Photo Credit: Vasiliy Meshko

Bishop Michael Domenec of Pittsburgh appealed to the Cincinnati community of Sisters of Charity for sisters to serve the needs of the growing Catholic population in his diocese. On August 20, 1870, the most momentous event in the history of our congregation occurred. God’s vine of charity was transplanted from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Altoona, Pennsylvania, by sisters with vision and hope. Sister Aloysia Lowe led five sisters to Altoona: Sisters Blanche, Maria Theresa, Maria, and two novices. A new community was begun. Sister Aloysia’s courage in leaving the community where she entered, and her vision set firmly in establishing our own, are gifts she bequeathed to us.

Sister Aloysia Lowe was named Mother Superior. Schools were quickly opened in Blairsville, Johnstown, and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of East Liberty, Sharpsburg, Lawrenceville, and South Side.

This young community grew rapidly, and Mother Aloysia began looking for a suitable property for a home for the sisters. She visited many sites but had her heart set on the 200-acre Jennings Farm in Greensburg. In her estimation, no place she saw equaled that farm. After purchasing the property, a home for the sisters was built and named Seton Hill. Mother Aloysia described Seton Hill as “the dearest place on earth.”

By spring 1889, the sisters were staffing twenty parochial schools and establishing Saint Mary School for Boys and Saint Joseph Academy for Girls.

Mother Aloysia was a remarkable woman who profoundly impacted subsequent generations of religious women. Her spiritual insight, wisdom, and business acumen set the tone for the Sisters of Charity to serve communities’ educational, healthcare, and social service needs near and far. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill are proud and grateful that she wisely chose Greensburg to be the home of their community.