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Immaculata Monastery

Election and Installation of New Prioress

Photo: Sr. Rosann Ocken (left) and Sr. Gabrielle Marie Oestreich (right)

Saturday November 30, 2024, Sr. Gabrielle Marie Oestreich was installed as the Prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters-Norfolk Priory. She will serve a term of 5 years. A native of Michigan, Sr. Gabrielle Marie, began her life as a Missionary Benedictine Sister in 1994 after a career with the United States Air Force.  

Her varied experiences in mission have seen her as Adult Formation Director at Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk, Novice Directress for the community, and Superior for the newly established community at Holy Cross Parish, Sioux City, Iowa where she has recently been involved in Adult Formation, Spiritual Direction, and as Annulment Advocate, in addition to serving as Sacristan for St. Michael Church and volunteering at Unity Point Hospital as a “Cuddler” in the NICU. Sr. Gabrielle Marie is a passionate quilter and loves to dabble in other crafts.

Sr. Rosann Ocken is the outgoing Prioress and will move to Rome to become Superior General of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters. She will be installed on January 20, 2025 for a 6 year term.  A Native of Carroll, Iowa, Sr. Rosann began her life as a Missionary Benedictine Sister in 1969. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Creighton University and a certificate in spiritual direction through a program of the Yankton Benedictine Sisters in South Dakota.

Sister Rosann has served as an elementary school teacher, a campus minister and at the Norfolk Priory as an oblate director for about 12 years. She was elected as a community leader in Tanzania and later in Uganda before returning to Norfolk in 2018 to serve in leadership.

Facts about the Missionary Benedictine Sisters

  • Missionary Benedictine Sisters in the World

    1300

  • Number of Countries where our Sisters live

    16

  • Number of different Nationalities of our Sisters in Norfolk

    8

  • Years the Missionary Benedictine Sisters have been established

    135

© 2024 Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing- Immaculata Monastery and Spirituality Center

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