St. Cloud - Town Hall

By: Sister Eunice Antony, OSB

September 22, 2014

The Spirit was a-movin’ at St. Benedict’s Monastery and we had about 150 in attendance for the evening’s Town Hall for the 100%.  Most of those present were middle-aged to elderly, but the quality of SJU students present with their enthusiasm and commitment, more than made up for the quantity. People came from the nearby cities as well as from St. Joseph’s.  One couple was from the city, they were visiting a local couple and came along for the event.  A group of women involved in a book study of our Spirituality Center attended—only one from MN.  They were excited about the opportunity to learn and participate in the experience.

The group was very welcoming, animated and participative. Some general concerns included big money, child abuse in many forms, fear, climate abuse, and apathy. One man commented on the Emmaus experience, linking it to our current time as a nation.   He highlighted how the disciples were running away in fear, but in their encounter with Jesus, the source of hope, they received new hope, energy and became committed.  We too often feel like running away in fear, but like the disciples, all are called to maintain a source of hope.

The young people, Pope Francis, persons practice and preaching, and Nuns on the Bus were all additional sources of hope and inspiration.  It seemed that most people were on the same page about how we move forward and it was obvious that the Sisters of St. Benedict and guest attendees loved and supported Sister Simone Campbell and the work of NETWORK and Nuns on the Bus. A lot of voter pledge cards were collected and a commitment to get out the vote was strong!