Peace and Mercy

A convert to Catholicism as a teenager, influenced by the writings of John Henry Newman, she was a religious sister for sixty-four years (Sisters of Mercy, influenced by the life of Catherine McAuley) during which time she proved herself a prolific writer and educator. She was universally recognized for her wide knowledge of classical literature, history, and philosophy, as well as her deep concern for human rights and international peace.

She is believed to be the first female admitted to any Catholic college in America. She was the first female graduate of Duquesne University (BA, 1911, MA, 1913), then Holy Ghost College, and first woman to receive a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh (PhD, 1923).