Pilgrimage to Immaculata Deepens IHM Charism and Connection

by Sheryl Lynn Sochoka, IHM Associate

On Saturday, May 30, a bus filled with IHM Sisters and Associates, including three Monroe Associates, traveled from Scranton to Malvern, Pa. Two carloads of Associates from Maryland and Delaware joined them there, and together they gathered for a day of prayer, reflection, and contemplation with the Immaculata IHMs. When the group arrived at the IHM Spirituality Center on the grounds of Villa Maria House of Studies, the Motherhouse of the IHM Sisters, they were warmly welcomed by Sister Francis Helen Murphy, IHM, Sister Helene Thomas Connolly, IHM, and Sister Rita Marie Lenihan, IHM.

The day unfolded as an opportunity to enter more deeply into the IHM charism and the spirit of the Congregation’s founders, Mother Theresa Maxis and Father Louis Florent Gillet, as well as its spiritual patrons, St. Alphonsus Liguori and St. Teresa of Avila. Through shared prayer and guided reflection, the group journeyed in spirit with Mother Theresa Maxis, beginning with her early years in Baltimore with the Oblate Sisters of Providence, continuing through the founding of the IHM Congregation in Monroe, Mich., and later Susquehanna, Pa. (eventually Scranton) and Philadelphia, Pa. (Immaculata). The narrative then moved into her voluntary exile in Canada, where she lived among the Grey Nuns of Ottawa, and finally to her return in 1885, reuniting with her IHM Sisters at the West Chester IHM Motherhouse, where she remained until her death on January 14, 1892.

The group then entered a series of rich and interconnected experiences. Sister Francis, Director of IHM Companions in Prayer and Ministry (Immaculata’s version of Associates), offered an informative tour of the Chapel at Immaculata, grounding the group in the sacred space that has shaped generations of IHM life. The pilgrimage continued in the IHM Heritage Room, where Sister Helene, Immaculata IHM Archivist, joined by Sister Beth Pearson, IHM, Scranton IHM Archivist, presented the legacy and charism of the IHM Congregation through beautifully preserved sacred and historical artifacts and stories of bold-hearted courage.

Sister Helene also guided the group through the interactive educational wall display, “Joyful Bearers of God’s Redeeming Love,” which pairs quotes from the Congregation’s founders, spiritual patrons, and superiors with compelling images of IHM ministry in action. The display created a seamless bridge between past and present. Sister Rita Marie then led participants through each canvas of the powerful painting series, “Theresa’s Journey,” created by Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM, which deepened the group’s understanding of Mother Theresa’s resilience, faith, and vision.

The day culminated in a quiet and grace-filled visit to the gravesite of Mother Theresa Maxis at Immaculata Cemetery. As the group gathered in this sacred space, Sisters Helene, Rita Marie, and Francis, together with Sister Ruth Harkins, IHM, Director of the Scranton IHM Associates, led the group in prayer, followed by time for silent reflection. Sister Francis gifted each Sister and Associate with a heart-shaped stone imprinted with “IHM,” each one blessed at Mother Theresa’s gravesite, as a tangible reminder of the day’s spiritual depth.

A brief visit to Camilla Hall, its chapel, and gift shop brought the pilgrimage to a gentle and meaningful close. The group then began the journey home, carrying with them the graces, gifts, and lasting memories of a day steeped in IHM heritage, community, and contemplative encounter.

Reflecting on the experience, Sister Ruth described the journey as a “holy and sacred encounter,” and she likened its grace to the joy of the Visitation. She noted that the charism and fire of the unconditional love of God is already alive among the Sisters and Associates and within each person who participated. She observed that, together, we carry the graces and gifts of adventure, courage, hospitality, humility, joy, readiness, spontaneity, thanksgiving, awe, and wonder, which will sustain us in our shared future.