A Choice for Scranton

“They stood on the threshold of a new moment. The love of God had been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit in the same way that the Spirit infused Theresa.”
– Sister Beth Pearson, IHM

On July 12, 1868, Rev. William O’Hara was consecrated Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Scranton, PA. At this time, the IHMs, whose motherhouse was located in Reading, were present in Susquehanna (since 1859) and in Pittston (since 1864). Bishop O’Hara firmly believed in the need for Christian education and supported the expansion of schools as well as parishes and other service agencies. Knowing the territory from his previous ministries, he had resolved to have a foundation of IHMs in his own diocese.

The fifteen sisters from Pittston and Susquehanna made their annual retreat in Susquehanna in August 1871, preached by Bishop O’Hara. At the end of retreat at Laurel Hill, O’Hara unfolded to them his plan “concerning a new foundation. He exhorted them to take up the cross of separation from their motherhouse, assuring them that God, who is ever watchful for his own would repay their sacrifice and take care of them.”  At the same time, he left the choice of remaining in the new foundation or returning to Reading, to the individual Sisters.” (Gillespie, p 139.)  

Twelve of the fifteen sisters chose to remain north and begin the new foundation: The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton. Mother Joseph Shaugnessy was appointed as superior for six years, Sister Hyacinth Flynn became sister assistant, Sister Casimir Murray, the bursar.  Bishop O’Hara immediately arranged for a new convent to be built in downtown Scranton which was blessed and opened as St. Cecilia’s on July 2, 1872. The novitiate was transferred from Susquehanna two months later and St. Cecilia’s became the Scranton Motherhouse and Novitiate.  In addition, residing in Scranton were Sisters Francis Henry, (a cultured, gentle woman and exemplary religious who later became a superior general); Genevieve Morrissey (who corresponded with Mother Therese during her exile with the Grey Nuns, friendly, charitable and of great intellect); and Aloysius Walter (the seventh member to enter in Monroe) who came from Reading as the Mistress of Novices for four years.

The other sisters who chose Scranton as their new home, still ministering in Pittston and Susquehanna, were Sisters Benedict Marron, (who patiently endured her illnesses); Xavier Byrne (who celebrated her golden jubilee in 1913 at Marywood (Archives has her jubilee invitation); Agatha Griffin (who served at both Susquehanna and Pittston and was known for her strict observance of the rule but charity always took preference). Sister Anastasia Hannigan was missioned in Susquehanna as well as Williamsport, and St. Patrick’s Orphanage in Scranton. Sister Rose McNamara had been solicitous of Mother Theresa when she arrived in Susquehanna. She was an accomplished musician, a faculty member of St. Cecelia’s Academy and was skilled in ornamental needlework.

Sister Henrietta Moroney, (one of the twelve) initially chose the Scranton Diocese, remained for only a few months and then transferred to Monroe. Sister Egidius Flanagan, stationed in Reading in 1871, but who had pioneered the mission in Pittston, petitioned Bishops O’Hara and Wood, to join the Scranton Foundation.  Her wish was granted.

These early Scranton IHMs have left us a great legacy of courage, love of the mission and perseverance even though we have few details about them or their ministry.