The Sisters on Hill

What is an icon, and how can icons help us pray? In this episode of The Sisters on the Hill, Sister Jeana Visel shares her journey into the world of iconography and explains the spiritual meaning behind this ancient form of sacred art.
Sister Jeana discusses what makes an icon different from other religious artwork, why icons are often described as being “written,” and how the process of creating an icon is rooted in prayer. She also shares how her love of art eventually led her to iconography, teaching, graduate studies, and opportunities to study and work with icons around the world.
Listeners will learn about the symbolism, tradition, and prayerful process behind icon writing, as well as Sister Jeana’s current work creating icons and exploring new compositions. She also reflects on how art, faith, and Benedictine spirituality come together in her life and ministry.

What role does music play in a life of faith?
In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Rose Wildeman shares how music has been part of her life from childhood and how it has become an important part of her ministry and prayer as a Sister of St. Benedict.
With more than 30 years of experience teaching music in classrooms and parishes, Sister Rose brings a unique perspective on the power of music. She explains how music enhances prayer, helps express emotions that words alone cannot capture, and brings the Psalms and other sacred texts to life during Benedictine liturgy.
Along the way, Sister Rose talks about the many instruments she has played, her favorite styles of music, her love of guitar, and even the instrument she jokingly admits she never mastered!
Whether you love sacred music, enjoy making music yourself, or simply appreciate the way a beautiful song can touch the heart, this episode offers a joyful look at the connection between music, prayer, creativity, and faith.

What secrets, stories, and treasures are hidden in the archives of the Sisters of St. Benedict?
In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Rebecca Abel takes us behind the scenes of the archives at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana. As the monastery’s archivist, Sister Rebecca preserves the history of the Sisters of St. Benedict—from personal records and photographs to documents, artifacts and more.
But the archives aren't simply a room filled with old documents. It's a place where history comes alive—and where new discoveries are still being made. Sister Rebecca shares how research and technology have helped uncover previously unknown details about the monastery's buildings, the sisters who came from Germany, and the people and places connected to the community's history.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious about monastery life, or simply fascinated by the stories hidden in old photographs and documents, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Sisters of St. Benedict.

How can caring for the environment become an act of faith?
In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, we explore the Benedictine commitment to Care for Creation and why protecting God's creation is an essential part of living the Gospel. Sister Jean Marie shares how Scripture, the Rule of St. Benedict, and Laudato Si' inspire us to be faithful stewards of the Earth and to recognize all of creation as a gift from God.
From reducing waste and conserving natural resources to appreciating the beauty of the outdoors and making sustainable choices each day, this conversation offers practical ways everyone can help care for our common home. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking for new ways to connect your faith with environmental stewardship, you'll discover that even small actions can have a lasting impact.
You're also invited to participate in the Pilgrimage for Creation on September 5, 2026, a unique opportunity to pray, reflect, and experience God's presence in nature while walking between the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand and Saint Meinrad Archabbey. It's an invitation to deepen your faith while celebrating and protecting the beauty of creation.

As students head back to school, we're celebrating a ministry that has been at the heart of the Sisters of St. Benedict for more than 150 years.
When the first Benedictine sisters arrived in Ferdinand in 1867, they began teaching the children of German immigrant families. More than a century later, many Sisters of St. Benedict still carry on that legacy by serving as teachers in their ministry.
In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Laura Marie reflects on her 37 years as a second-grade teacher and her continuing ministry of teaching religious education. She shares the joy of helping children grow in both knowledge and faith, the lasting relationships formed with students and families, and why teaching religion remains one of the most meaningful ways to share God's love.
Whether you're a parent preparing for a new school year, an educator yourself, or someone who fondly remembers a teacher who shaped your life, this conversation is a reminder of the lasting impact faithful teachers have on future generations.

In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Doris Schepers shares her inspiring vocation story and the journey that led her to becoming a Sister of St. Benedict in Ferdinand.
Although she first felt called to religious life as a teenager, Sister Doris spent many years building a career before realizing that, despite having everything she thought she wanted, something was still missing. She reflects on how prayer, spiritual direction, and a growing sense of peace ultimately led her to embrace God's invitation to Benedictine life.
Whether you're discerning your own vocation, navigating a major life decision, or simply searching for deeper purpose, Sister Doris' story is a reminder that it's never too late to answer God's call.

What does it mean to care for the women who have spent their lives serving others?
Sister Jennifer Miller shares her ministry of pastoral care for the elder sisters of the Sisters of St. Benedict. Drawing on decades of experience in education, campus ministry, parish ministry, hospice chaplaincy, and mission advancement, Sister Jennifer reflects on the unique privilege of accompanying sisters in their later years.
She offers an inside look at life with the community’s senior sisters, the importance of prayer, companionship, laughter, and presence, and how the Benedictine value of community continues to flourish throughout every stage of life. From daily prayer and meaningful conversations to honoring each sister’s legacy, this episode highlights the deep bonds that connect generations of Benedictine women.
Listeners will also hear stories that reveal the wisdom, resilience, and faith of the monastery’s elder sisters—women whose lives of service continue to inspire the community today.

In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Jane Becker shares how watercolor painting has shaped her spiritual life, nurtured her creativity, and helped her live the Benedictine call to balance.
Sister Jane reflects on her lifelong love of art, why she chose watercolor as her medium, and how painting landscapes allows her to contemplate the beauty of God’s creation. She also discusses the connection between creativity, wellness, and faith, describing how art has become both a personal passion and a meaningful way to serve the community.
The Sisters of St. Benedict are blessed to have many talented artists whose artworks inspire others and fellow sisters alike. Sister Jane offers a unique glimpse into how artistic expression flourishes within a Benedictine community.
Whether you're an artist, a person of faith, or someone seeking creative inspiration, this conversation highlights the powerful relationship between art, spirituality, and everyday life.
 

What does it mean to lead a religious community? In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Anita Louise Lowe, Prioress for the Sisters of St. Benedict, shares her journey into leadership and what it truly means to serve as prioress.
Sister Anita Louise reflects on her vocation story, her call to leadership, and the responsibility of guiding a Benedictine community rooted in prayer, service, and shared life.
Through personal stories and thoughtful insight, Sister Anita Louise discusses the balance between spiritual leadership and practical decision-making, the importance of listening in community, and how faith shapes every aspect of her role.
Whether you’re curious about religious leadership, discerning your own path, or simply interested in how faith communities operate, this episode offers a meaningful and authentic perspective.

What does it mean to discover your true calling? In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Dolores Folz shares her vocation story—from growing up in a large farming family in southern Indiana to becoming a Sister of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana.
She reflects on how Benedictine sisters shaped her life, the journey of discerning religious life, and the blessings and challenges about living in a religious community.