BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST
COVID-19 is not the only pandemic in the Sisters of Providence’s history to prevent Jubilees from being celebrated.
Historically jubilees were not celebrated altogether annually in June the way they are now. Instead they were celebrated throughout the year as the anniversaries occurred.
Sister Mary Aloyisus (left) and Sister Mary Stanislaus (right) were blood sisters who entered the congregation on the same day, went through the novitiate together, and made profession on the same day.
Sisters Mary Gertrude Murphy, Mary Stanislaus Corrigan and Mary Aloysius Corrigan were all to celebrate their 25th Anniversary of profession as Sisters of Providence on November 4th, 1918, but the event was postponed because of the 1918 flu pandemic. It is mentioned in the Congregational Annals:
November 21, 1918
Superior General and Treasurer out shopping, re the Jubilarians. Sisters Mary Gertrude, Stanislaus & Aloysius’ 25th anniversary occurred a few weeks ago but owing to the epidemic the event was not noticed. Our Mother purposes having a little rejoicing in union with the rest for her Feast.*
Sr. Mary Stanislaus, superior Glen Nevis and Sr. Mary Aloysius who has been out Nursing are invited to return home, also Sr. Mary Charles & Sr. Mary of the Cross, superiors of Prescott and Brockville have also been invited.
*The General Superior at the time was Sister Mary Clement O’Shea and her feast day, St. Clement’s day, was November 23rd.