Sister M. Hildelita Mergen came to the Benedictine Sisters at Clyde from Tipton, Kansas, where she, Cecilia, was born on October 22, 1903. Her father, Frank Mergen, had come to the United States from Luxembourg. Her mother, Anna Bonnifield, was a native of West Virginia. There were fourteen children in the family, some half-sistess and brothers, as her father had married again after the death of his first wife.

Mother M. Dolorosa Mergen, Prioress at Clyde from 1920 - 1938, and Prioress General from November 1938 - February 1951, was her half-sister, Margaret. Fr. Frowin Mergen, OSB of Conception Abbey, was a half-brother. Sister M. Scholastics Mergen (+1937) known as "Mary" in her family, was an older sister.

On the very day of her birth, Cecilia was baptized Cecilia Lucretia. Her first schooling,no doubt, was in the environs of her home. From age eleven in 1914, she attended St. Joseph's Academy in Clyde, until 1917, but completed her high school elsewhere. In June 3, 1921, she received a Teacher's Certificate from the Department of Education, State of Kansas. That same year, on August 4th, she entered the postulancy at Clyde.

Cecilia's novitiate was begun six months later on February 4, 1922. The following year, on the feast of St. Scholastica, February 10th, she made her first vows, receiving the name Hildelita, her patroness being a Benedictine Abbess.

As a professed Sister, she was assigned to work in the correspondence department, and taught music in the Academy. She was also a member of the community choir and a proficient organist. On March 10, 1928, the day she made perpetual vows, she was informed of her new assignment as one of the pioneers at Mundelein, Illinois, which was to open in June of that year. Two years later she was recalled to Clyde to teach at the Academy, and was engaged in this work until the Academy closed in June 1934. She remained at Clyde answering letters in the correspondence department, and helping at times in the infirmary.

Sister M. Hildelita loved to play the organ, having come from a musical family that played and sang together,  but another assignment on February 27, 1947 superseded this interest and left no time to continue as organist. She was appointed Novice Mistress and held this office until July 31, 1952. All who spent their novitiate under Sister M. Hildelita’s loving care and guidance, retain precious memories of her devoted concern, her goodness and kindness.

On August 7, 1952, Sister was transferred to Mundelein, and here on January 4, 1953 received the Consecration of Virgins. On November 15, 1956 she was elected a delegate to the General Chapter that opened on November 21st at Clyde. During the Chapter she was chosen Fourth Councilor General, but her health was too poor to continue the full term, and after one year, on December 3, 1957, she asked to resign. 

Her hobby was crocheting and embroidery. Through the years she made many things which were given as gifts or sold in the craft area.

A very special apostolate of Sr. M. Hildelita was to keep in touch by correspondence with Sisters who in post-Vatican II years had left the Congregation, or with girls whom she had taught in the Academy, or knew her otherwise. Some used to visit her on occasions, and all were deeply appreciative of this interest on her part.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer in April 17, 1983 she was brought to St. Louis Health Care Center. Her painful illness progressed rapidly. The devoted care of nurses, and frequent visits of Sisters surrounded her. When her final moment came on August 5, 1983, the Infirmarian and another Sister were with her. They said they would never forget the radiant smile on her face before breathing her final ’'Amen."

Sister M. Hildelita's final message to all her Sisters was this: "God has been so good to me, and my heart is filled with deepest gratitude for all His love and goodness. All my Sisters are in my heart. I bring them all to Our Father and Jesus. All have been so good to me. May our Father give you each His special love and blessing.