About the Benedictine Sisters:
The first Benedictine women in America arrived in the United States in 1852 from Saint Walburg’s Convent in Eichstatt, Bavaria and settled in Saint Mary’s Pennsylvania. A house was opened in Newark, NJ, in 1857. Seven years later the Reverend Henry Lemke, Pastor of Saint Michael’s Parish in Elizabeth, requested and received sisters of the Newark community to teach the predominantly German children of Saint Michael’s. On September 29, 1864, three Benedictine Sisters, the first sisters of any community to live in the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, began classes for 72 children.
In 1868, the Elizabeth sisters became an independent community with Sister Walburga Hock as their first prioress. A year later the new community moved from Saint Michael’s parish to a new Saint Walburga Convent built by Father Lemke on Magnolia Avenue. In 1923 the community moved to its present site on North Broad Street and is now known as The Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth at Saint Walburga Monastery.
The Benedictine Sisters of Saint Walburga Monastery, Elizabeth, New Jersey, are monastic women who seek God in community through Sacred Scripture and the Rule of Saint Benedict. Their fidelity to the monastic way of life is sustained by the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, lectio divina, and presence to one another.
Through active lives balanced by contemplation they witness to Jesus Christ in community, hospitality, and ministry.
The work of the Sisters has expanded from its original mission to German immigrants. At present the community’s ministries are located within New York and New Jersey.
About Saint Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, New Jersey:
There are various retreats offered. For those staying overnight, the guest house is a mansion built around 1900, where retreatants enjoy a comfortable private room, a shared bathroom and a gracious space for quiet. The enclosed porch overlooks the sunken garden and monastery church. The mansion kitchen provides an informal setting for breakfast or a midday cup of coffee.
Guests and the sisters have an opportunity to meet one another as they join together for Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours and the main meal of the day.
There is ample parking, and the monastery is conveniently located near public transportation. Other amenities include WiFi and air conditioning.
Traveling to Saint Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, New Jersey:
Address: 851 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Tel: +1 (908) 352-4278
E-mail: BenedictineSisters@bensisnj.org
Click here for the official website of Saint Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
