A Quick Look at the Founding History
Benedictine Sisters
Our Lady of Grace Monastery – Beech Grove, Indiana
Our Lady of Grace Monastery was officially dedicated on December 2, 1956, with a pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop Paul Schulte and many priests. The new monastery was established as an extension of the Convent of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, which had grown too large to accommodate its members.
Origins
As the Ferdinand convent reached capacity, a decision was made to create two new Benedictine foundations — one in Belcourt, North Dakota, and the other in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Archbishop Schulte requested that the Benedictines at Ferdinand found a community in Indianapolis to serve the city’s growing elderly population. To make this possible, he offered a 30-acre tract of land on the southeast border of Indianapolis, originally part of Assumption Parish. Mother Clarissa, then superior at Ferdinand, agreed to exchange the parish itself for the property, securing the land that would become home to Our Lady of Grace Monastery.
Before the new foundation was established, the sisters at Ferdinand held a meeting to determine assignments. Each sister received a paper on which she could indicate her preference — to remain at Ferdinand, to move to one of the two new foundations, or to leave the decision to Mother Clarissa. Although sisters could express their wishes, the superior ultimately made the final decisions. Some sisters added personal conditions — such as agreeing to go only if their biological sister was also sent, or preferring to stay if their sister was chosen to move.
In 1953, Albert Krampe and his son, Bernard, left Ferdinand to begin clearing the new property of honeysuckle, vines, trees, and dense underbrush. Soon, other sisters joined them, transforming what had once been swampy land into holy ground for their new home.
Foundress
Sister Mary Robert Palmer, OSB, was appointed the first prioress (then Reverend Mother) of Our Lady of Grace Monastery. She was a holy, wise, and devoted leader who guided the new community with faith and vision.
First Service
The first five sisters — Sisters Margaret, Irmingard, Rosalinda, Petronilla, and Theresine — lived at Assumption Convent while preparing the new motherhouse. They cleaned, furnished, and maintained the site as construction continued.
By 1956, the new building stood as one of the largest institutions in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Though situated on the border of Indianapolis, the monastery was incorporated into the city of Beech Grove for services and civic affiliation.
The sisters worked diligently to make the monastery both a home and an academy for girls, welcoming day and boarding students. Many also served as teachers and nurses, including those who began their ministry at St. Paul Hermitage, the home for the aged — a central part of Archbishop Schulte’s original vision.
In all, 107 sisters transferred from Ferdinand to Beech Grove, with 77 sisters beginning their Benedictine life at Our Lady of Grace Monastery.
