Sister Anna Rose Harrington: ‘Generous to a fault’

An undated photo of Sister Anna Rose Harrington

In her commentary for Sister Anna Rose Harrington, who died on April 17, 1993, Sister Mary Eleanor Galvin had this to say:

“This love for her family was frequently echoed by her concern of our families. How many of us had heard, ‘How’s mother? What about your brother? Is there anything you need, Sister?’ She possessed that wonderful gift of interest.”

Kevin Ridge recently contacted us to inquire if we could produce a Throwback Thursday on Sister Anna Rose Harrington. Well, here you go, Kevin!

Eileen Harrington was born on Sept. 14, 1906, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Michael and Hannah Driscoll Harrington. Both of her parents were born in Ireland, and Eileen was one of five children.

Eileen officially entered the Sisters of Providence Congregation on June 6, 1923, at the age of 17, prior to graduating from high school. Upon her high school graduation, Sister Mary Eleanor said Eileen’s mother received her diploma.

Eileen was given the name Sister Anna Rose after entering the Congregation.

This photo of Sister Anna Rose Harrington was taken in 1973.

She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English, and earned a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

She taught many years at St. Rose in Chelsea, Massachusetts, where it was said she was very influential for young male students.

Her ministry in education took her to schools in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C. She also ministered in school administration, including a six-year stint as a principal at St. Sylvester in Chicago.

Not only was Sister Anna Rose’s love of family of particular interest in Sister Mary Eleanor’s commentary, but so was her generosity.

According to Sister Mary Eleanor, Sister Anna Rose was “generous to a fault.”

In her commentary, Sister Mary Eleanor explained how when someone would bring a gift to Sister Anna Rose, she was always thinking of a way to give it to someone else.

Sister Anna Rose returned to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1987 to minister in prayer. She was a Sister of Providence for 69 years. ‪#‎throwbackthursday ‪#‎tbt