File 10 - Novice Mistress Mother Lidwina Henry, letters, conference

Born in Toronto, Ontario, 1872-03-31. Entered 1892-03-19, received the habit 1892-08-15 (final vows 1894-08-15). Died 1963-06-03 in Toronto, Ontario and is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario.

Anne Teresa Henry was the eldest of nine children of Mary Hennessy and Peter Henry, founding members of St. Francis Parish, Toronto. On August 15, 1942 she celebrated her golden jubilee, in 1952 her diamond jubilee of entrance into the Congregation and had reached her seventy-second year. She was survived by one sister, Miss Gertrude Henry of Montreal, and by many devoted nephews and nieces.

She received all her education and musical training from the Sisters of St. Joseph at their Academy in Toronto. In March, 1892 she entered the Congregation shortly before her twentieth birthday. Sister Lidwina’s early years were spent in teaching music at St. Joseph's Academy, Toronto, and directing the choir. She then taught music in various mission houses in Ontario where she was also moderator of the Sodalities of Our Lady. In January 1916 she was sent to open a convent boarding school in what was then the far northern, remote and little known town of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. She was both superior and music teacher there.

On her return to Toronto in 1922 she learned that she was to be the Mistress of Novices for the new community of the Sisters of Service being founded in that city. Her experience in Prince Rupert was helpful in training this new religious community for its future mission to the people of the northern and western outposts of Canada. Two days after arriving back she moved to Wellesley Place and was present at the inauguration of the new institute by Archbishop Neil McNeil on August 15. At her initial interview with him she learned that his main concern was for someone “motherly”. Her interest in, and love for, this community was profound and lasting. Unfortunately, her health failed under the burden and she resigned as Superior-General in 1926. After slowly regaining her health she was named superior of the Motherhouse in 1928 and ten years later of St. Joseph's Convent, Thorold.