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Herald Malaysia
3 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Benedictine nuns in Sweden offer ‘a place of prayer and silence'
Religious sisters of the Benedictine Order have offered a place of prayer and silence at the Sacred Heart Convent in Omberg, Sweden, since 1997, welcoming anyone searching for a way to draw near to God. Aug 11, 2025 Sr. Katharina at the Sacred Heart Convent in Sweden By Mario Galgano – OmbergBenedictine nuns have resided at Heliga Hjärtas Kloster (Sacred Heart Convent) in Sweden, since 1997, at a convent originally founded by a group of evangelical sisters. The Benedictine nuns consider themselves to be a spiritual refuge in a secular environment, welcoming all those who are searching, the weary and those who long to draw near to God. 'We want to bring Jesus into the world like Mary,' according to Sr. Katharina, Abbess of the Benedictine Monastery of Omberg. She sums up what drives her community in a few words: a life lived in the footsteps of Christ, marked by silence, hospitality and a profound spiritual foundation. The Monastery is not centuries old but rather 'young' with a special history. The Monastery's origins date back to the Marientöchter Evangelical Community of Sisters, a Swedish-founded community. In the 1980s, several sisters began to explore monastic tradition more closely. 'The deeper we delved, the more it became clear to us: these are our roots,' says Sr. Katharina. In 1988, the community united with the Catholic Church—a process that took almost 10 years. 'We wanted to live in reconciliation and love. There should be no divisions,' she emphasizes. In 1997, the sisters had outgrown their previous homes and moved into a newly built monastery in Heliga Hjärtas. It was a conscious decision to follow Saint Benedict's rules. 'We visited many monasteries, especially those in Germany, to learn from the people who are already leading this life,' recalls the abbess. The sisters received special support from the monastery near Gütersloh, (Archdiocese of Paderborn), Germany, with which they still share a close relationship. There are currently 14 nuns between the ages of 40 and 85 living at the monastery, most of whom are Swedish, with the exception of a Polish-born sister. Their daily lives follow the Benedictine rhythm of prayer, work and communal life. 'Our goal is to seek God in people, in the world, wherever we go,' says Sr. Katharina. The monastery also welcomes guests. For many years the sisters have been running a 'House of Silence,' in which they welcome individuals and small groups, often people with no religious links, who share a desire for spirituality. 'Many do not know what they are searching for, but they find something here that touches them,' notes Sr. Katharina. 'People often say that come to rest and listen to prayers.' The demand is high, greater than the monastery can accommodate. There are 18 guest rooms, three of which are cloistered and reserved for priests and religious. The monastery is intentionally small, to leave room for personal conversations and spiritual guidance. 'Many of our guests work in healthcare or education. They are exhausted and feel empty,' says Sr. Katharina. 'They say, 'here, we can talk about the important things.' It's a great gift.' The Sacred Heart Convent is well-known to religious communities. Sisters from Denmark, the Netherlands, and other small monastic communities across Scandinavia visit regularly for exchanges. The Benedictine nuns of Omberg also share a connection with the Benedictine monastery of Alexanderdorf, near Berlin, Germany, in a network of spiritual bonds that extend well beyond Sweden. Though there are currently no novices, the hope for new vocations is strong. Sr. Katharina remains hopeful as young women continue to show an interest in monastic life. She says that her task is to bear witness, not with grand gestures, but in simple everyday life. 'We don't have to do great things,' she says. 'All there is to do is to live with Christ and radiate Him through our lives.'--Vatican News
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Hidden 13th century Scottish abbey is UK's only monastery with monks today
Tucked in a quiet Moray glen, 13th century Pluscarden Abbey is Britain's only medieval monastery still inhabited by monks. Located in a quiet glen near Elgin in the Moray region of Scotland, Pluscarden Abbey stands as a significant historical and religious site. Founded in the 13th century, it holds a unique distinction as the only medieval monastery in Britain that has been re-established and remains continuously inhabited by monks today. The origins of Pluscarden Abbey date back to 1230. It was established by King Alexander II for a community of monks who were part of the Valliscaulian Order. This order, known for its strict contemplative life, had its roots in France, and Pluscarden became one of a small number of its houses located outside of mainland Europe. The abbey experienced periods of prosperity but also faced severe setbacks. Historical accounts indicate that a major fire in 1390 caused substantial damage to the buildings. Later, like many monastic institutions across Scotland, Pluscarden was significantly affected by the Reformation in the 16th century. This led to the dispersal of the monastic community and the eventual abandonment of the abbey buildings, which fell into a state of ruin over subsequent centuries. The fortunes of Pluscarden changed in the 20th century. Restoration efforts began, culminating in the formal re-establishment of a monastic community. According to information on the abbey's official website, Pluscarden became a priory of the Benedictine Order in 1948, stemming from Prinknash Abbey in England. This marked the return of monastic life to the ancient site. In 1974, the community was elevated to the status of an abbey. Today, Pluscarden is home to a functioning community of Benedictine monks. Their life is structured around prayer and is guided by the ancient Rule of St Benedict, which dates back to the 6th century. This rule provides a framework for communal living, emphasising a balance of prayer, work, study, and hospitality. The abbey's overview describes the monks' daily routine as centred on regular worship services in the abbey church, complemented by time for manual labour, reading of sacred texts, and periods of quiet reflection. The physical setting of the abbey contributes greatly to its character. Situated in a secluded and peaceful valley, it offers a serene environment that many visitors find conducive to peace and contemplation. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. According to information from Moray Speyside, the tranquility of the location and its enduring significance as a place of prayer and heritage. Pluscarden Abbey is not just a historical monument; it is a vibrant religious house that welcomes visitors. The monks welcome members of the public who wish to attend their daily services in the church, allowing people to witness and participate in the rhythm of monastic prayer. Visitors are also permitted to explore certain areas of the abbey grounds. For those seeking a deeper experience, the abbey offers limited hospitality for short retreats, providing an opportunity to share, to some extent, in the monastic routine.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Here's what the name of a pope signifies
Now that the cardinal electors have selected a new pope, he will choose his papal name, which will be announced when the pontiff is introduced on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. There are no written rules or official criteria for a pope's name, but they choose names that have meaning in the Catholic tradition. The significance of a pope's name The name the new pope chooses will "indicate a certain spirit and direction and vision of the new pope," said Dennis Doyle, a theologian and professor emeritus of religious studies at the University of Dayton. "The first thing that you would look for would be, which popes had that name before?" he said. "That would signify something about the direction that the pope wants to take." Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose a papal name that hadn't been chosen by a pope before, so in his case, "you have to ask, well, are there any biblical figures or people in the tradition who have had that name?" For Francis, it was Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his charity and simplicity. "If the new pope calls himself Francis II, that will say a lot," Doyle said, explaining it will show that he "wants to continue what Francis did." If he chooses a name like John Paul III, "that's going to say something else about what direction this pope is going to take the church." What are the most common papal names? The names most used by popes have been: John: 23 timesBenedict: 16 timesGregory: 16 timesClement: 14 timesInnocent: 13 timesLeo: 13 timesPius: 12 times "There could be more than one reference in the name that the pope chooses," Doyle explained. For example, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to Benedict XV, who led the church during World War I, but also to St. Benedict of Nursia, who founded the Benedictine Order and influenced the spread of Christianity throughout Europe. The name John, the most popular, could refer back to the Gospel of John, which is one of "the most loved of the gospels," Doyle said. It can also refer to St. John the Baptist, the prophet who baptized Jesus. Have popes always changed their names? Not every pope in history has changed his name. Out of 266 popes, 129 have chosen new names, according to Vatican News. The practice became more ingrained around the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose names of early church bishops out of "a desire to signify continuity," Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, told The Associated Press. For many centuries, new popes tended to choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to cardinal. Only starting in the mid-20th century did new popes begin to choose names signaling the aim of their papacy, Regoli said. Names never chosen by a pope Some biblical names that haven't been used by a pope are Joseph, James and Andrew. Popes also have not chosen the name Peter, out of respect for St. Peter, a disciple of Jesus who is recognized as the first pope, experts say. Sneak peek: The Depraved Heart Murder World awaits new pope after conclave's vote Vatican erupts in cheers as white smoke signals new pope on Day 2 of conclave
