Friday, December 23, 2016

Sr Freida Mohnl Interview


Sr. Frieda Monhl  September 2010 at Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh,  WI.

Sr Freida Mohnl Interview  23 September 2010 

*     Listen to The Audio (hosted at Story Corps)  Recording Number SSM-OHP-012
               Private interview that requires FREE registration / login with The Story Corps Archive to listen.




This interview was memorable for me because this was the first interview I did by myself.  Fr Bill was not able to attend, and he assured me I would be fine ...  and it was largely due to the amazing woman doing the talking this day!

Highlights :
Like many of the Sisters I've interviewed, Sr Freida got caught up in WWII in Europe.  She was a teacher for many years before she became a medical social worker.  She basically pioneered the field of  case management after her own difficult experience of being discharged from a German hospital far from her home in Austria, with no money to get home.  She was in Frankfurt, Germany,  the night of  Crystal Night 11-9-10/1938 when all the Jewish places had their windows smashed out ...  She was hurt and got help in a hospital run by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.   Sr. Frieda was not born Catholic, so it's an interesting story to hear how she decided to become a Sister.  It's another interesting story to hear how she became friends with Sr. Regina and came to America,

Memorable Quotes from the session :
"History is Politics ; Politics becomes History."

Sr. Frieda had a rebellious spirit -- always a fire burning.  She made a difference!

I had the great good fortune to talk with Sr. Frieda on several other memorable and enjoyable occasions, but this was the only session that was recorded.   It's one that I treasure!

Sr. Frieda died Jan 27, 2014 at 90 years of age.   Sr Frieda's Obituary.

Check out ALL the Sisters Stories posted to date at The Stories of the Sisters Project Website.

[Updated 27 February 2023.]

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