Genevieve Stieferman described herself as an active, mischievous little girl, with a streak of stubbornness. Yet throughout her life, she often felt misunderstood, and suffered bouts of discouragement. Her serenity came through her love of the beauty in nature, and in creating and developing the flower beds surrounding Our Lady’s Grotto at the motherhouse in Ruma, Illinois.

Sister Sophie Gartner led the first five missionaries to China. World War II ended the China mission. Sisters returned to the U.S. in 1945.

Sister Aloysia Barthelme (Loretta Adeline) was born to Joseph Barthelme and Mary Agnes (Flynn) Barthelme on November 14, 1896, in Joliet, Illinois.

Sister Evelyn Gorges, a Kansas farm girl, served in Rome during World War II and translated the letters of St. Maria de Mattias, our founder.

Sister Mary Edwin Haunss was the former Ruma province’s last link to Germany, a homemaker and gardener who loved to sing and serve others.

Sister Edwiga Degenhardt was a domestic for 65 years, working in the garden, caring for chickens, picking fruit and doing laundry.

Sister Annunciata Lorenzo was an avid quilter and cook, and administrator of St. Anne’s Home, which expanded in her tenure.

Sister Mary Benedict Bakarich loved music and served as choir director and organist. She also organized, guided and moderated lay retreats.

Sister Claudine Axman, a biologist, taught and served as academic dean at Sacred Heart College. She also was a hospital chaplain.

In a Class by Herself Although she was the youngest of 13 and accustomed to being part of a group, Sister Mary Catherine (Alvina) Girrens… Read More »Sister Mary Catherine Girrens (1908-2001)

Sister Margaret Cho was one of the first non-white Adorers in the U.S. She urged the U.S. Adorers to continue mission work in China.

Sister Marciana Heimerman, a missionary, was general superior in Rome and helped sisters adapt to changes of the Second Vatican Council.