Sister M. Rosalia Kelly, IHM
Sister M. Rosalia Kelly, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, May 15, 1931.
She was born on September 18, 1842 in Ireland, and given the name Bridget Maria. She was the daughter of the late Bartholomew and Margaret Fallon Kelly, and later immigrated to New York with her parents. She entered the IHM Congregation on June 11, 1872, received the religious habit on August 15, 1872, and made profession of her vows on February 9, 1875.
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.
"The first reception at Saint Cecilia's took place August 15, 1872. The Right Reverend Bishop presided at the ceremonies, giving the white veil to the
following: Miss Bridget Joyce of Pittston, who received the name in religion of Sister M. Theresa; Miss Frances Rose Hogan of Susquehanna, Sister M. Bernardine; Miss Margaret Flack of Philadelphia, Sister M. Seraphine; Miss Margaret Leonard, of Ireland, Sister M. Ludwina; Miss Mary Donnelly of Susquehanna, Sister Mary Conception; and Miss Bridget Maria Kelly of New York, Sister M. Rosalia."
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. 150
“The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary benefited from the efforts to bring young women from Ireland to Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Over the years a total of sixty-five young women became professed IHM religious. Their services were received as far west at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at the IHM Academy and at St. Edward School, Twin Falls, Idaho. The southern missions witnessed their dedication in Washington, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It was remarked that black children in some southern schools were speaking with an Irish brogue! The Sisters from Ireland also served in many locations in Pennsylvania, such as Dushore, Lock Haven, Exeter, Altoona, Pittsburgh, St. Michael's School in Hoban Heights, Cresson, Pittston, Scranton, and Williamsport. New York and Rhode Island missions also received their services.”
Excerpted from The Story of the Native Irish Sisters Who Entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Scranton Pennsylvania by Sister M. Michel Keenan, IHM, 2006, p.18
