The story of the Sisters of Charity of New York begins with mission—but it is forever marked by a moment of decision. In 1846, the separation from Emmitsburg forced Sisters serving in New York to choose: return to the motherhouse, or remain in New York to continue the work that the poor, the sick, and the children desperately needed. That courageous “yes” shaped the future of this Congregation—and gave us the 33 Pioneer Sisters whose witness still speaks.
Our Pioneer Sister Stories remind us that this Congregation was born in difficult times—amid displacement, poverty, injustice, and fear. Our earliest Sisters met those realities not with indifference, but with courageous compassion and unshakable resolve. Their witness still speaks to this moment. Watch the full Pioneer series on our YouTube Channel.
Our Pioneer Sister Stories remind us that this Congregation was born in difficult times—amid displacement, poverty, injustice, and fear. Our earliest Sisters met those realities not with indifference, but with courageous compassion and unshakable resolve. Their witness still speaks to this moment. Watch the full Pioneer series on our YouTube Channel.
Our next video features the story of Pioneer Sister Mary Ulrica O’Reilly (1815-1888): A Woman for All Seasons, read by Sister Regina Bechtle, SC. You can follow along on our YouTube Channel.to hear more stories about our Pioneer Sisters.
