+Sr. Regina Krushen, O.S.B.

Biographical Information:

Sister Regina was born Mary Jennifer Krushen on September 7, 1959, in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada, third of the four children of Lawrence and Rose Wasilishen Krushen. Always interested in art, Jennifer studied fine arts at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and worked freelance as an illustrator.

Her Benedictine journey began with the monks of Westminster Abbey in Mission, British Columbia. There she became acquainted with monastic tradition and the Liturgy of the Hours. Becoming an Oblate of St. Benedict, she studied the Rule on her own, which, she said, "opened up a whole new spiritual dimension for me."

She entered The Abbey of St. Walburga Ascension Day, 1992, and made first profession three years later, taking the religious name "Regina" (Latin for "queen") in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace. On another Ascension Day, May 21, 1998, she consecrated herself to God in solemn vows

Sr. Regina shared her artistic gifts with us by making drawings for cards, painting icons, and decorating cakes for feast days. As long as her health permitted, she also helped out in farm, kitchen, and infirmary. She had a natural spirit of hospitality, and delighted in making guests feel welcome. She also had managerial talent. In 1997, she enthusiastically launched our altar bread distribution business, which became a valuable source of income and gainful employment especially for our elderly sisters.

The last four years of her life were characterized by increasing physical suffering from the effects of lupus — endless chemotherapy and intravenous infusions, and dependence on oxygen. At final profession Sr. Regina had taken the motto: "Let it be done to me according to your word." As her health declined she gave silent assent to God’s will in her by her patient acceptance of pain and weakness

Our beloved Sister Regina Krushen gave her final "yes" to God in death on May 19, 2003, almost exactly five years after her solemn monastic profession.

Products featuring this artist's work:

Mother of Tenderness Icon Greeting Card (CA5147) Iconographer

St. Michael the Archangel Holy Card (HC11) Artist