Benedictines have a long history of study, writing, and publishing. At our monastery, Sister Laura Swan was the first to publish a book, followed by Sister Lucy Wynkoop, who co-authored a book on Lectio Divina.
The following books by Sister Laura Swan, The Forgotten Desert Mothers and The Wisdom of the Beguines, are available at online or at your local bookseller. Sister Laura wanted to study early Christian women, especially hermits in the desert tradition, but found only scattered information. Someone told her that since she was doing the research she should write the book. So she did, and now it’s in its second edition. Another topic that intrigued Sister Laura was the Beguines of Medieval times–and so, another book was born.
The Forgotten Desert Mothers, 2nd Ed. and Wisdom of the Beguines
Between writing these two books, Sister Laura kept busy by compiling a bibliography called The History of North American Benedictine Women, a much needed research and reference bibliography for those interested in Benedictine women’s history in North America. She also wrote Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today, and edited The Benedictine Tradition (Spirituality in History).
Sister Lucy Wynkoop and Christine Valters Paintner together wrote Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness, also available at The Priory Store. Christine is an American poet and writer living in Galway, Ireland. She is the author of twelve books of nonfiction on creative process and contemplative practice, and her poems have been published in journals and reviews. Sister Lucy is a Benedictine Sister of St. Placid Priory who has many years experience of praying Lectio Divina. She also has experience in teaching, leading retreats and journeying with others as spiritual director.
And so our community carries on the long tradition of scholarship and writing that is part of the Benedictine heritage.
Are you in need of a place of Spiritual Oasis in a busy life? Our Oasis program of prayer, reflection and retreat may be just what you’re looking for. More info by clicking the picture above. Begins September 17.
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog occasionally. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
SR. LAURA ON YOUTUBE
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channelfor some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
Our Benedictine Authors
Benedictines have a long history of study, writing, and publishing. At our monastery, Sister Laura Swan was the first to publish a book, followed by Sister Lucy Wynkoop, who co-authored a book on Lectio Divina.
The following books by Sister Laura Swan, The Forgotten Desert Mothers and The Wisdom of the Beguines, are available at online or at your local bookseller. Sister Laura wanted to study early Christian women, especially hermits in the desert tradition, but found only scattered information. Someone told her that since she was doing the research she should write the book. So she did, and now it’s in its second edition. Another topic that intrigued Sister Laura was the Beguines of Medieval times–and so, another book was born.
Between writing these two books, Sister Laura kept busy by compiling a bibliography called The History of North American Benedictine Women, a much needed research and reference bibliography for those interested in Benedictine women’s history in North America. She also wrote Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today, and edited The Benedictine Tradition (Spirituality in History).
Sister Lucy Wynkoop and Christine Valters Paintner together wrote Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness, also available at The Priory Store. Christine is an American poet and writer living in Galway, Ireland. She is the author of twelve books of nonfiction on creative process and contemplative practice, and her poems have been published in journals and reviews. Sister Lucy is a Benedictine Sister of St. Placid Priory who has many years experience of praying Lectio Divina. She also has experience in teaching, leading retreats and journeying with others as spiritual director.
And so our community carries on the long tradition of scholarship and writing that is part of the Benedictine heritage.
OASIS 2026-2027
Are you in need of a place of Spiritual Oasis in a busy life? Our Oasis program of prayer, reflection and retreat may be just what you’re looking for. More info by clicking the picture above. Begins September 17.
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog occasionally. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
SR. LAURA ON YOUTUBE
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channel for some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
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Ongoing Program Zoom: Prayer Practices Certification Program 2025-2026
September 1, 2025 - August 3, 2026
Zoom: The Undefended Heart: Enneagram Pathways to the True Self
July 25, 2026
Hybrid: Dare To Write
August 7 - 9, 2026
Eight-Day Silent Centering Prayer Retreat
August 14 - 21, 2026
Forest Bathing at St. Placid Priory
August 22, 2026
Forest Bathing at St. Placid Priory
September 12, 2026
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September 17, 2026 - May 21, 2027
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