Lives in order

Exhibit at Maltz Museum reveals remarkable contributions of nuns

By LINDA M. LINONIS

religion@vindy.com

beachwood

Judi FEnIger, executive director of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, said the exhibit, “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” fits well into the museum’s mission, which is “to build to build bridges of tolerance and understanding.”

The museum’s collection includes “An American Story,” which traces Ohio’s Jewish immigrant history and heritage, and Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, an internationally recognized collection of Judaica.

The exhibit on nuns “is a great parallel” story,” she said, comparing it to the story of Jews in America dating from the early 1800s to contemporary times.

“It echoes what we do here every day,” she said of teaching history in a personal way by stories of individuals and families, past and present. As the museum Web site notes, these stories of the struggles, challenges and contributions of immigrants, past and present, come to life through state-of-the-art exhibitions, interactive displays, films, oral histories, photographs and artifacts.

“This intriguing look at how Catholic women contributed to our country and culture fits perfectly with the museum’s focus on diversity and tolerance and our key themes,” Feniger said. “There are many parallels to the role of Jewish women in shaping our society, here and nationally, and shared experiences – the challenges and rewards of immigration to America, how our nation’s cities and bedrock institutions were built, the lingering effects of prejudice and discrimination, the importance of collaboration, and how one person or group can change the world.”

Feniger said the exhibit highlights the contributions of a segment of society that is “humble” and “not out there seeking notice.” She said the exhibit will educate visitors to the wide-ranging contributions made by Catholic nuns to American society.

“Learning about history helps us learn about ourselves,” Feniger said. She said the exhibit shows how nuns “were tied to communities” throughout the United States and were responsible for inroads in health care, education and social justice.

“The exhibit reveals the strength and power of these people who set about working in communities,” she said, adding that the service of nuns influenced and benefited countless lives.

“What they have contributed is almost overwhelming,” Feniger said. She said the exhibit highlights such facts as — one in six American hospital patients is cared for at a Catholic facility; Sister Ignatia Gavin of the Sisters of Charity supported Alcoholics Anonymous and advocated treating alcoholism as a disease; the Catholic school system is the largest in the world; Sister Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the Sisters of Charity, was the first American-born saint; since 1980, nine American nuns have been murdered while working for social justice; and numerous orders participate as nongovernmental organizations focusing on global issues at the United Nations.

Feniger said the exhibit includes an array of artifacts that will intrigue visitors, including a letter from President Thomas Jefferson to Sister Therese de St. Xavier Farjon, dated May 15, 1804. It shows how the nuns were engaged in history and making history, the museum director said.

Feniger said she thought the habits worn by various orders will also be a popular stop in the exhibit.

Feniger said anticipation of crowds that the exhibit will attract led to the training of 60 supplemental docents, many from the Catholic community and nuns. The museum offers guided tours and a host of lectures are planned in conjunction with the exhibit.