Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 7, 2002
U.S. Benedictine women celebrate 150 years
46 Benedictine monasteries in the world trace roots to one nun
The Sisters of Benedict of Colorado joined 46 monasteries of Benedictine women in five regions of the world to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their founder, Mother Benedicta Riepp.
At 27, Benedicta Riepp was sent with two other sisters from St. Walburg Abbey, Wichstatt, Bavaria, to St. Mary's, Pa., to educate German immigrants and spread the Benedictine way of life. At the time of her death, after 10 years in the United States, six independent communities of Benedictine women were established and thriving.
One hundred fifty years later, 46 monasteries in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Taiwan and Japan trace their roots to Mother Benedicta Riepp.
A survey of the monasteries revealed at least 2 million people were influenced and continue to be served in institutions of education, health care, social services and spirituality instituted by Benedicta Riepp's daughters. The Sisters of Benedict of Colorado, founded in 1992, share in that heritage as a foundation of Red Plains Monastery, Piedmont, Okla.
The Sisters of Benedict of Colorado, located in Littleton, are involved in education and child care. Sisters Shawn Conrad and Judith Elms teach at Notre Dame Catholic School, Denver, and Sister Jane St. Amant, community treasurer, does part-time child care. Three other Sisters of Benedict have continued to work in Louisiana since the priory's foundation.
Sister Elms attended the opening celebration of the 150th anniversary June 22 in St. Mary's, where Benedictine women from across the country gathered. Benedicta Riepp was honored as a woman of courage, conviction and steadfast faith. Today the women of these 46 Benedictine monasteries strive to be faithful to her legacy.
Contact Us
