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We, the Community of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, endorse the following statement of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses:
In the spirit of the Gospel and the inspiration of Saint Benedict, we as members of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses, representing more than 1100 sisters, commit ourselves to Christ-like hospitality. Therefore, we call upon our leaders, especially governors, state legislators, members of the United States Congress, and our president to reconsider proposed immigration policies and to work towards solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all people. We urge them to create pathways to citizenship for immigrants, provide humane treatment for those in detention, and ensure that immigrant families are not torn apart. In addition, we commit ourselves to work with other organizations who are advocating and caring for migrant peoples.
As Benedictine sisters, we are inspired by the life and teachings of Saint
Benedict. In the sixth century time when he lived, travelers and pilgrims were often met with violence on the road and sought refuge in his monasteries. Benedict was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to receive all who came seeking refuge. He modeled his life on that of Christ who received the poor, the lame, the outcast, and the stranger.
For centuries, men and women have continued to be inspired by Saint Benedict’s example of Christ-like hospitality and his teaching that all people who present themselves are to be received as if that person were Christ. Saint Benedict quoted Jesus who said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). May we and all people, in our time, do the same.
Read Pope Francis' letter to US Bishops regarding immigration here.
Lenten Reflection Week 1
by Sister Sue Fazzini
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Jesus ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.
Jesus wasn’t alone in the desert; the temptation was with him the entire time, nevertheless, he persisted against it.
The scripture tells us he fasted for 40 days. Fasting is healing both spiritually and physically, with the major side effect of hunger. So imagine if you will, coming off of a fast and…
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The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Bread….the correct words were mentioned…because bread is a safe way to relieve hunger when breaking a fast. I imagine the temptation was something like C’mon, you turn the stones into bread and not only can you eat, I’ll open a bakery and we’ll be rich!
Jesus answered, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone.” Jesus refused to give in to the temptation of power. Refused to relieve his hunger with lies.
Then the devil took Jesus to the highest point and the showed him all of the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said, “I will give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Again, Jesus is tired and hungry, what a temptation this must have been. In this tremendous moment of weakness, he is presented with the opportunity to satisfy his hunger, rule the world, own the people, force everyone to follow his command. They call it ‘becoming drunk with power.’ All he has to do is agree to the terms of evil. It sounds like a power-filled opportunity, and yet Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and God alone shall you serve.”
Then the tempter, refusing to give up, led Jesus to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels to guard you, and with their hands they will support you.”
Every attempt is being made to wear Jesus down, to get him to sign on to the deceptive quest for power, to rule of the world, to be an earthly king, to embrace evil.
Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says: You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
For the third time, Jesus denies the power of the evil one.
The response from Jesus is to model integrity, humility and truth….POWER is not in things, POWER is not in ego, POWER is not in controlling others.
The scripture continues: When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.
So obviously, the tempter wasn’t finished as he only departed from Jesus for a time…...he’ll be back.
This reading, written ages ago, presents us with a timeless message. We call the evil force the devil, and as we look around, we recognize that those same temptations exist today. Those same forces challenge every human, just as they challenged Jesus in the desert and beyond.
Our present society tempts us to want the biggest, best and brightest. Our present media appears to tempt us to relinquish our ability to think independently. The status quo tempts us to succumb to the virtues of power and privilege.
The heart of the Gospel and our Benedictine values of community and inclusivity call us to be grounded in truth, to stand for justice, to work for peace, to deny the devil any due. All of what the evil one seeks is the exact opposite of our call to live with a heart of compassion, kindness and cooperation.
This ancient scripture story is one that we need now more than ever. To many it appears we have returned to the same crossroads, where for some, the temptation is to place all trust and power in human hands, to long for the power of an earthly king. And yet, our only power is in the Holy One, our Creator in Heaven.
Secure Your Catholic Legacy
Planning for the future is important, yet many people delay writing a will for a number of reasons. An online tool called My Catholic Will may be just what you need. Take a look and decide for yourself!
The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh are monastic women who live the Rule of St. Benedict.
Our days are a balance of prayer, community life, and ministry.
Your support can transform lives today and in
future generations
“The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh participate in shareholder engagement activities that strive to change the way companies address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.”
We accept contributions from donor-advised funds.
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St. Benedict Monastery
3526 Bakerstown Road
Bakerstown, PA 15007-9705
Front Desk: (724) 502-2600
FAX: (724) 502-2601
