For a century and a half, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have remained steadfast in their mission of faith, love, and service to communities around the world. Founded in 1875 by Blessed Frances Siedliska in Rome, the congregation has expanded its reach across continents, touching countless lives through education, healthcare, and pastoral care.
Friday Finds is a way to capture that essence of the Sisters' ministry and how their work has not only shaped individuals throughout the years but has also strengthened entire communities by promoting values of faith, education, and service.
One such example of their impact is the story of Sister Videntia, whose deep faith and dedication brightened the corridors of Ohio Valley Hospital. Known for her care and compassion, Sister Videntia formed strong bonds with those she served, including Dr. Harry Clements’ family. Her devotion extended beyond hospital walls, as she often took Dr. Clements' children on picnics and cared for many boys at the Holy Family Institute.
Read more about Sr. Videntia below, taken from the Ohio Valley Hospital Newsletter, 1974 Panorama - Spring.
Sister Videntia has become a convert.
It wasn’t a religious conversion - the deep faith that has radiated from her for many years remains the same, and continues to brighten the corridors of Ohio Valley Hospital as she makes her rounds among the patients.
But, after many years as a Pirate rooter, Sister has finally become a football fan. She never liked that game before “because they all pile on top of each other,” but now that Tom Clements is Notre Dame’s first-string quarterback, Sister has become an ardent fan and a stanch supporter of “The Fighting Irish.”
Sister Videntia has been devoted to Dr. Harry Clements’ family for many years - ever since he “saved my life.” When Dr. Harry’s children were small, Sister often took them on picnics at the Holy Family Institute where she was “mother” to many boys for a long time before coming to our hospital.
On one of these picnics, a little boy disappeared from the group. Sister remembers how worried she was until he was found a few miles away headed for home. She might have known nothing about his passing arm in those days, but she could have predicted that Tom Clements would someday be making touchdowns, from the sense of direction he displayed at that early date.
One thing that bothers Sister Videntia now, as she is watching Notre Dame football games on TV, is the “dirty” rag that Tom has dangling from his waist as he calls signals. Next fall, she hopes to replace it with a brand-new towel with special decorations which Notre Dame fans may recognize as being custom-made for Tommy Clements in McKees Rocks. It will be one more display of Sister Videntia’s thoughtfulness, pride in, and devotion to one of her boys.
