The convent in Westphalia held quite a distinction from many others. The Sisters of Christian Charity's founder, Blessed Pauline Von Mallinckrodt*, visited Westphalia for five days in June of 1880. To have a person of such high honor visit was truly a blessing! Few others have been so fortunate. Blessed Pauline is not the only one blessed who has or does walk in Westphalia. The Sisters are truly blessed for selflessly serving Westphalia for so long, and the people of Westphalia are truly blessed to have received those services.
More than 200 Sisters of Christian Charity served the Westphalia community from 1874-2001. We cannot thank these dedicated women enough for all they have done for the people of St. Mary’s Parish, especially in their service to the children of St. Mary’s School.
On August 21, 1849 Pauline Von Mallinckrodt founded the Sisters of Christian Charity in Germany. The order quickly grew from its original four members, and when the New World called for Sisters for their schools, Mother Pauline responded. One of these calls came from Father John Reiffert, Pastor of St. Mary’s in Westphalia in the summer of 1874. In September, four sisters arrived: Sr. Theophilia Muys, Sr. Eulalia Peveling, Sr. Olga Lange, and Sr. Protasia Hoffman..
The Sisters were pleased with what they found when they arrived in Westphalia – well-constructed roads, neatly arranged farms, a new convent, a school which they declared a gem, and of course, the people. The people were especially generous, providing the Sisters with a home more comfortable than their own. In the early years this convent became a retreat center for the Sisters in the Western Province. Later, retreats were held at St. Elizabeth Convent in Detroit.
The school did not open without some problems, foremost of which was determining grades for the children; it was finally decided that reading would be the determinant. Also, since the Sisters came directly from Germany they knew no English. A special instructor (who later became Sr. Sulpita) taught English in the classroom and also helped the Sisters to learn English.
The Sisters agreed that the students were exceptionally diligent and cooperative. Soon, progress was noted in the school, and Father Reiffert and the parishioners couldn’t express their gratitude enough. Sr. Eulalia was especially commended for her teaching methods, and Fr. Reiffert recommended them to the rest of the diocese.
Because of an old-fashioned wood stove, a small fire started in the school in February of 1875, and for fear of the fire spreading to the convent the Sisters took all of their possession out into the knee-deep snow early in the morning. Luckily, the fire was limited to a wardrobe and an adjoining classroom.
In 1904, a new convent was built for the Sisters and in 1906 the old convent was opened as a boarding house for students. Many students spent Sunday through Friday there, especially in the winters. Because of the growing use of automobiles and a lack of staff, the boarding school was closed in 1920.
In 1936, higher education began at St. Mary School with eleven freshmen and four sophomores. Eventually a four-year course was offered. Fr. Edward Gutha negotiated with the local school board to have St. Mary’s affiliated with the State educational system and the school became known as Westphalia High School which continued until 1961 when the Pewamo-Westphalia High School opened.
A third convent, built for the Sisters in 1984 served as their home until their departure in 2001. And although there are no longer Sisters available to staff our school, we the people of Westphalia are and will continue to be grateful for their more than 125 years of dedicated service to this parish.
*Mother Pauline was declared BLESSED by Pope John Paul II on April 14, 1985.
