The first-of-its-kind
By Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP
Chris Knight’s most memorable times as a child were when “the sisters” came to visit. When the word got around they were coming, the Kniery family of ten shifted into full-preparation mode, readying their home in Bloomington, Ill., for the arrival of their mother’s aunt, Sister Monica Marie Jordan and her sister, Sister Clarice Kniery.
“Dad would select a prime cut of meat at the market and Mom prepared all the side dishes—in between straightening up and calming the kids’ excitement,” Chris recalled. At first it felt to her like celebrities were coming, until she saw the love and deep pride expressed between the two Dominican sisters and her family. It was evident that her dad’s aunt and sister cherished their family and that the family cherished their religious vocation.
As she matured, Chris came to understand that the Dominican Sisters were their own kind of family, underscored especially at times of family mourning when she witnessed long lines of Dominicans supporting her aunts at family funerals.
Chris said that even now Sister Clarice reminds them about the value of a family sticking together and loving and supporting each other no matter what. Those experiences prompted Chris to float an idea to the extended family of more than 100 cousins. She reminded them of their visits to Sacred Heart Convent where they were “taken aback by its beauty, warmly welcomed, and experienced an exceptional outpouring of love and faith,” she said. She proposed that the family create the Kniery-Jordan Memorial Fund for the health care of the elder sisters and the upkeep of the motherhouse facilities. The family got on board and surprised Sister Clarice for her birthday with a plaque containing the names of those who made contributions in her honor.
The Dominican Sisters were touched by the Jordan-Kniery family’s generosity and deeply appreciate the financial support given to the sisters. Each of our sister’s families support us in so many ways, but this was the first gift of this kind.
The recognition plaque will be placed in Regina Coeli, our skilled care facility, where Sister Clarice now resides.
Sister Kathleen Anne is the director of development for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.
