Sister Perpetua Wawryk, O.C.S.O.

Each Monday in Lent, SOAR! will share a reflection about one of the Cistercian (Trappestine) Sisters living in Raphael’s Wing, the small infirmary at Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey. 

Sister Perpetua Wawryk

First profession: June 14, 1954

As she contemplates her 90^th year, Sister Perpetua is determined to stay on her feet, working hard in the laundry department.  She entered Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey as a lay sister in 1951, on the feast of the Miraculous Medal, and is especially devoted to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Born Elizabeth Wawryk, daughter of Ukrainian parents who owned a grocery store in Philadelphia, she grew up as one of six sisters. Of them, only she and Helen, 96, survive.  For a number of years, Sister Perpetua took care of Wrentham’s chaplains and their needs, cleaning their rooms and doing their laundry.  These days, we don’t know what we would do without her keeping the hand towels in order.

Reflection for the Third Monday of Lent

And hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5)

God’s great love is manifested in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It lives on in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Sister Perpetua lives her hope in the Lord through her prayer and dedicated service.  This week, reflect on how you can live your hope in the Lord.