A Family of Vocations The vocations prayer for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati asks God to make our homes and hearts responsive to His call. In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, one family was an astonishing example of how we can respond to Him. Patrick Hickey and Johanna Stanton, both immigrants from Ireland, married on April 17, 1856 at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. Between 1857 and 1870, the couple had five boys and two girls. All seven of their children entered religious life. The boys were ordained priests between 1880 and 1892, and the daughters both entered religious life with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Having so many religious vocations brought fame and a place of honor to the Hickey family.
Patrick Hickey (1820-1892)
Msgr. Charles Hickey (1863-1953)
Patrick was well known to be honest in his business dealings with railroad companies, active in Catholic charitable works and a quiet, prayerful man who prayed the Rosary while traveling on the train to and from work.
The last living of the Hickey siblings, Msgr. Charles served parishes in the northern parts of the archdiocese, from Urbana to Lebanon and, finally, in Dayton. After retirement he was a chaplain for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Johanna Hickey (1833-1905)
Father George Hickey (1868-1941)
Johanna was praised as a humble woman who provided a hospitable home and always made sure her children were in good company, enjoying the outdoors and had plenty to read.
He was the only son their father did not get to see ordained a priest, having died three weeks prior to his last son’s ordination. His final pastorate was in Urbana, and after retirement, Father George served as chaplain at Mt. Notre Dame in Reading.
Msgr. William Hickey (1857-1924) When he completed his seminary studies, he was too young to be ordained, and had to wait a year. He spent the majority of his priestly life in Dayton.
Father Edward Hickey (1859-1921) A popular pastor in Middletown at the time of his death, Father Edward took an interest in the moral development of boys and young men and built a gymnasium and swimming pool to keep young people in wholesome surroundings.
Msgr. John Hickey (1861-1938) Serving in parishes from Chillicothe down to Norwood, he was known as “the orator” for the archdiocese and gained recognition for his patriotic speeches during the First World War.
Sister Mary Annunciata (Mary Hickey, 1865-1943) Mary received her education at Mt. Notre Dame Academy, where the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur instructed her. The first of the two daughters to enter religious life, Sister Annunciata taught music for most of her ministry.
Sister Marie Immaculata (Martha Hickey, 1870-1930) Following the death of their father, Martha delayed entering religious life so she could be a companion to their mother. She entered religious life in 1912, and Father George later said, “Of all the members of the Hickey family, she was the most beloved.”
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