The Sisters of Belle Coeur are women of wisdom.
We are a global community with sisters living in the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, New Zealand and Canada.
This page represents a few of our of our sisters and is a work in progress, as are we.
As explained by our Foundress, Sibyl Dana Reynolds, in her book The Way of Belle Coeur: A Woman's Vade Mecum, the concept of Sisterhood has remained a constant theme in women's lives for centuries. An intentional and co-creative community circle provides a sacred container for women to gather, share, and curate our stories. Together we support one another as we develop our crafts and spirituality. In this way, we create our personal and collective legacies for future generations.
Sister Sibyl Dana Reynolds – California
In my heart of hearts, I'm a monastic and contemplative. The home I share with my husband is my sanctuary. Flickering candles, the smoky scent of incense, and the sound of Gregorian chant quicken my senses. Nostalgia and melancholia feed my writer's spirit. I put pen to paper and await the story. Prayer is a river running through each day. I dwell in the Mystery while I ache to inhabit and know the ancient time and place that lives within a memory, hidden deep inside my bones.
As the founder of the Sisters of Belle Coeur, I am inspired by the sacred wisdom within women's stories and the blessings of sisterhood. Christ, the Beloved, is at the center of my life, my compass, and True North. Sacrament and Scripture feed my soul. I draw sustenance from the writings of the early feminine saints and mystics such as; St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Teresa of Avila, and the Beguine, Mechtild of Magdeburg. My family is my wellspring of joy. My beloved, my children and granddaughter are life's greatest teachers. I believe the times we are living in are calling forth the return of the Divine Feminine. The Spirit invites us to create a living legacy of women's stories expressed through the sacred life-arts. My intention through my work is to serve as a midwife for our planet's rebirthing. I can imagine no greater privilege.
Send an email to Sibyl
Sister Anne Fuquay – Florida
Be Still. Behold. Bear witness. This is my wisdom. I am a lover of silence and solitude, of poustinia. I belong to hushed woodlands, deserted seashores, enclosed home space, cloistered office, and still sanctuaries beyond Sundays. I dwell in the spacious cave of my heart. Within these sacred places, I pray. Gaze. Study. And wonder. I long for the Divine Feminine and for women’s wholeness. I yearn for Creation’s wellbeing. My great love flowers in altars and worship, in communion with saints. Liturgy, proclamation, and celebration, writing with word and image, and the tending of souls and shrines—these are my offerings. Cooking satisfies me. I revel in shared tables and feasting. I’m a baker of Mass bread and Keeper of my Sisters’ relics. Mysteries taking flesh consume me. With thankful joy, I create home with spouse and son, along with two cats. I serve in The United Methodist Church and possess a Franciscan spirit. I am devoted to Mary Theotokos and her mother, St. Anne. I hope to live the meaning of my name, to be grace and light. My invitation is to abide in the poustinia of your heart and be still. Simply behold the wonders all around you. Bear witness to these Mysteries through whichever forms your artistry of devotion manifests.
Sister Millie Mellgren – Michigan
I am retired from a 34-year career in education spanning working in schools and universities from Pre-School to Ph.D. students. I have lived throughout the Midwest in 6 different states but am now settled in the woods of Michigan. While Second Languages and Cultures was my educational passion, and mostly working with students in Spanish, I am now discovering new life as a Sacred Artisan. I am working on the completion of two new books, one a children’s book about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain and the other a parent’s guide to language immersion learning. I also continue to develop my art passion through painting, art journaling and the creation of medicine spirit dolls.
While Second Languages and Cultures was my educational passion, and mostly working with students in Spanish, I am now discovering new life as a Sacred Artisan. I am working on the completion of two new books, one a children’s book about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain and the other a parent’s guide to language immersion learning. I also continue to develop my art passion through painting, art journaling and the creation of medicine spirit dolls.
My wisdom comes from a belief in lifelong learning and I immerse myself in reading and courses on a regular basis. For enjoyment, I help lead the Wisdom of Women group which draws women from all over northern Michigan into a circle for continual development of holistic health and spirituality.
I am also part of the Albeniz Circle of Sisters who identify with the Feast of San Pantaleón and continual study of Spanish cultural influences. I value the Wisdom of Women circle, the Albeniz Sister Circle, and the Belle Coeur Sisterhood as the three most significant influences on my post-retirement life.
Sister Pamela Sampel – Washington
I’m a writer, leadership coach, and spiritual director with an irreverent sense of humor who loves to laugh out loud. Others often describe me as “an innovative thinker and a visionary individual who readily sees a bigger and more complex picture in people, work, and the world around her.” With over 20+ years of experience in collaborative leadership, emotional intelligence coaching, and retreat design and facilitation experience, clients and friends describe me as a clear and direct communicator and a highly intuitive observer with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, write and lead.
Currently, I write, coach, study, research and explore, and create restorative retreat experiences that nurture souls and provide sustenance for life’s journey. A Belle Coeur Sister from the initial formation program in 2013, I’m a passionate believer in the Belle Coeur path for women from all walks of life. I hold Bachelor and Master's degrees in business and non-profit management; certificates in coaching, Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) interpretation and use, spiritual direction, gemstone and flower essence therapies; and I’m an Oblate of St. Benedict at St. Placid Priory in Lacey, Washington. I have keen interests in self-healing and self-discovery practices, and as a result, I have extensive personal experience with gemstones, chanting and sound practices, and flower essences. I currently reside in Port Townsend, Washington on the edge of the Salish Sea. You can visit my website at www.pamelasampel.com