Connelly, Cornelia (1809–1879)

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Connelly, Cornelia (1809–1879)

American religious community founder. Born Cornelia Augusta Peacock, Jan 15, 1809, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; died April 18, 1879, at St. Leonards-on-Sea, near Hastings, England; dau. of Ralph and Mary (Swope) Peacock; m. Pierce Connelly (curate), Dec 1, 1831 (died 1883); children: 5.

Became Roman Catholic (1835); after having 5 children (2 of whom died), reluctantly acquiesced when husband decided to become a priest (papal approval was granted for permanent suspension of their marriage vows, Mar 1844); took vow of chastity (1845); founded new Order, Society of the Holy Child Jesus, in Derby, England (c. 1846) and was installed as superior; published Book of Studies (1863); proclaimed Venerable by Catholic Church (1992). Her Order has spread to 14 countries.

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