Habit, Nun's

Object number2010.75.104 a-f

Date1847-1969

MediumCotton/Elastic/Fabric/Linen/Metal/Nylon/Paper/Ribbon/Thread/Brass/Wood

Credit LineGift of Slippery Rock University Foundation

DescriptionBlack nun's habit consisting of black robe, black belt, white coif, black veil with board and white dimity, white collar, and habit rosary.Dimensions(a) Length 52.813, Width 15.375;
(b) Length 51.500, Width 2.188;
(c) Length 15.125, Depth 7.250;
(d) Length 41.750, Width 5.875;
(e) Length 15.125, Width 12.875;
(f) Length 17.375.
Inscriptions(a)
The robe bears a white tag with the previous object number "09.2006.2.5".

(c)
There is a white tag reading "SISTER MARY JAMES" sewn to the back of the proper right side of the coif.

There is a white tag with the number "24" in red thread sewn to the back of the proper left side of the coif.

The coif bears a white tag with the previous object number "09.2006.2.2".

(d)
The dimity bears the previous object number "09.2006.2.3" written in pencil.

The veil and veil board bears a white tag with the previous object number "09.2006.2.1".

(e)
The collar bears a white tag with the previous object number "09.2006.2.4".

(f)
Stamped into the metal of the hook is an image of the of a Virgin Mary figure surrounded by the word "O MARIE CONCUE SANS PECHE PRIEZ POUR NOUS 1830".

One side of the medallion is a nun surrounded by the phrase "CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS". The opposite side depicts St. Vincent surrounded by the phrase "SANCTE VINCENTI DE PAULO, ORA PRO NOBIS!".
Historical NotesThis habit is from the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Part of a collection that documents the contributions of Catholic orders to healthcare in Western Pennsylvania. The collection was originally on display at Slippery Rock University as an exhibition titled, "Sisters in Healthcare: Sixteen Communities of Religious Sisters in Western PA, 1847-1969." With this collection, the History Center has the largest collection of Pre-Vatican II habits in the United States. Many of the long-standing healthcare facilities in the region were started by the Sisters including Mercy Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and many others.

Related institution Vincentian Sisters of Charity

Subjects