Transfiguration Monastery · Sister Josepha Meyer, O.S.B.

Sr. Josepha and her students and Sr. Josepha I am Sister Josepha Meyer, a Benedictine Sister with Monastic Vows for over fifty-one years. I can honestly say that I am as happy now, as when I answered God's call in 1949. Actually, I heard his call for five or six years prior to my entrance.

When I left my family and friends to become a Benedictine Sister, many people told me if I didn't like it, I need not stay. However, I felt that it was an invitation from my friend Jesus, and I knew that I would stay. I recall being so happy that I wanted to go out to the highways and byways and shout to others to come see how I have met the Lord Jesus at Saint Joseph Monastery, in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania.

He, the bread of life, was present in the 122 sisters in this house, as well as at daily Mass, and in the Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. This was a privilege for me. The Divine Office (the prayer of the church) was prayed in common five times a day in Latin, for the church and all people's needs, which was very fulfilling for me.

Following my formation years, my first ministry assignment was teaching third grade. I loved children, but I had no desire to teach. After a few months, I told the prioress that I could not be a teacher. However in obedience, I continued to do so for the next forty-nine years, which I have really enjoyed. Is there another way in which I could have passed on God's love to so many precious little souls?

I taught in the primary grades in seven different schools in the Erie, Pennsylvania Diocese and for thirteen years at the Saint Ann School in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Currently, I am an aide in Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten.

While living out this journey of becoming closer to the Lord, I have had many important relationships. Community life is a challenge and a mystery, but it is also a delight! Let me tell you about a real challenge in 1987. Our community was opening a new mission in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Because I had served in leadership roles for 18 years, I felt that it would be beneficial for both community and myself to have a change in our lives. After much prayer and discernment, I moved across the state with Sisters Martina and Germaine. Mystery - I would serve here a couple of years and then return to my beloved community of Saint Joseph Monastery. However, the picture changed in 1998, when we three dreamed of becoming an independent monastery. Delight - Sharing the Benedictine Charism with many people in the Allentown Diocese, planning to build a new monastery here, and inviting new members to experience the joys of similar challenges, mysteries and delights.

Sr. Josepha and some of her students For my Golden Jubilee on July 21, 2001, a celebration of praise and thanksgiving, I chose the Gospel of Mark 10:29-30. "Yes," Jesus said to them, "and I tell you this: anyone who leaves home or brother or sister or mother or father or children or fields for me, and for the Gospel, will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life."

Yes, I have experienced what Jesus promised in this Gospel and I look forward to His promise of eternal life. I am grateful for the invitation from my friend Jesus, and for the grace of perseverance.

Benedictine Sisters
Transfiguration Monastery
526 Fairview Street
Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049-3837
(610) 965 · 6818

sisters@emmausosb.org