Women Religious: Oral Histories of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg
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Last Updated: 2021-10-04
Detalles de la colección
When the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg founded Marian College in Indianapolis in 1937, they realized their vision of a rigorous, exemplary liberal arts education for women focused on empowering its students to effect positive and enduring change in the world. At a time in our nation’s history when most women were denied the formal educational opportunities available to men, Marian College fostered the development of transformative women leaders. The Sisters’ stated resolve “to do the best that can be done” in building the school informed the institution’s fundamental understanding of its academic mission: “Marian College endeavors to permeate every aspect of its curriculum with the spirit of Franciscan joy, so that its students…may contribute constructively to the home, the Church, the civic community, and the world.” Since its inception, a Marian education developed leaders intent on improving the lives of others. From their strength as a community they provided a model of collaborative, inspiring leadership dedicated to the realization of a more just and equitable world through academic excellence and social responsibility.
This project is a collection of oral histories delivered by numerous Sisters of St. Francis. While discussing their own personal histories, they also provide a deep and genuine insight of life and service in community, at their convent in Oldenburg, Indiana. The goal of this collection is to preserve their legacy so that it may be applied across curriculums that include models of leadership, service, and international relations.
Note: Interviews were conducted by Professor Mary Ellen Lennon between 2014-2016. Processing of the audio and transcription content was performed by Hackelmeier Memorial Library staff. Loose transcriptions were based on guidelines established by Baylor University. Record bibliographic structure was inspired by the Jefferson Digital Commons First Women at TJU collection. Use of Oldenburg convent images were kindly granted by Beverly Wilson at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. Photographs were generously provided by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and Marian University faculty member Bill Foley.
In her oral history, Sister Angela Betsch reflects on her experience growing up in White Oak, Cincinnati and her path to becoming a Sister of Saint Francis, Oldenburg. Sr. Angela highlights her decision to follow her older...
In her oral history, Sr. Ann Vonder Meulen discusses how her love for those who are underrepresented in society began as a young child with her family’s inclusion of Japanese American neighbors into their home. She describes...
In this segment Sr. Barbara Piller reflects on the great influence of family on her vocation, leading to sixty-five years in religious life at the time of recording. She describes the spirit of independence as one of her gifts,...
In her oral history Sr. Carol Ann Mause describes her family upbringing in Cincinnati, OH, her Catholic schooling as well as her internal struggle in deciding to enter religious life at Oldenburg, Indiana. She goes on to detail...
In this Interview Sr. Claire Whalen describes her early spirit of independence in Cincinnati OH, leading her toward an affinity for women leadership, and eventually her vocation at Oldenburg. She describes her role as an...
In this segment, Sr. Cleopha Werner discusses God's presence in her life as exemplified by her relationships with her family. Sr. Cleo relates how her sister's faith was strengthened through hardships in her life and even up...
In this interview, Sister Delouise Menges discusses her decision to become a Sister of Saint Frances after witnessing her father’s strong Catholic faith. She reflects on her admiration for the sisters who taught her throughout...
In her oral history, Sr. Diane Jamison describes how her mother and seventh grade teacher shaped her character and guided her decision to become a Sister of Saint Francis. A math and religious teacher, a director of religious...
In this oral history Sr. Doris Holohan describes her persistence (despite an initial setback) as well as her joy in eventually being able to serve the Sisters' mission work in Papua New Guinea. In addition to relating her...
In this segment Sr. Evelyn Lindenmaier reflects on her decision to follow her twin sister, Rachel Lindenmaier, and her aunt, Sr. Leona, into the convent of the Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg. Sr. Evelyn discusses her love...