The 150th Anniversary Year of the Sisters of the Presentation (November 13, 2024)Copyrighted
November 4, 2024
City of Dubuque PROCLAMATIONS # 3.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: The 150th Anniversary Year of the Sisters of the Presentation
(November 13, 2024)
SUMMARY: On behalf of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary of Dubuque, Iowa.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proclamation
Page 65 of 2498
THE CITY OF
DUS E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
WHEREAS, by tradition, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Dubuque, Iowa,
have designated November 13 as their Foundation Day; and
WHEREAS, on October 30, 1874, Mother Vincent Hennessy, accompanied by three companions,
embarked on a daunting journey from Mooncoin, Ireland. Their mission, urged by Bishop
John Hennessy, was to establish a foundation in America, answering the call to educate
and serve immigrant children in the Dubuque diocese; and
WHEREAS, upon their arrival on November 13, 1874, with no housing available, our founding mothers
were graciously welcomed by the Sisters of the Visitation, finding temporary refuge in
their home due to the unavailability of a convent; and
WHEREAS, on January 7, 1875, the Presentation Sisters relocated to a newly -built convent in Key
West, Iowa, marking the establishment of their first motherhouse. Despite facing
countless obstacles, they embraced their call to serve the Dubuque community; and
WHEREAS, over the past 150 years, Presentation Sisters have ministered in schools, parishes and
organizations, planting seeds of faith, education, hospitality and service that have
transformed countless lives. Today, their ministry extends far beyond traditional
classrooms, serving in various capacities across the United States and beyond. They
address both immediate needs through direct service and systemic issues that perpetuate
poverty, always with a special emphasis on serving women and children; and
WHEREAS, guided by their mission, they go where need calls loudly, striving to make a meaningful
impact wherever they are needed most.
NOW THEREFORE, I, BRAD M. CAVANAGH, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM THE 13TH OF NOVEMBER 2024 AS
"The 150t" Anniversary Year of the Sisters of the Presentation"
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the City of Dubuque to
be affixed this 4t" day of November 2024.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC, City Clerk
Page 66 of 2498
2024: Submitted by: Jane Buse -Miller, Director of Communications for the Sisters of the Presentation
and accepted by Sisters Carmen Hernandez, Marilyn Breen and Marilou Irons.
Page 67 of 2498