Daughters of Wisdom, USA Province

November 16, 2024-The Daughters of Wisdom were celebrated in a milestone event, graciously hosted by St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson - a place of their missionary beginnings in New York. A special Mass in the Infant Jesus Chapel presided over by Fr. Tom Poth, SMM, Fr. Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, and Fr. Alphonsus Igbokwe marked the event in the holy house so cherished by the Sisters that it renewed many beloved memories for them and all in attendance. Sr. Irene Arsenault, DW, remarked on how moving it was to be in the Chapel, where she was brought back to memories of it being filled with children and Sisters and where the choir once sang in the overhead loft.

In her welcome to the gathering, Delegation Leader, Sr. Catherine Sheehan, DW, said, "Anniversaries such as the one we celebrate today naturally tend to recall the past and all that has gone before. However, today is about more than the past. Today is about the present and looking forward to the future.

It is true that we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, and today, we are standing hand in hand with those who accompany us in the present and support us in moving forward into the future. This day is about you, the people who stand with us and walk with us hand in hand. So, let us begin our celebration by recognizing and honoring the past while cherishing all we have in the present that makes us live in hope."

In his homily, Fr. Tom Poth, SMM, said, "...today we celebrate a journey of hope and faith. We do it together with the community, associates, and friends."

The Mass was followed by a delightful luncheon and a time for reunion, which Sisters, Associates, staff (present and past), our wisdom community, and volunteers enjoyed.

Thanks to all who shared this special occasion with us, especially to our volunteers who worked along with Rosalie Mullane from Mission Development: Rocky Nevelino, Ann Weishahn, Dotty Scorzelli, Ellie Filippone, Angela Brucia, Pat Wolosz, Jacquie Hagihara, and Katharine Miller. And thanks to Tina Murano from St. Charles Hospital. The hospital's support and partnership with the Daughters of Wisdom staff were instrumental in making this celebration successful.

From our 75th Jubilee Journal

A letter from Sr. Catherine Sheehan, DW, US Delegation Leader

Dear Friends,

Thank you for acknowledging and celebrating this 75th Anniversary! Most of you know that the Daughters of Wisdom have been in the United States more than 75 years. The first Daughters of Wisdom came to the United States in 1904.

So, what is significant about 75 years?

In November 1949, we were established as a Province of the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom with our own Provincial Leader. The property in Litchfield, CT (now known as Wisdom House) became the first novitiate in the United States.

Over the years there have been many changes; presently, we are a Delegation of the Congregation, a step often taken when Provinces are diminishing in number. And yet, our mission and influence is still alive through our Sisters, our friends and supporters. Our mission outreach through Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center serves approximately 500 groups annually and fosters growth in spirituality, education, the arts, and ecology.

Faithful to the call of our founders, St. Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet, as Daughters of Wisdom …

We are called in community to seek and to contemplate Divine Wisdom, present in a world that hungers for meaning, justice and compassion. We seek to bring the message of Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom, to people experiencing injustice, violence, poverty and oppression, especially women and children.

Together we celebrate our life and legacy!

In Wisdom’s love,

Sr. Catherine Sheehan, D.W.
Delegation Leader, USA

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A Letter from Sr. Rani Kurian, DW, Daughters of Wisdom Congregational Leader

**Click on the image to view our Journal.**

Dear Sisters,

Hearty Congratulations to you as you celebrate the 75th jubilee of the foundation of the Daughters of Wisdom of the United States.

On this very special occasion, along with the members of the General Team, I join you in thanking God for the countless blessings that have marked your journey as Daughters of Wisdom.

Celebrating 75 years reminds us of our Sisters who took daring and loving steps in reaching out to the service of the poor and needy of their time. The legacy left behind by them speaks of hard work, commitment and sacrifices touching the lives of the people with much love and also giving birth to quality education, health care and pastoral service, etc. Wisdom made her presence real in many ways and continued to touch the hearts and minds of many Sisters over the years whose prayers, wisdom and service continue the path that was traced.

Celebrating the foundation also means celebrating life today and looking forward to the future with faith and hope. “Wisdom renews all things”. Yes, Wisdom continues her creative work through you, Sisters and collaborators, by being attentive to the present reality. Your dedication in responding to the needs of the time with special attention to ecology, care for the planet, immigrants, reaching out to the population through the effective use of our land and buildings etc.. continue to speak of Wisdom’s love for humanity.

St Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie-Louise ardently longed to spread the love of eternal and incarnate Wisdom and believed totally that the work they had begun would continue to bear fruit over the years. As we celebrate this significant milestone it is a sign of their constant presence with us and a manifestation of God’s blessings to each one of you in spreading the Charism and Spirituality of the Congregation. The vine that they have planted in France spread and took root in the soil of the USA and continue to take root in different ways today. Celebrating the jubilee is also a time of celebrating the presence of our collaborators (Friends of Wisdom) and all the lay persons who share our charism and spirituality and continue to spread it in different ways in their day-to-day life.

May this celebration bring renewal and newness in the life of each one of you. I wish you a joyful and memorable celebration.

Affectionately

Sr Rani Kurian, DW
Congregational Leader