Mother M. Anselma Drab, OSF

july 17, 1911 - february 2, 1973

On the night of Friday, February 2, 1973, the dedicated and energetic soul of our beloved Mother M. Anselma passed to her eternal reward after courageously serving our Congregation for 45 years.

Mary Drab was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to John and Katherine (Gregenda) Drab, the second of 10 children. Mary completed her elementary studies at St. Gabriel grade school in June 1926, and shortly thereafter — on October 15, 1926 — became a postulant in our congregation at age 15. On August 9, 1927, she was received as a novice, taking the name Sister Anselma. She completed her high school subjects and, a year later, made her first profession of vows on August 9, 1928.

From 1928 to 1931, Sister Anselma taught third grade at Holy Trinity School in Lorain, Ohio, where she also prepared the children for First Holy Communion. Mother Methodia Bradac then asked for volunteers to study nursing. Sister Anselma volunteered and she was sent to St. John’s Hospital for training. She completed three years of study and, in 1934, took the state examination for nursing. In January 1935, she received her certification as a registered nurse.

After another year of teaching in Lorain, Ohio, Sister professed her final vows and remained in Pittsburgh, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Duquesne University. She went on to teach the upper grades and manage the school store at Mount Assisi Academy in the late 1930s, then taught nursing at Ohio Valley General Hospital throughout the early 1940s. Over the next two decades, she taught in Emmaus, McKees Rocks, Pittsburgh, Canonsburg, Jersey City and Clarksburg, W.Va.

Sister Anselma continued her studies and, in May 1964, graduated from Duquesne University with a master’s degree in supervision and administration. Before being elected as a delegate to the 1964 General Chapter of Elections, Sister served as local superior of our mission homes in Emmaus, McKees Rocks, Jersey City and Canonsburg. 

Sister Anselma was appointed as provincial superior of the Pittsburgh Province in December 1964, a position she held for six years, leading the Province through some of its most difficult times. Then, in the first election of provincial administrators, she was elected Provincial, witness to the admiration the other Sisters had for her.

During her first six years as provincial, many significant events occurred, most notably the 1969 Chapter of Affairs and the 1970 Chapter of Elections. She oversaw many improvements, including construction of a science and gymnasium building at St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas, and the addition of a new building on the Mount Assisi grounds, which came to be known as Marian Hall. During the earlier part of her Provincial term, she focused on plans for a building program for the Motherhouse and the acquisition of funds to begin this program. The first phase saw a new chapel, dining hall, offices and bedrooms added to Mount Assisi.

Sister M. Anselma courageously undertook the task of renewal in the Pittsburgh Province. Her efforts to engage the participation of the entire community in a renewal program were most fruitful. Through her guidance, committees were formed and the structure set up to provide for a developmental program of renewal. 

The homes in New Castle, Charleroi, Farrell and St. Francis Retreat House were closed, while St. Joseph’s Home in Dayton and St. Frances Cabrini were opened. St. Monica in Converse, Texas. also was opened and later closed. As a result of the changing times, Sisters began to seek new ways to serve God’s people. Some requested full-time CCD work, which became a pressing parish need. Others worked as nurses at John Kane, St. John’s and Upper St. Clair hospitals. Still others entered social service.

Sister Anselma lived a very happy day on the Feast of the Presentation in 1973. The devout celebration of the Liturgy by the entire Motherhouse community set a religious and festive atmosphere. She seemed exceptionally pleased with the Franciscan Poverty-Kit program initiated by the Council. She visited the sick and attended a prayer service for the new postulant, Kathy Kudlac, at the house of formation. In quiet and peace, she offered the following prayer for all:

“We thank you, Lord, for our affiliates, and we ask you that they might continue coming. We thank you for Kathy, for giving her the grace to make another step towards her commitment to Thee. We thank you for our novices, and may they continue to grow in the spirit of Christ and Francis. We thank you for our formation team who are working to bring others to you. We thank you for all our Sisters who are trying to please you, to be aware of your presence. Give us all your grace so we may continue serving You to the end of our lives; that we would give until we have no more to give.  Amen.”

Following the prayer service and party, she returned to the Motherhouse. That night, she fell ill and, despite efforts to save her, passed away. As word spread, Sisters came from all parts of the building, shocked at the suddenness of her death. The Liturgy that celebrated her entrance into heaven was attended by bishops, priests, major superiors, Sisters and many friends. She was laid to rest on February 6, 1973. May she rest in peace.

Mother Anselma is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.