Into your
“
hands, we commend their spirits ...” Sister Gertrude Greathouse, OSB April 23, 1927 - June 16, 2011
E
very sister’s life leaves a mark on the community, but some are more public than others. The music composed by Sister Gertrude Greathouse is an integral part of the liturgical life of Mount St. Scholastica. Growing up in Moberly, Missouri, she discovered at an early age that she could easily reproduce whatever music her piano teacher demonstrated. She came to religious life in 1948 and earned a master’s degree in music education. Her early talent had blossomed into a great gift of creativity, whether playing requests at a sing-along or improvising grand recessionals on the massive St. Scholastica Chapel organ. She served as a school music teacher, community liturgist, and organist for the sisters and for parishes. She will be remembered not only in her own monastery but, through her involvement in the Benedictine Musicians of the Americas, in the liturgies of monasteries throughout the nation. Her works included psalm tones, canticles and responses, and the Mass that was sung at her own funeral. She will not be remembered merely for her works, but for a life that was the source of the joy and prayerfulness found in the music. She was one who found beauty in people, the world, and her community and returned praise to God.
24
Winter 2011