The Evolution of Communication

A long time ago: The Latin word communis comes into use among Italic tribes. It is an adjective formed from the prefix “ko” (meaning “together”) and the root word “munis,” meaning “shared,” “duty,” or “gift.” It is the source of words like community and communication.

1843: The letters of Mary Frances Clarke communicated the virtues of being free and helping others enjoy freedom in God’s steadfast love. A prolific communicator, she penned more than 300 missives. Most of them are preserved in the BVM archives.

1854: Bells were often used to communicate that it was time for prayer, for Mass, for school, or for recreation. Several of these bells were used at St. Joseph’s on the Prairie, the original Motherhouse south of
Dubuque, Iowa.

1874: When the congregation acquired a typewriter, a duplicating method using a hectograph became the cutting edge way to communicate. The hectograph used a gelatin pad to make copies with the master image. It was messy but effective.

1895: The first phone call at Mount Carmel was from Sister Loyola Rutherford to Mother Cecelia Dougherty: “Mother, the telephone is in working order . . . good night.” “Good night! God bless you.”

1913: A printing press came to Mount Carmel, and so did BVM Mary Mechtilde Reilly. She was well-known for her purple prose in Our Herald, which printed news of appointments, new postulants, novices, jubilarians, obituaries, and more. It was printed three or four times a year until 1957.

1957: Until 1969 Vista communicated BVM news not only to the congregation, but also to the many friends and supporters of the community.

1974: With Vista as its foundation, Salt has communicated the mission and activities of BVMs and associates to friends, family, and supporters. From social justice to environmental concerns, from charitable giving to ministry partners, Salt tells stories that matter to the BVM Community.

Today: BVMs communicate in myriad ways. From digital communications such as Zoom to the latest AI advances, every committee meeting, class, or retreat uses some form of modern technology. BVMs have embraced these changes at every turn to advance their mission, living through their core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.

Michelle London is a communications specialist for the Sisters of Charity, BVM in Dubuque, Iowa.