Sister Cecelia’s 50 years at Saint Benedict’s Monastery “have gone by very fast.” Although already enrolled at the College of St. Catherine, a visit to the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) with a high school friend changed her plans. “It just felt like I belonged here.”

S. Cecelia joined the monastery in her sophomore year, and after graduation she taught home economics at Cathedral, Pierz Memorial and St. Boniface high schools. Her sewing skills served her well in the 1960s when the Sisters were no longer required to wear habits. “Four or five of us sewed late into the night, making newly designed clothes from our traditional habits,” she said.

Later, S. Cecelia moved from teaching to administration. She directed food services for the college and monastery over a period of 22 years, and was part of the Leadership Team for the monastic community for 14 years. She also taught food and nutrition and was a prefect/faculty resident at CSB. S. Cecelia is currently the coordinator of hospitality for the monastery.

S. Cecelia’s favorite time in the monastery was during the 1960s. The nation rallied behind the charismatic John F. Kennedy, and the Second Vatican Council renewed the Catholic Church significantly. She vividly remembers standing in the dining room at Cathedral High School Convent praying the meal prayer in English for the first time. The energy following President Obama’s election reminds her of that time, and she holds high expectations for the years to come.