100 Years of Gifts and Graces

We were surprised when it was pointed out to us that 2024 was the 100^th anniversary of our sisters coming to America.  The wheels began to turn, and thoughts flew as to how we could celebrate such a remarkable occasion.

This joyful challenge has been our focus beginning in July 2023 to the present.

Our adventure began when the four pioneer sisters from England arrived in Providence, RI, at the invitation of the then bishop, Most Reverend William Hickey. And from there we embarked on our many works, dedicated to God and God’s people.

Over the course of 100 years, gifts and grace were given and received in many locations.  In Rhode Island the sisters worked in four parishes and their accompanying schools, a retreat house, a novitiate house, college and high school. In Connecticut, we were present in two parishes and their schools, and in a retreat center.  In New York, one parish and school, and another in Maryland.  Then in response to more far-flung needs, the sisters shared gifts and grace in Jamaica, West Indies, and lastly in Memphis, Tennessee.

Indeed, this has been an extraordinary 100 years.

Our journey to celebration began on July 10, 2023, when we laid out plans for the “Symposium” that would bring us to the final day of celebration, May 5, 2024.  In true community fashion, all the sisters are responding positively, and all are participating to the degree that they were able. By this meeting’s end, the year was planned, and our journey had begun to take shape.

Through a series of monthly meetings, the form of the celebration gradually developed.  The first undertaking was videos.  In these meetings a plan was formed for 8 videos, one to be shown each month at our community zoom meetings and then made available online.  The topics included:  History , Vocations, Mission and Ministry, Outward Bound, Associates, Religious Education, Retreats, and Legacy.

In addition to videos, we have requested and received cooperation from our enthusiastic Associates who will be involved in many facets of the celebration.  Also, all parishes that the sisters have served in some way, either in school or other parish ministries, are invited to join us for the celebration.  Both the community and Our Lady of Calvary Retreat House have been very active in posting historical notes on Facebook and other social media about the ministries of the sisters.

 Prout School, named in honor of our foundress, actively promotes connections between the school and sisters.  The leadership and staff of the school continue to educate the students about the life and virtue of our foundress, Venerable Elizabeth Prout.  The Prout Music Department will participate in our celebratory Mass.

The culmination of the celebration will be a special Anniversary Mass on May 5, 2024. This will be held at St. Bernard’s Church in North Kingstown, RI at 10:30 am, with Bishop Richard G. Henning presiding.  The Mass will be live streamed to allow wider participation.