Sister M. Martina O'Connell, IHM
Sister M. Martina O'Connell, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, September 4, 1929.
She was born on April 24, 1876 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, and given the name Cecilia. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Murphy O'Connell. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1897, received the religious habit on February 2, 1898, and made profession of her vows on April 16, 1900.
She had six siblings: a brother, Sylvester, and five sisters, Mary, Margaret, Hannah, Helena, and Lilly.
Interment is at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, 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.
"RENOUNCE THE WORLD.
Eight Young Ladies Took the White Veil in St. Rose Convent this Morning--Bishop O'Hara Present
At St. Rose convent chapel this morning eight young ladies were received into the order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and invested with the religious habi and white veil of novices. The venerable bishop of the diocese Rt. Rev. William O'Hara officiated at the impressive ceremony which was witnessed by the relatives of the candidates.
Rev. T. F. Coffey celebrated the mass at 6:30 and Rev. D. J. McGouldrick, president of St. Thomas College, Scranton, preached the sermon, explaining the obligations and high privileges of the order. Following this occurred the reception at which the bishop officiated in person not withstanding his extreme years.
Mamie Moran and Genevieve Gillis, two dainty maidens dressed in pure white, acted as bridesmaids for the candidates. The chapel was a bower of beauty having been decorated with potted plants, smilax, flowers and lighted candles in honor of the feast of the purification of the blessed virgin, which is celebrated today.
Among the clergy present in additon to Bishop O'Hara and Fathers Coffey and McGouldrick, were Revs. M. E. Loftus and Anthony T. Broderick, of Scranton; J. W. Malone, of Susquehanna; W. A. Nealon and J. J. Grifiin, of this city.
The following young ladies received the habit of religion:
Miss Margaret Herron, Freeland, Pa., to be known in religion as Sister Mary Antoinette.
Miss Bridget Lynn, Pittston, Pa., whose religious name is Sister Mary Consilium.
Miss Mary Flynn, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., hereafter to be called Sister Mary Rita.
Miss Mary Connell, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., whose nam in religion is Sister Mary Leonard.
Miss Susan Egan, Minooka, Pa., to be known as Sister Mary Arcadius.
Miss Cecilia O'Connell, Susquehanna, Pa., henceforth to be Sister Mary Martina.
Miss Mary Kinsley, Susquehanna, Pa., who will be called Sister Mary Servula."
above is a news article from the Carbondale Daily News (Pennsylvania), February 2, 1898
