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Sister Carlotta Maria Fontes
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Sisters Carlotta
Maria Fontes crafting |
Sr. Carlotta’s ministries are
hands-on and at the center of the Benedictine charism of profound
connection with the earth. Besides helping with monastery maintenance,
she works in the monastery gardens and grows herbs. She discovered her
love for gardening and the science of herbs after coming to St.
Gertrude’s and has earned certification as a master herbalist. She has
developed an herbal salve, lip balm and soaps, which are sold under the
brand, “Nature’s Gifts,” at the monastery’s Book and Gift Shop, local
stores and the Grangeville Farmers’ Market. She also teaches classes on
creating natural products through the Lewis-Clark State College Outreach
program.
In addition, Sr. Carlotta presents workshops on holistic living, in
which participants explore ways to integrate a wholesome diet, prayer,
meditation and the use of essential oils and herbs to feed the body,
mind and soul.
“So often, people diet and exercise and work on the outside of their
bodies, neglecting their inner selves,” she said. “It is vital to heal
and care for our entire person, inside and out.”
She witnesses to the world by quietly promoting a holistic lifestyle,
demonstrating the Benedictine principles of simplicity and wholeness and
teaching others how to recognize and value the symbiotic relationship we
have with the earth.
