page_title: Teresa Kearney
section_title: Retirement
hierarchical_section_title: Teresa Kearney / Retirement
caption_attribution_description: English: Old Image of Mother Kevin
context_page_description: Teresa Kearney was a teacher, Franciscan Sister, and missionary. She was born in Knockenrahan, Arklow, Ireland on April 28, 1875. At the age of 17, she became a Junior Assistant Mistress and taught in Essex, England. On December 2, 1902, she left to begin missionary work in Nsambya, Uganda. She worked as a Franciscan Sister of Saint Mary's Abbey, Mill Hill, London. In 1952 Kearney founded the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa. Kearney's work in East Africa resulted in the formation of multiple hospitals and training of nurses throughout the region. Her name serves as the root of the word Kevina, meaning "hospital" or "charity institute" in Uganda. On November 6, 2016, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lugazi opened her formal beatification process earning her the title Servant of God.
context_section_description: Kearney retired in 1955 at age 80. During retirement, she was appointed Superior of a Boston Convent in 1955 and raised funds for African projects. She travelled and talked to donors to garner support for projects in Africa.
caption: Photograph of Teresa Kearney in the mid-twentieth century
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