Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB., was a Benedictine monastic of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After her death on April 24, 2020, at the age of 81, her sisters reminded us of what she wrote in The Flowing Grace of Now:

“O light of revelation when dawn shows its face, and when the shades of twilight enfold me, may I receive the peace that comes from being in communion with you. You are a window to the eternal, hold me in your view. Don't let me ever out of your sight. Death will hold no terror for me, sheltered under your wings. May I rest in peace in life and in death.”

The sisters continued:

"We, the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, thank you for loving our Sister Macrina in this life. We are grateful for the gift of her and all the ways she touched others with the delight of God's world and words. Know we are with you always. Our prayers go with you, and we are comforted by yours for us, and especially for Sister Macrina. Remember this phrase from the heart of her pen, 'My God, help me believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.' You have brought beauty to her and us here at St. Scholastica Monastery. Let us walk her into the season of God's heart, where a tree full of Angels embrace her in sacred arrival. Our love and sympathy go to the family of Sister Macrina and all those who knew her."

An author and spiritual guide, Macrina Wiederkehr traveled throughout the United States and Canada as a retreat director. She guided seekers through experiences of silence, contemplation, and faith sharing. Many of her retreat themes came from her writings. She also drew extensively from literature and poetry and enjoyed creating rituals.

Wiederkehr was a master of everyday spirituality. She took the Benedictine tradition of Lectio Divina (divine reading) and expanded it into new fields of wonder. To her, sacred texts are all around us. She discerned evidence of God's presence in nature, relationships, and the daily rounds of life. As a skilled and creative devotional writer, Wiederkehr could always be depended upon for images or personal anecdotes brimming with beauty and insight. She wove these together into books that combined observations with prayers and suggested passages to read — making them perfect for personal and group retreats.

For an additional tribute to Macrina Wiederkehr, see "And Macrina Laughed" by her friend and spiritual companion Jay McDaniel.

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