By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Sister Dawn Annette Mills, left, prioress general of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, opens the Adoration Chapel door to Magali Garcia. Garcia's knock on the door served as a symbol of her desire to enter the congregation of contemplative monastics in Clyde, Mo. Garcia is a member of the St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest.
CLYDE, Mo. | Magali Garcia, a former high school English teacher and member of St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest, has entered the postulancy of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri.
Garcia formally requested entrance to the monastic order by knocking on the door of the Benedictine Sisters’ Adoration Chapel Jan. 3, during Day Hour services.
She was greeted by Prioress General Sister Dawn Annette Mills, who escorted Garcia inside where she was presented with the office books for the Liturgy of Hours.
During her postulancy, Garcia will live in the monastery and participate fully in community life. She will begin work in the altar bread department and learn about all aspects of the production, which serves as the congregation’s main source of income. She will take classes to aid in the transition into monastic life and work with a formation director to further discern her religious vocation.
Garica enters religious life during an exciting time, as this is the Year of Consecrated Life decreed by Pope Francis to honor those who are called to serve the Church through various monastic and religious works.
“We welcome Magali into our midst as she continues to discern her religious call,” said Sister Ruth Elaine Starman, the Benedictine Sisters' vocation director.
Prior to entering the Benedictine Sisters, applicants are required to complete a month-long stay in the monastery, undergo physical and psychological screenings and take part in numerous interviews. The postulancy can last from one year to 18 months. After that time, the congregation will decide if the postulant may advance to the novitiate stage.
