Annunciation Monastery

05/29/2026

The RB72 retreat girls are bringing sunshine on a cloudy day!

Sister Marena Hoogland is hosting a middle school girls' retreat which offers a unique glimpse into monastic life, learn about the Rule of St. Benedict, and what it means to prefer nothing whatever to Christ. These girls are also spending time helping in the sisters' garden, learning about Stepping Stone Medical Respite, playing games, prayer journaling, and enjoying conversation and meals together and with the sisters.

What a joy it is to be with them. We keep these faith-filled girls in our prayers!

05/28/2026

Tune in to Real Presence Radio this morning!

This morning, Sister Nicole Kunze will be interviewed on Real Presence Radio (FM 91.7, 9:30 a.m.) regarding her re-election as Prioress of Annunciation Monastery and the responsibilities associated with the office of prioress within a monastic community.

05/27/2026

We encourage you to reflect on Monsignor James P. Shea's article on Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS:

"Leo identifies a danger that is already plainly visible: immersion in the digital world can cause people gradually to “lose the very desire to form genuine human connections.” The crisis posed by AI, then, is not merely economic or political. It is spiritual and civilizational. It concerns what human beings understand themselves to be."

MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS, Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, expounds on Catholic social doctrine in light of "a true 'change of era,' in which the tectonic plates of the world’s social life are shifting beneath our feet."

Continue reading Msgr. Shea's reflection on our "Magnificent Humanity" in the National Catholic Register at https://umary.life/3PHVzgg.

05/26/2026

We are so grateful for our dear friends at Real Presence Radio Network! Tune in to FM Radio 91.7 this Thursday, May 28, at 9:30 a.m. to hear Sister Nicole Kunze discuss being re-elected as prioress of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck. What does it mean to serve as prioress? Tune in to find out!

05/25/2026

We pray for our fallen military members and their families. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Today, we offer a prayer in observance of Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Monsignor James Shea on receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from his alma mater, the Catholic University of America! We are so blessed to have you at the University of Mary, and as a cherished part of our Benedictine family. We love you. We pray for you. May God bless you always.

Monsignor Shea shared these powerful words at his commencement address, “Endurance Vanquishes Mediocrity.” This is a timely and encouraging reflection for graduates, young adults, and the wider Catholic community. https://umary.life/42O34VR

Monsignor Shea, our President, just received an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from his alma mater, The Catholic University of America!

Watch his Commencement Address here 👇
https://umary.life/42O34VR

"Endurance vanquishes mediocrity."

05/19/2026

On Sunday, May 17, our sisters celebrated Sister Nicole Kunze, the ninth prioress of Annunciation Monastery with an appreciation dinner and program in gratitude for her past service and her "yes" when she was re-elected as prioress on March 14.

Sister Nicole, we thank you for these past years of your generous service and pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength as you continue to serve us.

Many of the sisters shared words of gratitude for Sister Nicole. Sister JoAnn Krebsbach shared, "This past March, in your reflection on the solemnity of the Annunciation and contemplating Mary's yes to be the mother of Christ, you reminded us of the big YESes we've each said in life. Certainly, saying yes to serving as prioress is a big YES. But reflecting further in March, you invited us to follow Mary's example in being faithful to the many small "yes"es that each day brings. And certainly in serving as prioress, each day you are invited to a multitude of small "yes"es toward coming to the fullness of the prayer in Chapter 72 of the Rule of Benedict--and a theme you chose for your silver anniversary of profession: "May Christ bring us all together to everlasting life." (RB 72:12)

The dining room tables were adorned with white roses and Sister Nicole was presented with this beautiful orchid.

05/15/2026

Day of Contemplation was re-scheduled for this Saturday, May 16.

Please join us in praying for this intention in the quiet of your hearts and homes. Thank you. God bless you.

05/13/2026

Way back Wednesday!

We were honored to have Judith Valente with us at our 2019 Sponsorship Formation event. Judith Valente is an awarding-winning author, print and broadcast journalist, poet and essayist.
She wrote this beautiful reflection about her time with us after her visit.

05/13/2026

We had a little coffee party to celebrate and thank our amazing, dedicated nurses!

We pray for all nurses as they offer compassion, support, and dedication to those they care for, bringing healing and hope. We are deeply grateful for the care you give and the lives you touch each day.

As stated in the Rule of St. Benedict, "Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ." ~ RB 36:1