Founders Day - June 21, 1948

June 21, 1948, St. Bede Priory in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is officially founded. Sister Ethel Cushing is elected prioress. Since 1892, Benedictine sisters from St. Benedict's Convent in St. Joseph, Minnesota had been serving St. Patrick Parish in Eau Claire. That day, 83 sisters from St. Benedict's became pioneers by founding their own independent priory in Eau Claire.

About 78 members gathered at the priory on June 21, 1948. All members experienced mixed emotions: joy at launching into such a great work for the church, trepidation at what lay ahead, and sadness at cutting the bond which bound them to St. Benedict's.

After Mass, Mother Rosamond solemnly read the official document to erect the priory as an independent religious house. The Candle Ceremony followed, symbolizing the passing of the Benedictine traditions and ideals from the Mother Priory at St. Joseph to the branch in Eau Claire.

The candle, handmade from beeswax at St. Joseph, was lit by Mother Rosamond, prioress of St. Benedict's. Sister Anatolia, the oldest member of the community, handed the candle to Sister Petronelle, the youngest chapter member of Saint Bede. The candle burned during the day in the chapel of the newly established priory. The eagerly anticipated event was now written into history, into Benedictine history and the history of Wisconsin as well.

It is hoped this history will show what ordinary women, fortified with spiritual acumen, have added to their monastic heritage. And how we, in our youthful enthusiasms for a new foundation, restless with activity and growth, need the stabilizing influence of our Benedictine traditions.

Mother Ethel Cushing, the first prioress of St. Bede Priory, and scenes from the original motherhouse at 1328 Wilson St., Eau Claire.

Growth in vocations in the early 60's required the construction of an additional building on Wilson Street creating Benet Hall.

Eventually there were plans for a new priory to be built on a wooded hill just south of town. The groundbreaking for the new Saint Bede Priory took place on May 22, 1963. Many fundraising efforts followed, including the sisters' musical production "Happy Sounds."

By 1964, Mother Denis Smith was able to survey the realization of her community's dreams. The doors of Saint Bede Priory and Saint Bede Academy, a residential girl's high school, were officially opened.

June 21, 1998, celebrating 50 years as an independent monastery

A new monastic bell tower is blessed, and the founding sisters share their recollections:

	Sister Lucille Hubmann: "June 21st, 1948...It was a beautiful, sunny, Monday morning. 78 of the 83 pioneering Benedictines from St. Joseph, Minnesota assembled to establish an independent community. I was one of them. At St. Benedict's we numbered about 1,200. I looked at our group and suddenly realized I was no longer anonymous. I edged closer to a friend -- most of these sisters I knew by name only. Silently, we crowded into the largest room in the house to witness the symbolic and legal separation from the community I had previously entered and loved."
	Sister Petronelle Marthaller: "On Founding Day, Mother Rosamond handed a lit candle to Sister Anatolia, the oldest member of the community, and then it was handed to me as the youngest chapter member. I felt, in a special way, deeply joyful and excited to think I had such a significant part in founding this new community."
	Sister Alicene Tucker: "I felt the people in Eau Claire were happy to have us. We were dear to the people in Eau Claire and I remember feeling we could accomplish a great deal. We were quite independent. We had competent leaders and it seemed only natural to begin to take care of our own concerns."
	Sister Lorayne Andre: "Looking back I marvel at our faith and confidence in the God who inspired us to take this bold step!"
	Sister Britta Coyne: "I was excited about starting a new foundation. Knowing we were starting up something ourselves, I looked forward to whatever would come."

Saint Bede Prioresses ~ 1948 - 2000

Mother Ethel Cushing 1948-1960	Sister Denis Smith 1960-1972	Sister Margaret Michaud 1972-1980	Sister Monica Mai 1980-1984	Sister Connie Ostrander 1984-1988
Sister Monica Mai 1988-1996	Sister Margaret Michaud 1996-2005