Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln are marking 75 years since their founding this summer. The order serves in a variety of roles, including at the chancery, archives, diocesan center, education technology office, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and Nebraska Heart Hospital. Members also serve in parishes and schools in Lincoln, Holdrege, Tecumseh, Wahoo, Waverly, Springfield (Missouri), and at Benedictine College in Kansas.

The history of the Marian Sisters began with Sister Theresa Gottvald and Sister Marta Silna, who were members of the Mercy Sisters of St. Francis in Brno, Czechoslovakia. In 1950, both were outspoken critics of the Communist regime and anticipated arrest for their beliefs. They sought to preserve their religious community during communist rule and protect themselves by planning an escape.

Their first attempt to flee was unsuccessful after learning that authorities had discovered their plan. After further caution and prayer, they escaped with permission from their superior on July 26, 1950. Their journey to safety involved several risks: “the train they took to get to the city of escape was always checked, but that night, for some reason, it was not.” At one point during their journey they hid from search lights in tall grass and crossed a river where Sister Theresa became caught in a whirlpool before being rescued. Later they passed through a border check hidden in a cucumber truck; “the Russian guard unexplainably decided not to look in the back of the truck.”

They reached Austria on July 29, 1950. In 1951 Sister Marta was accepted into Canada while Sister Theresa remained behind due to health issues. Before leaving for Canada a Benedictine Sister gave Sister Marta a holy card inscribed with: “Alone, but not alone.”

With help from Father Jan Smutny, Sister Theresa eventually traveled to the United States where she worked at St. Thomas Orphanage in Lincoln as a nurse. On December 18, 1953 Sister Marta arrived in Lincoln and reunited with her companion; together they would become co-foundresses of what is now known as the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln.

“This year,” according to an announcement from the order,“the Marian Sisters are taking time to thank God for the blessing of their foundresses, Sister Theresa Gottvald and Sister Marta Silna. Their courage and faithfulness to the Lord have been true pillars of the community they founded. Eternal rest grant to them O Lord.”