Rev. Mother M. Theophila Bauer, SSND

(Born Crescens Bauer)

First Profession August 15, 1849

St. James Motherhouse

Baltimore, Maryland

Second Provincial Superior

School Sisters of Notre Dame

Eastern Province

Baltimore, Maryland

1877 to 1888

First President

College of Notre Dame of Maryland

1895 to 1904

Originally educated by the Sisters of Loretto in Munich, Crescens Bauer enrolled in the SSND Motherhouse Institute located in the Angerkloster when she was 14 years old. On October 15, 1845, she entered the Candidature, and received the habit on November 1, 1847. Novice M. Theophila was one of the second band of School Sisters to embark for North America, sailing on the steamer Washington. The Sisters arrived at St. James in Baltimore on March 25, 1848.

In 1855, Sister Theophila was transferred to Milwaukee where she trained the Candidates and served as prefect of schools. Following the resignation of Mother Mary Barbara Weinzierl, Founding Provincial of the Eastern Province, Sister Theophila was appointed to succeed her. Returning to Baltimore in 1877, she took up residence at Notre Dame Institute of Maryland, thus transferring the Eastern Motherhouse to Govanstown for the duration of her years in office. She was succeeded by Mother Mary Clara Heuck who returned the Motherhouse to its original location on Aisquith Street in Baltimore.

At the end of her term as Provincial, Mother Theophila remained at Govanstown as Superior of the convent. Under her direction, a spacious convent wing was added to the building now known as Caroline Hall. This wing, called Theresa Hall today, contains the beautiful University chapel.

In 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland accepted its first freshman college class. Mother Theophila was the first President of College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now known as Notre Dame of Maryland University).

The year 1899 was the 50th anniversary of the profession of her first vows. Her Golden Jubilee was celebrated in grand style on August 15 -- an event which was still a rare thing in a Congregation as young as SSND.

James Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore, was the main celebrant for Mother Theophila's funeral Mass when she died in 1904. She was the last surviving member of the SSND pioneers sent to North America in the 1840s. Mother Theophila is buried in the Mortuary Chapel located in Notre Dame of Maryland Cemetery.

School Sisters of Notre Dame, Baltimore Province

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord!