The Society is named after the Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln in Switzerland, the Benedictine monastery that founded Saint Meinrad more than 165 years ago.

Two monks from the mother abbey came to rural, southern Indiana in the 1850s and bought land to start a new foundation. Their efforts sowed the seed of Benedictine holiness in a new and fruitful area.

Lifetime membership in The Einsiedeln Society is offered to those who invest in the future of Saint Meinrad by:

  • Remembering Saint Meinrad in their will,

  • Making a planned gift to Saint Meinrad (a trust, gift annuity, insurance policy, retirement plan beneficiary designation, etc.), or

  • Making an outright or cumulative gift of $10,000 or more for a specific endowment purpose.

With a gift of $10,000 or more, you can name a specific endowment fund for the purpose or memorial designation of your choice.

On the last Saturday of October, members of The Einsiedeln Society and members of the Abbot Martin Marty Guild are invited to Saint Meinrad to attend a Day of Recollection. Daily, the monks remember the Society's members in prayer, particularly on July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Einsiedeln, the patroness of the Archabbey Church.

To find out more about making a planned gift, contact Brian Doyle at bdoyle@saintmeinrad.edu or 800-682-0988.