AAs we celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week, we honor the Sisters whose shoulders we stand on, who worked tirelessly with the Archdiocese and Catholic laity to serve the people of New York and beyond. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s final words to her sisters urged them to be united, to be faithful, and to be daughters of the church. Sisters of Charity treasure these words as her legacy to us and to the church of New York.
Sister Loretto Bernard Beagan, SC, served as Mother General from 1960 to 1966. She brought to the office dedication, long experience in administration, and a special capacity for enlisting the talents and enthusiasm of the young and gifted. During the exciting times of Vatican II, she was a charismatic leader who immersed the community in the documents and exposed it to the challenging thinking of world-famous theologians. On March 14, 1965, fifty-five years ago today, Mother Loretto Bernard sent a relay to all the convents inviting sisters to participate in the Harlem March for racial and civil justice. That summer about thirty sisters participated in the Summer in the City Program initiated by Monsignor Robert Fox.
Missions During Mother Loretto Bernard’s Leadership
With Mother Loretto Bernard front and center, the Sisters of Charity proudly marched on March 15, 1965, with many other religious groups and the laity in support of civil rights and equality for all.
1960: St. Raymond Academy, Bronx
1960: Elizabeth Seton Junior College, Yonkers
1961: St. Vincent School of Nursing, Staten Island
1963: Trinity HS, Shiremanstown, PA
1964: St. Joseph by the Sea H.S., Staten Island
1965: St. Teresa School, Briarcliff
1965: Sisters participate in March in Harlem to bring attention to the civil rights movement
1966: St. Elizabeth Seton School, Shrub Oak
“Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end…..”. I thank God, I was there walking. The sea of “black caps” was a powerful statement, and “Summer In The City” was memorable..
I had the greatest admiration for Mother Loretta Bernard. She was a charismatic religious leader, and a highly respected administrator.
She helped my mother deliver me at St Vincent’s Hospital on
October 16th 1946
Thank you Sister Loretta!
*Rafael Castro 76 years old
Aka ralph..
https://youtube.com/@goddessandcuchi
In the far left, is that Sr. Basil Verra ?
No, it is Sr. Elizabeth Maria Fleming, who was the Congregation’s Secretary at the time.
The others (L to R) in the front row are Sr. Mary Raymond Commerford, Sr. Rose Frederick Jones, Sr. Margaret Dowling, Mother Loretto Bernard, Sr. Marie Clotilde Young, Sr. Margaret Rose Dean, Sr. Marie Catharine Blaine. Most were on the Leadership Council.