Daughters of Wisdom Close a Chapter After 60 Years at Islip Convent and Offices

The Daughters of Wisdom, Montfort Fathers, and staff gathered for a farewell Mass to recognize six decades of memories, service, and community that spanned the years as a Convent, Provincial and Delegation House, and Offices in Islip, NY, and to see off the final few Sisters who were living in the convent. As this meaningful chapter drew to a close, the convent and delegation offices prepared to officially close, with the last Sisters relocating to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach, NY. Plans are for the offices to move to another location in Islip.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, Father Tom Poth, SMM, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, and Sr. Catherine Sheehan, DW, gave a blessing and sent forth Sisters Mary Stiefvater and Anne Scahill. She eloquently captured this milestone with a moving recitation of the poem “In The Leaving” by Jan Richardson, encapsulating six decades of shared journey, memories, and transition. During this reflective time, staff and Sisters reminisced about their experiences together, expressing deep gratitude not only for a wonderful working environment but also for the lasting support and friendships that extended beyond the office.

Looking back over the years, since 1966, dozens of Sisters have lived at the Islip Convent, whether on return from mission, in semi-retirement, or for proximity to their ministries on Long Island. The Islip Provincial House was the third residence occupied by the Daughters of Wisdom, following the original in Ozone Park, NY, and a short-term residence in Port Jefferson Station, NY.