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July 21, 2022From Santa Rita Abbey, Sonoita, AZ
On June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Sister Hildegard Wanjiku Mberere changed her vow of stability to our monastery.
A native of Kenya, Sr. Hildegard entered our Order in 2002 at Abbaye N.-D. de Bonne-Esperance in Echourgnac, France. She made her solemn profession there in 2010. Sr. Hildegard came to Santa Rita Abbey in 2019 to experience life in an English-speaking community.
Now, three years later, Sr. Hildegard has changed her stability to our monastery, thus becoming a permanent member of our community.
Mother Bénédicte, Abbess of Echourgnac since 2021, came for the occasion, adding to our joy. We were also blessed by the presence of Fr. Ed, monk of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Colorado, who offered the Eucharist for us on this special day, and throughout his nearly two-week stay.
Mother Vicki asked, "Sister Hildegard, what do you seek?"
Sr. Hildegard responded, "The mercy of God and your mercy."
Mother Vicki said:“'Come to me. Follow me,' the Heart of Mercy whispered into your heart. And you followed. You left your native country to respond to Mercy who drew you to Cistercian life at the Abbey of Echourgnac in France. From there, the mercy of God drew you to a monastery in the hill country of southern Arizona in the United States–another journey to leave the familiar and follow where Jesus, Mercy incarnate, drew you.
And here we are today, the day in which you will become a permanent member of Santa Rita Abbey. Mercy is once more inviting you to take his hand in trust and love. With joy we receive you as you become a member of our community. With joy we travel with you into the merciful love of God poured out on us in Jesus and in which we will share eternally when all journeys reach their destinations in the Heart of God forever.
From Kenya, to France, to the United States – all places where there is a representative present today: you, Sister Hildegard, Mother Bénédicte of Echourgnac, and the Santa Rita community. May God’s tender love keep us always united in the merciful heart of Christ."
Please join with us in praying that Sr. Hildegard may continue to flourish in our midst, and that we may all continue to grow together in the love of Christ for the sake of the Church and the world.
Santa Rita Abbey