The Kentucky Derby and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery

            The running of the Kentucky Derby is now a world-wide sports event. But back in May, 1875 the running of the first Kentucky Derby attracted little attention. A crowd of only 10,000 watched the thoroughbreds race at Churchill Downs.

            Back in Covington, Kentucky do you think the Benedictine community on 12^th Street was even aware of the Derby in 1875, that it was the beginning of the most prestigious event in racing history? On Derby day did its members sip mint juleps, whiskey sours or drink cherished beers? Did they talk about which horses would win, place and show?

            The answer, of course, is NO to all of the above.

            At that time, however, the community was running a race of its own. It began at the starting gate in August, 1859, when 4 sisters were “biting at the bit” ready to charge forward. Here’s what that small community accomplished in the 15 years, 9 months between 1859 and 1875.

    The sisters’ membership grew from 4 to 37.

    The sisters established independent foundations in Indiana and Louisiana.

    The sisters built a monastery and later added a wing.

    The sisters bought two more lots on 12^th Street.

    The sisters opened St. Walburg Academy.

    The sisters obtained a Charter of Incorporation. (And later the annual Corporation meeting would be established for the first Saturday of May—the same day as the Derby.)

    The sisters purchased a 38 ¼ acre farm on Horsebranch Rd.

    The sisters accepted the charge of girls at the newly established St. John Orphan Home.           

    The sisters provided teachers for St. Joseph School and St. Walburg Academy in Covington, Kentucky and St. Boniface School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

            A pretty impressive record for so short a time! And the community on 12^th Street was still running strong when the Derby horses crossed the finish in 1875. And the community continues running strong. It knows no finish line, no blanket of roses. It just keeps running to meet never-ending challenges, staying a nose ahead and relishing the excitement of the race.

            And, for sure, at the running of the 139^th Kentucky Derby the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery will be enjoying the traditional communal singing of My Old Kentucky Home, watching the race together on TV, enjoying party food and being surprised by which horse actually wins!

         Sr. Archivist, OSB