Emmaus Experience at Saint Scholastica
From the minus -40 windchill weekend in January until spring when the peeping baby chicks were being sold, I recuperated from foot surgery at Saint Scholastica Convent, our retirement facility. Along with the Apostles at Emmaus (Luke 24:31), I had my eyes opened!
In countless ways, I experienced the Presence of Christ among the sick. St. Benedict denotes this in Chapter 36 in his Rule on the “Care of the Sick.” This shows high priority in the service of those who follow the Benedictine way of life. From the simple gesture of bringing a cup of fresh coffee to begin my morning with Jesus in prayer to the expertise of our nurses, I recognized the Presence of Christ. I was impressed with the coordination between all of the staff. It was evident communication exists between nursing, physical therapy/wellness, transportation, laundry, food services, maintenance and environmental services. All services are given in the spirit of the Hebrew word “Hesed” (Mercy overflowing to others).
I saw both the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy (Matthew 25:34-40) being lived out daily. These works of mercy were intertwined when five sisters died within 23 days. The staff along with us mourned that deep loss and participated in the wake and funeral services of each one of our beloved community members. Relationships between staff and sisters are often described by others as “family-like.” I especially experienced this spirit when my sister, my last sibling, died during recuperation.
Now that I’m retired from 50 years of active ministry in the Church, “gratitude” is the word that wells up in my heart. With the Apostles at Emmaus, I exclaim: “My eyes were opened!”
Anita O’Keefe, OSB
This article was featured on page 28 in the spring 2026 issue of Benedictine Sisters and Friends.
