RSHM Podcast

The Inspiring Journey of Mother Cecilia Rafter

Discover the incredible story of Mother Cecilia Rafter, who helped establish Marymount schools in California and shaped Catholic education in the West.

We are thrilled to bring historical treasures to life through readings and recordings inspired by Sister Cathy Minhoto's research into our rich heritage and captivating excerpts from Mother Rafter’s letters. Catherine Collins lends her voice to this endeavor, infusing depth and authenticity into the narrative.

Plus, a fun fact—Mother Cecilia was a lifelong LA Dodgers fan! ⚾💙

#RSCM #RSHM #RSHMSpirituality #RSHMChannel #UtvitamHabeant #ThatAllMayHaveLife #Marymount 

Mother Marie Joseph Butler, RSHM. General Superior 1926 - 1940

Don't miss our latest podcast episode 09, "Mother Joseph Butler: Opening New Doors for the RSHM in America."

Join Sister Cathy Minhoto as she delves into our rich heritage, uncovering captivating excerpts from Mother Butler’s letters that illuminate our roots. Inspired by Sister Cathy's research, we are excited to bring these historical treasures to life through readings and recordings.

We're thrilled to pay homage to our pioneering spirit, embarking on a nostalgic journey to our origins. Sister Joan Treacy, RSHM, lends her voice to this endeavor, infusing depth and authenticity into the narrative.

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#RSCM #RSHM #RSHMSpirituality #RSHMChannel #UtvitamHabeant #ThatAllMayHaveLife #Marymount  Libsyn Podcast App   

Episode 08: Our Beginnings in California and Mexico, narrated by Sister Patricia Connor, RSHM. 

Welcome to "Our Beginnings in California and Mexico," a podcast that briefly tells the rich history and enduring legacy of the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and how they arrived in California. The institute was founded on February 24, 1849, by a group of courageous women who were inspired by Father Jean Gailhac's vision in Béziers, France. They embarked on a mission rooted in service and compassion, led by co-foundress Mother St. Jean. They took on a diverse range of works, including shelters and education, and embodied the spirit of unity amidst their varied endeavors.

Their internationality became a hallmark as they spread their mission globally, eventually establishing roots in the United States in 1877. In the United States, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary started their work in Sag Harbor, New York.

In 1923, sisters were sent to California by Bishop John J. Cantwell to establish Marymount School in Los Angeles. Their work expanded to parochial and secondary education. Responding to contemporary needs and reflecting on their Institute's origins, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary diversified their work.

Their lives continue to be rooted in the gospel, in faith and zeal for Christ’s work in this world, and in a strong desire to make God known and loved.

Mother Joseph Butler and Mother Gerard Phelan who came to Los Angeles to open the first Marymount School at 28th Street. in 1923. 

To find out more about the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary please visit us at www.rshm.org  

On February 24, 2019, In honor of the 170th anniversary of our Founding of the institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The  Western American Area celebrated with the Dedication ceremony of the RSHM Memorial Bas Relief at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

In this episode, Sister Joan Treacy, RSHM, delivers a warm welcomed to the sisters and guests present. Bishop Stephen Blaire blessed the bas relief.

The figures in the bas relief depict some of the ministries of the RSHM over generations, including education and ministry to the poor and marginalized. In the center stands Mary amidst heavenly rays with the moon beneath her feet as she welcomes an elderly Sister into paradise. All the figures touch each other in gestures of faith, love, and solidarity.

The RSHM Memorial Bas Relief was designed by Will Pupa, Artist in resident at the LMU Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture and the Arts.

For more information please visit us at www.rshm.org

Sister Kathleen McHugh, RSHM, shares the story of the closing of Mother Butler Memorial High School in San Jose, California in 1972. 

In this episode Sister Mary Leah Plante, R.S.H.M., interviews Sister Kathleen McHugh, R.S.H.M., who served and an educator, counselor, and Business Administrator at Mother Butler Memorial High school from 1967 to 1972.  Sr Kathleen was the last Community Representative in finalizing the sale. 

In this delightful conversation Sr. Kathleen shares with us the reasons for the closing of the high school, her fond memories of the school and the dedicated parents of the Mothers and Fathers Club. 

Sister Kathleen McHugh, RSHM 

For more information please visit us at www.rshm.org

In this episode, Dr. Renée Harrangue tells us the story of the merger of Loyola University and Marymount College.

In 1968, Presidents Charles Casassa, S.J., of Loyola University, and Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M., of Marymount College, announced the Loyola - Marymount merger.   

After five years of sharing faculties and facilities, Loyola University and Marymount College merged and formed Loyola Marymount University in 1973.

In this episode Sister Mary Leah Plante, R.S.H.M., interviews Dr. Renée Harrangue on the Loyola Marymount campus. Dr. Harrangue was present for the initial meetings to bring about the merger of the two schools and later served as Provost of LMU. She shares stories of before, during, and after the merger, major turning points, and achievements.

Dr. Harrangue also describes the founding of the Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture, and the Arts in 1991, which embodies the RSHM spirit and presence at LMU. 

In this delightful interview, Dr. Harrangue shares her perspective on the early years of Loyola Marymount University and her future hopes for this unique educational institution.

Sister Mary Leah Plante and Dr. Renée Harrangue

To find out more about the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary please  visit us at www.rshm.org  

Episode 04:  The founding of Marymount Bogota, Colombia, narrated by Sisters Virginia Joseph, Laurence Monahan, and Renée Rushton, RSHM, who served as educators during the early years of the school.  

In this episode, Sister Virginia who arrived in Bogota in 1949,  Sister Laurence arrived in 1954, and Sister Renée in 1952, share their stories and memories of Marymount, Bogota Colombia.

At the invitation of Archbishop Ismael Perdomo, two Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary from the Eastern American Province went to Bogota in 1947 to make preparations for a school. The school opened in March 1948 and shortly after, a free school and a social work center were established. 

Within five years, the RSHM opened schools in Barranquilla and Medellin as well. Later the sisters became involved in work in the rural areas. The RSHM presence continued in Columbia until the mid-1980's. 

After the sisters left Columbia, the three schools continued under lay leadership that has maintained the RSHM mission and spirit. Today Colegio Marymount in Medellin and the Marymount Schools in Bogota and Barranquilla are members of the RSHM Network of Schools.

Pictured from left: Sr. Laurence Monahan, RSHM,  Sr. Renée Rushton, RSHM, and Sr. Virginia Joseph, RSHM.  

To find out more about the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary please visit us at www.rshm.org  

Mother Butler Memorial High School opened its doors on September 14, 1959, with Mother Wilfred Stewart as the first principal.  It began with one ninth grade class of 150 students. There was one lay teacher for Physical Education; and two sisters Sister Eileen Tuohy and Sister Laura Siebert that taught Religion, English, Algebra, and General Science, rotating between the classes. The students were divided into two homerooms.   

From 1962 to 1967, Mother Francoise O’Hare served as the second principal.  She prepared the school for the first Western Association of Schools and Colleges Evaluation. (WASC)

In this episode Sister Mary Leah Plante interviews Sister Eileen Tuohy who served as an educator at Mother Butler Memorial High School in San Jose, California from 1959 to 1967, and, Sister Angela Milioto who was a student in the Class of 1963.  

In this delightful conversation Sister Eileen and Sister Angela share their stories of the early years at Mother Butler Memorial High School.

Pictured from left: Sr. Angela Milioto, RSHM and Sr. Eileen Tuohy, RSHM.  

To find out more about the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary please visit us at www.rshm.org  

The founding of Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello, California, narrated by Sister Virginia Joseph Class of 1943 and Sister Dorothy Bartels, Class of 1944,  both RSHM,  and Mrs. Maxine Joseph Shalhoub Class of 1947.

During the Spring of 1942 Reverend  Mother Gerard Phelan, RSHM, Provincial Superior,  announced the opening of a new school in Montebello, California. 

At that time World War II was well underway and building materials were scarce so it made it difficult to build a new school and the property lay bare.  On June 1, 1942,  while Mother Gertrude Cain, Mother Francoise O'Hare and Mother Emmanuel Gallagher  were visiting the property, they had the delightful chance to  witness the arrival of the traveling structures of the former Oneata  Academy that would become the home for Sacred Heart of Mary High School. 

In this episode, Sister Virginia, Sister Dorothy and Maxine, share their stories as students during the early years of Sacred Heart of Mary High School.

The early days were marked by dedication to teaching, care, concern, a certain amount  of scolding with affection. A love of teacher for student and student for teacher remained the hallmark of Sacred Heart of Mary High School.

And we will always love you though we be far, far away    (from the school alma mater)

Pictured from left: Mrs. Maxine Joseph Shalhoub, Sr. Dorothy Bartels, RSHM, Sr. Virginia Joseph, RHSM.

In this episode, Sister Audrey, tells us the story of the founding of “Colegio Marymount” in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Sister Audrey Rushton and Sister Margaret Mary Allen were sent by Superior General Mother Gerard, from California to México for the purpose of establishing a school. 

Sister Audrey shares the story of their journey; from arriving to a new country, to searching for a house large enough for a school, to enrolling students, to opening its doors in 1958.  

This delightful story by Sr. Audrey tells us of their struggles, triumphs, and the courage they needed to promote the mission and charism of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, "That all may have life and have it to the full."

Sister Audrey Rushton, RSHM