Religious life

Sr Hildegard Ryan osb of Jamberoo Abbey, NSW –  Benedictine Nun, musician, organist, companion, spiritual guide to 400 oblates, life-long learner, archivist, author, choir director, formator, gardener, flower arranger, cook, a much-loved community member and a character!

Sr Hildegard (Mary Ryan) was born on the 2^nd of December 1948 in Ascot, Brisbane.  She was the first of six children born to Joan and John Ryan.

She was educated at St Rita’s Clayfield Qld by the Presentation Sisters.  After leaving school in 1967, Mary gave her life to God entering the Presentation Sisters in Queensland. She completed her Teacher Training and DipEd followed soon after by Pastoral Studies, a Diploma in Liturgy, Religious Studies at Banyo Seminary, Musical Examinations and later on her B.A. She was young with a “love of learning and a desire for God” which was evident in the studies she pursued.

This love and desire for God attracted her to the way of life of the Benedictine community living at Emu Park Qld. The initial attraction soon overwhelmed her and so spoke to her heart that in 1982 she entered the enclosed Benedictine Monastery at Pennant Hills NSW (now located in Jamberoo). Her life soon became full and was deeply rooted in prayer, music, sacred scripture and reading. She became the Choir Director, Director of Ceremonies, gave conferences to our sisters in formation and joined in all the activities of the community.  She had an intellect on fire and studied throughout her life adding a MTheol and Doctor of Philosophy to her earlier qualifications.

Hildegard was a musician who composed many of the hymns and antiphons that we sing in our Abbey church, including a full liturgy for the celebration of Australia Day. Music flowed through her veins, into the keyboard and onto paper. When preparing for special feast days, we would give her new antiphons needed for the Liturgy of the Hours and she would sit down and write the music and return them to us within hours.

In the late 1980s our Benedictine community at Pennant Hills discerned that change and a new vision was needed for the life of the community and its mission of prayer in the life of the Church in Australia. Sr Hildegard was one of the four sisters who pioneered this change under the vision of Mother Benedicta Philips, our Abbess at the time. Under their leadership, the community relocated to a newly built monastery and guest cottages on beautiful Jamberoo Mountain. New life in all its forms flourished thus ensuring the community had a secure future committed to its mission of hospitality and prayer at the heart of the Church.

Hildegard was a very gifted person but always remained extremely humble and never spoke of her abilities. Her gifts were at the service of others. She was happiest arranging flowers in the church, tending to her garden, cooking, walking and talking to her dogs, sitting in community having a yarn in her distinctive Queensland accent, or playing the organ – and boy could she play! Some of us were remembering how we would wait for her voluntary at the end of our Eucharistic celebrations on Sundays or special feast days. Nobody in the church would move until she finished and oftentimes the guests would break into applause!

Hildegard was the Director of our Oblates for over 30 years and hers was an amazing ministry of companioning, guidance and love to over 400 oblates. Her love, commitment and dedication was shown through letters and cards, phone calls, retreats, weekly lectio divina notes posted by mail and via the website, regular PAX magazines containing reflections, history, suggested readings, anniversaries, feast days and more. And for all that she gave, she received so much more back from her oblates. Their faith filled lives of daily prayer and service were an inspiration to Hildegard and our community.

Hildegard had a heart full of love and a welcome for everyone she encountered. She was equally at home talking to professors about her studies or to people she met in Kiama when waiting in a doctor’s surgery. She had a unique ability to remember the facts about people’s lives so that when she met them again, she would immediately ask about family members who were sick or enquire about a particular circumstance previously shared with her.

Hildegard was a bit of a rebel at heart and it is no wonder that she took the name “Hildegard” as she certainly walked in the footsteps of St Hildegard of Bingen who had the courage to speak the truth in love. She taught that the only sin is “drying up” and wrote to abbots and bishops telling them to abandon their dryness, get out of their ruts and buildings and embrace viriditas (verdant greening).  In today’s language, viriditas could be translated as vitality, freshness, vibrancy. Our Hildegard certainly never dried up and lived St Hildegard’s viriditas to the full.

In 2006 Hildegard was diagnosed with a brain tumour and the two surgeries that followed this diagnosis changed her life, leaving her with disabilities and uncertainty. It was her prayer, music and her beloved Oblates that kept her going and brought her healing during hard times. On behalf of our community, we thank our Oblates and her many friends, who have been such a support to Hildegard and who showered her with much love and care especially over these past difficult years.

Hildegard (Hildy) died very peacefully on the 12^th June at the age of 76, surrounded by some of her sisters and family members who had been keeping vigil with her as she made her final journey home to her God. Though we mourn her loss greatly, we are comforted by the fact that she is at peace now after many years struggling with ill health.

We remember her as a giant of our community who, as a monastic woman of deep faith and prayer held so much of our story and tradition and a special place in our hearts.

Rest in peace dear Hildy. May the angels lead you to paradise. May you delight in the company of the God you loved and served faithfully all your life and in the joy of reuniting with the people who have journeyed with you, loved you and believed in you. May you play in the fields of eternity with your beloved dogs and the creatures of our beautiful earth which you cherished.

Sr Hildegard (Mary Ryan) – a lover of life, a masterpiece of God’s creation, a gift to her friends and oblates, a joy and gift to her community. Now, ‘A feather on the breath of God.’ – St Hildegard of Bingen.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord,
and may perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
Rest in peace.

Requiem Mass

We invite you to join us as we celebrate Hildie’s life.

Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 10:30 am
The Abbey Church
695 Jamberoo Mountain Road
Jamberoo NSW 2533

Due to possibly large number in attendance, if you wish to attend the Requiem Mass, please ring 02 4236 0011 ext 106. Thank you.

Burial

The funeral will be followed by a procession to the Abbey’s cemetery where the burial will then take place.

Live Stream

If you are unable to attend the funeral mass and burial, we will be live streaming the service.

Click here to see the live stream of the funeral mass and burial.