SISTER ANDREE MECHTENBERG - 60 years

   S. Andree Mechtenberg OSB was born and raised in Parkston, SD.  She attended nursing school in Yankton prior to entering the monastery in 1949.  She credits the influence of her nursing instructors as a major factor in answering the call to Benedictine life. Of her monastic journey she reflects, “My monastic community has been a stabilizing force for me all these 60 years.  I have received prayers, love, encouragement, support and faithfulness, which in turn has allowed me to return that love and support in my service to others.”

SISTER EILEEN NEVILLE - 60 years

      S. Eileen Neville OSB was born on the Feast of Benedict, July 11, on the family farm near York, NE.  She says that her “vibrant religious family were a strong influence on my vocation.  The generous, faith-filled example of my Benedictine Sisters who taught me in high school and college drew me to the Benedictines.”  Reflecting on her 60 years of monastic life, S. Eileen says that she becomes more grateful each day for God’s having called her to this Benedictine life.  “As I look back, I glimpse how enriching it has been to have shared family life with hundreds of Sisters.  Their example and mentoring have led me to a greater intimacy with God, and which has been a wonderful reassurance in days of trial and stress and a source of deep peace.”

SISTER GABRIELLA BAUMBERGER - 70 years

   S. Gabriella Baumberger OSB was born on a farm near Colton, SD.  She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Dell Rapids prior to entering Sacred Heart Monastery in 1939. She says that “I am grateful to God for my call to religious life as a Benedictine Sister.  Also I am thankful for my family, our parish priests, my relatives and friends, my teachers and our Benedictine community members for the inspiration they have given me.”

SISTER JUDITH KUHN - 70 years

   S. Judith Kuhn OSB was born near Halliday, ND and attended St. Mary’s High School in Richardton, ND and Mount Marty High School in Yankton before entering the monastery in 1939. She made first profession in 1941. Of her 70 years of monastic life she says, “I am very grateful to God and to my Benedictine community for the years of ministering to God’s people in the areas of teaching, health care and comfort to shut-ins and bereaved.  And now, these past seven years of being able to live out my days with my monastic community.”