Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Community Director Natalie Binversie reflects on Sister Mary Kevin Mitchka’s call to be a Franciscan Sister. Click here to download PDF document of Wake Reflection by Sister Natalie Binversie.
In a letter dated May 15, 1940 her pastor, Father Henry G. Riordan wrote the following letter of recommendation to Mother Perpetua:
Dear Reverend Mother:
This letter is to commend Miss Rosemary Mitchka, a graduate of our school who is planning to enter your convent. She is a girl of good moral character, a high degree of piety, and unusual talent; and she comes from one of the finest families in our parish. I pray she may persevere in her vocation.
In Christ and Our Lady,
Sincerely yours, G. Riordan, Pastor
Rosemary did enter Holy Family Convent on June 13, 1940. She completed her High School at Holy Family Academy receiving her diploma in 1943. At the time of Reception Rosemary received the name, Sister Mary Kevin. Since the name “Kevin” was an Irish name, Mother Perpetua found it to be a good name for her. Sister Mary Kevin continued her education at Holy Family College earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1960 with a Major in English and a Minor in History. She also attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA earning a Master’s Degree in Education with a Major in Administration and a Minor in Reading in 1970.
Sister Mary Kevin was an elementary school teacher for 27 years, the Diocesan Supervisor for Wheeling, West Virginia for two years, a principal for about 20 years and about 20 more years in Parish Ministry.
