A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a white blouse with thin stripes, smiles while standing indoors in front of a stained glass window. A green plant is visible to her left.

Bernadette Donlon

Associate Director of Admission

Office: Luke Hall 202, SJU

Biography

Bernadette is a graduate of the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University and Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary She has a deep love of theology and finds great joy in conversation, especially over a cup of coffee! Bernadette currently lives in St. Cloud.

What is special about the SOT/Sem?

In the Rule of Benedict, it says, “let all guests who arrive be received as Christ” (Chapter 53 Verse 1). This commitment to welcoming the stranger is embodied in a very unique way at Saint John’s SOT/Sem. There aren’t many places in the world where we are encouraged to slow down and genuinely encounter others like we are at Saint John’s. The rich tradition of Benedictine spirituality, flowing from the monastic communities of Saint John’s Abbey and Sacred Heart Monastery, creates and sustains this culture – its more than just “being nice,” its feeling seen and loved for who you are, and passing that gift along by seeing and loving others as the person God created them to be.

What is your favorite place on campus?

This is a hard question! I’d have to say my favorite place on campus is The Lourdes Grotto, which is a bit of a “hidden gem” on Saint John’s campus. Visiting this serene spot has always brought me so much peace, and I love taking the time to walk there. This grotto also has my favorite view of the Stella Maris Chapel. I love sitting on the steps of this shrine and watching the sun set over Lake Sagatagan whenever I can!