Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel convent is located in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, and has been the home for many of our sisters, especially the sick and retired who benefited from the fresh rural environment. It was founded by Mother Caroline Friess in July 1852, less than two years after the establishment of the motherhouse in Milwaukee.
Humble Beginnings:
The dream of establishing a school on the hill called "Carmel" where the present facility now stands preceded Mother Caroline's first visit in June 1852. With the help of Cecilia Guidinger, who had contributed her property, Father Casper Rehrl, had already purchased forty acres of land and built two log cabins: one for a school and one as a residence for the teacher. Here Cecilia taught the poor country children and, thus had become the foundress and first teacher of the Catholic parochial school in Calvary. She eventually entered SSND, becoming Sister Mary Lucia. She is buried in the parish cemetery.
SSND Presence Established:
Soon after Mother Caroline's visit in 1852, SSND Novice Petra Forreria and Candidate Frances Mueller were assigned to this mission. They struggled through tough times but succeeded in firmly establishing the SSND presence on Calvary hill. Sister Petra's entire SSND ministerial life was spent at Calvary. She died there in 1920 and is buried in the convent cemetery.
Growth through Time:
The convent complex grew throughout the years following 1852. There were a number of buildings, including a barn to facilitate the working farm that provided sustenance for the sisters. The last major building was a 56 bedroom addition added in 1954.
Today, while the farm doesn't provide acres of crops, it does afford a myriad of fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens that are tended by the sisters and several hired workers. The sisters enjoy this rural setting which gives them a peaceful venue for their retirement ministries of prayer, presence, and pastoral service. They also enjoy the friendly, family style atmosphere of this convent and are proud that the original crucifix, from Germany, that once stood at the original Milwaukee motherhouse now hangs over Calvary hill.