SISTER OF CHARITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary  –  Sister Maria Goretti, B.V.M.                                                                                  “Freed by Love, Acting for Justice”

Foundress:  Mother Mary Frances Clarke                                                                                                Pioneer Sisters:  Margaret Mann, Eliza Kelly, Rose O’Toole, and Catherine Byrne

Places:  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally; Dubuque, Iowa presently

Year:  1833 A.D. (Philadelphia); 1843 A.D. (Dubuque)

Her Charism:  The “BVM” legacy of Mary Frances Clarke (a woman who prayed novenas and unloaded wagons) is a “hands on” spirituality.  It is “being freed and helping others enjoy freedom in God’s steadfast love.”  Education is the dominant charism along with freedom, charity, and justice.  These core values include a public witness against oppression from unjust political and social structures, and standing in solidarity with those marginalized by society – especially women and children.