Tracking the trail of facts and memories

When we last visited with you, we hinted that Sister Maureen Abbott may have taken on a Sherlock Holmes persona to sift through the mysteries in Archives in order to write volume four of the Congregation’s history.

Danger lurks for Sister Maureen as she continues to examine files and documents in her search for truth!

The time period for this project covers 1926 to 1966, which eases into changes brought by Second Vatican Council. Dramatic shifts in Catholic culture occurred, for sure. But there is more reason to be concerned as Sister Maureen continues her investigation. Many of the sisters currently in community actually LIVED some of this history.

 “A lot of this is recorded in people’s memories. Whatever you put out there, you had better be right. People have their memories, people in general, not just the Sisters of Providence. They have their memories of how the sisters were or how they changed. This is going to be real hard-core information (in the book) actually drawn from the Archives and comments from the times. Almost everyone who reads it (the transcript) says, ‘Oh, I remember that!’” Sister Maureen said.

As we continue to bring attention to Women in History Month, it seems to be an appropriate time to introduce Sister Maureen’s work by letting her share some of the process that has led her through this journey. She plans to conclude her research and writing by the end of the year. We’ll let you know when the book, volume four of the Congregation’s history, is available.

In the meantime, what do you remember about how the Sisters of Providence influenced you at one of their schools, or in one of their other ministries? What kind of relationship did you have with one of your teachers? Please share your thoughts and reflections.