Benedictine Sisters of Virginia

06/13/2026

Look what’s blooming in Bristow in June! Thanks to Linda for the pictures!

06/10/2026

The transformation of our prayer garden is becoming more tangible every day, and today’s visit filled me with a renewed sense of excitement. As I toured the site, fresh signs of progress greeted me at every turn. The curbing has been poured, the parking spaces outlined, and two handicapped spaces already bear their familiar symbols, quietly signaling the welcome that awaits future visitors.

A traveling canopy — which seems to have wandered all over the site in recent weeks — now shelters the craftsmen shaping the stone walls of the last of the three pods and the fountain area. From beneath billowing shelter rises the steady, mellow ring of metal on stone, each tap forming the low circular walls that will soon cradle spaces of reflection and prayer.

All around, machinery of every size rolls in, completes its task, and disappears again, like purposeful visitors in a well‑choreographed dance. And standing watch over it all are the surviving monastery trees, wrapped in bright orange netting — a gentle reminder to tread carefully around these living elders. Their spring green crowns will become a beautiful bridge between the sacred past of the monastery grounds and the sacred future of the garden.

Riding through the site in a golf cart on this balmy, breezy day, accompanied by soft chirps, goose honks, and the occasional crow’s caw, I could see the outlines of the future garden plots emerging more clearly than ever. Some of these spaces can still become your designated memorial areas — places of remembrance chosen by and honoring families and friends. If this is of interest, please reach out using the contact information below.

My ride continued past the Pollinator Meadow, cultivated to mimic a true meadow with all its natural rhythms, and then to the teaching garden, where each plot highlights a unique feature of Northern Virginia’s native flora. Purple Martin houses rise gracefully overhead, and the surrounding plantings frame the Place of Peace Columbarium in a serene blend of sun, shade, and thoughtful greenery.

What a beautiful day to witness beauty emerging from the work of many hands.
—Sister Patricia Anne Driscoll

Sponsorship opportunities, including benches and memorial flower beds, are still available for those who wish to help shape this meaningful space.

If you’d like to learn more, call 571-428-2528 or email [email protected]. Donations can be made at: http://osbva.org/support-us/ -garden

As construction continues, visitors to the Monastery may notice increased activity — and occasional noise — on the property. We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this exciting time.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Kathy Frick on her retirement as director of the Benedictine Spirituality Center! Today we had a lunch in her honor.

05/30/2026

Congratulations to Susan Farmer for 37 years of faithful Benedictine service as Saint Gertrude High School math teacher extraordinaire. Enjoy retirement, Mrs. Farmer!

05/27/2026

Each day brings new detail as skilled craftsmen carefully shape and place each stone, creating the harmonious walls that will surround the Prayer Pods.

As work progresses, it becomes easier to imagine the beauty and peace this sacred space will offer when the garden is finished.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many friends of the Monastery whose generosity is helping make the Prayer Garden possible.

Sponsorship opportunities, including memorial flower beds, are still available for those who wish to help shape this meaningful space.

If you’d like to learn more, call 571-428-2528 or email [email protected]. Donations can be made at: http://osbva.org/support-us/ -garden

05/24/2026

Happy Pentecost Sunday!

05/17/2026

Happy 25th anniversary to all the Master Gardeners of Prince William County who make the Teaching Garden so beautiful. May we share at least another 25 years with you!

05/14/2026

With the arrival of warmer weather, work on the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia’s Prayer Garden is moving ahead beautifully!

With each passing day, the vision of the garden the Sisters first imagined is coming to life before our eyes. We can picture our Sisters and friends of the Monastery walking among the flowers, then pausing for quiet reflection within the Prayer Pods, each surrounded by graceful stone walls. See photos of the walls taking shape!

As construction continues, visitors to the Monastery may notice increased activity — and occasional noise — on the property. We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this exciting time.

Our heartfelt thanks to the many friends of the Monastery whose generosity is helping bring this special garden to life.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, including memorial flower beds.If you’d like to learn more, call 571-428-2528 or email [email protected]. Donations to support the Prayer Garden can be made at: http://osbva.org/support-us/ -garden

05/12/2026

Give to BEACON during the 12-1pm Power Hour and help them win a bonus prize for the most donors! Donate: https://www.givegreaterdc.org/o/beaconliteracy

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05/11/2026

Join Sister Kathy this Friday May 15th from 10:00am-3:00pm for a presentation on Forgiveness: A Sacred Act. Register at [email protected] or call 703-393-2485. Suggested donation is $60.00 (Lunch included).