BURTON, Ohio — The nuns of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery celebrated the 10th anniversary of their founding April 3, thanking God for providing the means to live out their call to prayer and hospitality within the Eparchy of Parma.
The nuns commemorated the anniversary simply on their own at the monastery; they plan to celebrate with the wider community at their Bridegroom’s Banquet benefit dinner Oct. 19. In the 10 days leading up to the anniversary, the nuns posted previously unpublished photos from their first 10 years on their blog and social media accounts.
Though the nuns do not live in the geographical center of the eparchy, they consider themselves as living within its spiritual heart, remaining in God’s presence in an intentional way through a life totally dedicated to God by means of poverty, chastity, obedience and continual prayer.
The monastery was founded in 2009, by Mother Theodora Strohmeyer and Mother Cecilia Hritz, upon the invitation and with the support of now retired Bishop John Kudrick of Parma. Bishop Kudrick and Mother Theodora were inspired by St. John Paul II’s appeal in his apostolic letter “Orientale Lumen” for the revitalization of traditional monasticism in the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Mother Theodora was a member of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, and Mother Cecilia was a college student discerning religious life when Bishop Kudrick published a letter in 2008, outlining his vision for monasticism in the eparchy.
The two women received the support of Bishop Kudrick to discern the foundation a women’s monastery, and the Social Mission Sisters, who formerly resided in the house that is now the monastery, gave the gift of their property to the eparchy for the purpose of this new foundation. Mother Theodora recalled the events leading up to the establishment of the monastery.
“I remember during the height of the painful discernment of God’s will, when I pleaded to Jesus and said, ‘Jesus, I know you said, ‘a perverse and unbelieving generation seeks a sign,’ but I need a sign. I need to know that this is your will and not mine,’” she said. “Within minutes, I received a phone call from Bishop Kudrick informing me that (Social Mission Sisters) Sister Flora and Sister Adalberta were giving us the house and the property. This confirmation of (God’s) will could not have been clearer.”
Mother Theodora had taken a leave of absence from the Basilian Sisters and, after a few months of initial renovations to the house, the two women moved into the monastery April 3, 2009. Their adventure intensified as they grew in daily liturgical prayer, matured in their personal relationships with Jesus, and overcame countless obstacles by God’s grace.
The next member of the community, Mother Gabriella, joined in 2011, followed by Mother Iliana, Sister Natalia and Sister Petra. They share about life at the monastery regularly through their blog, newsletter and social media.
The community received initial canonical recognition as a “public association of the faithful” from Bishop Kudrick. The nuns expect to receive final approval of their rule of life, called a typikon, from the Vatican this year to become a canonical eparchial monastery.
In the past 10 years, the nuns have completed several renovation projects, including several small retreat houses, called poustinias, available to the faithful for silent retreat upon reservation. They also make a few items for sale at the monastery, though they are supported mainly by donations.
“It’s hard to comprehend that 10 years have quickly passed,” said Mother Theodora. “We will be forever grateful to St. John Paul II, Bishop Kudrick and the countless family members, friends and benefactors who have faithfully supported us through the years with their love, prayers and financial support. With them, we joyfully look forward to the future and growth of our monastery, in intimate union with our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.”
Caption:
Mother Theodora Strohmeyer, left, and Mother Cecilia Hritz, founders of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery, are pictured at their lemonade stand fundraiser in the early days of the monastery. The monastery currently includes six nuns. (Photo courtesy of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery)
As published in Horizons, June 2, 2019. Sign up for Horizons’ digital newsletter.