Benedictine sisters move ahead on monastery building plan

The Benedictine sisters of Pittsburgh broke ground June 18 for their new monastery at 3526 Bakerstown Road in Richland Township. Sister Benita DeMatteis, prioress, called the event a major step forward in the life and ministry of the local Benedictines.

"In a spirit of good stewardship for the land which is a hallmark of the Rule of St. Benedict and a guiding principle for the sisters, we will build a smaller monastery that will incorporate green technology as a distinct expression of our reverence for the earth. I truly believe the Lord has led us to this sacred spot at this time in our history. We are blessed and grateful," she said.

Many sisters of the 52-member community, along with the leadership of their capital campaign, were present for the ceremony. Father Thomas Sparacino, pastor of St. Richard Parish, Dean Bastianini, Richland Township manager, and Herbert Dankmyer, chairman of the township's board of supervisors, welcomed the sisters.

Sister Benita announced that the sisters are trying to raise $4 million to help finance the new property and building. Honorary campaign chairs are John and JoAnn Rooney, with Robert German serving as campaign chairman.

For the past three years, Sister Benita has worked with Massaro Corp. on all aspects of the building project: design of the new monastery, purchase of the land, sale of their property on Perrysville Avenue and construction of the building.

The sisters anticipate moving into their new home by fall 2013.