All the works of God proceed slowly and in pain; but then,
their roots are sturdier and their flowering the lovelier.
Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger
Sturdy Roots is an educational resource expressing views of School Sisters of Notre Dame on educating 19th Century American children, living during wartime, engaging the aging process, living under communism, educating for justice, and much more.
Each topic is built on primary sources, i.e., letters and chronicles found in the archives of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Suggestions for using Sturdy Roots in a school curriculum and formation program are available.
By following Facilitator Directions one can incorporate this perspective into classes, discussion groups or as a segment of a book club discussion.
The spirituality strengthening School Sisters of Notre Dame is evident in times of struggle, doubt, joy, and challenge. Relive this experience by exploring the topics in Sturdy Roots.
In 1883, celebrating 50 years, the various missions of the congregation were artistically portrayed as a tree in which the central focus was Mary holding Jesus. The roots are coming out of the hearts of Bishop George Michael Wittmann (left), Mother Theresa Gerhardinger (center) and Father Francis Sebastian Job (right). Far left is St. Augustine and far right is St. Peter Fourier. The painter was Josef Kastner from Vienna.