170 Years of Benedictine Hospitality, Prayer and Justice
By Annie Moks07/25/2026
On Sunday, June 14, the 170th anniversary of the Benedictines of Erie was commemorated with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. John Beal. Everyone was treated to the bells and music of the sisters in their brilliant yet simple chapel. Following Mass, all were invited to gather for fellowship in the cafeteria, where part of the community’s history was shared.
During Prohibition, the Benedictine property was an ideal location for bootleggers to trespass and conduct business, as the grounds extended to the lake. As the story goes, Mother Ignatia learned of these activities and was determined to put a stop to them. She recorded the license plate numbers of the vehicles on the property and took the information to the mayor’s office. She informed the mayor and other local officials that if the operations were not stopped, she would have the license plate numbers published in the newspaper. According to the story, there were no further bootlegging operations on Benedictine property after that.
This story reflects the ideals that have long guided the Sisters of St. Benedict: standing up for what is right, pursuing social justice, and taking action when necessary. Sister Diane Rabe, administrator of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and a member of the community since 1971, shared the story. When asked what she feels has changed most over time for the Benedictine sisters, she pointed to the evolution of their mission from one focused primarily on education to one centered more broadly on social justice.
Among the ministries they support are the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, the Neighborhood Art House, the St. Benedict Child Development Center, and the Saint Benedict Education Center. These organizations serve the inner city by helping meet needs related to food, education, housing, and other necessities of life.
Sister Annette Marshall, who has been a Benedictine Sister of Erie since 1961, echoed Sister Diane’s observations. She noted the community’s transition from a primary focus on education to a broader commitment to social justice and outreach in the inner city. She also expressed appreciation for the support the sisters receive from the wider community.
Pat Hause, a volunteer with the Benedictines, said that it is “their involvement with and love of their ministries, and their welcoming presence” that inspires her to be part of their mission.
Some of that support comes from people like Dr. Jennifer Robinette. She has been attending Mass at the monastery for the past ten years, and her daughter, Miriam, 8, began joining her a few months ago. Robinette said she enjoys the atmosphere and fellowship she finds there and credits her parents, who are oblates, for her involvement with the community.
When asked what her favorite part of visiting the monastery was, Miriam quickly replied, “The bread!”
Understandably so. The sisters’ delicious homemade bread, sold in the gift shop, Chapter 57, is a hidden gem. Alongside the bread, the shop offers a variety of inspirational books and gifts, making it a special destination for visitors.
The Benedictine tradition has long emphasized hospitality—often summarized by the teaching in the Rule of St. Benedict to welcome guests as one would welcome Christ. The community at Benedictine Sisters of Erie is particularly known for extending that spirit through retreats, spiritual programs, and guest accommodations.
For anyone in the Erie area who hasn't visited, the monastery's grounds in Harborcreek offer opportunities for quiet reflection, prayer, walking, and retreat. The sisters welcome visitors for day visits as well as overnight stays. Accommodations include guest rooms, secluded hermitages (cottages) in the woods, and rooms inside the monastery for those who would prefer more community atmosphere.
The monastery hosts programs and retreats intended to provide space for contemplation, rest, and renewal, not to mention delicious food and fellowship!
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