Church’s & Monasteries
Saint Meinrad Archabbey
200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
The Benedictine tradition came to the Midwest in the 1850s, when the Swiss Abbey of Einsiedeln sent two monks to investigate whether to begin a foundation in this area. In this way, the monks of Einsiedeln hoped to:
* Transplant their Benedictine heritage onto American soil
* Minister to the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic population settling in the area
* Start a school to prepare local men for the priesthood.
Founded on March 21, 1854, Saint Meinrad Archabbey is a thriving community of 100 monks who make new the Benedictine tradition in the 21st century. Daily, they commit their lives to prayer and work, faithfully following vows of obedience, stability of place, and conversion of life.
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Monastery Immaculate Conception
802 E. 10th St, Ferdinand, Indiana 47546
Known as the “Castle on the Hill”, the Monastery, founded in 1867, is home to one of the nation’s largest communities of Benedictine women. The distinctive, recently-restored Romanesque dome, rises majestically over the town of Ferdinand, standing at 87 feet from the floor and 32 and a half feet in diameter. Throughout the church, 89 angels are present, 16 of which are depicted on the stained glass windows surrounding the dome. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures. The Monastery gift shop, “For Heavens’s Sake”, offers handmade crafts from the sisters and other unique spiritual merchandise. The Kordes Center, also on the Monastery grounds, offers a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway.
See more info here http://aboutsouthernindiana.com/castle-on-the-hill/