Remembering Our Motherhouse
On July 19, 1900, the cornerstone for the new Motherhouse of the IHMs was laid in the Green Ridge section of Scranton. Two years later, on September 8, sisters, novices and postulants moved in to the four-story brick building named Mount St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Part of the spacious structure soon became the home for elementary and high school students and eventually for Marywood College women in 1915.
In the following decades, the Motherhouse became the home for nurturing young women religious and a welcoming space for IHM sisters returning for visits and retreats. The chapel became an intricate part of life for Marywood Seminary and Marywood College. “Sister-stories” of peeling potatoes on the back porch, prayer and liturgies in the majestic chapel, serving meals to the student residents on the ‘borders’ side’, waiting to hear of chapter election results and mission changes for the next year are among the memories which the Motherhouse evoke.
Fifty years ago on February 21-22, 1971, the home we called our Motherhouse was completely destroyed by fire. We lost the 71 year old structure, but no human lives nor the spirit of the place. This year we commemorate the Motherhouse in prayer, music, history and stories of the night of the fire.
Our virtual memorial service will take place on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. That day it can be viewed online at: https://www.ustream.tv/channel/ihm-tv
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our God of Divine Providence for the life and the spirit of our IHM Motherhouse and all who called it home.
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Our virtual memorial service will take place on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. That day it can be viewed online at: https://www.ustream.tv/channel/ihm-tv
