125th Anniversary
125th Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Martha
Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish celebrated the 125th Anniversary as a Congregation between July 29th, 2025 and July 29th, 2026. The theme of the celebration was "Standing Together in Hope: Shaping the Emerging Future".
As part of the 125th Anniversary, the Congregation created an art exhibit "Made by a Martha" celebrating its rich artistic legacy . It was displayed at the The People's Place: Antigonish Town and County Library in June/July 2026. Six large panels highlight the lives and artwork of Sisters Irene Doyle, Inez Grant, and Adele Cormier, while also exploring the broader artistic spirit of the Marthas. "Made by a Martha" is a window into the rich artistic legacy of the Sisters of St. Martha and invites viewers to encounter the Sisters not only through their service, but also through their artistic expressions. Through media such as linocuts, paintings, and detailed embroidery, these works reveal a personal connection to beauty, faith, and the natural world.
A Walk of Prayer & Reflection
For the occasion of the 125th Anniversary, we developed a collection of prayers as companions for your walk through the sacred spaces found throughout Bethany Property. May they inspire gratitude, healing, hope, and deeper faith.
Featured Photo Album from: 125th Anniversary 2025-2026
Sr. Brendalee Boisvert, Congregation leader, speaking at the Antigonish Heritage Museum Exhibit opening
From left to right: Sr. Phyllis O’Donnell, Sr. Rosalie Lavallée, Sr. Catherine Arsenault, Sr. Lucy MacNeil
From left to right: Sr. Lucy MacNeil, Sr. Mary McMahon; blurrier: Sr. Josephine Keyzer and Sr. Mary MacFarlane
Marielle Assad, CSM Staff, with Sr. Mary Gouthro
From right to left: Sr. Franklyn Ferguson, Sr. Liz Riopelle. Sr. Marion Sheridan
Sr. Claudette Gallant (left) and Sr. Franklyn Ferguson at the Coady Institute
Sr. Claudette Gallant pointing to a photo of her father on the mosaic of Moses Coady at Coady Institute
Sisters gathered at the Riley Lounge, the original Motherhouse Chapel
Sr. Donna Brady chatting with Father Tom MacNeil, Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick is sitting at the back
Martha Associates
The Marthas sponsored the food for StFX Frosh Week Welcome BBQ on August 30th
"Wander with us!" - an Sunday afternoon event on September 21st - the Sisters welcomed public at the Bethany Property.
On October 2nd, two “sister” Red Oak trees were planted at Bethany Grounds and St. Francis Xavier University to commemorate 125 years of Martha service and symbolize our shared roots.
The second of the Antigonish Museum Lecture Series on the History of the Marthas.