In 1957, when she entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery, she found that “seeking God” was an extension of that family life. Living with a variety of Sisters, she has taught primary grades, served the retired and infirm Sisters, and worked tirelessly among the Indian people at Red Lake. This was perhaps her dearest love after her teaching years.  What was offered at Red Lake among the Ojibwe people was a spiritual dimension of life she had not experienced. She came to love the people, their culture, the freedom and freshness of living, and the ever-present beauty of nature. 

Because there was a lot of work to be done at St. Mary’s Mission, Red Lake, S. Marina not only helped out with teaching and other activities, but she took on the responsibility of grant writing “to keep the Mission afloat,” she says. Several million dollars were raised as a result. “It was challenging,” she adds, “yet I was always supported by many generous folks.”

S. Marina is duly honored for her own generosity in serving all these years in her big Benedictine family. She says she looks forward to more community service where she can “pray, live and work with these beautiful women who inspired me to join them in the first place.” S. Marina has her 92- year-old mother and 14 brothers and sisters with their families to help celebrate her golden jubilee.