ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Benedictine Sister Philomene (Catherine) Lutgon, 98, died at Saint Scholastica Convent, April 18. Sr. Philomene was born in St. Nichola, Minn., to Michael and Ida (Eich) Luigen. Her childhood on the farm instilled in her a great love of nature. Inspired by her aunts, Sisters Amalia and Crescentia, and her older sister, Sister Carolissa, she entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery Dec. 2, 1930. Her novitiate began June 15, 1931. Her first monastic profession took place July 11, 1932, and her perpetual monastic profession was July 11, 1935. She received a certificate in the Principles of Quantity Food Production from St. Paul Vocational Institute, and began her ministry in the kitchen at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. After 10 years, she moved to Sauk Rapids and Brockenridge for two years each, as a cook and much-loved homemaker for the sisters. She spent the next 42 years in hospitals and homes for the elderly. From 1946-1962, she worked at Saint Benedict’s Hospital, Ogden in the dietary department. She retired in 1986, as the dietary director at Saint Scholastica Convent. She remained active assisting in the dining room, assisting the sisters in Louise Hall, and making crafts for the gift shop. She is survived by her Benedictine Community; four brothers, Peter, Paul, Henry, and Benedictine Brother Bernard; and many nieces and nephews.
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