Tending Holy Ground

For many years, IHM friend and benefactor, Kenny Noll, has cared for graves of IHM sisters at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton, St. Rose Cemetery in Carbondale, and St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow. Kenny recently visited the sisters' graves at Cathedral Cemetery, but he was unable to tend to the weeds because of a recent illness. He notified Sister Fran Fasolka about the state of the sisters plots. Sisters Carrie Flood, Maria Peter Kratz, and Fran Fasolka weed wacked and raked around each of the thirty-five graves there.

One of the oldest graves dates back to Sister M. Agatha Griffin who died Friday, May 30, 1890. The following is an excerpt from Sister Immaculata Gillespie's history. “As in most cases, Saint Joseph's was nearer than Monroe, many postulants were received at Saint Joseph's. Soon a novitiate was opened at the latter place. The first reception and profession took place at Saint Joseph's, July 24, 1859. It was held in the chapel of the convent. The Right Reverend Bishop Neumann presided at the ceremony. He was assisted by Reverend Father O'Reilly, Reverend Father Fox, and Reverend Father Monaghan."

"The following young ladies received the habit: Miss Mary Shaughnessy, Friendsville, Pa., in religion, Sister Mary Joseph; Miss Mary Hogan, New York, Sister Mary Augustine; Miss Julia Griffin, Mauch Chunk, Pa., Sister M. Agatha; Miss Elizabeth Lappin, New York, Sister M. Teresa; Miss Henrietta Piston, Philadelphia, Sister M. Nepomucene; Miss Elizabeth Flynn, Philadelphia, Sister M. Bernard; Miss Catherine Eishein, Philadelphia, Sister M. Alphonsa. Two novices who had made their novitiate were professed. They were Sister M. Ignatia and Sister M. Clara.”

The Shalom House sisters plan to return to the sisters' graves at Cathedral Cemetery to try and straighten the headstones. If any sisters, associates, and friends wish to help, please contact Sister Fran at communications@sistersofihm.org

Our time and attention to these sacred grounds honors the lives of these early sisters.