Stable Monastery Rooted in Stewardship
Benedictine Women of Madison, Madison, WI

The monastic community of the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, WI have been hearing and practicing a lot concerning stability:  Their new strategic plan focuses on growing their community in ways that will bring stability and strength to the work of the sisters; Ecumenical Board member Judith Rock claims stability is more countercultural today than celibacy; and a local environmental expert noted that the root system of prairies like the one stewarded at their monastery plays a critical role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion.

Early in 2008, Benedict House, the old high school turned conference center, was razed in order to make way for a more energy efficient and cost effective facility.  The Benedictine Women of Madison report that more than 99% of the non-hazardous material was recycled or otherwise diverted from landfills.  Their new “green” building will be 50% smaller, built to the highest level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, and designed to achieve a “zero carbon footprint”.  Rainwater will be used to irrigate the surrounding native vegetation, and “green” roofs will provide space for native plant exhibits and nursery areas.  The facility will be used for worship, prayer, concerts, conferences, lectures, interfaith dialogue, and educational and environmental gatherings hosted by the Benedictine Women of Madison, and will include accommodations for retreat and guest activities.

Prior to this reconstruction project, the sisters restored 95-acres of the surrounding property with native prairie vegetation and oak savannah.  This area now contains 60 different native Wisconsin prairie flowers and grasses, which not only adds to the beauty of the landscape, but also prevents erosion.  A nine-acre glacial lake was reclaimed, which protects neighboring properties and Lake Mendota.  They continue to monitor and remove silt collected in detention structures and invasive species.  The hard work of the sisters and their volunteers and interns have created habitat for native plants, birds and animals, and have also provide the opportunity for many people to learn about prairie restoration and restore their own spirits.  The ongoing work of the monastery advances care for the earth as a natural connection to deepening the spiritual life.

Please see their website for views of the construction...

Contact: Holy Wisdom Monastery
PO Box 5070
Madison, WI 53705-0070
Phone: 608-836-1631; Fax: 608-836-5586
Website: www.bendictinewomen.org