Hope Is Anchored At Sacred Heart Monastery! vBy Aimee Huntley It was a year to the day of Sister Maribeth Wentzlaff ’s installation as the fourteenth prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota, and I felt blessed to be having a conversation with this remarkable woman! In addition to her six year term as prioress, she also serves on the board at Mount Marty College and co-chair of the sponsorship level for Avera. I had been acquainted with Sister Maribeth through seeing her occasionally at Mount Marty and at various monastery/church events, and been a former student in one of the Rule of Benedict classes she’d previously taught at the college. I had never had a one-on-one conversation with her though, and was struck by her genuine love, knowledge and ability to share her inspiring experiences! Her happy personality and frequent laughter made our time together go swiftly. Most Catholic nuns wear some sort of cross, or crucifix as jewelry, but Sister Maribeth sported a beautiful, golden anchor instead. She also has another silver one she received during a special trip to Rome, this emblem is ancient and was found in the catacombs. When asked what it signified she said, “It’s the Christian symbol for hope. It reminds me to stay anchored in Christ. When I’m floating all around, he’s the one that holds me steady.” She feels this symbol of hope is representative of her belief and hope for religious life and everything in general. The anchor is also the motif used when she made her final vows. This included the very fitting psalm from Isaiah 40, v. 31, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Sister Maribeth has been a prominent personality at Mount Marty College and Sacred Heart Monastery Practicing the gentle art of modern dentistry. New Patients and Emergencies Welcome! 1101 Broadway Ste. 105, Morgen Square 605.665.2448 • www.scottfamilysmiles.com Experience Gentle, Personalized Dental Care For Your Entire Family! 8vHERVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2018