Sister Rebecca Abel

Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky

Testimonial Quote: Life as a Benedictine sister allows you to use all the talents God has given you.

Entrance Date: September 9, 1962

First Profession Date: June 16, 1964

Perpetual Profession Date: June 7, 1969

Educational Background:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree in Library Science

Work Background:
• 1965-1966: Holy Cross, Fort Branch, IN teaching 1st grade
• 1966-1968: St. Francis Xavier, Poseyville, IN teaching 1st & 2nd grades
• 1968-1971: Holy Redeemer, Evansville. Teaching 4th & 1st grades
• 1971-1980: SE Dubois School Corporation, Ferdinand, St. Anthony, Birdseye & Schnellville Elementary Schools. School Librarian
• 1980-1996 SE Dubois School Corporation, Forest Park High School, Director of Media Services.
• 1996-2013: Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy. Director of Libraries, NAC and Casa.
• 2013-present - Library / Archives Consultant for Benedictine Communities
• 2014-present – Catholic Distance University, Online Librarian (part-time)
• 2019-present - Archivist, Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, IN

Present Ministry: Archives; Library Consultant; Swap Shop; Monastery Service

Other Interests: Reading, traveling, swimming.

What attracted me to this community: The women, the ministry, teaching and the form of prayer life, Liturgy of the Hours and daily Liturgy of the Eucharist. My work as teacher, Librarian and Archivist has been and continues to be an enjoyable and challenging career. But my life as a Benedictine woman, sharing with others Benedictine women in the Ferdinand community has been life giving. These women never cease to amaze me with their dedication to prayer and support of one another. What I saw in 1962 that attracted me to community has continued to attract me. It is the women and their dedication, their lives that continue to sustain me in my vocation.