“Going East”

Reflections From Saint Scholastica Convent

Saint Scholastica Convent (SSC) is our community’s retirement facility in St. Cloud, Minn. Sisters move to this location when they “retire” or need more health care services than are available at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. For some, the initial move is joyful; for others, it is accompanied by grief. For all, SSC proves to be a loving home in which to live out the Benedictine monastic way of life. Enjoy reflections from our sisters who have “gone east” and live abundantly in this vibrant community.

Agatha Zwilling, OSB

“‘I see you have finally gotten your way!’ said my sister friend when she read the note I posted in 2023 to alert the sisters at Saint Benedict’s Monastery that the prioress and I had made the decision that this was the time that SSC would be the more appropriate place for me.

The Michael Angel Wing group gave me a lovely welcome. Almost immediately I was on the schedule for both physical and occupational therapy. Both have been very helpful and are backed by the wellness staff, composed of four wonderful women, who help to keep me to an exercise routine, as well as supplying pampering services! For instance, each Monday morning, which I consider my spa day, starts with a whirlpool bath followed by exercises and a weekly foot massage with the wellness staff.

We have certified nursing assistants assigned to our Angel Wings 24 hours a day, so someone is always there to answer questions, even overnight. We also have a senior transition nurse practitioner who becomes our doctor and comes right to bedrooms for appointments. I have not told you how wonderfully we pray together here—come see! This is a really great place to retire!”

Marlene Meierhofer, OSB

In late November 2015, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, and I needed to move to Saint Scholastica Convent, our health care facility. How could I be asked to leave Saint Benedict’s Monastery? I thrived on being involved in all the activities that went on there. Could I leave that and all the vibrant connections to the students at the College of Saint Benedict? I had no choice, and I felt totally cut off from all that was central to me.

And guess what? By the third day of living at SSC, I was already overwhelmed by the spirit there. I loved the sisters, the care given by the staff, and the way the sisters cared for each other. It was great to be a part of gathering for Liturgy of the Hours and eating together three times a day. Yet, for several months I struggled intensely with two strong feelings—being cut off from the monastery and being overwhelmingly enlivened by the sisters, the many happenings and the beautiful surroundings at SSC.

Thanks to many caring, supportive people who listened to my struggles and the joy and energy I received from living at SSC, I was able to wholeheartedly embrace SSC as a wonderful home to live monastic life. Now, for the past 10 years and with the help of antiseizure medication, I have enjoyed good health and am so happy to be of assistance wherever needed. What an honor to be living among wise women, deeply committed to monastic life, and supporting each other through our different stages in the aging process!”

Mary Reuter, OSB

“‘I have moved.’ This is the message I emailed to my family and friends last March. I am now living at SSC in east St. Cloud. A few months before moving, I gave significant attention and energy to discerning: “What’s next for me?” My back needed more physical and related therapies than I could receive at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. I could sense God was communicating to me through my body. After several weeks, my path became clear: I needed to move to SSC.

I continue to live my community life with sisters I’ve known throughout my Benedictine years. We pray and eat together. We share many life experiences, with parties and conversations at the top of the list. My life here has compensated for my loss of independence such as going where and when I want. Cancellation of my driver’s license last fall sealed the fate of my driving mobility. While losses have accumulated, new gifts have come my way.

My transition has been graced. I discerned and made the choice to live here. Benedictine life welcomed me. My sisters are truly my sisters, expressing care for each other, including me. I continue some ministries that give me purpose and joy: writing blogs and meditations for our website and companioning people through spiritual direction. I am learning to move to a slower pace of life. I recognize that I’m in some shifts in my vocation—how I think, transitioning to more reflection and rest, relishing nature around me, attending to the needs of my body, attending to my spiritual life and being with people. These shifts are both challenging and anchored in deep peace. I trust they will lead me deeper into the heart of God, now and through my final transition.”

This article was featured on page 18-19 in the fall 2025 issue of Call