Timeline
The history of the IHM Congregation is in reality a story of fidelity – fidelity to God, to the mission of Jesus, to the Catholic Church, to service, to truth and to a vision that is both liberating and empowering. The following timeline highlights some of the significant events in the life of the congregation.
Alphonsus Liguori founds the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the community to which Louis Florent Gillet belonged. St. Alphonsus is considered a patron of the IHM Congregation. May 26, 1839, St. Alphonsus Liguori is canonized a saint.
IHM foundress, Theresa Maxis Duchemin, is born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her mother was from Haiti and her father was a British officer. Theresa was bi-racial.
Louis Florent Gillet is born in Antwerp, Belgium. Co-founder of IHM.
Sister Marie Therese Duchemin pronounces vows as an Oblate Sister of Providence in Baltimore. She was a founding member of this first congregation of African-American women religious. June 24, 1841, she is elected superior of the Oblate Sisters.
Father Gillet in America
This is the beginning of Father Gillet’s American ministry, having come to America the prior April, Rev. Louis Florent Gillet begins to preach his first mission in America (Grosse Point, Michigan). Theresa Renauld (future IHM) attended this. March 09, 1844, Rev. Louis Gillet initiates his ministry in Monroe, Michigan. Here he saw the need that was soon to lead to the establishment of the IHM Congregation.
IHM Founding
Founding of the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Monroe, Michigan (as Sisters of Providence). Pictured here is the log cabin which was the sisters first home.
Mother Theresa Maxis and Sister Ann Shaaf receive the habit and profess their vows. This was the first profession of vows in the Congregation.
Therese Renauld becomes the first IHM novice.
Father Gillet leaves Monroe
He severs his ties with the Congregation until many years later. February 02, 1858, Rev. Louis Gillet enters the Cistercian Order and takes the name Pere Marie Celestin. May 25, 1864 Pere Marie Celestin (Father Gillet) arrives at the Hautecombe Abbey in France. This is where he lives out the rest of his life.
Title of Congregation is changed from Sisters of Providence to Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; scapular is changed from black to blue material. This name change would cause Father Gillet to later believe that the Congregation had not survived.
Dogma of the Immaculate Conception is proclaimed. The Congregation has been under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception from its beginning.
Redemptorists are withdrawn from Monroe. This action angered Bishop Lefevre. Mother Theresa’s later attempt to reestablish connections with the Redemptorists in Pennsylvania would lead to many difficulties.
Arrival in Pennsylvania
First mission in Pennsylvania opens at St. Joseph’s in Susquehanna County. From this beginning would spring two Pennsylvania IHM foundations.
Mother Theresa leaves Monroe for St. Joseph’s, Susquehanna County Pennsylvania.
Scranton foundation
First Reception and Profession Ceremony are held at St. Joseph Novitiate. Bishop John Neumann presides; seven new members are received. This is the beginning of what is to become the Scranton foundation.
Immaculata foundation
Mission at St. Peter’s in Reading, Pennsylvania is opened. This is the first mission in territory later to become Philadelphia diocese — leading to the establishment of the Immaculata foundation.
Mother Theresa is deposed as superior general of the Congregation by Bishop Neumann. This is the beginning of the difficulties that would lead to her exile with the Grey Nuns in Ottawa, Canada.
Missions across the country
Emergence of 30 missions serving health care, child care, catechetical and educational needs in eastern and western United States.
Charter is approved for St. Joseph Academy in Susquehanna County. First school staffed by IHMs in Pennsylvania. The parish was staffed by Redemptorists. October 15, 1861, Mother Theresa Maxis is named superior of the community at Susquehanna Depot.
Mother Theresa Maxis in Exile
Mother Theresa Maxis leaves Susquehanna County for Ottawa, Canada. She begins her exile with the Grey Nuns. Though she wore their habit she always considered herself to be a member of the IHM Congregation.
The Diocese of Scranton is established. This eventually caused the foundation of the Scranton branch of the IHM Congregation.
Mother Theresa Maxis returns to IHM Congregation in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Her exile ends and she is reunited with the IHM community.
Incorporation of Scranton IHM Congregation
Scranton IHM Congregation incorporates under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Scranton IHM sisters elect Mother Mary Magdalen Jackson their first elected superior general.
Scranton IHM Congregation takes on administration of St. Joseph’s Foundling Home (now St. Joseph Center) for neurologically impaired children. It also houses unwed mothers and arranges adoptions.
Father Gillet (Pere Marie Celestin) is reunited with the IHM Congregation. Connection reestablished through the efforts of Sr. Clotilde (Immaculata). He is able to provide facts about the Congregation’s founding.
Mother Theresa Maxis dies at West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Father Gillet (Peter Marie Celestin) dies at the Royal Abbey of Notre Dame of Hautecombe, France.
Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Casimir is founded with assistance of the Scranton IHM Congregation.
Congregation of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius is founded with assistance of the Scranton IHM Congregation.
Ministry expands
In second 50-year period, 84 missions opened giving visibility and testimony to the Congregation’s desire to distribute its ministries and personnel as widely as possible.
Marywood College
Marywood College in Scranton has its charter approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Marywood, founded in 1915, is the first Catholic college for women in Pennsylvania.
St. Joseph Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital (Marian Community Hospital after merger with Carbondale General Hospital) in Carbondale, Pennsylvania opens its doors.
Final resting place
The cemetery at Immaculata is dedicated. The obelisk marks Mother Theresa’s final resting place.
100 Years
Centenary celebration of IHM founding in Monroe, Michigan.
IHM Sisters begin to serve in the influenza epidemic in Scranton. The sisters respond to the needs of the community as volunteers. Service is given without regard to race or creed.
The Marian Convent in Scranton is dedicated. This is the skilled nursing facility for the Scranton IHM Sisters.
Scranton Congregation receives Pontifical Approbation.
First meeting of Tri-Community Board of Education is held at Our Lady of Grace Convent in Manhasset, New York. This board’s purpose is to further the apostolic works of the three IHM Congregations.
First Latin American mission
Scranton IHM Congregation opens its first Latin American mission in Lima, Peru. This was the beginning of foreign service for the Scranton IHM Congregation. March 25, 1987, opening of formation program in Peru.
First Tri-Community Conference is held in Scranton.
Adaptation of norms for religious life to Vatican II Documents — the “Church in the Modern World.”
Susquehanna River overflows causing greatest flood in the history of our nation. Scranton IHM Congregation provides assistance to ravaged flood victims in Pennsylvania including several missions.
Lay Associate & Volunteer Program
IHM Scranton Congregation initiates lay associate and volunteer program for prayer and active ministries in missions.
Dedication of IHM property and each IHM Sister as Peace Sites.
Tri-IHM Haiti Outreach, twinning project, is a commitment of friendship, hospitality and financial support for the Little Sisters of St. Therese in Riviere Froid, Haiti.
Sesquicentennial Collaboration
IHM Sesquicentennial – three IHM Congregations celebrate 150th anniversary of their foundation. January 2001, Oblate Sisters of Divine Providence join Tri-IHM conference to form the OSP IHM conference.
Marywood College, Scranton, celebrates inauguration to University status.
Friends of the Poor
Incorporation of The Friends of the Poor; a sponsored ministry of the Scranton IHM Congregation.
Mother Theresa Maxis Sculpture
Creation of “Theresa at Home” – a bronze sculpture of Mother Theresa Maxis by Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM.
African Sisters Education Collaborative
Formal commitment to the African Sisters Education Collaborative; charter member since 1998.
Our Lady of Peace Residence
Ground is broken for new Our Lady of Peace Residence for the infirm and elderly. January 15, 2006, Marian Convent closed and all residents moved to the Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence. Dedication of OLP April 2006.
CD “With One Voice,” performed by Scranton IHM sisters and produced by seven-time Grammy Award winner Michael Fine.
Oblate Sisters of Providence and Sisters of IHM Committee for Racial Healing promulgate the “Statement Against Racism.”
IHM Congregation embraces corporate stance in support of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops calling for immigration reform.
OSP IHM Conference hosted in Scranton, PA.
NativityMiguel School of Scranton
IHM co-sponsored work, the NativityMiguel School of Scranton opens in Scranton, PA.
100th Anniversary of Marywood University
Covenant relationship established with Sisters of St. Casimir
Welcoming Space & Land Reclamation
Blessing of the Welcoming Space and Land Reclamation project at the IHM Center.
175th Anniversary Celebration of the IHM Congregation (during pandemic, held virtually).
Ministry at the Border
Beginnings of Tri-IHM presence on the US-Mexico Border
The transfer of SSC governance to the IHM Congregation.
