The History of Sancta Clara Monastery
Over 75 Years of Eucharistic Adoration
in Canton, Ohio
Canton businessman John O’Dea and his wife Ida built the mansion that now is the Sancta Clara Monastery.
In August of 1945 the O’Deas approached Bishop James McFadden to offer their 15 acre estate for the purpose of establishing a religious house of Eucharistic Adoration. Bishop McFadden conferred with Mother Mary Agnes, Abbess and Foundress of the First American monastery of our Order in Cleveland, Ohio. Grateful for the opportunity to extend the boundaries of Eucharistic Adoration, she called on six of her Sisters to pioneer new foundation. Those founding members were Mothers Mary Clare (Abbess) and Mary Luka (Vicar) and Sisters Mary Joanne, Mary of the Cross, Mary Angelica, and Mary Juliana serving as the extern. Fifteen months later, on October 1, 1946, the O’Deas’ dream was realized when Bishop McFadden dedicated the original Sancta Clara Monastery. Today, in the Community (but also available to the public) cemetery, both the O’Deas have their final resting place near the monastery they made possible. We have been here ever since adoring our Lord quietly but faithfully for all the world and we recently celebrated 75 years of doing so in 2021.
Bishop James McFadden with the O’Deas
From left to right: Sr. Mary of the Cross, Mother Mary Clare, Sr. Mary Joanne, Mother Mary Agnes (foundress of our cleveland monastery—visiting), Sr. Mary Angelica, and Mother Mary Luka with the last founding sister, Sr. Mary Juliana taking the picture
Early Chapel in 1954
Current Chapel in 2020
Our most beloved Abbesses—God’s Guide for Us
Mother Mary Clare
Foundress of Sancta Clara Monastery
Following in the footsteps of our Mother St. Clare of Assisi, being an abbess and Reverend Mother at Sancta Clara is both a blessing and a hardship that is readily lightened by the smiles and help quickly offered by each of her Sisters and Daughters. We are so thankful for all of our Mothers whom God, through the Holy Spirit, has raised up from among us to lead us through our journey to Him. Join us in praising God for His gift of them to us and in praying for their guidance as we continue on this adventure of temporal life towards eternal life with Him.
List of the Superiors of Sanca Clara Monastery
Mother Mary Clare (foundress)—1946-1956
Mother Mary Veronica—1956-1962
Mother Mary Immaculate—1962-1971
Mother Mary Catherine—1971-1977
Mother Mary Michael—1977-1980
Mother Mary Reparata—1980-1983
Mother Joan Marie—1983-1993
Mother Kay Marie—1993-2001
Mother Marion Celine--2001-2010
Mother Mary Magdalen—2010-2016
Mother Mary Gertrude—2016-present
Three Living Mother Abbesses: Mother Mary Magdalen, Mother Marion Celine and Mother Mary Gertrude
