They Called Her an Angel

In this month of the Holy Angels, it is quite appropriate to learn about a Sister who was referred to as an “Angel.” On November 4, 1887, Mabel Ancilla Reilly was born in Susquehanna, PA. It should be noted that many of the newspaper articles of her reception and profession spelled her last name as O’Reilly or Reiley; however, our registers and online obituary list her as Mabel Reilly; and on her Last Will and Testament she spelled her last name as Reilly. We have a letter from the pastor of St. John’s Church in Susquehanna, PA, dated October 1906, stating that Mabel was born on November 4, 1887 and baptized on November 20, 1887.

Not much is known about her. She entered the IHMs on November 11, 1906, was received on July 17, 1907 and given the name of Rosarium, and made her profession of vows on April 13, 1909. It is interesting to note that at the ceremony for her profession there were 4 sisters received into the Congregation of Sts. Cyril & Methodius.

Prior to her illness, Sister Rosarium was described as being very active at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, Scranton; but, Sister Rosarium began suffering a severe illness some weeks before she died. According to Sister Immaculata Gillespie, Sister Rosarium radiated joy and happiness to those around her which won for her the title, “Angel of the House.” She died on February 24, 1917, only 8 short years after her profession. Her funeral took place at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary; she is buried here on the Marywood campus.

In these trying days let us ask her to pray for us that we, too, may radiate joy and happiness to those around us.