Our History
In 1980, as part of the Benedictine Sesquimillennium celebrating 1,500 years of Benedictine life, the Federation of St. Scholastica, of which the Erie Benedictines are members, encouraged sisters to participate in a weeklong witness for peace at the Pentagon. Forty-eight sisters from around the country answered the call. Following that demonstration, at a national meeting held in Erie over the Thanksgiving holiday, Benedictines for Peace (BFP) was formed.
“The motto of all Benedictine communities is a simple but profound one—PAX,” wrote Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, BFP organizing team member and first national coordinator. “Peace is the sign of the monastic community. It is our responsibility not only to be people of peace, but also to work for peace in the society around us.” Forty years later, the work continues. “It’s hard to comprehend what a radical initiative BFP was in 1980. Today, the collaboration of sisters, oblates, and friends continues the work, increasingly in collaboration with diverse networks and partners in the movements for justice and peace,” said current local BFP coordinator, Sister Anne McCarthy.
