Sister Theresa Dvorak
Sister Theresa Dvorak is the daughter of Frank and Frances Musil Dvorak and entered the Monastery from Nampa, ID. She believes that "Benedictine life offers women challenges to a deep spirituality which can enable them to be effective in ministering to the spiritual hungers of the world."
After her monastic profession in 1949, Sister Theresa worked in domestic services with the Sisters at St. Joseph's School in Cottonwood, St. Mary's School in St. Maries, St. Martin's College in Olympia, and St. Paul's School in Nampa.
Her teaching career took her to St. Anthony's in Pocatello, Sacred Heart in Boise, St. Paul's in Nampa, Holy Trinity in Nezperce, St. Nicholas in Rupert, Our Lady of Lourdes in Lewiston, and Sts. Peter and Paul in Grangeville. She retired from teaching in 1998 and returned to the Monastery in Cottonwood where she began working at many tasks including baking and care of the flower gardens.
Like Hildegard of Bingen, Sister Theresa became very interested in the healing properties of plants. "I have always been interested in plants, from planting the seed and watching it grow, to enjoying the beauty and eventual harvest. Over the years I have discovered the healing power of plants in whatever form they manifest themselves -- in their beauty, fragrance or medicinal properties."
For Sister Theresa "my life of prayer and my ministry of teaching have been highlights of my years as a Benedictine Sister."