare the gift by our deeds and by our asking the Spiritto guide the unfolding of the gift. The gift was given toeach one, not as an individual, but as a person. In thebiblical tradition a “person” (in Hebrew nephesh) is anetwork of relationships, of connections, of delicateinteractional dynamics with others. It was to be in theliving of the gift that we would come to identify wisdomin our midst.I invite you to pray over this passage and ask the HolySpirit to visit you with an aspect of this gift of wisdom,which the Divine One desires you to receive and toexperience its unfolding in your life. Happy New Yearin the Holy Spirit! Several years ago the prioress of my community atthe house meeting one night gathered us together topray for wisdom. She invited us to listen to the wordsattributed to Solomon and while we listened we wereto allow our hearts to be moved to request one of thegifts of wisdom. She then invited us to ask God for that9Ibid.10M. Basil Pennington, “Wisdom,” p. 1042, in The NewDictionary of Catholic Spirituality, ed. Michael Downey (Collegeville, MN: A Michael Glazier Book/The Liturgical Press, 1993).11McKenzie, pp. 930-931.12Ibid., 931.13Ibid.14Pennington, 1042.Winter 2021Amy Waddell, one of our assisted living caregivers, wasable to catch this beautiful sunrise over the Camas Prairiein early November.
in memoriaSister Bernadette Stang, OSBAugust 15, 1935 October 14, 2020Sister Joan Smith, OSBMay 30, 1929 October 17, 2020“If I can be in the stance ofgratitude for all of life, I can’thelp but be filled with joy.”Sister Bernadette Stang, OSB,was born into eternal life at 9:52p.m. on October 14, 2020, inthe presence of her sisters andcaregivers at the Monastery ofSt. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho. She was 85 yearsold and had been a Benedictine sister for 62 years. Shewill be remembered for her joy and spiritual guidance.She was born in St. Martin, Minnesota, to Matthias andAmalia Stang on August 15, 1935. She made her FirstProfession in 1958. Her first ministry was teaching atSacred Heart in Boise while completing her bachelor’sdegree over six summers’ study at Cardinal StritchUniversity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After ten years ofteaching, she was called to be part of a team directingthe training of catechists throughout the state of Idaho,building the foundations of the very first programs inthe state. Later, she established an after-school outreachprogram for children and women at a migrant workers’camp in Caldwell. In 2006 she was honored for herservice to farmworkers with a flag that had been flownover the U.S. Capitol and August 27, 2006 beingdeclared in Caldwell as “Sister Bernadette Day.”Sister Bernadette was called home in 2006 to work withthe Monaste
7 McKenzie, s.v. “Wisdom, Wisdom Literature,” 930. 8 Ibid. A Message from the Prioress Continued on page 6 by Sister Mary Forman C anticle of S t. G ertrude Winter 2021 A Journal of Our Life The First Gift of the Holy Spirit is Wisdom Gifts of the Spirit: Wisdom Photo by Carlahn Gayda.
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The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit 2. The Personality of the Holy Spirit 3. The Deity of the Holy Spirit 4. The Titles of the Holy Spirit 5. The Covenant-Offices of the Holy Spirit 6. The Holy Spirit During the Old Testament Ages 7. The Holy Spirit and Christ 8. The Advent of the Spirit 9. The Work of the Spirit 10. The Holy Spirit Regenerating
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