Sister Louise (Josephine Louise) Kearns

“May the most holy will of the good God be always done in all of us.” – St. Julie Billiart

I grew up in a family with 11 children. I attended Notre Dame schools starting in first grade and by second grade I felt called and remained attracted to becoming a religious through all my school years. I knew that the Sisters helped people to be happy and that’s what I wanted to do. I entered in 1959.

My first mission was teaching junior high boys. When I got in front of those many, many, many children, I knew I had to take charge or else they’d take charge of me! My father was a teacher and he gave me tips: don’t smile and don’t promise anything.

In all my missions I was drawn to work with the mothers of my children. I had become a resident of the Forrest Public Housing in South Boston along with two other Sisters and realized the mothers living there were left without much support, skills or education and were often overwhelmed and depressed. I wanted to help these women so I started support groups.

In 1975, I got my Masters in Education and Counseling and my project was to create a program that supported and educated women and gave them a sense of self-esteem. And that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 40 years at St. Julie’s Family Learning Program. I also co-directed our Fun in the Sun program. It was outrageously wonderful! We had 300 children, ages 3-12, and did whatever we could to keep them happy, creative and playful while giving their parents a break.

As I celebrate my 60th Jubilee as a Sister [in 2019], I am grateful for all the people that have been a part of my life, that have been drawn to me by the grace of God. It’s all a part of God’s plan. I am very grateful to have been a spokesperson for God.

“May the most holy will of the good God be always done in all of us.” This quote is special to me because it allows me to let go of the “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.” God is in control.

Ministries

Educator

St. Mary School, Lynn, MA
St. Charles School, Woburn, MA
St. Augustine School, South Boston, MA
Julie’s Family Learning Program, South Boston, MA – Director of Adult Learning Program- Counseling/Education

Pastoral Ministry

St. Peter & Paul Parish, South Boston, MA – Pastoral Minister