Sister Mary Edward Skovran

My name is Sister Mary Edward. I grew up on the North Side of Pittsburgh. We belonged to St. Mary Church on Lockhart Street. Here Benedictinism was present at its BEST! The Benedictine Monks (priests) served as pastor and assistants. The Mass, especially Holy Week liturgies and feast days, were very inspiring even though all were in Latin. The Benedictine Sisters taught us much about our Catholic faith – the gifts of the Sacraments, the Mass, Church History, chant and singing. Thus early in life I enjoyed these gifts of faith. God gave me a singing voice and a great desire to praise Him in song.

One of my sisters entered the Benedictine Sisters as a Prep (high school) when I was a 4th grader. Each month our family visited her and we had an opportunity to be present at the Sunday Vespers of Divine Office. What a joy to hear the chant! In time I actually learned to participate.

As time passed, my sister made final profession. I graduated from 8th grade and planned to attend St. Benedict Academy. Here I joined the Vocation Club, wrote to various religious sisterhoods, visited or talked with people for guidance. All along I felt called to the religious life, but slow in the decision making. How could I forget God’s gift of joy as I sang His praises. So… I entered the community of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh!

Benedict’s Rule is “my kind” of rule – never overbearing, considerate, just, “do-able”… respect the elders, love the young, share wisdom, duties, goods, be hospitable, kind, merciful… really a Christ-like living in community. Scripture is its basis. Community prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, sustains me each day in my work and my life.