Our Living Heritage

The sacred grounds have been an oasis of peace and tranquility for both the sisters who call the motherhouse home, and guests who come to admire the beauty of the greenery, statues, and architecture. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have anchored their vast ministry from this very place. From the Motherhouse, Sisters were sent to educate in schools, care for the sick in hospitals, and tend to the needs of poor immigrants throughout the United States. Many of these ministries are still active today, inspired by the Sisters' courage and compassion.

One of the ministries begun from the Motherhouse was Mount St. Joseph Academy, which later became Mount St. Joseph University. The Sisters saw a need for women to be educated in a time when they had no opportunities to do so. Inspired by their foundress, Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Sisters welcomed countless young women to the Motherhouse to receive a college education. For 42 years, students and Sisters resided in the Motherhouse before the new college campus was constructed. The legacy of our university is alive just across the street, in the halls of the Motherhouse.

In photo: Historical photo of the Chapel of Immaculate Conception in Motherhouse.

As the great nephew of a Sister of Charity, Sr. Jean Marian (Cookie) Crowley, I spent a great deal of my young life at the Motherhouse. I can not recall my first visit because I was just a newborn infant. My earliest memories of the Motherhouse were as a young child, mesmerized by the beauty of the Immaculate Conception Chapel. When I was in first grade, I began to take weekly piano lessons with Sr. Terry Thorman in the Motherhouse music room. After my lessons, I would spend a few hours with my great aunt, running errands around the Motherhouse, and visiting with the sisters. I spent so much time at the Motherhouse, that I was even given a badge with my name and picture, it read "Aunt Cookie's personal attaché". I especially found joy in visiting with the Sisters who lived at the Motherhouse. The Sisters told me stories of their various ministries, which inspired me greatly. The Sisters were especially interested in my academic pursuits. When I had was faced with a quandary in my homework, I knew that I had an army of teachers at the Motherhouse who would be willing to assist me. Overall, I felt a deep sense of community at the Motherhouse, people who truly cared for one another.

Growing up surrounded by the Sisters of Charity was a great blessing in my life. Had I not been educated and inspired by the Sisters, I would not be a student at the Mount today. I credit my success in music and academics to the Sisters. When I was faced with choosing a university to attend, there was no question in my mind, I would attend Mount St. Joseph University, and continue to be educated and inspired by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

I encourage all readers who have not yet visited the Motherhouse, to do so. You will truly be struck by its beauty both inside and out. I also encourage you to sit down and speak with one of the Sisters, and you will find their great kindness and tenderness. The Sisters are truly women of humility and faith, who have led the way in creating some of the greatest institutions in our city and country. Our heritage as Mount St. Joseph University is alive and well in each and every one of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and in their home, Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse.

Photo: A group of first-year students on the porch of the Motherhouse, after a tour of the chapel.