Meeting Great New People, the Other Side of the World

     My travels in Spain and Germany were very fruitful. I learned much Norbertine history, saw remarkable works of art and architecture, and met very nice people. Among the people I met were the sisters of Santa Sofia Convent. These Norbertine sisters form the only remaining Norbertine community in Spain. At one time there were 47 abbeys and houses of Norbertine priests, brothers, or sisters. Spain’s difficult history in which the church and religious communities suffered greatly resulted in the suppression of the houses of most Norbertines.

     The sisters at the convent in Toro, Spain, with whom I spent about 4 days, are a very happy and welcoming community. They are cloistered. This means that they have little contact with the outside world. Their life is dedicated to the ministries of prayer and simple communal living. Currently, there are only 20 sisters. They are praying for vocations.

     Despite being cloistered, for good reason they receive guests at the convent. When I arrived, the Abbot General of our Order had just arrived as well. So, the sisters all gathered in their workshop where they sew clothing as a means to support their community. We had a short time to ask and answer questions and for the Abbot General to give a brief report about activities in the Order. He does not speak Spanish, but does speak English. Br. Terry Lauerman and I translated for him and the sisters. I assured the sisters that I had informed St. Willebrord Parish about the important anniversary that the sisters were about to celebrate – 700 years in their convent! This anniversary is remarkable because despite all of the suppressions of religious communities, the sisters never suffered that fate. They owe that to the grace of God, and to the love of the people who protected them and spoke favorably on their behalf.

     On Friday evening, September 16 they celebrated their anniversary with Mass at which the local bishop presided. There were 3 bishops, 26 priests, 1 brother, the sisters themselves, and hundreds of local townspeople who came to pray with them. People stood in the streets because the church was so full. After the Mass the people enjoyed snacks and beverages in the courtyard of the convent. Local dancers entertained the people singing and dancing in colorful traditional clothing. The people clearly expressed their love for “the Sofias,” as they call them.

Peace, Fr. Andy