Mary Ann Molony and Geraldine Bellinger Ryan papers

Collection

Identifier: A-03-1000

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists mostly of correspondence (photocopies), newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting the experiences of Mary Ann Molony and Geraldine Bellinger Ryan becoming Ursuline nuns. Correspondence from Molony to her parents includes her request to enter a convent. A scrapbook created by Ryan includes an article describing the day she took the veil, as well as other articles on notable figures such as Bishop John England, Bishop H. Pinckney Northrop, and Bishop Patrick Lynch. Other material includes genealogical information regarding the Northrope and Bellinger families.

Dates

Created: 1846-1931
Other: Date acquired: 04/01/2006

Creator

Ignatius, Mother, O.S.U., 1851-1891 (Person)
Mary Charles, Mother, O.S.U. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Diocese of Charleston makes no representation that it is the owner of any copyright or other literary property in the materials contained in its archives. In providing access to or permitting the reproduction of any such materials the Diocese of Charleston does not assume any responsibility for determining the nature of any rights, ownership or interest therein, nor for obtaining the appropriate permissions to publish or use, nor for determining the nature of any liabilities (for defamation and invasion of privacy) that may arise from any publication or use; these rest entirely with the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

Mary Ann Molony (flourished 1846-1847); an Ursuline nun from South Carolina was the daughter of James Molony and Katherine Kilbride. She had two brothers, Patrick Molony and John J. Ryan. In 1846, she asked her parent’s permission to join the Order of Saint Ursula (OSU) in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1847, the convent dissolved, and Molony moved to the new OSU location in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later became Mother Mary Charles. Geraldine Bellinger Ryan (1851-1891), also an Ursuline nun, was the daughter of Colonel John J. Ryan and Harriott Rebecca Duncan, and niece of Mary Ann Molony. In 1874, Ryan joined the Order of Saint Ursula in Springfield, Illinois, and later became Mother Ignatius.

Note written by

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet (1 oversize box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photographs document the experiences of Mary Ann Molony (flourished 1846-1847) and Geraldine Bellinger Ryan (1851-1891) becoming Ursuline nuns.