Benedictine Monks Arrived

Before Statehood

Benedictine monks first arrived in what is today the state of Oklahoma in October 1875. Rev. Isidore Robot, O.S.B., and Bro. Dominic Lambert, O.S.B., monks of the French monastery of Notre Dame de la Pierre-qui-Vire, entered Indian Territory at the suggestion of the Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas. Spending their first few months in Atoka, Indian Territory, the pioneer monks eventually settled with the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation. In 1876, they established Sacred Heart Abbey, near what is present- day Konawa, Oklahoma.

Along with communal monastic observance, the pioneer monks also established a school for the children of Native Americans and white settlers of the region. The monastery at Sacred Heart was known for its strict observance, generous hospitality, model farm, and beautiful formal gardens. Rev. Isidore Robot, O.S.B., eventually was named Abbot honoris causa and the first Vicar Apostolic of Indian Territory. He is buried in the cemetery on the grounds of Sacred Heart Abbey.

In addition to their monastery and school, the Benedictines of Sacred Heart Abbey established over 40 parishes and missions throughout the Oklahoma and Indian Territories. In fact, the first two Vicars Apostolic appointed for service in Indian and Oklahoma Territories were Benedictines. In this way, one can say that the Church in Oklahoma is built upon the foundation laid by Benedictine monks. On a cold January night in 1901, disaster struck when a devastating fire destroyed practically the entire complex of buildings at Sacred Heart. Determined to succeed, the monks built a second monastery and school Sacred Heart Abbey and School in 1890 Although they rebuilt the monastery and school at Sacred Heart, the monks decided to accept an invitation to establish a new school in the territorial city of Shawnee, some 30 miles north of Sacred Heart. The new school was incorporated as the Catholic University of Oklahoma, but was known as "St. Gregory's High School and College" from its earliest years.

The foundation at Shawnee began to thrive, while the newly reconstructedmonastery and school at Sacred Heart began to decline as the railroad and economy shifted toward the larger city of Shawnee. And so, although a new monastery complex was constructed at Sacred Heart, the activity of the community became increasingly centered at Shawnee. Eventually, the monastic community itself moved to Shawnee in 1929 and changed its name to St. Gregory's Abbey. Along with the change in name, the monastic community broke its ties with its French roots, and joined the American Cassinese Congregation of monasteries. The monastery buildings at Sacred Heart were abandoned in the late 1940s and were razed in the mid 1950s. The site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and many visitors come to the grounds each year to view the structures and foundations that remain, to visit the cemeteries of the Benedictine monks and the Sisters of Mercy, who operated a school for girls at Sacred Heart, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Since their move to Shawnee, the Benedictine monks of St. Gregory's Abbey have continued to serve the Church in Oklahoma and beyond through their witness to contemplative life and daily prayer, their mission of Catholic education and their many pastoral duties.