Catholic Sisters Week • March 8-14, 2026
Catholic Sisters Week takes place annually March 8-14 and shines a light on the spirituality, mission and community building of women religious. To celebrate, we are joining other communities of women religious from around the country for the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign. A continuation of last year’s campaign, this year’s theme is Stories of Hope and Heart.
To celebrate, we’ve asked longtime friends and supporters of the monastery to share reflections about how the sisters have impacted their lives. We’ll be sharing them on our website and social media pages throughout Catholic Sisters Week. Stay connected!
“I have been blessed through my affiliation with the Sisters of St. Benedict since I was a student at the College of Saint Benedict in the mid-1970s. We students admired the sisters as strong women role models — strong in more ways than one. Some sisters advocated for women in the priesthood. Some modeled healthy bodies as well as healthy minds, and if you were up early enough, you might spot them running on campus trails. All lived out their values in exemplary fashion.
Sister Brian Spain (left) was my advisor when I was a student, and she continued to be my mentor and friend later in life. I remained in contact with S. Brian, exchanging cards and letters, and visiting her periodically at the monastery and later at Saint Scholastica Convent until her death. My husband and I were privileged to sit with her in prayer just days before her passing.
Additionally, I was a frequent visitor at the Spirituality Center•Studium for a number of years, enjoying the hospitality extended to me and the availability of quiet space for prayer and meditation. I was even gifted with flowers from the grounds, which still bloom in my own gardens (Iris and Siberian Squill) — a beautiful springtime reminder of my loving relationship with the sisters.
The Benedictine values that I learned while at St. Ben’s continue to guide my life, most especially extending hospitality, working for social justice and peace, respecting others, being a good steward of resources, and living in moderation. My gratitude overflows.”
— Lisa Wersal
“Sister Lois Wedl was the one who told me that I was in love with the woman who would become my wife and the love of my life, always. As our maid of honor and lifelong friend, S. Lois has always been full of hope and heart.
I remember a time that I was visiting her. I was feeling especially sad and discouraged with my life. We did not speak of it. In the morning, S. Lois was cooking breakfast. Then she turned to me, looked me deeply into my eyes and said, “Tom, you are a good man!” I said, “What?” in disbelief! Without moving, she looked even more deeply into my eyes and again said, “Tom, you are a good man!” In that moment, I heard not S. Lois but God’s voice in my heart. I still feels chills now as I reflect on that moment.
Today I am approaching 90 years. The love of my life and even a grandson have passed on. So, I ask myself daily, what more is there that I can do for others? My life has been blessed with S. Lois’ hope and heart, and for that I am most grateful.”
— Thomas Sweeney
