Sister Linda Marie Bos played the role of Mother Caroline Friess.

Appearance at Germanfest

Thousands of people experienced world-famous Gemütlichkeit (hospitality), ten stages of continuous entertainment and delicious cuisine at German Fest, the largest German-ethnic festival in North America. The School Sisters of Notre Dame Milwaukee Province sponsored a display in the cultural area during the three-day event held July 28, 29 and 30, 2006 at the Henry W. Maier Festival [Summerfest] Grounds on the beautiful lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

During the three-day event, 16 sisters shared with festivalgoers about the significant contributions of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. This worldwide community of apostolic women religious was founded in Bavaria (Germany) in 1833 by Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. Today, they have about 4,000 members ministering in 35 countries. Together, the School Sisters of Notre Dame work to "transform the world through education."

At the age of 26, Mother Caroline Friess was appointed Vicar for North America. She established the first official Motherhouse of the congregation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There was a large German immigrant population here with serious educational needs. Like Mother Theresa, she also proved to be an ardent and talented missionary, leader, innovator, builder, and businesswoman. Mother Caroline led the School Sisters of Notre Dame in the United States and Canada for 42 years from 1850 until her death at 68 in 1892.

Sister Linda Marie Bos, assistant professor of history at Mount Mary College took up the role of Mother Caroline on Friday and Sunday of German Fest. She provided a wealth of knowledge to all interested in learning more about the SSND heritage in Milwaukee, North America and beyond. Besides her teaching duties, Sister Linda Marie is researching and writing a history of the School Sisters of Notre Dame - Milwaukee Province.

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