Sisters Meet Scripture Women
by Betty Kugi, OP
From left: Sr. Mary Ellen O’Dea performs as Queen Belkis with Sr. Fidelis Weber.
From left: Sr. Mary Ellen O’Dea performs as Queen Esther with Sr. Mary Esther Becker
Last June, four women of the Hebrew Scriptures came to visit the Sisters at the Dominican Center in Spokane, WA, and share their wisdom. Queen Esther of Susa Persia, Queen Belkis of Sheba, Hulda the Prophetess, and Hagar came to life in the person of Mary Ellen O’Dea, OP. Mary Ellen had brought women of Christian Scripture to speak to our Sisters. Our retired Sisters (specifically Mary Esther Becker, OP) asked that Mary Ellen return again this year and bring Queen Esther.
Each morning, one of the Bible women came to the chapel to share stories from her life and heritage with those gathered. In the afternoon, there was time for reflection, rest, and recreation. Before dinner, we gathered again to learn more about these wise wisdom figures from art portfolios and classical music appropriate to each biblical guest. This was also a time for sharing and questions. The week ended with a theological reflection and prayer based on the gifts these women brought to us.