Sister Anita Louise Lowe

Prioress from 2019-Present

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Sister Anita Louise Lowe is the daughter of David and Mildred Lowe. She is a graduate of Marian Heights Academy and Brescia College in Owensboro, Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in French and secondary education certification. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Theology with a concentration in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame.

Sister Anita Louise entered Monastery Immaculate Conception in 1987 and professed her Perpetual Vows in 1995. Throughout her years in monastic life, she has served in various capacities, including English and French teacher, Assistant Director of Communications, Public Relations Manager, Assistant Director of Vocations, Director of Vocations, and Liturgist. In 2019, she was elected Prioress, guiding the community with wisdom and dedication.

As Prioress, Sister Anita Louise has led the community through significant milestones. Under her leadership:

  • The monastery navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2019-2021)
  • A new sound system was installed in the monastery chapel (2022).
  • A new roof for the cupola and cleaning of the bronze cross atop the church. (2022)
  • A new roof was completed on St. Benedict Hall (2023).
  • The Hildegard Health Center closed, and its sister patients were moved to Scenic Hills (2023).
  • A community loan helped establish a Family Scholar House in Sellersburg, Indiana.
  • A consultation process (KEB Consulting, 2021–2023) funded by the Women of the Rule led to the community formulating a plan for space, deconstruction and renovations.
  • An aging and inadequate heating and air-conditioning systems led to the implementation of Geo-Thermal energy for the monastery.
  • Renovations were completed on the colonnade, St. Benedict Hall’s third and fourth floors, and the south tower, including the addition of an elevator.

Beyond her leadership, Sister Anita Louise remains deeply involved in music ministry and other monastery services. She is a harpist and a trained weather spotter. In 1998, she was a member of Stillpoint, a contemporary musical group of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, where she composed several songs for the group and community.