St. Michael's History at 1445 N. 2nd street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 US - Sisters of Charity, BVM

• Celebrating Mary Frances Clarke's 200th Birthday
  
  Who was Mary Frances Clarke?
  A Brief History of the Sisters of Charity

2003 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of BVM foundress Mary Frances Clarke. A young Irish woman, she journeyed from Dublin to Philadelphia with four companions in 1833 to teach children of the immigrants. The congregation was founded that same year with the assistance of Rev. Terence Donaghoe. (Fr. Terence Donaghoe was the first pastor of St. Michael's Parish)  Ten years later, the young community of 19 Sisters migrated to Dubuque, Iowa at the invitation of Bishop Matthias Loras.  

• The Reverend T. J. Donoghoe, pastor of St. Michael's Church, who had been seeking suitable teachers for his parochial school.
• Fr. T.J. Donaghoe at Dubuque (slide show) 
   

Take a virtual tour of the life and times of Mary Frances Clarke in Dublin, Philadelphia and Dubuque, created by Mary Clare Sweeney, BVM as her birthday gift to Mother Clarke. Discover more about our foundress’ life and spirit as created by Donna Bebensee, BVM as her gift. 

 

Spring 2008: The Gift of Water: Precious, Endangered  (PDF Only)

Winter 2008: Celebrating 175 Years of BVM Presence and Partnership (PDF Version)

Fall 2007: BVMs Celebrate 175 Years! Remembering the Journey (PDF Version)

Summer 2007: Artists Create, Nurture Timeless Beauty (PDF Version)

Spring 2007: BVM Education: BVMs Meeting 21st Century Needs (PDF Version)

Winter 2007: Law and the Search for Justice (PDF Version)

Fall 2006: Home People - Home Places (PDF Version)

Summer 2006: On the Move: Body and Spirit (PDF Version)

Spring 2006: Everyday Spirituality: Living in Relationship (PDF Version)

Winter 2006: Eye on Moral Values (PDF Version)

Fall 2005: Aging: Growing in Wisdom and Grace (PDF Version)

Summer 2005:  Leisure: Nourishing Body, Mind and Spirit (PDF Version)

Spring 2005:  Music: 'Joyfully Our Voice We Raise' (PDF Version)

Winter 2005:  Religious Life: Living the Mystery  (PDF Version)
                        La Vida Religiosa: Vivir el misterio  (Español)

Fall 2004:  Latinization of U.S.  (PDF Version)

Editor:  Mira Molse, BVM
Design Editor:  Angie J. Connolly
Communication Advisory Committee: Associate Jeanne Harrington; Mary Martens, BVM; Sara McAlpin, BVM; Maggie McGinn, BVM; Joan Newhart, BVM; Mary Jean Stopper, BVM; Betty Voss, BVM

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© 2008 Sisters of Charity, BVM