Sister SusanMerrie English

The Lord led me through marriage, motherhood, the single life, and finally to Benedictine monastic life. It is estimated that there may be only 500 to 1000 Sister Moms in the Western World and I am very blessed to be one of them. Where did it all start?

As a young mother, I had a conversion experience on retreat. I remember the day clearly. It was in confession that I cried out, “No one loves me, not even me.” In that moment, I heard God saying through the voice of the priest, “I love you.” From that day on, my life was different. At first it was just small things like a desire to read religious books or to listen to spiritual music. I wondered if this was a passing phase and I would soon lose interest. As I learned more about faith and scripture, I became involved in parish life, teaching CCD, studying in adult education, working as a Religious Education Coordinator, and organizing retreats. Eventually, I was invited to be a retreat team leader with a Passionist Priest and helped give over 40 charismatic retreats. My conversion was more than a passing phase.

A strong passion for social justice was awakened when I taught Home Economics at the state prison for women. Many tragic stories of abuse and injustice opened my eyes to the social problems of the world. Matthew 25 became my favorite scripture and called me to do more. After finishing doctoral studies in education, I continued to hear a subtle but persistent calling to be more prayerful, to learn more about faith and spirituality, to be more involved in social justice. Parish life and adult education programs were not enough. When working with Pat, a spiritual director, the call became even clearer, when she said one day, “You have a calling.” She did not say a calling to what, but my mind immediately jumped to religious life even though I thought I was too old, too liberal, and had too much past life. Pat encouraged me to explore anyway. I was surprised to find that a number of Religious communities were willing to consider older and previously married women for membership.

I had never heard of Benedictines before, but a friend of mine, knowing I was exploring religious life, said, “You can’t make any decisions until you have visited the Benedictines. I have a friend who is Benedictine and she is a dynamo.” She promptly emailed her friend, Sister Roberta, who referred my name to the Vocation Director. I was invited for a visit and liked what I saw. I appreciated the discipline of community prayer, the warmth and hospitality, the simplicity, the focus on peace and justice, and the moderation of the Rule. Here was a way of life that would allow me to live my values with a group of other women who were equally dedicated to doing good in the world. After a number of visits, Sister Judith, the vocation director, and I had worked out all of the details, and I was formally accepted as a prospective member. The years of my Postulancy and Novitiate seemed to fly by. In my Scholasticate, I began a private practice as a personal life coach, the ministry I continue today. (Click here for Coaching Page)

I am still a mother but I am foremost a member of a wonderful Benedictine community of women who support each other in growing ever more faithful in the Lord. I am truly blessed!