Sister Magdalena Craig celebrated 25 years as a Benedictine sister on Dec. 29 at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala.

Sister Craig is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Craig, Jr., of St. Benedict’s parish in Duluth. Born in Louisville, Ky., she grew up in Decatur and attended St. Thomas More School. She graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1963. Then Donna Craig, she attended Sacred Heart College in Cullman for one year and entered the order in 1964.

She earned her B.S. in education at the University of Alabama and did her graduate work for a master’s degree in liturgical studies at the Catholic University of America.

For some years, she was missioned in Florida and Alabama parishes and in 1976 returned to the motherhouse in Cullman to serve as liturgist and organist. She continues in that ministry and also works in adult educations in the diocese of Birmingham.

She also performs musically at church functions around the state of Alabama and is involved with the Monastic Liturgy Forum.

Celebrating her 25th year as Benedictine at the same time was Sister Cecilia MacDermott, a native of County Down, Ireland. At present, she is principal of St. Benedict School in Elberta, Ala.

Rt. Rev. Victor Clark, OSB, abbot of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, presided at the Eucharistic celebration in the monastery chapel. A buffet luncheon followed.