Sesquicentennial Celebration
Celebrations, Recognitions and Gratitude
“The virtue of gratitude will prepare our hearts to receive the graces we need to serve the sick and poor with meekness and compassion.”
–St. Louise de Marillac
150th Anniversary Year Celebration
Plans were made in 2020 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mother Aloysia Lowe and her companions’ arrival in Altoona, PA on August 20, 1870. The festivities were supposed to include three Eucharistic liturgies, receptions, and many guests on different dates in Altoona, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh, with the bishops of each diocese as the main celebrants for the Eucharistic Liturgy. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the celebrations were canceled, except for two outdoor events: the historical marker dedication and the event honoring Mother Aloysia Lowe, who is a Hometown Hero. Despite the cancellations, the organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the many graces received over 150 years.
Historical Marker Dedication
Casey Bowser and Sister Louise Grundish, archivists, nominated the congregation for a historical marker to honor the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill’s contributions and impacts on the state of Pennsylvania. On Saturday, August 28, 2021, sisters gathered with friends and state and local officials to dedicate the Pennsylvania State Historical Marker.
The historical marker will serve as a permanent to the broad and lasting influence of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.
The state historic marker text reads:
Founded in Altoona in 1870 by Mother Aloysia Lowe, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill made Greensburg their permanent home in 1882. The community initiated groundbreaking educational, healthcare, and social service programs by serving an impressive network of schools and hospitals in 12 states and created an international congregation when they expanded to South Korea in 1960. The Sisters founded Seton Hill College, now University, in 1918.
Honoring Our Hometown Hero
When Mother Aloysia Lowe and her group of Sisters of Charity established the congregation in Greensburg, they brought education, economy, culture, and spirituality that helped shape Greensburg’s past successes and continues to influence the present and the future. As a result, Mother Aloysia Lowe was chosen as a Hometown Hero. She was honored with banners that acknowledge her as a Greensburg hero, hung on city lampposts at five different locations.
Closing Mass of the 150th Anniversary Year Celebration
On Sunday, August 29, 2021, a Mass of Jubilation and Thanksgiving took place at Caritas Christi, our motherhouse, with celebrants The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, Bishop of Greensburg, and Chaplain Reverend Monsignor William R. Rathgeb. Unfortunately, due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, outside visitors and instrumentalists were unable to participate. Many Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill attended the Mass, while those living in other states, South Korea, and Ecuador participated via live-streaming.
Paying Tribute to 150 Years
Archivists Casey Bowser and Sister Louise Grundish, SC, co-authored a book titled “Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill” to commemorate the congregation’s 150th anniversary. Published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series, the book contains over 200 historical images. It explores the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill’s significant contributions to education, including their involvement with Seton Hill University and parish schools, and their impact on healthcare, social services, and pastoral ministry. The book also spotlights the Sisters’ extensive work in diverse locations, spanning from Western Pennsylvania and Arizona to Korea, Israel, and other areas.
Together Forward
In this time following our celebration of 150 years of responding to God’s call, we pray with gratitude for the past, the present, and the undefined future. As Women of Charity, we stand ready and hopeful that we will have the commitment and energy to move forward, just as our pioneer sisters did.