Learning from History

By Eva Stefanski, Archivist

Often in times of great trial, we look back at history and wonder about the challenges others have faced before us. Archivists for congregations of women religious across the country have been receiving requests for information on how the sisters prevailed during the 1918 flu pandemic, the largest and deadliest pandemic in recorded history.

Are there things that history can teach us? What comfort can come from the stories of those in the community that have tread this path before? When I looked in the Archives for any information on the 1918 pandemic, what I discovered was surprising. The School Sisters of St. Francis have survived this ordeal not just once, but many times before.

Today, we can take comfort in the resilience of this community and the message of history: Whatever challenges arise, the sisters will overcome.

Read the full story now in our website Media Room