Lecture Notes: Life and Legacy of Mother Margaret George

Early Life

• Birth and Immigration
  • Born in Ireland on December 27, 1787.
  • Immigrated to the United States with her family in 1793.
  • Moved to Baltimore, Maryland shortly after.

Personal Life

• Marriage and Loss
  • Met Lucas George, a professor, and married on December 24, 1807.
  • Lost both her husband and newborn daughter within 13 months.

Religious Life

• Sisters of Charity
  • Befriended Elizabeth Seton upon her arrival in Baltimore.
  • Joined the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland in January 1812.
  • Part of the first group to make religious vows.

Contribution to Education and Charity

• St. Joseph’s Academy & Free Schools

  • Managed St. Joseph's Academy and opened a free school in Frederick, Maryland.
  • Developed the school into a large institution with an orphanage and boarding academy.

• Richmond, Virginia and Anti-Catholic Bigotry

  • Sent to open a school in Richmond and faced anti-Catholic sentiment.

Leadership Roles

• Cincinnati Mission

  • Led St. Peter's Orphan Asylum and School, expanding it significantly.
  • Advocated for maintaining the American identity of the Sisters of Charity, resulting in the formation of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on March 25, 1852.

• Growth of the Community

  • Elected as 'Mother' in 1853.
  • Oversaw expansion with new schools and properties.

Later Years

• Health and Final Days
  • Celebrated Golden Jubilee on February 2, 1862.
  • Suffered a stroke in 1862 and returned to Mount St. Vincent Motherhouse.
  • Died on November 12, 1868.

Legacy

• Impact and Remembrance
  • Remembered for her dedication to education and charity.
  • Featured in the 2012 Women's Calendar.
  • Contributions to the Sisters of Charity and Catholic education highlighted.

Closing Remarks

• The impact of Margaret George remains influential in religious and educational communities.
• Encouragement to remember her achievements and legacy.