The Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth began celebrations marking its 165th anniversary year with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township at their motherhouse on Sept. 28.

The order was founded in 1859 when Sister Mary Xavier Mehegan was appointed to serve on Washington Street in Newark by the New York Sisters of Charity. They designated Sister Mary Catherine Nevin to assist her. From there, the order — the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth — was founded.

Since the founding of the Sisters of Charity 165 years ago, the religious sisters have impacted the lives of so many through the order’s service in healthcare, education, mission work, and ministry to the poor. They serve in 10 dioceses within the United States, El Salvador, and Haiti. The congregation has 150 vowed members. The Seton Associate relationship has 290 affiliated lay and religious women and men.

— MICHAEL WOJCIK

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI