REGINA: Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Mother Abbess Cecilia: I grew up in northern New York, the last of five children. I understood at a very young age that God was asking something very special of me, something that would involve the complete and unreserved gift of my entire being.
I entered Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas to further my studies on the French horn, which I had been playing since 5th grade. I received a Bachelor’s of Music in 1999, and went on to play with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for one year. I then won a position with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, where I settled down to a very comfortable life, with the newfound ability to buy all sorts of things including a new car, and even my own house.
REGINA: Sounds like a successful start in life.
Mother Abbess Cecilia: But the thought of giving my life entirely to God never left me. I was happy enough on the exterior, living “the good life” as they say, but in the depths of my soul I did not have the peace that comes when you know you are doing God’s will. So, after three years in the Symphony, I searched for a traditional religious order, and found the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.
REGINA: And by comparison?
Mother Abbess Cecilia: Though I could not say that these years as a religious have been easier than my years out in the world, I can say that I truly have no regrets, as the good God is never outdone in generosity. He has given me the peace that the world simply cannot give, and so much more besides.
Sr. Scholastica: I came from a large and devout family in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. I attended a Mass with Pope John Paul II in New York City, where he brought up the topic of young people and religious vocations, and I thought he was talking to me. I had also read St. Therese’s Story of a Soul en route to and from, and was deeply moved. I was thinking “Is this possible? Is God really everything? Does He want me as surely as He wanted this little soul’?” It was as if He suddenly claimed me for Himself, and since that moment of grace, I could never seriously look back.
REGINA: And your family?
Sr. Scholastica: My family was extremely supportive as soon as I told them. Through the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, I discerned a contemplative calling. This was something a little more difficult for my family to understand, but they could see after a while that there was no other way for me!
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