Story by the Crookston Diocese –
Throughout the year, the Sisters of Mount Saint Benedict, Crookston, have honored their centennial in a variety of ways. Beginning in January, a “Sister of the Day” has been featured with a photo and brief biography on their website and in the monastery. The community’s prioresses have been honored in an ongoing series of columns in Our Northland Diocese. The sisters hosted a free concert featuring the Rose Ensemble in April. They also held a private community celebration in May.
On September 15, 350 people gathered at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, for the final event to honor the centennial year. Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner celebrated Mass with priests of the diocese. “We sincerely are grateful for your presence and life as sisters of Saint Benedict here in this diocese,” he said during the homily. “Your good, beautiful, noble works have benefitted so many. They are truly appreciated, and they are not forgotten. The beauty of your life of good works has drawn others to Christ. We are so happy that today your presence and involvement continues with us still.”
Near the end of Mass, Sister Shawn Carruth, Prioress of Mount Saint Benedict, shared a few words of gratitude. “All of the parishes, and schools and hospitals and outreach, all of the ministries that we have engaged in throughout these past 100 years, all those people have now become somehow part of our lives too,” she said. “We are grateful to the Diocese of Crookston, to all the clergy and all the faithful of this diocese because the goodness of your lives and your deeds is certainly encouraging to our own hope.”
Mass was followed by a reception. The gymnasium was ringed by a display of all the “Sister of the Day” entries. Ron Schroeder of St. Mary, Two Inlets, is the nephew of Sister Carol Jean Schroeder. He was impressed by the number of photos of sisters the community has had over the years. “The sisters have done so much good,” he said. “It is amazing what they have done.” One of his favorite memories of visiting Mount Saint Benedict was touring the gardens with Sister Flora Klier. Dianne Foss of Nisswa attended the celebration. She has been visiting Mount Saint Benedict for many years to see her two aunts – Sister Joan and Sister Cuthbert, who is now deceased – and her cousin Sister Karen Violette. She was viewing the photos of the sisters with Kathy Karges of Rosemount, Minnesota. Karge’s niece is Sister Myra Schmieg. Both women agreed the day was very uplifting and they would not have missed it for the world.
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