Woman of the Month

In 1956 Sister Nancy Hynes received her calling from God. It was a confusing time for her, but deep in her heart she knew this was her life mission. She ended her engagement with her boyfriend of four years and joined the community at Saint Benedict's monastery.

Sister Nancy Hynes could never have been happier. This monastic way of life was right for her. Through prayer, teaching, companions, and chores she truly loved it all.

After 12 years in the monastic community she and other Sisters faced some hard times. During the 1960’s there was much turmoil in the United States from the women’s right movement to the Vietnam War. Along with many Sisters, Sister Nancy Hynes almost left her calling, but God got her through the crisis.

Sister Nancy Hynes firmly believed in a strong education. She received her PHD at the University of Southern California, where she further learned about political issues and continually fought for women and equal rights. She brought those issues to the CSBSJU community and many people believed she was ahead of her time. She expanded those issues into the curriculum and challenged the faculty and students throughout her whole career at the College of St. Benedict.  

In May 2005 Sister Nancy Hynes was diagnosed with lung cancer. As was typical for her she became engaged in the battle to defeat her cancer. She remained cancer-free until the spring of 2007. Now the cancer has gone to her brain, but there is no doubt she will continue to fight.

The Center for Women dedicates the new Center in her name, in hopes that she and her mission in life will never be forgotten.

“God is good; She never lets me down. I love my life of teaching, praying, singing and playing.”
- Sister Nancy Hynes