Sister Mary Therese (Margaret St. Henry) Flattery

Mary Therese was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was the youngest child of five, with two sisters and two brothers. Sadly, her brother Bernard died when he was just three months old, before Mary was born.

Mary came from a loving and caring family. Both parents were hardworking people. Her father suffered a broken back resulting from an accident at work, and was laid up for a long time. In order to provide for the family needs, her mother had to get a job. When her father recovered, he was able to get a new job working at the Worcester State Hospital.

Mary loved playing with her big brother Henry. Henry wanted a brother to play with and since this was not possible, he taught Mary all kinds of boyish games and activities. When Mary was only three years old, he had her climbing trees—that is until her mother put a stop to this type of activity!

All of Mary's education from grades K-12 was done at Ascension School in Worcester under the direction of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Mary tells the story of how her older sister would sit with her and help her with her homework. One day a sister gave her a book about the life of St. Julie. She loved reading this book and read it over and over again.

After graduating from high school, Mary entered Notre Dame at Waltham, Mass., on August 1, 1951. During the formation years, Mary learned more and more of the discipline of religious life, and through prayer and reflection she grew in her knowledge and love of St. Julie, and what was required of her to live the charism of Notre Dame. When the right time came, Mary was more than ready to pronounce her first vows on January 30, 1954. But it was not until August of that year that she was sent out on her first mission as cook to Presentation Convent in Brighton.

Over the years, Mary has lived in many different places and been involved in a variety of ministries in schools, libraries and health care facilities. Wherever there was a need, Mary was quick to say her yes, and even to this day, although retired herself, she continues her caring and compassionate way by sending cards to sick and lonely people. Mary says, "I am grateful for my vocation, I feel fulfilled and want to continue to proclaim the goodness of God as long as I live. I am indeed blest!"

Sister Mary Therese's Ministries

1955-59 Presentation, Brighton (Boston), Mass.
1959-64 St. Theresa, Providence, R.I.
1964-71 Fairfield, Conn. Novitiate
1971- 81 East Catholic, Manchester, Conn.
1981-94 Our Lady of the Angels, Worcester, Mass.
1994-2001 Julie Country Day School, Leominster, Mass.
2001-2012 St. Bernadette, Northborough, Mass.
2012 – Present Retired at Notre Dame du Lac, Worcester, Mass.


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