A Century Blessed

By Erin Reder

In September the Sisters of Charity Community celebrated the life of S. Mary Loyola Mathia. A Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 80 years, S. Mary Loyola turned 100 years old on Sept. 14, 2021.

A native of Hempstead, new York, S. Mary Loyola earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati) and spent almost 50 years in the field of education. From 1942-’70 she taught at schools in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. In Cleveland, Ohio, she became a high school teacher of history and social studies at Holy name; her efforts did not go unnoticed as Sister was asked to serve the education office of the Diocese of Cleveland as a coordinating consultant. Despite having little experience in administration, she felt well-prepared. “I served as the social studies consultant and department chairman for the diocese from 1970-1978,” she remembered.

In 1980 S. Mary Loyola earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola university (Chicago, Illinois) which she says prepared her for a new ministry. She served as religious education coordinator at St. Benedict in Crystal River, Florida, from 1979-’85. While at St. Benedict several of the parish’s parents approached Sister and Father James Hoge about building a school. In 1985 they co-founded Central

Catholic School (now Saint John Paul II Catholic School), the first Catholic school in Citrus County, Florida. She acted as an influential educator and principal until 1990 when she became the director of development for two years. The school began with 50 students in three grades and added a grade each year; it continues to thrive today serving more than 150 students from pre-K to 8th grade. From 1991 until 2007, S. Mary Loyola served as education coordinator and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) director at St. Scholastica Associate Jane Burdette (back) enjoyed a visit with S. Mary Loyola Mathia on her 100th Church in Lecanto, Florida. In birthday on Sept. 14, 2021. May 2007 she began ministering at St. Francis Cabrini Xavier Church in Springhill, Florida. There she oversaw the RCIA program and annulments. Throughout her years at both St. Scholastica and St. Francis Cabrini she got to know many parishioners; her dynamic personality and deep faith were contagious and as those relationships developed, she walked with many as they chose to make commitments as Associates in Mission of the Sisters of Charity. upon her 70th anniversary with the Community, Florida Associate Rachel edwards said, “I see the charity, humility and simplicity that comes from her very soul. We feel privileged to know and love S. Loyola, as she continues to mentor all of ‘her’ Associates.” Associate Jane Burdette recalls meeting S. Mary Loyola and their relationship that followed: “I met S. Loyola around 1993 when she was at St. Scholastica. I was raised Southern Baptist but had always felt called to the Catholic faith. I had no idea where to start my journey but was directed, quite by chance, to Father Tom Morgan. It just so happened that S. Loyola was in charge of RCIA. The first time I met her we had a good laugh and I knew she was special. My family owns a Papal Indulgence so I took a copy with me to her class and told her I was grandfathered in. She thought it was hilarious … Sister has a great sense of humor and we have had many more laughs and adventures over the years. Of course, there were some bumps in my road to the faith. My family was not on board with my choice so I remained a catechumen for about eight years before all was sorted out and resolved. S. Delia Sizler (left) was a student of S. Mary Loyola Mathia’s at Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio. In the meantime, S. Loyola would lift me up whenever I got

discouraged and I joined her Associate group. It was a lovely time. I continued to learn from her and feel like I had the best preparation anyone could possibly have to enter the faith. She took hold of my hand and has never let go.”

In June 2014 S. Mary Loyola retired from St. Francis Cabrini and prepared to move back to the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse in Ohio. Approximately 1,200 friends and acquaintances filled St. Francis Cabrini Church to celebrate Sister and say thank you for her life and dedication to the Church.

Sister said she has enjoyed many blessings throughout her life, particularly those as a Sister of Charity. But it is those she has met along the way that consider themselves blessed. S. Delia Sizler met S. Mary Loyola in the 1960s as a student at Holy name High School in Cleveland. When she made the decision to enter the Sisters of Charity in 1965, it was S. Mary Loyola who prepared her. “She was so helpful,” recalls S. Dee, “that really bonded us.” While their ministries took them to different parts of the country, it was their involvement with the SC Associates that brought them closer together again. “I remember when I moved to Alaska she was so faithful to keeping in touch. We would compare notes about what was going on,” said S. Dee.

“I admire her. She is very thoughtful and her ability to foster friendship and spiritual growth is very important to me. We have had our differences, we have different politics. But she puts up with me, and listens to what I say. And now the tables have turned, and I get to be the one to do things for her.”

During her birthday week in September, S. Mary Loyola was showered with love, phone calls and messages from near and far. She enjoyed her first Zoom gathering with Associates in Florida, and celebrated with Sisters at the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall. Sister even had the chance to enjoy a birthday breakfast with dear friends S. Dee and Jane. As she reflects on her 100 years of life, S. Mary Loyola says, “I’ve had a long life and a very pleasant life and I thank God for all the blessings that have come my way.”

S. Mary Loyola Mathia celebrates her birthday with her Associate companions in the Florida area over Zoom.

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