Sister Mary Seraphica McLean, SNJM

Catherine Jane McLean

December 31, 1914–July 9, 2010 (Los Gatos, CA)

Catherine Jane McLean was born on December 31, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, to William J. McLean and Annie McDonagh. Both parents were born in Ireland…her father in County Antrim, and her mother in County Mayo. Catherine was the elder of two children, having one brother, William, who was three years younger. Little is known of her early family life. However, in later years, Catherine wrote that it was her devout mother who taught the children their prayers and catechism and influenced her decision to enter religious life.

Catherine attended Grover Cleveland Public School in Pasadena from kindergarten through the sixth grade. From seventh grade through high school she attended St. Andrew’s School in Pasadena, California, where she first met the Sisters of the Holy Names.

After graduation from high school Catherine attended Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, graduating in 1935 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Latin.

Catherine entered Holy Names Novitiate in Oakland on July 22, 1936. She made her First Profession at Holy Names College Chapel on August 5, 1938, and received the name Sister Mary Seraphica. She was named after one of the California Foundresses, Sister Mary Seraphine, who died in California in 1937.

Sister Seraphica began her teaching career at St. Monica’s School in Santa Monica, where she taught third grade for two years. Finding it difficult to relate to students on the elementary level, Sister spent the next eight years in community service ministry to the Provincial Department on College of the Holy Names Campus in Oakland. During the remainder of her teaching career, Sister Seraphica taught on the secondary level at Ramona Convent in Alhambra, Marin Catholic High in Kentfield, Holy Names High School in Oakland, St. Andrew’s High School in Pasadena, and St. Bernard’s High School in Playa del Rey.

She obtained her Master’s Degree from Holy Names College in 1970. In 1979, Sister Seraphica returned to the Provincial Department serving as receptionist. Various testimonies are told about Sister Seraphica’s dedication to whatever task or assignment she undertook, even working late into the night. When taking minutes for the Holy Names College Board and Province Executive Board, she frequently brought a tape recorder to the meeting. After the meetings, she spent many hours listening and typing until she completed and perfected the minutes.

Sister Seraphica had a variety of talents. In the culinary arts, she was known for her jams, vinegars and candy, always very precise about the color, consistency and appearance of each creation. These items were very popular at the convent gift fairs and feast day parties. While cleaning out Sister’s room, Sister Nicki found many ribbons that were awarded for the jams entered in the Santa Clara County Fair. In addition to her culinary talents, Sister Seraphica was a fine seamstress and artistic.

Sister was a woman of brilliance and simplicity. She never sought attention for herself and expected no recognition for her achievements, but she was always interested in knowing about the works and accomplishments of others. She was also a very private person.

Sister Mary Seraphica died very peacefully on the afternoon of July 9, 2010, surrounded by her Sisters and the caregivers who loved her. She went gently home to God as the Sisters were saying the Prayers for the Dying. Sister was 95 years of age and celebrated 72 years of religious profession.