On the last day of the summer retreat, sixteen nuns were very surprised and happy to find themselves being honoured and acknowledged for having given 25 years of service to the Abbey.
In a lovely ceremony attended by the entire Abbey community, Khenpo Chonyi presented each nun with a certificate, khata, and an honorarium. The small monthly stipend that elder nuns are now given allows them to prepare their own food as needed, and to provide other necessities. It may also serve as a reassurance to the younger nuns that it is fine to remain with the Abbey as they age ~ the community will be able to take good care of senior nuns!
Photo credit: Debra Ann Robinson