A Firm Foundation
meet the pioneer sisters who planted the seeds of service
Some had barely reached adulthood when, in 1913, they left behind all they knew in Europe and bravely set off for a whole new world, to bring faith and education to the children of Eastern European immigrants in America. They were our courageous and visionary Pioneer Sisters — Methodia Bradac, Louise Kilb, Constance Linhart, Gerard Lampl, Isidora David and Aloysia Drdla.
The Sisters of our modern-day United States Province owe their legacy of influence to our Pioneer Sisters. Carrying only meager possessions and facing a significant language barrier, these brave ladies overcame early challenges so that, more than a century later, today’s Sisters could continue their mission of service to God’s people.
“Sisters, remain humble, faithful to your Rule and faithful
to your community of which I, myself, was a pioneer.”
Mother Louise Kilb
Mother Louise Kilbová was named the superior of the first group of sisters who came to the United States in 1913. Her father was an official on the large estate of Countess Stadion, and she received the name Louise after the Countess, who was present at her reception. She returned to Europe in 1920 and died there on April 27, 1942.
Sister Aloisia Drdla
Sister Aloisia Drdlová was assigned to be the superior and teacher in Tarentum, Pa., from 1913 to 1921. From 1921 to 1927 she was given the responsibility of being the first mother superior of the young American community. She then taught in many of our schools in both the Pittsburgh area and the eastern part of our United States Province. From 1962 to her death on June 7, 1969, she remained at Monocacy Manor, the motherhouse of the former Bethlehem Province. She is buried at St. Francis Cemetery there.
Mother Methodia Bradac
Mother Methodia Bradacová was appointed the second Mother Superior of the sisters in the United States in 1927 and remained in office until 1951. From 1928 to 1935 and from 1942 to 1947 she was also the principal of Mount Assisi Academy in Pittsburgh and the novice directress for many sisters. From 1951 to 1957 she was asked to serve as a general councilor and often traveled from Rome to Bethlehem, Pa. She died on June 19, 1984, at age 97 and is buried in our cemetery in Bethlehem.
Sister Isadora Davidová
Sister Isadora Davidová spent her first year in Tarentum and was then asked to go to St. Gabriel Convent. She later made her final vows in 1915. During her religious life she performed domestic duties for the sisters in many of our convents where the Superior was often much younger than herself. She was a humble sister and often helped the Superior by her own experience. Sister Isadora died on June 26, 1946 and is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh. She is remembered for these words: “Sisters, remain humble, faithful to your Rule and faithful to your community of which I, myself, was a pioneer.”
Sister Constance Linhart
Sister Constance Linhartová was appointed as secretary of the American Vicariate in 1927. Around 1932 a cement fish pond was built in the garden of the Motherhouse. Under the care of Sister Constance, it became the center of attraction, populated by many gold and multi-colored fish, beautiful water lilies and other attractive plants. Sister spent many years in the classroom and, afterwards, devoted her time to sewing in the motherhouse from 1966 to 1970. She died on July 29, 1976, and is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh.
Sister Gerard Lampl
Sister Gerard Lamplová attended the University of Prague as a postulant and came to the United States one year after her first profession. In her new country, Sister Gerard struggled to learn the language while furthering her education and teaching in various parish schools. From 1928 to 1947 she was assigned to the motherhouse, where she taught in the high school and was the prefect of aspirants and postulants. She spent the years from 1946 until her death in 1972 in the former Bethlehem Province. She supervised the organization of the retreat house and the construction of the other buildings on the property even though she spent the last 20 years in a wheelchair. She died on December 9, 1972, and is buried in the cemetery in Bethlehem.