Rose Herda was born on a farm near Lonsdale, Minn., the fifth of 13 children. She and her siblings helped milk the cows in the early morning before going to school, and they sang in Czech as they milked. They also helped plant beans and potatoes and picked them when ready to harvest.

A happy child, Rose’s parents taught her by example to develop deep, reverent respect and appreciation for nature, her love for flowers, and walking many a mile. She and her brothers and sisters also made up games as they played together.

When reflecting on her vocation story, Rose stated, “As the time came for each of us to leave for our personal call, we would kneel by the family shrine—a small chapel Dad made which housed the statue of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother. We would be blessed by our parents, asking God’s direction, blessing and faithfulness to our vocation. I have been blessed to be born into this family. God planted the seed in my soul at the early age of three. I felt the call … I was so happy.”

As a novice, Rose was given the name Sister Jonathan, and she shared that her first 18 years at home were like her novitiate. Her years in the novitiate weren’t easy; she became extremely ill and almost died, but she believes that experience only brought her closer to God.

During S. Jonathan’s first monastic profession on June 22, 1944, her parents thanked Sister Henrita Osendorf, the novice director, for all that the monastic community did for her. In return, S. Henrita told them that the community should thank them for their prime and lasting example as she was growing up.

S. Jonathan’s professional life included 31 years of serving as a radiologist at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn., and Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, Minn. During these years, she was active on the local, state and even national levels in radiology. It seemed she was a perpetual student. She also became a certified hospital chaplain, serving in ministry for most of her life in New Prague and other hospitals in Utah. In New Prague, she was chaplain, served dying patients, and trained women and men to be chaplains.

S. Jonathan’s profile is dominated by her compassion, wisdom and gentle, kind demeanor, all rooted deeply in her “adventure with Jesus.” She relates well with people and makes friends easily. I quote: “My mission is to bring the love of Jesus to whomever I meet and wherever I’m sent.” This she did and still does.

Part of S. Jonathan’s philosophy of aging is: “I perceive aging as a normal facet of the total process of life. I envision it to have its own distinctive challenges, frustrations and rewards. I am convinced that the best preparations for fruitful aging years is to live fully each NOW. Old age is the crowning part of one total NOW.”

At age 101, S. Jonathan continues to walk with the help of her walker, participate in the Liturgy of the Hours, and eat meals in common. She also writes letter to her family.

“I feel at home. Jesus draws me closer and closer, and I am happier,” S. Jonathan said. “God is my best friend.”

Profile written by Beatrice Eiynck, OSB