Benedictine Sisters Changing Lives

The Benedictine Sisters of the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand are changing the lives of young girls through Camp Marian. It’s a powerful experience for all those involved, even though it seems like a simple summer camp.

This year’s theme was “We Are One Body;” and by the end of the camp, they all felt strongly united together in Christ, and learned to see each other with deep respect and compassion as family.

Campers had an exciting time with one another and try things that they’ve never experienced before. Sleeping in a tent for a couple of nights is a favorite for many, along with trying archery for the first time. They also prayed the Liturgy of the Hours like the sisters do, and they learned about the lives of some influential Benedictine saints.

            First-time counselor Anna Tucker from St. Anthony Parish in Evansville said, “Through an exciting week of meeting new friends and catching up with old ones, we learned to become one body in Christ.”

Getting to meet new people and learning to work together cultivates life skills for campers and counselors alike. They are given the opportunity to grow into leaders and they take these life lessons back to their own schools and communities. 

“I love sharing our Benedictine charism with the campers and counselors. I think one of the benefits of Camp Marian is that it allows young girls that may not have any connections with religious to meet us and get to know some of us,” said Camp Director Sister Jill Reuber, who has helped with the camp since the summer of 2003 and has a heartfelt passion for it. “Each time I work a camp I feel that we have shared who we are as Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, with those who come. I may not see how we have touched a life, but I know in some way we have made a difference in a young girl’s life.”

This year included a poignant, spiritual experience for those in attendance because Benedictine Sister Brenda Englert passed away while the camp was underway. Campers and counselors saw first-hand how the Benedictines come together as a united family to honor their dead and celebrate their rebirth into eternal life.

Benedictine Sister Teresa Gunter, director of vocations for the order and a major contributor to the camp, said that one of her favorite things about Camp Marian is that “these girls come from all around the Dioceses of Evansville, Louisville and Indy; they come as scared little kids and leave as young women who have made friends.”

 “She’s just amazing,” Sister Teresa said of Camp Director Sister Jill. “She’s been a true moving force, being open and more inviting to having more counselors and campers and making camp bigger and better than ever.”