A reflection by Frances Platt ('06), fellow OLSWA alumna and friend of Sr. Mary Regina.

On August 11, 2011, in the Chapel of the Valley of Our Lady Monastery, two joyful young sisters, Sr. Mary Regina Anderson (an Academy Alumni, formerly Mary Beth Anderson) and Sr. Mary Benedicta, professed their final vows. They promised “stability under perpetual enclosure, the conversion of [their lives], and obedience according to the rule of St. Benedict and the Constitutions approved by the Holy See.” With their religious profession these sisters consecrated themselves fully to God, promising to dedicate their lives to quiet prayer. After they signed their vows before the congregation, Sr. Mary Benedicta and Sr. Mary Regina knelt before the other sisters and requested, “Pray for me, Sister.” Each sister responded by joyfully embracing the newly professed, saying, “The Lord be with you.” The love and joy which radiated from the faces of these contemplative sisters drew everyone to a realization of the incredible call to which these women have responded; they have given everything to God.

The Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley is situated on a quiet country road in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Many people in the area do not even know about the sisters, since they are a cloistered order. Their charism is prayer, and they spend their days praying in the chapel and also praying silently as they work at cleaning, gardening, cooking, baking altar breads, and other daily tasks. Outwardly, it seems a predictable and somewhat mundane life. However, the Benedictine priest who said Mass reminded the sisters that their “Fiat” to God’s will was a yes to a life that is constantly changing. For the only constant of religious life is change, a continual growing closer to God.

We who attended the final vows were blessed to be present at the beautiful Mass with solemn chant and afterwards to hear some of the sisters share their musical talents. One of the greatest gifts for me was to speak with Sr. Mary Regina, and to see the love, joy and peace in her eyes. It was hard to say goodbye since I may never see her again. However, it was so beautiful to see her living out God’s will with joy and to know that she is praying, not only for me, but for the whole Church. As it said on Sr. Mary Regina’s prayer card, “Fiat mihi… So too, we ask God in prayer that His will be done in us.”

OLSWA friends of Sr. Mary Regina ('06) at her Solemn Profession at the Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley in Wisconsin: Mr. John Paul Meenan, Frances Platt ('06), Deacon Kenneth Walker, FSSP ('05), Ben O'Brien ('09), Sr. Mary Regina ('06), Theresa Ulmer ('05).