Happenings

After a number of years of meetings, discernment, dialog and prayer, we sisters have become a dependent monastery of Sacred Heart Monastery in Lisle, Illinois. We petitioned the Sacred Congregation for Eastern Churches (Oriental Churches) for a Change of Status from an independent monastery to a dependent monastery of Sacred Heart Monastery. After ten months our petition was granted.

On November 21, 2010, Sister Judith Heble, OSB, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters in Lisle, accepted Queen of Heaven Monastery, Warren, Ohio as a dependent monastery. Also present at the official ceremony was Sister Glenna Smith, OSB, president of the Federation of Saint Scholastica, a group of Benedictine women's monasteries in the United States and Mexico. On the same day, November 21, Sister Margaret Mary Schima, OSB, was appointed administrator of Queen of Heaven Monastery. On January 1, 2011, Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB, was installed as the present prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery.

In January, 2007, after discernment, study and consultation, the sisters decided to sell the monastery, buildings and property. After several offers, our community accepted the offer of the Orthodox Coptic Church. They plan to use the monastery as a convent for Egyptian Orthodox Christian sisters. It is now known as St. Mary and St. John the Beloved Convent.

On February 2, 2011, we sisters moved to the Infant of Prague Manor apartments in Warren, Ohio. This decision was made two years before the actual move. We presently rent apartments on the third floor, south wing. Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church is next door.

Many of the chapel furnishings and appointments were taken to the chapel at Infant of Prague Manor. The chapel was beautifully renovated. All are welcome to pray with us.