The chronicles indicate that the month of May has always had many noteworthy activities—too many, in fact, to include more than a few in this month’s column.
Stella Niagara (1907) In May, our provincial superior, Mother Seraphine, came for her first visitation on American soil. She also soon recognized the need for a larger building and studied the plans with great interest. The building lot in Kenmore did not appeal to our provincial superior who was used to the beautiful scenery of the dear little island of Nonnenwerth. “Is it not possible in this large country of America to find a prettier place or one having a river or lake front?” said our good Mother one day.
(1912) In May our pupils accompanied by Father Bray and Father Rosa, C.M., took a trip to Niagara Falls, a distance of nine miles. They set out immediately after breakfast walking to Lewiston, a journey of half an hour or so. They rowed across the river to Canada. The Gorge Route, justly described as “the most magnificent scenery in the world,” took them to the Falls. At 6:00 pm. (they returned); every detail of the day lingered long in their memories and for many days formed the topic of their conversation.
A beautiful statue of St. Michael, appointed for our park, was donated by a generous benefactor and solemnly blessed on the Feast of the Apparition of Saint Michael on May 8th. On the evening of the Feast a procession formed of the sisters and pupils bearing lighted candles and followed by the priest and servers went from the Seminary to the park grounds; there the priest said the prescribed prayers and the choir sang “Dux Michael.” The statue, two meters high, was erected on a mound overgrown with roses. The setting sun casting its rays over the rippling waters of the Niagara formed a fitting background and gave additional beauty to the exquisitely carved features of the figure, which certainly gives credit to its sculptor and Italy, the land whence it came.
St. Vincent’s Orphanage, Columbus, OH (1935) The fourth of this month brought an important meeting of the teachers of St. Vincent’s, Holy Rosary, and other Columbus schools. Mother extended a hearty welcome to Sister Antoinette, superintendent of schools, who was present on the occasion. After congratulating Mother and the teachers present for the benefits derived from the teachers’ meetings, Sister Antoinette read an interesting paper entitled “The Teacher and Character Formation.”
On May 7,8, and 9 the sisters prepared for a great event, the Centenary of the Order, by a Triduum. Twelve sermons were preached by the Reverend Father Edgar, O.M.Cap. from Westerville. The Sisters from all the Columbus houses atended both the triduum and the celebration here at St. Vincent’s because it would be impossible for the smaller houses to observe the feast in a becoming manner.
Our Lady of Victory, Columbus, OH (1992) Sisters Helen Welch and Robertine Saunders attended the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Sister Julianna Mulligan at St. Patrick’s Church in Junction City, Ohio.