By S. Laura Suhr, OSB, November 25, 2025
In October 2023, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary received a Compelling Preaching Initiative Grant from the Lilly Foundation. Saint John’s approach (Obsculta Preaching Initiative) takes its name from the first word of The Rule, “Listen,” grounding us in our Benedictine charism and our Christian call to prepare our hearts to hear the word of God, and to respond in love to those whom we encounter.
A central piece of Saint John’s grant proposal includes the development of Lectio Divina groups for preaching, in which listening to one another — and the Spirit — guides our reflection on the Word of God.
This Advent, we are delighted to share the prayer, lectio, and work of four Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. Just down the road from Saint John’s Abbey, they met regularly to read and pray, using the traditional Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina, with the Sunday Gospel.
As you prepare your own heart for the coming of the Lord this Advent season, we invite you to draw upon this series as food for your prayer as we work together, seeking to grow to the full stature of Christ Jesus.
Sister Laura Suhr, OSB is Vocation Director for the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. She also directs Girls, God and Good Times, (3g for short) a Catholic Benedictine summer camp sponsored by her community.
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