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It’s the feast of St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order, which led to Western Monasticism. Did you know he had a twin sister? Any female Phoenicians interested in the Benedictine Monastic Experience any day this week?

PARISH FACTS:

• Established Oct. 29, 1985 (Read about its 25th anniversary celebration)
• Attendance went from 79 families then to 1,200 today
• 

  St. Benedict. Feast Day: July 11.

  Originally established as a Chandler parish, but given projected growth in the Chandler/Ahwatukee area, the location was moved two miles to its present location (48th St/Chandler Blvd.)

• First Mass in multi-purpose church building held Christmas Eve 2004
• Sits next to parish school and preschool (named St. John Bosco)

BENEDICTINE SISTERS:

• Run Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery (near 83rd Ave./Thomas Rd.) which serves as a retreat center for individuals and groups
• Welcome the community to its weekly Sunday liturgy
• Offer spiritual direction and directed retreats
• Tends a garden with produce and flowers available to the public as they’re ready. Volunteer gardeners welcome.
• Offers a third order oblate program
• Benedictine Monastic Week is open to women ages 21 and up. Pick any day(s) this week.

SAINT FACTS:

• From a noble, Roman family
• Name means “blessed”
• Twin sister: St. Scholastica
• Began living in remote spots before age 20
• Ultimately established 12 monasteries committed to the rule: “pray and work”
• Patronage includes against poison, farmworkers, schoolchildren and more