News
Stories Wanted about Sisters of St. Basil
One hundred and eight years ago, three Sisters of St. Basil arrived in Philadelphia in response to the Church’s Call to serve Ukrainian immigrants. Not knowing a word of English, these young Sisters (the oldest was 30 years old) courageously and joyfully entered the New World to tackle the immigrants’ overwhelming needs. Many immigrant children were orphaned due to the frequent coal mining accidents in Western Pennsylvania. Others had no work because they were uneducated and spoke no English—this was the case for most.
Where would the Sisters begin to address these crucial needs? They moved on all fronts at once by starting an orphanage, opening a carpet factory to teach that trade, and conducting evening classes of English and Religion in Philadelphia as well as at parishes in PA, OH, NJ, NY, IL, MI. Later they opened an elementary school system, an academy, and a college (Manor College). Today the Sisters teach in several parish schools; administer Manor College, St. Basil Academy and the Basilian Spirituality Center; and they work in Pastoral Ministry as well as in Chanceries.
To celebrate their legacy during National Catholic Sisters Week, we invite people to send us their experiences and memories of Sisters, whether living or dead. Submissions should be about 50-100 words and will be posted on the Jesus, Lover of Humanity Province website. One author will be chosen to receive round trip airfare to Ukraine (worth approximately $1,000) to work alongside the Sisters. Full details here.
Write to Sr. Ann Laszok, OSBM with stories and memories via email (srannl@aol.com) or mail:
710 Fox Chase Rd
Fox Chase Manor, PA 19046
If you have any questions or want more information about the Sisters of St. Basil write to Sr. Dorothy Ann, OSBM (dabusowski@stbasils.com).