PRAIRIE DU SAC — During the upcoming Fermentation Fest D’Tour, you are invited by the Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery in Prairie du Sac to visit their home on the edge of what was once the great Sauk Prairie to learn about their life of “ora et labora” (prayer and work) — from September 26 through October 4.
The Sisters serve God and the world by praying for those in need, singing psalms in Gregorian chant seven times each day, along with planting, harvesting, sewing, and baking altar breads in an enclosed environment of silence and sacrifice.
An onsite exhibit will share their story.
D’Tour is a diverse 50 plus mile self-guided, free family drive through the artistic, cultural, and natural highlights of southern Sauk County.D’Tour Co-Founder Donna Neuwirth explained, “It’s a glimpse into the land’s geologic and human history, and an invitation to come closer.” Or, as she describes it, “a magical mystery tour — a little bit of Kansas, a little bit of Oz — plus cows!”
Although you will not see the Sisters, volunteers will offer you traditional monastic hospitality, providing samples of the Sisters’ altar breads (non-consecrated) and answers to questions about their monastic life.
About the Sisters
Between their varied tasks, the 23 Sisters gather seven times daily for prayer, for morning Mass, and to sing the ancient psalms as they have faithfully done since their six foundresses arrived from Switzerland in 1957.
They are the only women’s community of Cistercians of the Original Observance in the U.S.
A temporary outdoor chapel nestled below the bluff will allow you to take a moment to reflect in your own way on Cistercian simplicity and spirituality amid the prairie landscape.
If you or someone beloved are in need of prayers, simply leave your requests, as the Sisters’ serve the world through prayer.
Since their current site and its buildings were designated as temporary six decades ago, plans for a new monastery near Hollandale will also be shared. Various items made by the Sisters will be available for purchase all days except Sundays.
D’Tour co-founder, Jay Salinas, said, “While exploring the new D’Tour route through southern Sauk County, we came across a unique old dairy barn. Upon closer examination, we found it attached to a monastery nestled against sandstone bluffs, inhabited by an ancient order of Cistercian Nuns.
“Serendipity (or providence) led us to them. Though they’re a cloistered order, the Sisters and their volunteers have proved welcoming, curious, and willing to engage D’Tour visitors. We’re excited to feature REFLECT, a new Field Note written by the Sisters, as well as invite visitors to experience their outdoor exhibit and shop.”
Details of the events
Coronavirus precautions will be in place, with drive-by exhibit viewing and socially distant engagement available.
D’Tour runs September 26 through October 4, with exhibit hours Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Valley of Our Lady Monastery is located at E11096 Yanke Dr. in Prairie du Sac.
Take Hwy. 12 to the Prairie Rd./Hwy. C detour, turn west, and continue 0.8 miles to Old Bluff Trl. Turn north (right) for two miles to Yanke Dr.
Signs will invite and direct you.
For a map and information, go to www.fermentationfest.com and build.valleyofourlady.org/participate