First Established Monastery of Poor Clares in America (Protomonastery) Omaha, Nebraska |
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In response to an appeal to His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by Father Bernardino, Minister General of the Friars Minor, The first Poor Clare Foundation in America began to be realized. Mother Mary Magdalen Bentivoglio and her sister, Mother Constance Bentivoglio, left their home land for the United States on the feast of St. Clare, 1875
After enduring many trials and rejections in several localities they received a friendly welcome from Bishop James O'Connor of Omaha. Through the great generosity of Count John A. Creighton, the first foundation of the Poor Clares in the United States was made possible. Mother Mary Magdalen and two novices arrived to Omaha on August 15, 1878. Their first residence was in a five room house on 17th Street. On November 5 of the same year they moved to a larger home on Burt Street. |
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After two devastating tornadoes, a sturdy brick convent was completed and dedicated on June 24, 1881, with the title Monastery of St. Clare of St. Joseph. In April of 1890 the sisters began to supply alter breads to the parishes of the Diocese of Omaha.
In 1900, because of the extension of 29th street, the monastery was left on the edge of a precipice. It was, therefore, claimed unsafe and the old structure was leveled. A new monastery was erected and dedicated on September 15, 1904. |
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1612 Burt St. |
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A new monastery was erected and dedicated on September 15, 1904. In 1908 a south wing and burial vaults were added to the building. The year 1910 saw the erection of the enclosure wall. There was no further construction until the completion of the Mass chapel in October of 1960.
In early 1970 negotiations began with the Good Shepherd Sisters for their purchase of our monastery. We then brought and moved into the Saint Bernard Parish Convent on June 2, 1971. The Present Monastery of St. Clare is located at 3626 North 65th Avenue, Omaha. |
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1310 N 29th St. |
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1310 N 29th St. |
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The Blessing of St. Clare May Almighty God bless you. May he look upon you with the eyes of his mercy and give you his peace. May
he pour forth his graces on you abundantly, |
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please write, telephone, fax. |
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