Convent loses 12 sisters to COVID-19 in one-month span

They worked and lived together at a Michigan convent: some for more than a half century, many pursuing higher education and each with a variety of inter- ests. In the end, 12 Felician sisters, ranging in age from 69 to 99, would also die in the same way — of COVID- 19 and its effects — within a month, according to their order.

After the first 12 deaths from April 10 to May 10, a 13th sister at the convent, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Livonia, Mich- igan, died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, on June 27.

The virus, which preys on the elderly and thrives anywhere people are in close contact, may have posed a particular danger to the sisters, who live communally. Just as residents living in nursing homes have especially been hard hit by the pandemic, aging pop- ulations around the world are particularly vulnerable.

“We grieve for each of our sisters who has passed during the time of the pandemic throughout the province, and we greatly appreciate all of those who are holding us in prayer and supporting us in a number of ways,” said Sister Mary Christopher Moore, provincial minister of Our Lady of Hope Province, which oversees the more than 400 Felician sisters in North America.

The deaths cut deep in the communities where the sisters worked in schools, librar- ies and the medical field, the order said in a statement.

“Our ministries across the continent continue to serve those most in need and provide education and care for people from infants and children to our elderly,” Sister Mary Christopher said in an emailed statement.

The women were all members of the Felician congregation for at least 50 years, according to obituaries provided by Suzanne English, executive director for mission advancement for sisters. Many pursued higher education within their lifetime, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees; one earned a master’s degree in nursing. The sisters had a range of interests, including teaching, pastoral work and prayer ministry.

Sister Celine Marie Lesinski, who died at 92, worked for 55 years in education, including 27 years as a librarian. A former director of nursing, Sister Victoria Marie Indyk, who died at 69, was a nursing professor at Madonna University and was known for leading nurses on mission trips to support the Felician sisters’ mission in Haiti. Sister Mary Madeleine Dolan, who died at 82, “could play any song on the piano by ear” and was known for her passion for music and work in special education.

As the virus gained momentum across the country, the Felician sisters in Livonia lived under increased restrictions intended to slow the spread of the virus.

Across its convents, the Felician Sisters of North America put in place protocols including no-visitor policies, social distancing and limits on group activities. It also replaced in-person Mass with a livestream service. The congregation has about 60 convents across North America