Sister Mary Modesta, A Burdened Superior in Kentucky

Without experience in architecture, Sister Modesta had to erect a building. The project began in the autumn of 1875, and in July 1876 the chapel of the four-story building was completed and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. While the Sisters were happy to have a center, a heavy burden of debt lay on Sister Modesta’s shoulders. Even her bishop brother could not take that away, for parish communities were very poor. Poverty characterized the sisters’ daily living: dry bread, bad water, no meat or fresh vegetables, only sauerkraut.

Yet the brave sisters pushed forward in filling the requests for teachers. In the first two years fourteen foundations were made.  As early as September 1875, an academy was set up in a small house in Covington for seven pupils.

One can only imagine how difficult it was for the sisters to accommodate themselves in conditions so very different from the beginnings in Germany. Sometimes lay teachers resented the sisters. Once a priest required something going against the Holy Rule. When they said they wouldn’t fill his request, he told them to get out; however, he eventually agreed, saying “Be faithful to your Holy Rule.” Through all the troubles and misunderstandings, Mother Modesta (admitting her many tears) was a spiritual mother to the sisters, preserving love among them.