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Who are the Ferdinand Benedictines
The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand
- The Ferdinand Benedictines are one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States.
- The religious community numbers 173 women, about 115 of whom currently live in Ferdinand at Monastery Immaculate Conception.
- The community includes 7 women in initial formation (two novices, five temporary professed), the first three stages of membership.
- The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand are members of the Federation of St. Gertrude.
Ministries of the Ferdinand Benedictine Sisters
- Currently, 80 sisters serve in full-time positions outside the monastery. In addition, 20 sisters serve in part-time positions outside the monastery.
- Ferdinand Benedictines serve in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Maryland, Italy, and Peru.
- The sisters serve in the areas of education, parish work, health care, counseling, retreat and spirituality work, social services, and mission work.
- A sampling of positions held by Ferdinand Benedictine Sisters include: parish pastoral associate, director of religious education, liturgist, youth director, superintendent of schools, school principal, school director, teacher (at all levels, from pre-school through college), psychologist, planning coordinator for a homeless coalition, librarian, hospital chaplain, nurse, physical therapist, veterinarian, comptroller, spiritual director, administrator.
- The Ferdinand Benedictines operate For Heaven’s Sake, the monastery gift shop, and Kordes Center, a guest facility, both on the monastery grounds.
History
- The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand were founded in 1867 by four young Benedictine sisters who came from Covington, Kentucky, to teach Ferdinand’s German settlers. (See The History of the Ferdinand Benedictines.)
- In the past 140 years, over 1,000 women have entered the Ferdinand Benedictine community. Their faith, spirit, and energy have led to the establishment of six independent monasteries—in Arkansas, North Dakota, California, Louisiana, Indiana, and Kentucky—and missions in Peru and Guatemala.
- At a time when many religious communities have not had new members in years, the Ferdinand Benedictine community has averaged almost three new members yearly for the last 12 years. The community’s success in gaining new members has been featured in print and broadcast media internationally, including a Wall Street Journal article and an episode of ABC’s "Nightline."
Monastery and Grounds
- The monastery's architectural magnificence has earned it the name "Castle on the Hill." The heart of the monastery is the church, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Also on the grounds are a Lourdes Grotto, outdoor Stations of the Cross, the Rosary Steps, a walkway for recitation of the traditional prayer, and Hildegard’s Labyrinth for walking prayer and meditation.
- Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tours are available at other times by appointment. Known for their hospitality—part of the Benedictine rule by which they live—the sisters welcome visitors to share the peace and beauty of their facilities.
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