Exploring a Rich History

Sister Susan Nowak presents in front of participants of the Nazareth University Inaugural Legacy Retreat at the Notre Dame Retreat Center in August 2024

In celebration of Nazareth University’s 100th anniversary, the Sisters of Saint Joseph were honored to present at a retreat for Nazareth faculty and staff this summer. The Inaugural Legacy retreat was coordinated by Jamie Fazio, Director of the Center for Spirituality at Nazareth University. The retreat offered participants an opportunity to pause and reflect on the college’s legacy and its relevance to their work today.

“I was happily surprised that over 100 people came,” said Fazio. “They genuinely appreciated learning and experiencing something of the heritage of Nazareth and the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, which lives on in the University’s success and in our graduates and those who make up the University.”

Sister Patricia Schoelles, SSJ Director of Mission Integration, spoke on the history of the Sisters leading up to their founding of Nazareth College in 1924. Sisters Donna Del Santo and Anita Kurowski each presented on embracing the SSJ charism in today’s world. Additionally, Sister Susan Nowak facilitated the Order of the House, a practice designed to foster a sense of order, organization, and hospitality in our personal lives and communities.

Nazareth faculty members Susan Sturm, Maria Hopkins, and Christine Bochen also presented. The retreat was offered at three different times over a three-week period.