The Benedictine Sisters of Florida Holy Name Monastery will hold a service to urge folks to write politicians about world hunger.

By EBONY WINDOM

Times, Staff Writer

The nuns at Holy Name Monastery say they do more than sing and pray all day. The group is getting political when it comes to world hunger.

"People… just think we sit up here and look pretty and pray. But our prayers have to be turned into action," said Sister Mary David Hydro.

About a decade ago, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo joined Bread for the World, a nonpartisan Christian citizens’ movement that works to fight hunger and poverty around the globe. The Washington, D.C-based group uses famous faces such as rocker Bono to draw attention to world poverty Each year, Bread for the World kicks off an "Offering of Letters" urging folks to take action by corresponding with national and local leaders in hopes of shedding light on global hunger and poverty.

The Benedictine sisters are urging locals to grab a pen and join in.

Each year, a couple of dozen people join the nuns for their annual Offering of Letters prayer service. And somehow, they manage to churn out a couple of hundred letters to everyone from senators to local politicians. Sometimes, they ship letters to the president.

A computer-generated form letter would be easier. But handwritten notes show they mean business, Hydro said.

Occasionally, they get a reply. Most of the time, they don’t.

"But that’s okay," said Hydro, chairwoman of the monastery’s Peace and Justice Committee. "If (the politicians) are representing us, they need to know what we think."

One year, Hydro was shocked to get a call back from a big-time politician. U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam wanted to chat more about the issue of world hunger, Hydro says. And she sure gave him an earful.

Fighting global hunger is an issue Hydro and the other sisters really believe in.

It’s part of the monastery’s corporate commitment "to respond with the compassion of Christ to the physical, emotional and spiritual hungers of the people of God," according to a news release. Just like Saint Benedict did, Hydro says.

In the past, the Benedictine Sisters have spoken out on controversial topics such as the war in Iraq and immigration reform. And when they decide to take a stand, the whole monastery bands together. Even the sisters who are in their 90s.

On Monday, using ink pens as their weapons, the group plans to fight back against world hunger.

"It’s amazing how many people are in need," said Hydro. "How many people have to die?"

Even in their own community, the Benedictine Sisters reach out. Sister Jean Abbott heads DayStar, a Dade City food pantry and thrift shop. In February, the pantry handed out more than 11,000 pounds of food to needy locals.

At Monday’s service, the group will say a special prayer "that hungry people will be fed, and the people who read (the letters) will have understanding," Hydro said. Then, they’ll pass out pens and paper and encourage folks to scribble down their thoughts. "We know it’ll make a difference," said Hydro emphatically. "If everybody does their part, it’s possible."

Benedictine Sisters of Florida Holy Name Monastery will host the Bread for the World Offering of Letters Prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Monday. There will be songs, prayer and a short presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For information, call the monastery at (352) 588.8320.

April 16, 2007 from 7:30 p.m.

For more information please call Sr. Mary David Hydro at (352) 588-8320
 

Contents of this page Copyright © 2007, All Rights Reserved. Holy Name Monastery.