Women Religious: Oral Histories of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg
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Last Updated: 2021-10-04
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When the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg founded Marian College in Indianapolis in 1937, they realized their vision of a rigorous, exemplary liberal arts education for women focused on empowering its students to effect positive and enduring change in the world. At a time in our nation’s history when most women were denied the formal educational opportunities available to men, Marian College fostered the development of transformative women leaders. The Sisters’ stated resolve “to do the best that can be done” in building the school informed the institution’s fundamental understanding of its academic mission: “Marian College endeavors to permeate every aspect of its curriculum with the spirit of Franciscan joy, so that its students…may contribute constructively to the home, the Church, the civic community, and the world.” Since its inception, a Marian education developed leaders intent on improving the lives of others. From their strength as a community they provided a model of collaborative, inspiring leadership dedicated to the realization of a more just and equitable world through academic excellence and social responsibility.
This project is a collection of oral histories delivered by numerous Sisters of St. Francis. While discussing their own personal histories, they also provide a deep and genuine insight of life and service in community, at their convent in Oldenburg, Indiana. The goal of this collection is to preserve their legacy so that it may be applied across curriculums that include models of leadership, service, and international relations.
Note: Interviews were conducted by Professor Mary Ellen Lennon between 2014-2016. Processing of the audio and transcription content was performed by Hackelmeier Memorial Library staff. Loose transcriptions were based on guidelines established by Baylor University. Record bibliographic structure was inspired by the Jefferson Digital Commons First Women at TJU collection. Use of Oldenburg convent images were kindly granted by Beverly Wilson at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. Photographs were generously provided by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and Marian University faculty member Bill Foley.
In this oral history Sr. Jean Marie Cleveland discusses her unlikely path of entering religious life in Indianapolis, her early entry into teaching math and physics, to eventually becoming a school principal, a Director of...
In this segment Sr. Jean Michael Sauntry discusses her decision to become a Sister of Saint Francis at Oldenburg, Indiana, after surviving a childhood illness and her mother’s encouragement that “God has a plan for you in the...
In her interview Sister Joan Laughlin recounts her initial reticence toward the call for mission work in Papua New Guinea as well as her eventual embrace of the work and her love for the people and culture of PNG. Sr. Joan is...
In this interview Sr. Joanita Koors reflects on her life in community, specifically the influences that helped shape her ongoing decision to join the convent in Oldenburg, in particular the warmth and trust of Sr. Joel Franks....
In this interview Sr. Kathryn Holohan reflects on her desire to become a missionary at a very early age and the opportunity to do so in Papua New Guinea. One of the first four Sisters of St. Francis to contribute to a...
In her oral history, Sister Lorraine Geis reflects on her time as a Sister of Saint Francis both in the United States and Papua New Guinea. Sister Geis grew up in a farming family, which would set the foundation for her love of...
In her oral history, Sr. Madonna Bishop discusses her life as a Sister of Saint Francis, having a unique background as both a school teacher and a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Initially reluctant to enter the religious life,...
In this segment, Sr. Margaret Peg Maher discusses the influence the Sisters of Saint Francis had on her early life growing up in Saint Bernard in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. She had Sisters of Saint Francis for teachers from...
In her oral history, Sr. Marilynn Hofer reflects on the importance of her Franciscan heritage and praying the Prayer of Saint Francis in her call to join the Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg. An educator by trade, Sr. Hofer...
In this interview Sr. Martine Mayborg highlights Mother Cephas's "Motherhouse Message" for the call to mission work in Papua New Guinea and her overall experience of traveling and teaching there. Sr. Martine was one of the...