Enslaved to the Jesuits: What Women of the First U.S. Diocese can tell us about Women in the Church
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 5:30pm to 7pm
About this Event
Devlin Hall, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/centers/boisi-center/events/archive/spring-2025-events/enslaved-to-the-jesuits--what-women-of-the-first-u-s--diocese-ca.htmlInaugural Nancy Marzella Lecture on Women and American Catholicism
Jeannine Hill Fletcher
Fordham University
Women enslaved on Jesuit plantations were among the first women of the American Catholic Church. Our investigation will explore what we can know about these women, the various roles they played in ecclesial life and institution building, and their struggles for freedom. Special attention will be given to Nelly and Louisa Mahoney, and other women who encountered John McElroy, S.J., founder of Boston College. Recognizing patterns of practice that endure, we’ll also ask what our foremothers in the faith might tell us about women in Catholicism today.
Co-sponsored with Boston College Libraries.