Photo by Alex JonesWe cross paths with people who leave us with lasting impressions. In this section I’d like to introduce you to the people I meet along the way… en esta peregrinación cotidiana. I begin with Sister Nancy Boushey.
I spent an inspiring morning in June with Sister Nancy, a Benedictine Sister of the Good Shepherd Monastery of Starr County. She drove two hours from her retreat center to join me for an interview in Harlingen. During our conversation about the history of how the monastery evolved, her faith and that of the two religious sisters who took on the challenge with her emerged as a constant theme. Constant as well is the peace she radiates and the smile she meets you with.
Sr. Nancy’s desire for missionary work brought her to the Rio Grande Valley in 1986 from Minnesota. After a few years in the Valley, guided completely by faith, she along with Sister Luella and Sister Fran, moved out to the middle of rattlesnake country to build a monastery in Rio Grande City. They did not waiver from their plans over the years, nor were they deterred by obvious obstacles – no money, no land, no connections. “We had $900 and an old car and lots of people praying for us, and some of them thinking we were crazy of course. Sometimes we thought we were crazy too,” says Sister Nancy.
As word of their project spread, their monastery began to materialize, built entirely with donations and volunteer work. With their roadrunners as guardians against the snakes, the Benedictine Monastery of the Good Shepherd now provides visitors on retreat with a quiet space for prayer, reflection and a clear view of the stars.
Sr. Nancy continues her work expanding the monastery. She does this with her ever present smile repeating her yes to her vocation and the surprises God send her way.
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The story about the monastery will air in July/August. Our interview, however, evolved into one of my next projects. Sister Nancy has given me her blessing to write a book about the monastery’s history.
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