Sister M. Hilarion Sullivan, IHM
Sister M. Hilarion Sullivan, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, March 28, 1957.
Daughter of the late Timothy and Bridget Mannion Sullivan, she was born on July 11, 1898 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1920, received the religious habit on August 2, 1920, and made profession of her vows on August 15, 1922.
Sister Hilarion enjoyed her years as a commercial teacher in our IHM mission schools. She also served at St. Joseph's Children's and Maternity Hospital, first in the fiscal department, and later as a counselor to the young women that the hospital served.
She is survived by two sisters, Sister M. St. Helen, IHM; and Winifred Bell, Hatboro; a brother, Vincent A.; nieces and nephews.
Interment will follow the Mass of Christian burial at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
Below is a short archival reflection about our Sister Hilarion:
Ten years ago, Sister M. Hilarion was told by her doctors that her work was over. Resignedly, she accepted her assignment to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, with the hopeful outlook that surely there would be some opportunity for her to serve God and save souls in the center with its many facets of service. As a capable commercial teacher, she was ready for the task of caring for the fiscal work of the hospital. Gradually, she became the counselor and adviser of the more that a hundred girls who in the course of the year come there for counsel and aid. Only the Divine Shepherd of souls holds the account of the never-told good which she accomplished. God had given her special gifts for this apostolate so dear to His Sacred Heart; and in our human way, we have every evidence that she performed this sensitive and challenging work as God wants it done. Little wonder that she faced death so serenely. She had been aware of God's call for long years; now she was ready. Her beautiful soul laden wit the good works she had so silently and so capably performed, went forth humble but unafraid to God's judgment seat. In the nurseries of Heaven, may she enjoy eternal rest.
Below is a short reflection from Sister Hilarion's funeral:
A beautiful maternal personality permeated Sister Hilarion's manner as she fulfilled her religious life. As a teacher, she guarded her students and guided them with love into the right way. She walked the halls and pediatric rooms of the Foundling Home with a caring heart, soothing the crying children. "Anyone who welcomes a little child welcomes me." She spent her last days and heart beats welcoming Jesus.
