The Society sent talented, dedicated women to be the pioneer “founding Mothers” of Rosemont College. Among them were skilled domestic workers, wise administrators, and gifted educators - Sisters from both the United States and Europe. A few include:
Reverend Mother Mary Joseph Dalton (1867-1935), in her service as Provincial Superior of the American Province, purchased the buildings and the land that became Rosemont College. After her death someone wrote, “Mother’s wisdom in taking this step has been amply justified by the success the College has attained.”
Reverend Mother Mary Dolores Brady (1869-1932), having experience in establishing new beginnings on a firm footing, both in the Philadelphia and Chicago, was well known for her thoroughness and quiet energy in all that she undertook. She served as an early Religious Superior at the College.
Irish Mother Mary Ignatius Carroll (1882-1939), pictured below and with children in the slideshow background, was born in 1882 in Dromkeen, County Limerick, Ireland. She was one of five children and was educated in Ireland and England. In 1902, she entered the novitiate of the SHCJ. Her leadership skills were demonstrated by the remarkable development of Rosemont College under her leadership from 1924 until 1939.
The commitment of these Sisters reflected in every way what is expressed in this quote from Mother Mary Anthony Weinig, SHCJ, in 1940: “The reality of the College is the reality of the depth and quality of the commitment of the people who make the College. This reality is expressed in many voices and appears in many styles. It is also implicit in the ways of being and doing of each of the generations that give something distinctive to the College. All we know of the future is that we are building it now. And that our forward thrust is as strong and as true as our integrity at this moment of awareness.”