Transfiguration Monastery · Our Benedictine Vows

When Saint Benedict wrote his Rule in the fifth century, he gave those who would follow it promises that he considered to be basic to the life. Benedictine monastics promise vows of stability, conversion through the monastic way of life (conversatio) and obedience which are really a threefold expression of a single commitment.

Srs. Germaine & Martina Stability is a lifelong commitment to the monastic way of life in a particular community. It provides for the opportunity for sisters to live together over a lifetime, growing in faith, mutual love and support for one another. This in turn sustains the Benedictine woman's life of celibacy.

A disciplined life in a stable community, all committed to seeking God provides the setting for pursuing a radical conversion to the reign of God known as conversion to the monastic way of life. It is a daily single-hearted seeking of God which calls the monastic to turn away from all self-centeredness in order to live Gospel values more fully, and within this way of life to hold all goods in common with her sisters. It is a daily response to the voice of God manifested through persons, events, and all creation.

Hands with final profession rings Obedience is expressed by listening and responding to God's daily self-revelation, by participating in monastic authority, by joining the prioress and community members in prayerful reflection and decision making, and by acceptance of the authority vested in the prioress by the Rule of Benedict. By fidelity in obedience, the monastic woman upholds the unity through which the community manifests God's loving purpose among all people.

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

sisters@emmausosb.org