Weavers of Wisdom
“Listen … incline the ear of your heart’ (Rule of Benedict, Prologue 1). With this warmest of invitations, speaking to the desires of Christians in every age, St. Benedict begins his Rule: ‘Listen to the God who loves you … set out on this way with the Gospel of Christ as your guide.’ Prayer, community, service — steady and sturdy, like a three-legged stool — this is the Benedictine way. Oblates live this way of life, sharing in and extending the mission of the sisters. In the daily round of our days, in the many communities to which we belong, oblates strive to live the Benedictine practices of prayer and peacemaking, hospitality and humility, awareness of God in all things. The history of the oblates of Saint Benedict’s Monastery is a tapestry more than a timeline. Imagine the stories, all the unnamed sisters and oblates. Weavers of wisdom who honor the past and present — and confidently look to a future of flourishing.”
— Mary Stommes, OblSB, Oblate Director
Marie Hanauska, OblSB
Marie Hanauska’s connection with Saint Benedict’s Monastery began in childhood. Growing up in the Minnesota communities of St. Joseph and St. Cloud, Marie attended schools taught by the Benedictine sisters, as well as the College of Saint Benedict. As such, Benedictine values and ideals were always a thread woven into the fabric of her life.
In early adulthood, Marie moved to the Twin Cities area to get married and raise her family. She recalls that there was always something there that called her to Saint Benedict’s Monastery, even though she couldn’t stay in such close contact.
In 2000, Marie moved back to the area, and her connection with the Benedictine sisters picked up immediately where it had left off. With guidance and encouragement from Sister Mary Anthony Wagner, who served as the monastery’s oblate director from September 1972 to September 2002, Marie made her perpetual oblation and became an oblate of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. In the years since, her life has continued to be filled with rich blessings and meaningful relationships with the monastic community and other oblates.
Since 2000, Marie has participated in a small oblate group that meets monthly. In these gatherings, oblates read and reflect upon books pertaining to Benedictine and Christian spirituality. She remembers that in her earliest oblate meetings, they would always begin with the “Servant Song.” These meetings nourish her spiritual hunger and fill her days with much-needed community. At 92 years old, Marie is one of the longest-standing members in her group and continues to be inspired by the group’s rich conversations and fruitful gatherings. Marie reflects, “I feel a constant need to be in contact with spirituality — my relationship with Saint Benedict’s Monastery and my oblate group helps fill this need.
Written by Amanda Hackett
Annerose Schlaudraff, OblSB
When I offered myself as an oblate of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in 1975 and promised to dedicate my life to the service of God and all people according to the Rule of St. Benedict, I wondered how such a promise could be lived from a distance. At the time I was a student of Protestant theology and English literature at the University of Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany, and the road ahead was still hidden. My task then was simple: to complete my studies and trust that life would unfold step by step. And so it did. Marriage, children, many years of teaching, and eventually widowhood have become the landmarks along the way.
Now, in 2026, I look back with a grateful heart — to God and to the monastic community — I count myself among the “absent sisters” at Evening Prayer that has accompanied me all these years. This bond has been a stronghold throughout my life. We have remained united in prayer — first through letters, now through an online oblate group.
Driving from the airport to St. Joseph, Minn., with the first glimpse of the dome, my heart leaps for joy. I am back.”
A Timeline of Oblates at Saint Benedict’s Monastery
1930s
The earliest records of college women being received as oblates of Saint John’s Abbey date back to this time during which Saint Benedict’s Monastery could not receive oblates.
1951-1972
Sister Joanne Muggli served as oblate director.
January 15, 1962
Mother Henrita Osendorf, prioress, sent a letter to Abbot Primate Benno Gut in Rome asking if oblates could make their final oblation to Saint Benedict’s Monastery instead of Saint John’s Abbey.
January 31, 1962
Abbot Primate sent a letter in response to M. Henrita asking for two further documents before he could officially grant her request.
February 24, 1962
Abbot Primate granted authorization to M. Henrita that allowed oblates from Saint John’s Abbey to transfer their oblation to Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
September 1972 – September 2002
Sister Mary Anthony Wagner served as oblate director.
September 2002 – May 2010
Sister Hélène Mercier served as oblate director.
June 2010 – September 2018
Sister Laureen Virnig served as oblate director, and the language was changed from “Oblate Program” to “A Way of Life.”
October 2018 – June 2023
Sister Michaela Hedican served as oblate director.
July 2023 – Present
Mary Stommes, OblSB, is currently serving as the monastery’s first lay oblate director.
This article was featured on pages 10-11 in the spring 2026 issue of Benedictine Sisters and Friends.
