Sister M. Henrietta Moroney, IHM

Sister M. Henrietta Moroney, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Friday, September 8, 1876, in Monroe, MI.

She was born on September 2, 1839, in Philadelphia, PA, and given the name Catherine. She was received into the Monroe IHM community on November 29, 1871, and professed final vows on October 15, 1872. Her only ministry as a Monroe IHM was as a music teacher at St. Mary Academy in Monroe. Sister Henrietta was one of the original 12 Sisters that founded the Scranton branch of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The photo above was taken before Sister Henrietta left Scranton, PA to return to Monroe, MI.

“September 8, 1876

Sister M. Henrietta Moroney

Sister M. Henrietta was one of the first postulants received at the Reading Novitiate whose annals read:

“On the thirty-first of August (1859) Miss Kate Moroney, Miss Caroline Gilbert and miss Mary Marron, all from Philadelphia, were admitted as postulants.” It is evident that Miss Moroney’s application had been received some time previous, even before the Reading formation, since Mother Teresa’s notes repeatedly refer to the candidate who was an exceptionally talented musician.

Miss Moroney born in the Cathedral Parish, Philadelphia, 1840, was among the first group to receive the habit in Reading, December 8, 1859 and make profession one year later. Two years later, December 1862, Bishop Wood appointed her Sister Assistant to Mother M. Magdalen whose health was poor; upon this young Sister therefore, devolved a share of the charges andresponsibiluty of the General Superior of this new foundation.

In 1865 she was sent to replace Mother M. Cephas Boyle as superior of St. John’s Academy, Manayunk; in 1867 she was transferred as superior to St. Mary’s, Lebanon and upon the accesssion of Mother M. Gonzaga as Superior General, she was again transferred, in 1869, this time to St. Alphonsus Academy, Susquehanna. Finally, in 1871 she requested of Bishop Wood permission to join the parent community in Monroe, Michigan. From the Monroe Chronicles, we quote: “Sister came to Monroe from the East November 29, 1871. She was a fine musician; her talents and long experience made her a very capable teacher. In 1872, she was placed at the head of the music department of St. Mary’s Academy where she gave herself wholeheartedly to the interests of the Conservatory until her death, September 8, 1876.”

From the Monroe Chronicles, we quote:

“The All-Wise has reached out His loving hand to take to Himself one who had endeared herself to all who knew her, particularly to her weeping companions in religion. Beloved Sister Henrietta who had been complaining of a slight cold for a few days, was suddenly attached by congestion of the lungs on September first, when she received…the Holy Sacraments in the most beautiful dispositions of confidence and resignation. Although everything that skill and affection could suggest was done for our loved Sister, the disease defied all efforts. So patiently, so cheerfully did she suffer the most excruciating pains that an expression of happiness was continually on her features…even in the coffin that peaceful smile remained. A few minutes after twelve on the morning of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Lady our dear Sister was released from her suffering to receive the reward promised those who are devotedly attached to the service of our Heavely Father.” Age 36 years.

Interred: St. Mary Cemetery
Monroe, Michigan”

N.B. The above information was provided by the Archivist of the Sisters of IHM in Monroe, Michigan.