Sister M. Boniface Megivern, IHM

Sister M. Boniface Megivern, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Tuesday, August 11, 1908, at St. Patrick’s Convent in Olyphant, PA.

She was born on December 30, 1846, in Pleasant Mount, PA, and given the name Jane. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Isabelle Murray Megivern. She entered the IHM Congregation on October 9, 1871, received the religious habit on February 2, 1872, and made profession of her vows on August 14, 1874.

Sister Boniface enjoyed her years of teaching children at our IHM mission schools, including at St. Patrick Elementary School in White Haven, PA, and St. Patrick School in Olyphant, PA. She also served as superior in many convents within the Diocese of Scranton.

In 1907, Sister Boniface was appointed the directress of the Sisters of St. Casimir’s first mission in Mount Carmel, PA.

She was one of twelve children: Mary Elizabeth, Mark Emmett, Daniel, Joanna, John, Stephen, James Buchanan, Mark Henry, Elizabeth, Bernard and Paul.

She is survived by two brothers, James Buchanan of Cold Springs, PA, and Daniel of Lebanon, PA; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Thursday, August 13, at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church in Olyphant, with interment to follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Carbondale, PA.

Note: The last name could also be spelled “McGivern” as several of Sister’s siblings spelled it.

---

“In August, 1874, was held the first profession of novices, the Right Reverend Bishop receiving the vows of the following: Sister M. Magdalen, Sister M. Lucy, Sister M. Pius, Sister M. Boniface, Sister M. Austin, and Sister M. William.”

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

---

“On October 7, 1907, the Sisters of Saint Casimir opened their first mission in Holy Cross Parish at Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. In a letter to Bishop Shanahan, October 12th, Mother Cyril gives a vivid description of this important event. She says: “On Monday morning. Right Reverend Bishop Hoban read Mass in the chapel of Mount Saint Mary’s for the success of the new mission; Holy Communion was offered for the same intention. During the morning, the Bishop talked to the young foundresses, giving them fatherly advice regarding the great work awaiting them. Encouraged by his kind words. Sister M. Marie set out on her journey full of hope and happiness. Sister M. Boniface and I accompanied Sister. Sister M. Boniface, who is an exemplary religious and an experienced teacher, will remain with the Lithuanian Sisters as long as she is needed.”

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. 373

---

“But Sister M. Boniface’s work was ended. After the closing of the school at Mount Carmel, the Sisters returned to Mount Saint Mary’s for the summer vacation. Sister M. Boniface, having made the first retreat, went to Saint Patrick’s Convent, Olyphant. Here she was stricken with pneumonia and died after a short illness. Her funeral was held from Saint Patrick’s Church, Olyphant. The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Very Reverend Monsignor T. F. Coffey, of Saint Rose’s Church, Carbondale. The places of honor in the sanctuary were occupied by the Right Reverend M. J. Hoban, D.D., and the Right Reverend J. W. Shanahan, D.D. Bishop Hoban preached the funeral sermon and feelingly alluded to the two virtues which shone so conspicuously in the character of Sister Boniface, her obedience and humility. Sister M. Boniface was one of the first postulants received in the Scranton Diocese. She had spent thirty-six years in religion and had, during that time, filled many positions of trust and responsibility. ”

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. 376