In 1953, Sister Myra Rodgers entered religious life from St. Martin Parish in Pittsburgh’s West End neighborhood. Despite entering religious life at the young age of 15, she never regretted her decision. Her enthusiasm for the Sisters’ charism, as well as excitement she finds in living that charism creatively for the people of God, outweighs any difficulties.
Following her high school graduation from Divine Providence Academy, Sister Myra went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in music education and a master’s degree in music from Duquesne University. After teaching in numerous Catholic grade schools in the Pittsburgh area, Sister Myra spent 13 years at St. Basil High School in Carrick, Pa. From 1974 to 1975, she participated with the prestigious Apostolic Religious Communities in Rome, presenting scriptural and theological foundations of Consecrated Life. At La Roche College, Sister Myra served in Campus Ministry (1979-1981) and on the College’s Board of Directors until 1995 when she was elected as General Superior of her Congregation, a position she held until 2007.
As General Leader, Sister Myra led the process of unifying her congregation’s three German provinces, the American provinces and Puerto Rico. She placed great emphasis on understanding and living the Providence charism throughout the entire international congregation, promoting growth and understanding of the challenge and the gift of internationality.
Sister Myra returned to La Roche in 2008, serving as special assistant to the president for Mission and Ministry, adjunct professor of religious studies and once again as a Campus Ministry staff member. In 2011, she held the position of liturgist and musician.
Currently, Sister Myra is the administrator of Providence House in Kingston, Mass., and director of mission effectiveness for the Congregation. She was a presenter and writer for the first symposium of Women of Providence in Collaboration. Her well-known literary piece, “Who Can Find a Woman of Providence,” is used extensively by many religious congregations. In addition, Sister Myra chairs the committee charged with writing the book on the history of the Sisters of Divine Providence
“I believe in the mission of our congregation—to be the face of God’s Providence,” Sister Myra said. “The strength and enthusiasm of my Sisters as they strive to live our mission, sustains and challenges me.”