The Benedictine Nuns of St. Joseph's Orphanage
The first three Sisters to arrive at Saint Joseph's were Sister Scholastica Shuler, Constance Siefker, and Cornelia Ruff in 1907. The Benedictine Order of Saint Scholastica's Convent in Shoal Creek received the request from Bishop Morris and assigned the women to the orphanage.
Sisters Regina O' Leary and Catherine Vorster were the next arrivals in 1908. Sister Anne Gronkowski arrived in 1910, taking over the role of administrator from Sr. Scholastica.
Most of the sisters that lived and worked at the orphanage came from the Benedictine order based in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
From 1907 to 1997, these women would dedicate their waking hours to the care and instruction of some of Central Arkansas's most vulnerable citizens.
Images of the Sisters over the years
The Prayer of St. Benedict
Bestow upon me, O gracious, O Holy Father:
Intellect to understand you,
Perceptions to perceive you purely,
Reason to discern you,
Diligence to seek you,
Wisdom to find y9ou,
A spirit to know you;
A heart to meditate upon you,
Ears to hear you,
Eyes to behold you,
A tongue to proclaim you,
A conversation pleasing to you,
Patience to wait for you,
And perseverance to look for you.
Grant me a perfect end-your holy Presence,
Grant me a blessed resurrection, and your recompense,
Everlasting life, Amen.
A list of the women and their chosen names below can be sorted using the arrows in each column. Names and years can be searched using the white search bar located on the top right.
