Saint Benedict's Monastery

Saint Benedict's Monastery is a Benedictine monastery in St. Joseph featuring a Sacred Heart Chapel with a 135-foot (41 m) dome supported by Ionic columns. The buildings display Beaux-Arts architectural style that defines the character of this religious compound.

The monastery was founded in 1863 when Benedictine sisters from Saint Walburg Abbey in Bavaria established a religious community in Minnesota. The founding sisters brought European monastic traditions and transplanted them into the American context.

The monastery contains a museum displaying artworks and objects that document how the sisters shaped local schools and healthcare institutions over many generations. Visitors can see the tangible evidence of their contributions embedded in these collected items.

The monastery offers programs and retreat opportunities through its Spirituality Center for visitors interested in spiritual direction and workshops. It is best to contact ahead to learn about available activities and plan your visit accordingly.

At its peak in 1946, the monastery housed about 1,278 sisters, making it the largest women's Benedictine community in the world. This remarkable scale demonstrates the profound appeal the place held for those drawn to religious life.