The history and legacy of Oregon’s Benedictine women” — a free presentation April 11

"Let us pause to contemplate and admire the beauty, the grandeur of the feelings that inspired Jesus and let us often unite our work with His."

Mother Bernardine Wachter

Foundress, Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel

A significant but little-known part of Oregon history is the topic of a free panel discussion set for 10 a.m., Sat., April 11, at Queen of Angels Monastery, 840 S. Main St. in Mount Angel. Oregon Catholic Historical Society is the sponsor.

The panel will consist of Benedictine Sisters, their director of oblates, and staff from Catholic Community Services.

In 1882, a group of Benedictine nuns from Switzerland made the trek to Oregon and initially lived in an abandoned saloon in Gervais. By 1888, they had built their landmark monastery and boarding school in Mount Angel.

Over the decades, the Benedictine women educated children in the basics, taught music and offered religious education. They specialized in forming teachers for Oregon and taught in Catholic schools all over Oregon as well as at schools for indigenous children. In a unique arrangement, they taught at Mount Angel’s public school.

Some worked at the printing press at Mount Angel Abbey while others carried out domestic duties. Later, Benedictine Sisters would earn master’s degrees and doctorates, teaching in colleges in the region.

The Sisters opened a nursing center to care for the elderly and transitioned the college to serve local migrant workers and their children. They opened an important retreat and spirituality center that influenced many Oregonians.

In the 1980s, the Benedictines developed a spirituality of care for the land and the environment, presaging Pope Francis’ Laudato Si.

The Sisters opened a shelter for people, who are homeless and provided food, clothing and emergency aid for the area. One former dormitory was opened to migrant laborers and their families.

In 2022, the Sisters made the difficult decision to move out of their beloved monastery. Catholic Community Services and Providence Health & Services are continuing the Sisters’ good works, and many of them live together nearby.

Through it all since 1882, the Benedictines have prayed through the day, seeking the good of all Oregonians, Catholic and others.

The panel, set for the chapter room at the historic monastery, will cover the history of the Sisters and the future of their property and the works to be accomplished there.

Guests should come to the front entrance of the Hospitality Center/Chapel. Coffee and snacks will be available. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

The event is in-person but viewers who cannot attend can watch on Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247406853 

Meeting ID: 892 4740 6853

The event will not include lunch, but Mount Angel is home to several good restaurants, including several with a Bavarian flair.

— Ed Langlois