The Sisters on Hill

What inspires a woman to become a Catholic sister, and how does she discover where she belongs? In this episode of The Sisters on the Hill, Sister Kathy Bilskie shares her vocation story and reflects on more than 50 years with the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana. Sister Kathy describes how she first began considering religious life in elementary school and how the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Benedictine Sisters helped her recognize a sense of belonging. She also shares the challenges she faced when her family struggled to understand her decision, along with the many ministries she has served in throughout her life, including health care, pastoral ministry, and fundraising for the Sisters. In this candid conversation, Sister Kathy offers encouragement for anyone discerning a religious vocation: keep praying, listen for God’s guidance, learn about different religious communities, and eventually take a step forward. Listen to hear Sister Kathy’s inspiring perspective on faith, community, discernment, and finding the place where you belong.

What is an icon, and how can icons help us pray? In this episode of The Sisters on the Hill, Sister Jeana Visel shares her journey into the world of iconography and explains the spiritual meaning behind this ancient form of sacred art. Sister Jeana discusses what makes an icon different from other religious artwork, why icons are often described as being “written,” and how the process of creating an icon is rooted in prayer. She also shares how her love of art eventually led her to iconography, teaching, graduate studies, and opportunities to study and work with icons around the world. Listeners will learn about the symbolism, tradition, and prayerful process behind icon writing, as well as Sister Jeana’s current work creating icons and exploring new compositions. She also reflects on how art, faith, and Benedictine spirituality come together in her life and ministry.

What role does music play in a life of faith? In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Rose Wildeman shares how music has been part of her life from childhood and how it has become an important part of her ministry and prayer as a Sister of St. Benedict. With more than 30 years of experience teaching music in classrooms and parishes, Sister Rose brings a unique perspective on the power of music. She explains how music enhances prayer, helps express emotions that words alone cannot capture, and brings the Psalms and other sacred texts to life during Benedictine liturgy. Along the way, Sister Rose talks about the many instruments she has played, her favorite styles of music, her love of guitar, and even the instrument she jokingly admits she never mastered! Whether you love sacred music, enjoy making music yourself, or simply appreciate the way a beautiful song can touch the heart, this episode offers a joyful look at the connection between music, prayer, creativity, and faith.

What secrets, stories, and treasures are hidden in the archives of the Sisters of St. Benedict? In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, Sister Rebecca Abel takes us behind the scenes of the archives at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana. As the monastery’s archivist, Sister Rebecca preserves the history of the Sisters of St. Benedict—from personal records and photographs to documents, artifacts and more. But the archives aren't simply a room filled with old documents. It's a place where history comes alive—and where new discoveries are still being made. Sister Rebecca shares how research and technology have helped uncover previously unknown details about the monastery's buildings, the sisters who came from Germany, and the people and places connected to the community's history. Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious about monastery life, or simply fascinated by the stories hidden in old photographs and documents, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Sisters of St. Benedict.

How can caring for the environment become an act of faith? In this episode of The Sisters of the Hill, we explore the Benedictine commitment to Care for Creation and why protecting God's creation is an essential part of living the Gospel. Sister Jean Marie shares how Scripture, the Rule of St. Benedict, and Laudato Si' inspire us to be faithful stewards of the Earth and to recognize all of creation as a gift from God. From reducing waste and conserving natural resources to appreciating the beauty of the outdoors and making sustainable choices each day, this conversation offers practical ways everyone can help care for our common home. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking for new ways to connect your faith with environmental stewardship, you'll discover that even small actions can have a lasting impact. You're also invited to participate in the Pilgrimage for Creation on September 5, 2026, a unique opportunity to pray, reflect, and experience God's presence in nature while walking between the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand and Saint Meinrad Archabbey. It's an invitation to deepen your faith while celebrating and protecting the beauty of creation.