Our CommunityMinistries
Our Ministries Abroad
Throughout our history, we have opened our doors to those who have depended on us spiritually, physically and even financially. Now we go forth, opening the doors of our hearts to communities around the world. As we do so, we often see poverty and deprivation face-to-face. At the same time, however, we see joy, enthusiasm, ingenuity and happiness. We share this hope for the future.
The Sisters of Monasterio Santa Maria in Rauten, Chile.
The Duluth Benedictines brought a special gift with them on one of their visits to Chile... a chain saw! The Sisters in Chile finance their livelihood through various trades, such as woodworking and baking.
Sister Gaudensia Myanyika is a Benedictine Sister of St. Agnes, from our twin congregation in Tanzania. She is living at St. Scholastica Monastery while pursuing their college degrees.
Sister Valentina Pillar received her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the Department of Education from the College of St. Scholastica in May, 2009. Previously she had earned her baccalaureate degree also from CSS.
Monasterio Santa Maria, Rautan, Chile - Sisters selling their crop of oranges
"Our 'Twinning' Program, the sister-monastery relationships that we have with Benedictine Sisters in Chile and Tanzania, fill me with hope. These international connections help us see beyond our own borders and our own experience, providing evidence that our fifteen-hundred year tradition continues to give life to cultures different from our own."
— Sister Martha Bechtold, director of Monastery facilities
The Benedictine Sisters in Chipole, Tanzania, care for orphans.
On a recent trip to visit our sister communities in Tanzania, Duluth's Sister Martha Bechtold met her "twin," Sister Martha of Imiliwaha.
Monasterio Santa Maria in Rautan, Chile, Sister Moira working on her wood-burning art.
Monasterio Santa Maria, Rautan, Chile - Sisters working on their grounds
Rautan, Chile - Sisters in a procession celebrating a holy feast day
Monasterio Santa Maria, Rautan, Chile - Sister Alicia working on her icon art
Postulants of St. Gertrude's in Imiliwaha, Tanzania, present sister Beverly Raway
with a gift of a pair of doves.
Sister Lois with the children during her
2008 visit to Imiliwaha, Tanzania
Sister Beverly Raway (right) with Sister Beneto, the baker, at St. Agnes Convent, Chipole, Tanzania, brushing vegetable oil on the freshly baked buns prepared for breakfast and tea time