About 1968, a series of articles appeared in what was probably the Charleston, SC, diocesan newspaper. Unfortunately, the clipping that was saved did not include the name of the paper or the date. However, from the information in the piece and the style of habit worn by those in the accompanying photos, one can make an educated guess as to the source and time period. The article is titled “Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity” and an accompanying “Editor’s note” states that it was authored by S. Catherine Gale as one of a series on sisters’ congregations in the diocese. From the Archives shares some of what appeared at that time.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity whose Provincialate is located at Stella Niagara, New York, are relatively new in the Charleston Diocese. They were asked by Bishop Russell in 1951 to take up residence in Greenville and work with the Franciscan fathers in their mission at St. Anthony.
After the Provincial superior, Mother Gonzaga Miller, conversed with Bishop Russell, it was decided the sisters would establish a school for the Negroes. This was to be the sisters’ first home mission in their Eastern Province.
The three pioneer sisters, one of whom is still teaching in Greenville [picture below shows S. Renata/Gertrude Kerling with her fourth grade students], took up residence on Douthit Street which served as a convent and school until a new building was erected. The sisters worked diligently to give these children a sound education. Their efforts were not in vain. Many of the children have left St. Anthony to go on for higher studies and some have received national honors in education. …
This first home mission was soon to be followed by another one. In 1955 (the sisters) were asked to establish themselves in another area in Greenville. This time it was to found a school at Our Lady of the Rosary parish. Since segregation was still prevalent in South Carolina, this second mission was for the white children. The Provincial superior . . . was able to accommodate the Bishop with three more sisters. These three sisters temporarily took up residence with the sisters at St. Anthony until their convent was completed a few months later. The sisters also did not have the convenience of a school building for the first few months. They conducted classes in the church.
The sisters have witnessed many changes since their beginnings in Greenville seventeen years ago. They have seen the schools they staff develop from makeshift classrooms to new modern schools. They have seen segregation abolished. They have taught children of various backgrounds and environments. At Our Lady of the Rosary, the school at first was embodied mostly with children whose fathers were servicemen from Donaldson Air Force Base. After this closed, industry moved rapidly into Greenville. This brought a great turnover in the student body.
In both areas, the sisters have experienced the joy of welcoming many converts to Catholicism.
Although the main apostolate of the sisters in Greenville is teaching, they do not confine themselves solely to it. If a need arises where the sisters can give assistance, they are willing to do so. The sisters at St. Anthony, after a full week’s teaching, made home visits to the parents of all the children in the school. The sisters at O.L of the Rosary have been active in the CCD program. S. Margaret Miller has been active in the vocation program and is presently serving on the Bishop’s Pastoral Council.
Are you beginning to wonder just how the sisters spend each day? If it is a usual day, it runs something like this.
The sisters first come together in the morning at 7:00 to pray Lauds. They then enjoy a good breakfast at which they converse. Usually the morning headlines start off as a good topic. It is soon time to meet their pupils. After five hours of hard work trying to impart knowledge, they return to the convent. At this time they are free to relax, prepare the next day’s classes, or meet the Lord in prayer. At 5:30 Vespers is prayed together. Supper follows Vespers. After supper, they are free again. The sisters know their need for relaxation so they usually have some recreation together. Their recreation can vary from watching the news or other TV specialties to (assembling) 1000-piece puzzles. After 9:30 the house is usually quiet to maintain an atmosphere for study, prayer, and retirement.
Through their work and their renewal the sisters have learned to understand the laity more and the laity in turn are beginning to look at sisters as Christians dedicated in a special way to the service of God and the people of God.