By Sister Josephann Wagoner, SSND
On July 30, 2025, the Sisters at Villa Assumpta honored 100 years of life, faith and endurance as we celebrated Sister Virginia Brien's 100th birthday.
We reflected on the amazing treasure of Sister Virginia’s life. A native of Rochester, New York and the oldest of four daughters, Virginia credited her father for her artistic gifts. Her mother, a homemaker, provided a very happy home life and shared her sewing talents.
Virginia said she always wished to be a Sister. She met the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Peter & Paul, Rochester, where she found herself "loving their flowing black veils and dreaming of wearing one someday.”
On July 16, 1946, she received the habit, and received the name Sister Mary Lucilia. Profession of first vows took place on July 31, 1947.
Father Paul, who presided over Sr. Virginia’s birthday celebration, asked her what she is most grateful for.
“Without a doubt, my vocation to SSND,” she replied.
Father Paul then asked, "Who is this seasoned sojourner of 100 years?"
Sister Virginia was an elementary and middle school teacher, principal, and superior from 1947-1980.
“I was happy everywhere," she said, including as a missionary to Nigeria, West Africa. She served there for 20 years, in teaching, administration, music, and as secretariat to the Bishop.
Twenty years of dedication and gratitude sped by as she witnessed the blessed work of the Sisters and the growth of native SSND membership. There is still a deep love for Africa in her heart.
Sister Virginia’s philosophy is one we might all adopt: “I get attached, but it’s my nature to anticipate the future and to welcome the new, adapting to and accepting it as it comes day by day.”
