The first Benedictine convent in the United States was established in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, in 1852. The founding nuns, Mother Benedicta Riepp and her two companions, originated from St. Walburga Abbey in Eichstatt, Bavaria. They came at the invitation of Father Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., to bring Benedictinism for women to America and also teach the children of the German immigrants. In succeeding years their mission expanded to include hospital care and other works. The community formed more branches over the years, so that today over fifty Benedictine monasteries in America and beyond can trace their roots to St. Marys.