News and Events: Foundress Day

Our community celebrated Foundress Day on Sunday, January 17th.   Mother Ellen founded our community in 1973 with the Most Rev. Richard H. Ackerman.  We received approval from Rome in 1974.  Mother Ellen wanted to live religious life according to Vatican II.  She had a great love for the Church and her vocation as a consecrated religious. She loved God with her whole being and wanted to give herself to Him through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience

Mother Ellen wrote the following about the founding of the community:  " On June 1, 1973, we stepped aboard the ship of an authentic post-Vatican II community. We set sail on the waters of Christ’s Church. For eleven months we were tossed and turned frequently by rough waves, but we had much to help us weather the storms – Christ was always at the helm and He gave us directions through His appointed representatives here on earth; faith was our anchor when, at times, we seemed to be sinking; hope never let us completely lose heart in the struggle; and the love of the Holy Spirit breathed on our sails as we traveled toward our goal.  On May 1, 1974, Holy Mother Church placated the waters and put a steadying hand on our vessel, telling us to re-establish our charted course. There have been storms since and there will be more storms until we meet the Divine Helmsman face-to-face.”

Mother Ellen and Bishop Ackerman

Mother Ellen signing her vows.

Mother Ellen passed away on January 17, 2008.  Everyone who knew Mother Ellen was aware that she loved God with her whole heart.  And she loved His Church with every fiber of her being.  No work was too hard, no sacrifice was too great if it gave glory to God and upheld His Church. We miss her physical presence among us but we know that she is watching over us from her place  with God. May her soul and the souls of all the  departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.