Benedictine Sisters of Newark, De

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Benedictine Sisters of Newark, De

Prayer and Work are the Benedictine's way of life. Please come join us for a visit at St. Gertrude's In 1857 six sisters travelled to Newark, NJ to teach in St.

The Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, Maryland trace their roots back to St. Benedict who, in the fifth century, wrote his Holy Rule and founded his first monastery. Other Benedictine monasteries, both of men and women, soon followed and the order spread throughout Europe. The Benedictine way of life came to America in 1846 with Boniface Wimmer: a monk who came from Netten Abbey in Germany. In 1852,

at Abbot Boniface’s invitation, the first three Benedictine nuns arrived in America and settled in St. Mary’s, PA where they grew rapidly and spread to other cities. Mary’s Parish School and in 1859 they became an independent monastery. Then in 1887, under the second elected prioress of the Newark community, Mother Dolorosa Berg, the Monastery was transferred from Newark, NJ to “The Plains” near Ridgely, MD in Caroline County. St. Gertrude’s Academy was opened on the monastery grounds soon after the sisters arrived – starting the long tradition of wanting to teach young people. The sisters expanded their teaching to the schools of Sacred Heart and St. Elizabeth parishes in Wilmington, DE. Later, they would also minster at Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Catherine of Siena parishes, St. Mark’s High School, and St. Edmond’s Parish in Rehoboth Beach, DE. In 1959, as the need for special education increased, St. Gertrude’s Academy was phased out and The Benedictine School for Exceptional Children was started in the academy buildings. By 1964, a new school was built and was followed by the Habilitation Center and the Open Community Program. Today these programs are called the Benedictine Programs and Services which encompass many other programs. In 1982, under the patronage of St. Martin DePorres, several sisters began collecting and distributing food, clothing, and other necessities to the poor of the area. This was the beginning of St. Martin’s Barn. Then in 1993 St. Martin’s House was opened as a transitional residence for homeless women and children. In addition to St. Martin’s ministries, the monastery also maintains The Berg Center and Hildegarde Wing as spaces for private or group retreats in a contemplative setting. Finally, to add to the ministries at the monasteries, sisters continue to minister in Wilmington, DE. After more than 120 years on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Ridgely Benedictine Sisters continue to “Pray and Work” so “That in all things God may be glorified.”

07/11/2025

Feast of St. Benedict. Oblation of Yvonne Williams Jones and Andrew Kosinski. July 11, 2025

06/15/2025

Sister Mary Elizabeth Cassidy, O.S.B. (AKA. Sr. Regina Marie) was born on January 22, 1927, and entered the Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, Maryland in 1954.

Sister ministered in Elementary Education, Diocesan Religious Education, and Retreat Ministry. Sister was always an active community member, serving on numerous committees. Sister Mary Elizabeth also ministered as a local superior, formation Directress, and sub prioress.

Sr. Mary Elizabeth died peacefully at Saint Gertrude Monastery on June 5, 2025. Sister was 98 years old.

Visitation will be held at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE on June 18, 2025 beginning at 10:00 to 11:30 with the Mass of the Resurrection following at Holy Family Church. Interment will be held the next morning in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Ridgely, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benedictine Sisters, 25 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713.

A complete obituary can be found on the Mealey Funeral Homes website.

View Mary Elizabeth Cassidy (AKA. Sr. Regina Marie)'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/05/2025

Sr. Marylou decorated our dining room for Mardi Gras and one of our Benedictine Oblates gifted us with a King's Cake!

We had a great meal and enjoyed the King's Cake for dessert.

Now, the feasting is over and the time of fasting has begun.

May you have a blessed Lent and a joyful Easter!

01/23/2025

Sister Mary Elizabeth Cassidy celebrated her 98th birthday in style on January 22, 2025!

About 15 of Sister's nieces and nephews and several "GREATS" visited with Sister after lunch today.

The community feasted on a delicious dinner prepared by our staff.

01/11/2025

On January 10, 2025, Sister Gerard Falkowski celebrated her 90th birthday with the Sisters and her longtime friend, Pat Peterson.

The celebration began with a beautiful, meaningful Evening Prayer, followed by a delicious dinner! It was a delightful celebration!

11/12/2024

Sister Eleanor celebrated her birthday on November 6 while recovering from a broken hip! She chose her dinner menu and her birthday cake which the cook made.

And Sister Barbara Ann, a Felician Sister, celebrated her 80th birthday with us. She was delighted with the 80th decorations and her roast beef dinner. Sister lives in one of the apartments that are right next to our monastery and comes for dinner on a regular basis. She enjoys having prayers, conversation, and a meal with us!

09/07/2024

Oblate novice ceremony for Yvonne Jones Lembo, Tony Imhoff, and Andy Kosinski. Blessings as you begin preparing for making your oblation.

07/18/2024

Tribute, Toast, and Poem...
In honor of the Benedictine Sisters of Newark, DE. The Oblates from Newark and Ridgely provided a luncheon on the feast of St. Benedict, on July 11. Kathy Penniston-Smith presented the speech and the toast, and Cynthia Ingrahm read a poem she had written. It was an extraordinary day enjoyed by all

03/21/2024

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/catherine-higley-obituary?id=54589731
May Perpetual Light Shine Upon her, May she Rest in Peace.

View Sr. Catherine Higley's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2024

Oblation of Colleen Richmond. Wishing you many Blessings on this day, and every day 🙏

12/03/2023

Good morning from St Benedict's Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree in Ridgely! Kathy Penniston-Smith, Co-Director of the Oblates of St. Gertrude Monastery, at her table at the Bazaar at St. Benedict's.

Address

25 Gender Road
Newark, DE
19713

Website

http://www.osbridgely.com/

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