Over the years many fascinating persons have visited Monasteries.
As the Brooklyn Visitation Monastery prepares for its 159th anniversary of foundation on September 24th, the Sisters have reviewed their community history, discovering some prominent religious and clergy who have enhanced their lives.
One renowned Visitor was His Eminence James Cardinal Gibbons, who visited the Monastery several times when located on Clinton Avenue. He paid a visit on his way to Rome to receive his red hat!
An earlier visitor to the Johnson St address of the Visitation was the daughter of St. Elizabeth Seton, herself a Sister of Mercy, Mother Catherine Seton of New Jersey, who graced the Monastery Parlor way back in 1877.
The “martyr-priest” Father Leo Heinricks, O.F.M., celebrated the Mass several times in the Brooklyn community and in 1905 and 1906 came to both the reception of the habit and Holy Profession of his former penitent, Sister Mary Fidelis Mitchell. After being transferred to Denver, Colorado, Father Leo was assassinated at Mass and favors have been received through his intercession.
These are just a few of the interesting visitors who have enriched the lives of the Brooklyn Visitation Sisters throughout their 159 year old history.