Our History

 

 

Cornelia Connelly Center (CCC) first opened its doors in September of 1993, fulfilling our founders’ dreams to empower young women to realize their full potential.

 

CCC was founded with the generous support of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus by Mary Claire Ryan, SHCJ, Kathy Roney, SHCJ, and Connie Bush.

 

Combining the educational philosophies of Cornelia Connelly, Foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and a passion for serving girls at risk, the women created a school that remains truly unique.

 

Over 500 girls have completed CCC’s program in its twenty-eight-year history.

 

Learn more about the Society of the Holy Child Jesus here.

 

 

Cornelia Peacock was born January 15, 1809 in Philadelphia, PA. In 1831, she married Pierce Connelly. Pierce was a minister and together they had five children.

 

Cornelia and Pierce were devoutly religious, finding strength and peace through prayer and reflection. Deep faith in God sustained Cornelia throughout her life.

 

In 1840, Pierce decided to become a Catholic priest. Though she followed him to Rome, Cornelia realized that life in Italy was not her calling and that she should also enter a religious order.

 

Cornelia then moved to England and became the foundress of a new congregation of women – The Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

 

Their primary ministry was education for the mill workers, mostly girls, and poor children of England. Through night and Sunday classes, the sisters provided education to this previously overlooked population of students.

 

Cornelia believed that education was best accomplished when each student was trusted and cared for. She also sought to live her life with joy and as “one continuous act of love,” two other trademark characteristics of a Holy Child education.

 

Through Cornelia’s leadership, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus prospered. At the time of her death in 1879, the Society numbered over one hundred women and its work had expanded to the United States.

 

Learn more about Cornelia at the Cornelia Connelly Digital Library.