Mother M. Ambrosia Roecklein, SSND
(Born Maria Röcklein)
First Profession July 24, 1913
Motherhouse
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Seventh Superior General
School Sisters of Notre Dame
Generalate
Rome, Italy
1956 to 1968
Mother M. Ambrosia was the 7th SSND Superior General and the first American elected to that office. Prior to her election as Superior General, Mother Ambrosia served as an assistant to Mother M. Almeda Schricker in the Angerkloster in Munich. At the 1956 General Chapter, held in Munich, she was chosen to succeed Mother Almeda and was, in turn, succeeded by Mother M. Georgianne Segner of the Dallas Province. She was, also, the first Superior General to reside in Rome.
In 1966, Mother Ambrosia became the first Superior General allowed to visit the Sisters in Poland in 30 years. During her years in Rome, Mother Ambrosia oversaw the building of the SSND Generalate located at Via della Stazione Aurelia, 95.
Vatican II met during Mother Ambrosia's term and the work required by the Council of religious congregations had its beginning under her. The bulk of the work would be left for her successor, however.
On leaving office, Mother Ambrosia returned to the United States and the Milwaukee Province. A quote from her final circular letter (December 30, 1968) embodies her simple, abiding love for the congregation:
"True, the time of office is over, but you will always share in my prayer. I promise that at nine o'clock each evening…. I will bless you Sisters with: The blessing of the Father, the love of the Son, the power of the Holy Spirit, the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the intercession of the Angels and Saints be with you always and everywhere."
(SSND Archives)
School Sisters of Notre Dame, Milwaukee Province
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord!
Mother M. Ambrosia Roecklein, SSND
(Born Maria Röcklein)
First Profession July 24, 1913
Motherhouse
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Seventh Superior General
School Sisters of Notre Dame
Generalate
Rome, Italy
1956 to 1968
Mother M. Ambrosia was the 7th SSND Superior General and the first American elected to that office. Prior to her election as Superior General, Mother Ambrosia served as an assistant to Mother M. Almeda Schricker in the Angerkloster in Munich. At the 1956 General Chapter, held in Munich, she was chosen to succeed Mother Almeda and was, in turn, succeeded by Mother M. Georgianne Segner of the Dallas Province. She was, also, the first Superior General to reside in Rome.
In 1966, Mother Ambrosia became the first Superior General allowed to visit the Sisters in Poland in 30 years. During her years in Rome, Mother Ambrosia oversaw the building of the SSND Generalate located at Via della Stazione Aurelia, 95.
Vatican II met during Mother Ambrosia's term and the work required by the Council of religious congregations had its beginning under her. The bulk of the work would be left for her successor, however.
On leaving office, Mother Ambrosia returned to the United States and the Milwaukee Province. A quote from her final circular letter (December 30, 1968) embodies her simple, abiding love for the congregation:
"True, the time of office is over, but you will always share in my prayer. I promise that at nine o'clock each evening…. I will bless you Sisters with: The blessing of the Father, the love of the Son, the power of the Holy Spirit, the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the intercession of the Angels and Saints be with you always and everywhere."
(SSND Archives)
School Sisters of Notre Dame, Milwaukee Province
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord!
