Mary Frances Clarke was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1802. She gave her life to education, especially for young girls who had limited opportunities. In 1833, she founded the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), a congregation committed to teaching and serving others. Clarke believed that education wasn’t just about giving students answers, it was about teaching how to think critically and solve problems on one’s own.
The BVM sisters stand for four core values: education, freedom, charity and justice. Sister Lynn Winsor explains, “BVM is all about freedom, education, justice and charity. With charity we see it as how we educators can help students in this difficult world to become better for the world and each other.”
Education has always been a top priority for the BVM sisters. “We now send sisters out to teach who have at least a bachelor’s degree. BVMs, though, generally have at least their masters when serving schools. This ensures students receive high quality instruction from well-prepared educators,” says Sister Kathleen Sinclair.
Freedom to the BVM sisters means more than just independence. It means spreading love and joy. Winsor emphasizes that “with freedom, we try to bring peace to the people we work with and we pray internationally.”
Charity plays a major role in Xavier’s mission. Winsor shares, “We represent charity at Xavier with sweans, canned food drives, and any other ideas that students want to pitch to help give back.” Through service, students learn the importance of generosity and community.
Justice also plays a central role in the BVM sisters’ beliefs. “Justice, we realize the dignity in everyone. To accept each of them gives them an opportunity to grow,” Winsor says. Their mission is to create an environment where every person is valued and uplifted.
The BVM sisters have always believed in welcoming all people. “We care deeply about all people, not just those who are Catholic, or Irish (like the foundresses), or able-bodied, or poor. We care about and for all people,” says Sinclair. Xavier reflects this by embracing students from diverse backgrounds and fostering inclusivity.
When the BVM sisters first started their schools, they faced many obstacles. “The biggest challenges were starting schools with donated buildings and little money to provide for salaries, books, heat and water,” Sinclair explains. Over time, as communities recognized the quality of education the BVM schools provided, more people began to support them financially.
At Xavier, the BVM legacy continues through hard work and dedication. “Every BVM sister who has served here has been asked to take on extra projects, establish programs or work extra hours so that students can have the best experiences possible,” Sinclair says. Their commitment to service extends beyond the classroom.
The BVM sisters’ mission also includes social justice. They advocate for peace, equality and opportunities for all. Their values go beyond education, inspiring students to make differences in the world.
The BVM traditions carry into Xavier in so many ways. The students here sing BVM songs at the monthly all-school Masses and Christmas pageant. This further contributes to the legacy of faith and music. Mother-daughter events also honor a long-standing tradition with BVM schools.
With the BVM sisters, even as time goes on, their mission stays strong. “We are constantly looking for the best ways to educate our students,” says Sinclair. Their commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape Xavier students and faculty.
One of the most influential BVM sisters at Xavier is Sister Joan Fitzgerald. She began teaching at Xavier in 1962 and has played a crucial role in shaping the school’s success. “In her 62 years at Xavier, she has built the buildings, developed the fields and courts, expanded the enrollment and updated the curriculum,” says Sinclair.
“It’s been a part of my life since I was about 19-years-old. It’s been very fulfilling to be able to work with young people all these years and see how they develop and become such outstanding citizens and wonderful people,” Fitzgerald says.
Mary Frances Clarke’s vision lives on through the BVM sisters and their schools. Her dedication to education, justice and service continues to impact generations of students today.
