Oblate Sisters of Providence celebrate 175th anniversary

Published: 2004-07-14

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- A jubilant crowd of more than 1,000 people packed the pews and balcony of Baltimore's Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary to celebrate with the Oblate Sisters of Providence on the 175th anniversary of their founding as the first religious order for black Catholic women. For the July 1 Mass, retired Baltimore prelates Archbishop William D. Borders and Auxiliary Bishop William C. Newman joined Baltimore Cardinal William H. Keeler and Baltimore Auxiliary Bishops W. Francis Malooly and Gordon D. Bennett, who has since been named head of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. Thunderous applause greeted the opening procession, which included some Oblate Sisters followed by representatives of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver and Knights of St. John and their ladies auxiliaries, and approximately 25 clergy. The Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian choir from Washington added moving and spirit-filled voices to the liturgy.

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