Mother Emilie Dormann, the first Mother General, although not one of the first Sisters, is termed as one of the Co-Founders of the Society as she brought rapid growth and professional efficiency to the Society. Born as the youngest of the 12 children on April 19, 1872 in Neudorf, Canton Luzern, Emilie possessed indomitable character. After having completed her schooling and French course, she pursued her studies in nursing against the decision of her family and worked in a Clinic for 18 years.
A Female Jonah:
During pastoral visits to patients, Rector Meyer noticed the competent nurse who had outstanding leadership talents. Thanks to his unusual ability to assess people, he knew instinctively that she was eminently suitable for the position of Superior in his newly formed Society as it lacked a leading female personality. Rector Meyer asked her if she would be prepared to assume this position. His unexpected invitation shocked Emilie. The sudden decision of Emilie to go on a tour to London and Paris, dressed in her best attire, surprised everyone. Here was a female Jonah, fleeing from the voice of God. Around the worldly city of Paris, she found herself in an inner struggle with God. Before she had reached a definite decision, she had an extraordinary experience in her hotel room. It became obvious to her that she was called to take up God’s chosen work. With a clear insight and determination, she returned to Luzern, reported to Fr. Meyer, who in the meantime was lying seriously ill in bed. He received her as a God given comfort and on 15 September 1910, he gave her the medal of St. Ann and received her as the 38th Sister in the Society. That was Emilie’s ‘Yes’ to God’s call which led her to be the first Mother General of the Sisters of St. Ann.
The Right Woman in the right place:
No doubt, Fr. Meyer spotted the right person at the right time. Mother Emilie saw clearly the challenges before her as the days of the Founder were numbered. Being the only trained nurse in the group, she took care of the professional and religious formation of the Sisters and presided over the Society with sanctity. She was a deeply religious woman and that was the source of her extraordinary strength and courage. She was endowed with many outstanding qualities of which the most important were the talent for organization and her inexhaustible energy for work. She formulated excellent plans, pushed the matter unremittingly forward and executed with an admirable degree of perseverance. Nothing discouraged her. Instead, it doubled her energy. “Difficulties”, she said, “existed in order to be solved.” Mother always said about any work, “If one wants to, one can.” “Worry, but do not worry too much. It still happens as God wills it”, was an important guideline for her life. Mother was realistic by nature and took into account what was possible and what was not. She acquired land, built new houses for Sisters, started hospitals and a school of Nursing fighting against heavy odds of every kind, thus strengthening the foundation of the Society.
The valiant woman:
Her motherhood was spiritual in tending the Sisters entrusted in her care. She was firm but gentle. She knew how to awaken the spirit of selflessness and strength in her Sisters and was capable of bringing out the best in them. Often she said: “You can do it. I know you will succeed; pray until it becomes pleasing to God.” For the poor she had an open hand, for those who needed advice she was always available. She proved her determination, faithfulness and commitment to the cause when she sent the first missionaries to India fulfilling the desire of the Founder and pursued the mission closely, extending all possible assistance and guidance. Her joy knew no bounds as she went around visiting the different mission stations in India in 1935. During a span of 37 long years, Mother carried out the responsibility of leading the Society, with trust in God. She was a wise, prudent and loving leader whose decisions and actions were motivated by her deep convictions and by the spirit of the Founder. At the age of 75 she retired as Mother General. Owing to an illness affecting the bones, she suffered intense pain. On April 27, 1950, the untiring servant went to rest in the hands of her Creator. In recognition of her heroic deeds and humanitarian services, in 1984, the corporation of the city of Luzern honored her by placing her portrait in the gallery, the first woman to adorn the wall. Indeed she was a valiant lady and the co- founder of the Society of St. Ann, the power and force behind the mission in India.
Emilie’s World: