The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana have a beautiful monastery to call home, and an equally interesting history. Founded in 1867 in the settlement of Ferdinand, the sisters arrived to fill a need for teachers who could speak German. They have continued to grow their educational ministry, and are now considered one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States.

The monastery’s main building, called the Monastery Immaculate Conception, sits high above the town of Ferdinand in southern Indiana. Called the Castle on the Hill, it features an 87-foot high dome and many other unique architectural features. The sisters give tours Tuesday-Sunday at various times, or you can take a self-guided tour.  Should you choose to stay for more than a day trip, Kordes Retreat Center is also available for overnight or weeklong stays.

For Heaven’s Sake, the sisters’ gift shop, features artwork, home décor, and even Christmas decorations, many of which are made by the sisters themselves. You may also be tempted by the home baked treats, made in the Monastery’s Simply Divine bakery by the sisters. Some cookies are based on recipes dating back to the Middle Ages.

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana are members of Indiana Artisan and you could win A Simply Divine basket of cookies (valued at $100) for yourself or someone else by entering our Made in Indiana. Given by You. contest. Click here to enter to win!