Sister Mary Francis McDonald papers, 1920 - 2005

Sub-Series — file_cabinet: 3

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Record Group: This collection contains records from all the sisters who make up the DSOH. It includes their personal papers, publications, artistic work, photographs, diplomas, ministry history etc. The Dominican Sisters of Hope were founded in 1995. The group includes members of the former Newburgh Domincan, Fall River Dominican and Ossining Dominican Communities. The sisters work and minister in various ways including community organizing, social work, education, environmental advocacy, and retreat ministry.

Dates

1920 - 2005

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted Access. Users have unrestricted access to documents unless stated otherwise.

Biographical / Historical

Sister Mary Francis was born Mary McDonald on January 4, 1920 in Poughkeepsie, NY. She entered the Newburgh Congregation on September 8, 1937 and received the habit on June 17, 1938 when she was given the religious name, Sister Mary Francis. She pronounced first vows on June 18, 19439 and final vows on August 21, 1945. During her years in the congregation she served in the following schools: Casa San Jose, Newburgh, NY, 1940-1945; and Mt. St. Mary Academy and College, Newburgh, NY, 1950-1964. Sister served as President of Mt. St. Mary College, Newburgh, NY, 1964-1972. She also served as second Councilor of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, NY, 1965-1971. Sister was Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, 1971-1975 and was re-elected, 1975-1979. She served as: President of the Dominican Leadership Conference, 1976-1977; on the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council of Women Religious, 1975-1979; and as Secretary-Treasure to the New Jersey Council of Major Superiors, 1976-1979. Sister taught Theology at Maryknoll Seminary, Maryknoll, NY, 1979-, and was Academic Dean and Professor, 1982-1984. After a Sabbatical at Maryknoll School of Theology, 1984-1985, she became a Professor of Church History at Maryknoll. Sister Mary Francis earned her: BA and MA from Catholic University, Washington, DC; and her PhD from Catholic University. Sister held NY Certifications in Latin, Greek and Social Studies. She died April 17, 2005.