Oblate Tri-IHM Formation Gathering 2007 |
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On Saturday we took off in a four-car cavalcade for a whirlwind tour of Oblate/IHM historical sites. Starting at the Catholic cemetery where Mother Mary Lange and many other Oblate Sisters are buried, an Oblate Associate gave us background on the cemetery. For the first of many times we sang "Holy Ground" and prayed Mother Lange's canonization prayer. One sentence of that struck us powerfully: "Mother Lange's love for all enabled her to see Christ in each person, and the pain of prejudice and racial hatred never blurred that vision." Sadly, even in the cemetery racism was evident in placement of most of the sisters' graves at the cemetery's edge on a sloping easement. After a tour of the recently renovated Basilica, we proceeded to Chapelle Basse, the lower chapel of old St. Mary's Seminary. Again we sensed the sacredness of the place. This was the parish church of Elizabeth Seton, Mother Lange and Theresa Duchemin, where they worshiped and taught religion. Only men could worship in the main church.
The pilgrimage ended at St. Frances Academy, founded by the Sisters in 1828 and Exhaustion reigned after the packed day. However, after dinner one energetic group of Monroe, Scranton and Immaculata IHMs drove downtown to walk around Inner Harbor, enjoying the festive atmosphere, live music and entertainment. Sisters Mary Bea Keeley, (M) Denise Montague
Srs. Stephen Beauford, OSP, Jane Mary Carr, IHM (I), Evelyn Craig, IHM (M)
We invite you to read more about the Monroe IHMs.
Mary Bea Keeley, IHM Email: mbkeeley@ihmsisters.org
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No chapel met us at our next stop, simply a memorial, marking the spot at 610 George Street where, on July 2, 1828, Mary Lange, Almaide Duchemin, Marie Balas and Rosine Bogue pronounced their vows as the first Oblate Sisters of Providence. Once again we felt moved to sing "Holy Ground." 
continuing today. Here we visited the simple little "room" consisting of a bed and nightstand enclosed by a white curtain where Mary Lange lived her last days and entered into eternal life. Next door Sister Claudine, OSP, welcomed us to the Mother Mary Lange Center, a home they founded to provide a stable, loving environment for young girls lost in the foster care system. 
Two young girls proudly showed us their rooms, and as they grew more comfortable, talked eagerly about their life at the center. The Oblate passion for ministry to the needy was palpable.
IHMs left with gratitude for our rich, shared roots in Oblate passion for the poor and dependence on Providence. On Sunday as we said our good-byes, all were glad to know that we will reconnect next year. The farewells were poignant for Evie Craig, IHM, who is leaving vocation ministry. Along with Sister Stephen, OSP, and Sister Jane Mary Carr, IHM, from Immaculata she had established this wonderful yearly gathering. 
