The Foundress’ Dream Becomes Reality in 1884

When a man brought his two daughters to Mother Chrysostoma, it became clear that a house for neglected children was needed. This was the first move toward building Mount St. Mary’s. Although collections were taken to build the building, the efforts had little success. Consequently, Mother Chrysostoma began the construction, “trusting solely in the Providence of God.”  The first Mass was celebrated in 1884 with Bishop Gilmour presiding. On January 27, 1843, the first child entered the house. By May there were 30 children living there.

With the opening of Mount St. Mary, every ministry that the first sisters in Coesfeld regarded as their special calling had taken root in the New World. It was here that the foundress Sister Mary Aloysia experienced the fulfillment of her secret desire—to care for poor children. Sister Mary Aloysia became the superior for this new institute. The foundress’ response: “O dear Reverend Mother, ever since the first days of my religious life, I have longed for just such work. But I never expressed my wish to the superiors… Yet now I rejoice and thank God, who is still fulfilling this innermost desire in the evening of my life.”