Sister Charlene Herinckx, SSMO, paid a visit to Salem Heights in October. Her community, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, grew from a small group of Precious Blood religious who left Ohio for Minnesota and, ultimately, Beaverton, Oregon. Because of our shared history, Sister Charlene is a member of the Precious Blood Leadership Conference — and the Sisters of the Precious Blood and Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are considered “cousin congregations.”
During a recent visit to Dayton for PBLC meetings, Sister Charlene presented an overview of SSMO history and current activities. The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon mark 1886 as the year of their founding, and education has been a hallmark of their ministry. Sister Charlene has served as superior general since 2010. Last year, she received the Christus Magister Medal — the university’s highest honor — from the University of Portland.
– Story by Mary Knapke
Sister Charlene gives a presentation; Michelle Bodine photo.