Sister Bernard Gripshover, 1887-1961
Born May 19, 1887, Sandfordtown, Kentucky
Entered St. Walburg Monastery, April 18, 1925
First Profession March 21, 1927
Died October 16, 1961
Sr. Bernard Gripshover was born to Bernard and Margaret Bilz Gripshover and given the name Elizabeth at her baptism. Elizabeth entered St. Walburg Monastery on April 18, 1925 and received the habit and her new name on February 10, 1926. Sr. Bernard made first profession on March 21, 1927 and final profession on March 21, 1930. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee on March 21, 1952.
Sr. Bernard grew up on a farm and brought with her to the monastery a deep knowledge of animals, growing things and anything agricultural. From 1927-31 she helped in the kitchen at Villa Madonna. After that she was in charge of the farm and its workers. Her two brothers lived in the small house near the barn and worked with her for many years. Always a stalwart woman of the land, Sr. Bernard died on October 16, 1961.