Mother Scholastica Stockman

Prioress from 1890-1898 & 1902-1914

Elizabeth Stockman, daughter of William and Anna Stockman of Westphalia, Germany, was born in Covington, Kentucky, on October 29, 1846. The family having migrated to Ferdinand, Elizabeth was the third candidate to enter the Ferdinand convent on May 16, 1868. She was invested with the habit on July 11, 1869, and made perpetual vows on August 13, 1886.

Mother Scholastica was highly esteemed and loved by the sisters. In addition to her care for them, she worked diligently for the advancement of the spiritual life and development of the community. During her terms in office as Prioress, there was much construction. In 1891, a new barn was built and a cottage for the workmen of the monastery. Donations for the Gothic altar and statues of Saints Maurus and Placid were received in 1892. At the same time, many other of our life-size statues were donated: St. Joseph holding the child Jesus, St. Gertrude the Great, and St. Walburga. During her third term in 1903, ninety-two acres of land were acquired. A new wing was added to the monastery, which is currently the annex. In 1907, electric lighting was established in the chapel. A new kitchen was built in 1908 as an addition, and the installation of a telephone and electrical lighting was completed. She certainly moved with the changing times as a strong leader. Serving four terms as Prioress exemplifies her dedication to the welfare of the Sisters in all aspects of our monastic life.