Sister Valeria Osterrieder

In 2010 I will celebrate my 75th anniversary being a Benedictine Sister of Pittsburgh. When I was in the 8th grade the Sister who was my teacher in 6th and 7th asked me if I ever thought of becoming a nun. I said, “Yes, but my mother cannot afford it.” Sister Lioba then spoke with my mother and arranged to have me ready to go to high school to enroll in the Aspirant Class of the Benedictine sisters of Pittsburgh.

I spent most of my ministry life in elementary education as a teacher and administrator. I loved it. Working with the students was one wonderful experience after another. I’m very proud that one of my students wrote a children’s book and named the teacher in the story “Miss Valeria” after me!

The early years in the community were stricter and harder. The changes brought greater freedom and less worry. The gave me the opportunity to make choices like going shopping and helping others in a variety of ways. It gave choices in my prayer life and in my ministry. I love volunteering at the Benedictine Senior Citizen Center on our grounds. I love the freedom in my prayer life. I like to make Holy Hours. I get up at 4:00 a.m. and make a holy hour until 5:00 a.m.

Although I have a great difficulty in seeing and hearing, praying with the Community helps me to unite with the group. I enjoy my life very much!