Sister Rosemary Mulac was born in 1925 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and was raised in a simple, hard-working family of Croatian immigrants. Rosemary was dedicated to education as a teacher and principal for 33 years. She reached out to those who were on the edge.
Taught in the South
During the 1960s, there was much racial tension. As teacher and then principal at Christ the King School in Kinston, North Carolina, from 1968 to 1977, Sister Rosemary Mulac held firm and was determined to integrate the school even when challenged. She held true to the Gospel demand of justice.
Assisted Refugees and Flood Victims
In 1975, as provincial councilor, she organized groups of sisters to go to the area where the Vietnamese refugees were living to assist them in learning English. Sister Rosemary Mulac responded to the needs of the people who were devastated after the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood of 1977. Rosemary organized sisters to help those who lost their homes and belongings. She encouraged the younger sisters to grow and find their voice and encouraged them to look to the future and take on leadership roles.
As a visionary, she implemented the dream of creating an independent living village at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Through her leadership, 36 independent cottages were built, and a village was created. She tirelessly worked to create a community among the residents, staff and Sisters. Sister Rosemary Mulac was a woman ahead of her time.
Her Legacy Guides Us
Today, Adorers have a stronger connection with the Vietnamese population with professed Vietnamese women ministering in Asia. The future of this reality is unknown, but as Rosemary was a risk taker, so are the Adorers in encouraging these women to minister where there is a need.
Adorers continue to challenge the inequality based on race by reaching out to the men, women and children detained at the border.
Sisters at the Wichita Center opened their doors and hearts to asylum seekers. Adorers continue the legacy of being future oriented and responding to the needs in front of them.