“They were starting out on this new adventure, a new religious congregation in this new republic that was not a Catholic place and not friendly to Catholics, many times. They had no history to fall back on. We can look back, but they really had to live that hope that if this was God’s desire, he would provide a way. And we are heirs to that promise.” -Sr. Mary Mc Cormick, SC
The 33 Pioneer Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of New York storytelling series brings to life the stories of the courageous women who paved the way—each one read by a Sister of Charity.
Our third video features the story of Sister Mary Veronica Goff: A Steadfast Soul with a Spirited Start, read by Sister Helen F. Connors, SC.
Beginning Wednesday, May 14, 2025 and continuing weekly through Wednesday, December 31, 2025—the anniversary of our incorporation and the election of Elizabeth Boyle as the first Mother of the new Congregation—we will honor one Pioneer each week. This series is part of our tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Canonization of our Foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
THE 33 PIONEERS: Sister Magdalen Shirley * Sister Mary Ellen Timon * Sister Mary Veronica Goff * Sister Susan Knott * Sister Mary Angela Hughes * Sister Ann Borromeo Obermeyer * Sister Mary Jerome Ely * Sister Mary Constantina Hull * Sister Mary Domitilla Fanning * Sister Mary Basilia McCann * Sister Mary Philippine Beaven * Sister William Anna Hickey * Sister Mary Hickey * Sister Mary Frances Wallace * Sister Mary Arsinium Burchill * Sister Mary Editha Barry * Sister Francis Borgia Taylor * Sister Mary Regina Lawless * Sister Mary Cornelia Finney * Sister Mary Valeria Rowan * Sister Mary Josephine Wheelen * Sister Mary Beatrice Healey * Sister Mary Anastasia Ambrose * Sister Mary Josepha Hadden * Sister Mary Calista Delaney * Sister Mary Ulrica O’Reilly * Sister Mary Pelagia Boyd * Sister Ann Assisium Bird * Sister Mary Catherine Livingston * Sister Mary Vincentia Conklin * Sister Mary Ann Connelly * Sister Mary Alphonse McDonald * Mother Elizabeth Boyle
We will update this page each Wednesday with a new Pioneer story and link to past stories directly above.