Mother Maria-Michael Newe, alias Kerri, was born in Norwalk, California, and was blessed with a twin sister, Terri. They were raised in Whittier, Calif., along with two older sisters, two younger sisters and a brother. At the age of 17 she entered the Convent of St. Walburga, Boulder, Co., on October 7, 1976. Sr. Kerri made first profession on Oct. 7, 1978 and became Sr. Maria-Michael. Her main task was being an apprentice to Sr. Angela on the farm and eventually, after making solemn vows on Sept 8, 1983, becoming farm manager, along with various other duties. Already as a young girl she had enjoyed singing with her sisters at home and was a member of a school choir. Divine Providence was certainly at work as the singing of the Divine Office became a central part of her life, a source of great joy, and continues to be very dear to her heart.
After the "great move" from Boulder, Colo. to Virginia Dale, Colo., she was asked to take on the task of prioress in June of 1999, She continued to manage the farm as it took on the flavor of 'ranching' rather than "farming".
May 17, 2003, Mother Maria Thomas Beil, O.S.B., announced her retirement, leaving Sr. Maria-Michael with the task of Administrator until the election of a new abbess. Two days later on May 19, she was presented with the first challenge of her office, the sudden and unexpected death of our beloved Sr. Regina Krushen on May 19. The election held on June 17, 2003 and presided over by the Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M.Cap., Archbishop of Denver resulted in her being elected as the second Abbess of Abbey of St. Walburga. Preparations were set underway for her installation on September 6 and the celebration of her Silver Jubilee to follow two days later on September 8. Before that great event she faced the death of another of our Sisters, Sr. Angela Wuerzburger on September 1, 2003. Due to a knee injury that resulted in surgery the Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M.Cap. was unable to preside over the blessing and installation ceremonies. The Most Rev. Daniel Kucera, O.S.B., retired Archbishop of Dubuque, presided. Mother Maria Michael's Silver Jubilee celebrations were moved to October 7 and Sr. Angela's funeral mass and burial took place on the 8th of September.
Mother Maria-Thomas Beil was born in Breslau, Germany (now Poland). After she had entered and professed vows in the Abtei St. Walburga in Eichstatt, Bavaria, our motherhouse, she served as a teacher in the Abbey school there until she was sent to the Monastery of St. Walburga in Boulder, Colorado, in 1979. She was appointed prioress of the community in 1981. In 1989, when the monastery was made an Abbey , she was elected the first abbess. She retired from office on May 16, 2003.
