Stella Niagara Centennial ~ 1908 – 2008

A CENTURY OF SERVICE, EDUCATION, AND PEACE

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Stella Niagara was built in 1908 as the North American motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity.  Today there are ten provinces and five missions in eleven countries which follow the way of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and founder, Mother Magdalen Damen.

Lewiston Council on the Arts and the Sisters of St. Francis presented the Marble Orchard: Star of Niagara, an historic play that takes place in the peaceful secluded cemetery at Stella Niagara.

The Sisters of St. Francis of the North American Provinces, attending their convocation, joined Margaret Gillies, portrayed by Eva Nicklas and Brother Stone, portrayed by Tim Henderson on the way to the Stella Niagara cemetery. The story is narrated by Margaret, who was a boarder at the school and Brother Stone who represented the many stone masons who helped in the construction of the building.

Sister Calixta Rademacher, played by Sonja Jonsson, told stories of the experiences of the German sisters living at Stella during the "early days."

Sister Calixta was responsible for the gardens and orchards and was known for "planting a prayer" with each plant that went into the ground.

Sister Rose Bennett, portrayed by Bonnie Clark, is consoled by Sister Mary McCarrick as she tells her story of accepting God's will as she deals with Alzheimer's disease.

Sister Frances Flanigan, portrayed by Penny Frese, spent her entire career in Western New York where she ministered as lecturer, theologian and teacher of scripture.