MESSAGE FROM THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS:

We have recently learned that the report issued by the Attorney General of Maryland in early April includes the now unredacted name (#149) of a novice in our congregation, Sr. Marie Joan Agnes, otherwise known as Catherine Hasson. Sr. Marie Joan voluntarily left our order in 1945 for personal reasons prior to professing first vows. This new allegation concerns abuse which took place at St. Katherine’s School in Baltimore where she taught for one year in 1943-1944.  The Sisters of St. Francis had no prior knowledge of this allegation nor any records indicating any suspected wrongdoing. Though our congregation had no affiliation with Catherine Hasson after she left religious life in 1945, we have become aware that she passed away in 1991, more than 30 years ago.

We are shocked and distressed by this new allegation against a former member of our congregation. Our prayers and concern continue to be with the victims of any such abuse.  We encourage anyone who has information about Sister Marie Joan Agnes (Catherine Hasson) to come forward and share their story with us.  We also encourage anyone wishing to report information about any allegation of child sexual abuse to report it to law enforcement.  We offer our support in the healing process however possible.

The Sisters of St. Francis are committed to being faithful to our foundress Mother Francis Bachmann’s goal of serving the people of God wherever the need exists.  We strive to live in loving relationship and service with all people and creation. We are dedicated to bringing hope and joy to those in need by promoting justice and peace.