“Crossing the Waters ~
Currents of Hope” 1833-2008
Celebrations across the country in late 2007 and 2008 will mark the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Charity, BVM.
The Grand River Center and the Motherhouse on Carmel Drive will be twin sites for celebration June 20-22, 2008. Members from across the city, country and world will convene along the Mississippi to celebrate the “watermarks” that impress BVM heritage.
In keeping with the chosen theme, “Crossing the Waters ~ Currents of Hope,” the event will mark the biblical significance of water, its crucial place in the wellsprings of creation and in the tides of BVM history. Festivities at the Grand River site will combine ritual and relaxation, hospitality and prayer, reunions and introductions, an honoring of the past and some glimpses into the future.
An earlier highlight in Dubuque will be a Dec. 8, 2007 public open house and guided tours of the newly renovated BVM Motherhouse constructed in the 1890s on the bluffs above the Mississippi. A longstanding commitment to environmentally friendly policies and practices influenced the process of Motherhouse deconstruction and repair. Seeking to reduce their “ecological footprint” on the bluffs above the Mississippi, the congregation believes that the recently completed Motherhouse renovation itself, demonstrates one aspect of that commitment.
Widely-known as a community of educators, BVMs view the Motherhouse renovation as an “instructional tool,” heightening awareness of BVM core values, reducing waste and energy usage and increasing the efficiency of the venerable physical plant. The guiding principles behind recent modifications made to the 116 year old building include providing a residence that is safe, comfortable, simple and energy/resource efficient.
Seven cities across the U.S. will also hold celebrations.
Gift of Water
In recognition of God's gift of water, BVMs are making personal commitments as a Jubilee gift to earth and future generations to care for water through
Reflecting on the wonder in the gift of water
Practicing water conservation in daily life
Avoiding use of bottled water
Participating in legislative action to conserve and protect water
Collaborating with the Interfaith center for Corporate Responsibility in writing letters to corporations that have issues around water
Educating themselves on water issues.
The BVM congregation and individual Sisters are also joining the Dubuque Franciscans in outreach through the Sister Water Project.
From Irish Roots
The countdown to this 175th anniversary began with five young women drawn to a life of service in their hometown, Dublin, Ireland. The women migrated from Ireland, to Philadelphia, Pa., where, on November 1, 1833, they officially became “Sisters.”
Ten years later the small community ventured on to the Iowa frontier at the urging of Dubuque's Bishop Mathias Loras who had need of teachers. At each point in their westward migration the Sisters attracted new members (nearly 5,000 in all) and established schools, quickly pioneering a cross-country educational network. Today nearly 600 BVMs serve in the United States, and in Ecuador, Guatemala and Ghana.
Collaboration has become a way of life for BVMs working in educational circles from pre-school to college, in special education and ESL, in religious education and administration. Today a broadening “circle of friends” furthers the work of the community, promoting learning, freedom, good stewardship and justice.
BVM Associates, colleagues, co-workers, students, former students and others entering into this 175th birthday observance in Montana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and elsewhere, reflect in diverse ways the ministries and values of the BVM Congregation, and BVM horizons are broadened by these rich associations.”
The pioneering spirit of the community continues to attract, inspire and motivate. Historian Sister Ann M. Harrington reminds her readers ( Creating Community: Mary Frances Clarke and Her Companions), that “BVM history is still being written.” In response to current needs, BVMs continue the “adventurous lives” of their founders as hospital, hospice and prison chaplains, among those suffering from addictions and AIDS, in pastoral service, spiritual direction, and counseling.
A community of women that survived the challenges of serving the vulnerable poor in the 1830s, now faces the “watershed” celebrations and the equally daunting challenges of 2008.
