Our Founders

Mother Mary Josephine Mulligan was born March 23, 1920, in Quyon, Quebec, the fourth child of thirteen.  She entered the novitiate of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on September 29, 1937, at the Motherhouse in Pembroke.  Her Novice Mistress, Sister Mary Philomena made an indelible impression on her about what religious life must be: a life in imitation of Christ, to practice His virtues, and to do His Will in all things, great and small. 

After pronouncing her first vows on July 28, 1939, she was assigned to different houses and works of the community, as well as seven years at the mission in Yamasa, Dominican Republic where she taught school.  After her return to Canada, she held the position of principal at St. George's school in Ottawa and later at the cathedral school in Pembroke.  In 1974 she obtained her Master’s degree in Religious Education from St. Michael's School of Theology in Toronto.  She returned to Pembroke and became director of religious education for the Diocese. 

She wondered what could be done to improve the teaching of catechism.  She prayed and began to see that she should make a new beginning.  From its beginning in 1977 to 1996, Mother Mary Josephine guided the new community with holiness and wisdom. Mother Mary Josephine died suddenly before Mass on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 9, 1996.