Monk Drowns in Lake Sagatagan

I’ve heard so many stories about the monk(s) that drowned in the Sag. Was it one or two monks that drowned? Were they carrying a bell to the chapel? What is the real story?

You are probably referring to the drowning in 1890 of Anselm Bartholmy. Here is a description of the incident:

"On the morning of 3 July 1890, Anselm Bartholmy and Father Felix Nelles, were transporting sod over the lake to landscape the grounds around the Stella Maris Chapel. The boat started leaking and soon sunk under the weight of the wet sod about 100 yards from the chapel. Both could swim, but Anselm was hampered by his monastic habit (clothes). Grabbing hold of Father Felix, he pulled him down. In the underwater struggle Father Felix managed to free himself, but could not rescue Anselm. After a twenty-four hour search the monks found their young confrere’s body."--Scriptorium p.78

There is also a write up of the tragedy in The Record, Vol. III, No. 7, July-August, 1890 p.76. Over the years, six monks of St. John’s Abbey have died in drowning accidents.