A story by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center "Voices of Biddeford project" from 1934 to 2018
"Voices of Biddeford" interview with Sister Madeleine D'Anjou - November 6, 2018
Born in Riviere-Ouelle, Kamouraska, Québec in 1934, Sister Madeleine D’Anjou joined the convent despite her parent’s disapproval. As a Good Shepherd Sister, the first challenge she was presented with was to move to the US, where she taught at St Joseph's Parochial School in Biddeford. Other teaching assignments included Lawrence, Massachusetts and Vancouver, BC. Her career path then led her to social work, which included involvement during a transitional period for St Andre's Home for unwed mothers. In another unplanned twist in her career path, she served as CEO for St Andre's Healthcare from 1987 to 2004. Her contributions include participation in numerous boards and councils.
Sister Maddie is an engaging and colorful storyteller who shares insights into the challenges and rewards of committing yourself to religious life. Determined (and feisty!), she overcame the barriers of not speaking English and being the first nun to attend Suffolk University. She helps us understand the evolution of life as a nun including the reason behind the move away from traditional habits as well as what she sees as encouraging signs for the future despite changes in how people approach religion.
View a transcript of this interview, more pictures, and additional information.
For more stories from the "Voices for Biddeford" project, visit Voices of Biddeford.
Sister Madeleine D'Anjou - 2018
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