March 21, 2025 – The monastic community celebrated the Feast of the Transitus of St. Benedict with the Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS), honoring his passing into eternal life.
The Sisters joined the monks for Vespers, followed by the Stations of the Cross at the Abbey Church and a shared meal during dinner.
Benedictines around the world commemorate this special feast, reflecting on St. Benedict’s journey into eternity, which took place around 547 AD.
The Latin term “transitus” means “passing over,” signifying that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God. This day is one of two feast days dedicated to St. Benedict in the Benedictine calendar, the other being July 11, recognized as the Feast of St. Benedict in the universal Church.
An excerpt of St. Benedict’s last days from Book Two of Dialogues by St. Gregory the Great:
“Six days before he died, he gave orders for his tomb to be opened. Almost immediately, he was seized with a violent fever that rapidly wasted his remaining energy. Each day his condition grew worse until finally, on the sixth day, he had his disciples carry him into the chapel where he received the Body and Blood of our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end. Then, supporting his weakened body on the arms of his brethren, he stood with his hands raised to heaven and, as he prayed, breathed his last.” (St. Gregory the Great, Book Two of Dialogues, chapter 37).
