The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict have established an award to recognize a lay woman who exemplifies Benedictine and Gospel values in her daily life. The honor is the Benedicta Riepp Award, officially named after Mother Benedicta Riepp, the foundress of Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minn.
Mother Benedicta Riepp came from Eichstätt, Bavaria, to St. Marys, Pa., age 27, at Abbot Boniface Wimmer's request for Sisters to help educate German immigrants. In 1857, four Sisters and two candidates came to St. Cloud, Minn.; they moved to St. Joseph, Minn., in 1863. From this foundation, 11 independent monasteries were begun and thriving to this day.
Mother Benedicta was a woman of amazing stamina and courage in the face of many and diverse difficulties, a risk taker who would stop at nothing to respond to God’s call. Grounded in the spirit of St. Benedict whose Rule is based on the Gospel, she wisely adapted the living of monastic life to a new way in America. Faithful commitment to common prayer and living in community were earmarks of her self-supporting way of life while, at the same time, ministering to others according to their needs, including the poor and marginalized. Pervading all was a warm, respectful hospitality, receiving all as Christ Himself.
The second annual Benedicta Riepp Award is to be presented on August 22, 2008, a celebration during our Annual Donor Appreciation Event at 5:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. It is to honor a woman who has a relationship with the Sisters and manifests Benedictine and Gospel values. Not only is it recognition given to this woman, but it is to be an inspiration to others, giving witness that it is possible to incorporate these values into one's daily life and service.
Please nominate a deserving woman by May 15, 2008. Download the Nomination Form (click button on left) and please consider the following:
Characteristics to guide you in the nomination process
- Integration of Benedictine and Gospel Values in personal life
- Integration of Benedictine and Gospel Values in public life
- Openness in mind and heart through hospitality
- Alertness and response to opportunities for service to others
- Respect for the dignity of each person
- Skills in open and healthy dialogue
- Courage to take risks in witnessing to Christian social principles
- Concern for women’s issues
- Reverent care for the earth and all creation
Core Benedictine Values: Sign of God’s presence in our world
- Awareness of God
- Listening
- Community/Common Good
- Hospitality
- Prayer
- Stewardship
- Work
- Peace