Jessica Powers
Encyclopedia
Jessica Powers was an American poet and Carmelite nun.
, the third child to John Powers and Delia Trainer Powers. By the time Jessica had turned 13, she lost both her older sister and father. She graduated from Mauston High School in 1922 and attended Marquette University
for a year studying journalism. She then worked in Chicago
before returning to care for her family after the death of her mother from 1925 to 1936.
, Powers decided to enter the Pewaukee, Wisconsin
community of the Carmel of Mother of God, as a postulant
on June 24, 1941. On April 25, 1942, she received the habit of the Carmelites
and was given the religious name of Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit. She served until 83 years of age, until suffering a stroke and dying on August 18, 1988.
. The collection includes her correspondence (mostly letters received), handwritten and typescript drafts of poems, scrapbooks of her poetry and other writings, copies of her books,
and writings about her. Notable correspondents included August Derleth
, Raymond E. F. Larsson, Robert F. Morneau
, and Regina Siegfried.
Early years (1905-1936)
Jessica Powers was born on February 7, 1905 in Mauston, WisconsinMauston, Wisconsin
Mauston is a city in and the county seat of Juneau County, Wisconsin, United States. The population is 4,411 according to the 2010 census.-History:...
, the third child to John Powers and Delia Trainer Powers. By the time Jessica had turned 13, she lost both her older sister and father. She graduated from Mauston High School in 1922 and attended Marquette University
Marquette University
Marquette University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1881, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities...
for a year studying journalism. She then worked in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
before returning to care for her family after the death of her mother from 1925 to 1936.
Carmelite community (1941-1988)
After spending time in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Powers decided to enter the Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Pewaukee is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The population was 11,783 at the 2000 census. The city was incorporated from what was formerly the Town of Pewaukee. The Village of Pewaukee, which was incorporated out of the town before it incorporated as a city, is surrounded by the city...
community of the Carmel of Mother of God, as a postulant
Postulant
A postulant was originally one who makes a request or demand; hence, a candidate. The use of the term is now generally restricted to those asking for admission into a monastery or a convent, both before actual admission and for the length of time preceding their admission into the novitiate...
on June 24, 1941. On April 25, 1942, she received the habit of the Carmelites
Carmelites
The Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or Carmelites is a Catholic religious order perhaps founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel, hence its name. However, historical records about its origin remain uncertain...
and was given the religious name of Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit. She served until 83 years of age, until suffering a stroke and dying on August 18, 1988.
Books
- The Lantern Burns. New York: Monastine Press, 1939.
- The Place of Splendor. New York: Cosmopolitan Science and Art Service, 1946.
- The Little Alphabet. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., 1955.
- Journey to Bethlehem. Pewaukee, WI: Carmelite Monastery, 1980.
- The House at Rest. Pewaukee, WI: Carmelite Monsastery, 1984.
- Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers. Regina Siegfried and Robert Morneau, eds. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1989.
Archival Collections
The papers of Jessica Powers are held at Marquette University Special Collections and University ArchivesMarquette University Special Collections and University Archives
The mission of the Department of Special Collections and University Archives of Marquette University is to collect, arrange, describe, preserve, and service records of enduring historical value for research, instructional, and administrative use...
. The collection includes her correspondence (mostly letters received), handwritten and typescript drafts of poems, scrapbooks of her poetry and other writings, copies of her books,
and writings about her. Notable correspondents included August Derleth
August Derleth
August William Derleth was an American writer and anthologist. Though best remembered as the first publisher of the writings of H. P...
, Raymond E. F. Larsson, Robert F. Morneau
Robert F. Morneau
Robert Fealey Morneau is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He currently serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.-Biography:...
, and Regina Siegfried.