Implementation of the missions in the United States: interview with Sister Anne C. Leonard

Sister Anne Leonard recalls the origins and extent of the presence of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in the United States.

The first foundation dates back to 1860 in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The Congregation ran a school there for 147 years and it was the only religious community in Illinois that taught in a public school. The Congregation also worked in Kankakee, Illinois, in Portland, Maine and in Saint Albans and Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. At one time, it was present in fifteen States. Today, it is present in thirteen. The Community novitiate was in Chicago.

The American Sisters want very much to maintain ties with their companions from other countries of the Congregation. They promote unity in diversity which is very important to them.