Backyard Adventures

BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2015 Pike Publishing 43 Ferdinand has one landmark that stands above the rest. The "castle on the hill," Monastery Immaculate Con- ception, has defined the skyline of the Dubois County town since its completion in 1924. The domed monastery is home to the Sisters of St. Benedict, and if there's one thing visitors can expect, it's peace. "People come here to improve their spirituality," communications director Greg Eckerle said. "Building a relation- ship with God is what it's all about, and I think the quietness and peacefulness of this place can help people get in touch with that." Though the view of the 87-foot-high dome is somewhat imposing from a distance, the grounds and interior of the monastery exude a welcoming quiet. Even the gift shop, "For Heaven's Sake," is tranquil, but perhaps the best place for a visitor to find their center is inside the monastery church. Mass is celebrated there every morning, and twice a day on weekends. However, the church is open for prayer or a self-guided tour through- out the day every day. On a second hill facing the monastery, there's a grotto with a beautiful Lourdes Shrine, stations of the cross, and rosary steps—a perfect place to slow down and ponder or pray beneath the trees. Visi- tors can also take their time inside the labyrinth elsewhere on the grounds, or enjoy the view atop the spiraling stair- cases and balcony on the front of the monastery. "The view from the balcony is inspira- tional," Eckerle said. 'Castle on the hill' is a PLACE OF qUIET STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALDEN HEURING M O N A S T E R Y I M M A C U L A T E C O N C E P T I O N For longer stays or larger groups, guests can book the monastery's Kordes Center, which hosts overnight guests, groups, meetings and retreats. A wide variety of religious books and materials are available at the gift shop, "For Heaven's Sake." The sisters have their own bakery, "Simply Di- vine," known for its springerle and almond springerle cookies, and the bakery's good- ies are also at the gift shop. Though the "castle on the hill" was finished in 1924, and a major restoration of the monastery was completed more re- cently in 2005, the Sisters of St. Benedict have been a part of the Ferdinand commu- nity since 1867. They're one of the largest Benedictine communities in the country, and follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which calls the sisters to prayer, work, hospitality and community. Visitors can learn more about the history of the order and their way of life in a guided or self-guided tour, available on the hour multiple times a day. "The sisters exist to pray and serve the Lord, and they try to help people who are on the margins—people who are strug- gling," Eckerle said. "Many people, called Oblates, also try to live the Rule of St. Benedict in their own daily lives." Learn more about the Monastery Immaculate Conception at http://www. thedome.org/visit-us. Mass and prayer schedules, as well as special event listings, are available on the site.

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