Sister M. Loretta McGonnell, IHM
Sister M. Loretta McGonnell, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Saturday, July 5, 1919.
She was born on June 9, 1848 in Fairfield Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, and given the name Catharine. She was the daughter of the late William and Hannah Davis McGonnell. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 25, 1872, received the religious habit on April 14, 1873, and made profession of her vows on November 1, 1875.
Sister Loretta served as superior at St. Patrick's Orphanage in Scranton, PA, where she lovingly cared for the resident children. Later, she served as superior and mistress of novices at the new motherhouse of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Pennsylvania.
She was prececed in death by a sister, Rebecca, and three brothers, Edward, Charles and William.
She is survived by a brother, Thomas, a sister, Anna Frances Faught, and nieces and nephews.
Interment is at the Marywood College Cemetery, on the grounds of Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
"The little congregation grew rapidly. There was no dearth of candidates, and receptions and professions were held at regular intervals. They were soon able to open missions in several places, but in accordance with the Bishop's instructions, each mission was placed under the direction of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. The Sisters who at different times took charge of these missions were Sister M. Lucy, Sister M. Conception, Sister M. Loretta, Sister M. Loyola, Sister M. Gabriel, and Sister M. Raphael.
As it was no longer possible for Mount Saint Mary's to accommodate the ever-increasing number of applicants, it was decided that the new community should open a mother house and novitiate at Pittston. Sister M. Loyola was appointed superior and mistress of novices. Later the charge was transferred to Sister M. Loretto."
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p. 361
"The death of Sister M. Loretta O'Connell (sic) occurred on July 5, 1919. Sister Loretta had spent many years at Saint Patrick's Orphanage. She was in charge there at the time of the burning of the Orphanage, and never quite fully recovered from the harrowing experience. When the Slovak Sisters left Mount Saint Mary's to open a mother house and novitiate of their own. Sister M. Loretta was placed in charge. God sent her, as He sends to many of our senior Sisters before death, the crowning grace of suffering. "
Excerpted from The Sisters of the I.H.M.: The Story of The Founding of The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Their Work In The Scranton Diocese by Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie, IHM, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, NY, 1921, p. 452