BRISTOW, Va. —Â Hosted by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, the Circle of Love picnic is held each year on the grounds of Saint Benedict Monastery. The Circle of Love picnic once again brought together friends, family, young and old. Over 200 people were in attendance Saturday and guests enjoyed an afternoon of good food, entertainment and fun activities.
Food prepared by the Knights of Columbus, George Brent Council #5332 included burgers, chicken and hot dogs and all the fixings of a traditional family barbeque. Greg Dodson provided hours of great music with a mix of county, rock and folk tunes.
Children played games, jumped on the moon-bounce and had face-painting. Many people strolled the beautiful grounds and wandered through the Master’s Gardener’s lovely gardens. For those seeking solace or prayer, they visited the tranquil Place of Peace, while others enjoyed the serenity of the Forgiveness Garden, the meditation space of the Peace Silos or took a walk on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth.
The ministries of the Benedictine Sisters were out in full force with tables set up around the Circle of Love. Each guest was given a Benedictine Passport to get validated at each of the ministry tables which included Linton Hall School, BEACON for Adult Literacy, Saint Gertrude High School, Benedictine Pastoral Center and Transitional Housing BARN. Once fully validated, they were entered into a drawing for an IPad Mini. There was also a silent auction and raffle baskets with items donated from local sponsors.
The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia are a community of women living the Rule of Benedict, supporting one another in their mutual search for God and ministering to the needs of the Church in Virginia since 1868. Their daily monastic life is comprised of communal prayer, meaningful ministry and the sharing of life in common. Praying the psalms, or the Liturgy of the Hours, at morning, midday and evening, they bring the needs of our world to the timeless praise of God.
For more information about the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia and their ministries, visit www.osbva.org.
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.Â
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
