A Message from Sister Benita

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Benedictine Sisters to Build New Monastery

The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh have purchased property at 3526 Bakerstown Road in Richland Township.   Sister Benita DeMatteis, Prioress announced,

The purchase of this property is an exciting and historic event for the Benedictine Sisters. The implications of this move are momentous for us and for those involved in our lives.  It enables us to continue the 1500 year old Benedictine Tradition of seeking God in prayer, community, and ministry.   It also brings us closer to our vision of living this tradition in a new location and in a smaller more efficient monastery. The moment we stepped foot on the property, we knew it was a sacred space and our hearts told us that this is where God is sending us.

Ground-breaking for the new monastery will be announced at a later time. 

The Sisters will continue their many collaborative ministries with the people of western Pennsylvania and beyond, and be open to new ways to serve. 

Inspired by St. Benedict’s injunction, that in all things God may be glorified, the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh engage in four special ministries:  Prayer, Hospitality, Spirituality, and Justice.

Prayer is the primary ministry and expression of Benedictine life.   It is the source and support for all their other ministries.  The Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer that Benedictines pray together for the People of God.

Hospitality is of great importance, for guests are to be received as though they were Christ himself.  The Sisters open their hearts and homes to those most in need, and have temporarily taken in refugee families, students from all over the world while they study at local colleges and universities, and single women in transition.

The Sisters share their spirituality with others by offering Spiritual Spas, Spiritual Direction, and Retreats.  The Spas are offered bi-annually.  Retreats, both private and directed, and Spiritual Direction are available upon request. 

In collaboration with other religious women in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Benedictine Sisters promote awareness of and participation in issues of peace and justice.  Within their Community, Benedictines for Peace sponsors a Peace Vigil each New Year’s Eve and workshops on justice issues for the general public. 

St. Benedict insists that each Sister “must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests, and the poor… “Ch. 31:8   Therefore, all the Sisters are also engaged in personal ministries in the areas of education, pastoral, health, and elder care, and a variety of ministries to the poor throughout western Pennsylvania and in neighboring states.

This story was carried by the Connellsville Daily Courier on Dec. 30, 2011.  It appeared in various newspapers including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the North Hills Journal, and others including out of state papers.

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