Faculty and Staff Directory

Sr. M. Juliana Monti was a 2013 Jubilarian of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. For the majority of Sister’s 49 years of teaching in the Valley Catholic schools, she also served as Fine Arts Chairperson and as Music School Chairperson.  In 2012, the Beaverton Arts Commission honored Sister Juliana and the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Music Program as “Performing Arts Educator of the Year.” Sister Juliana shared her thoughts about the journey that brought her – 50 years ago – to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Photos from Sister Juliana’s life of ministry are available on our Flickr site.

Sr. Juliana: In her own words From the third grade on I knew that I wanted to be a Sister. Devotion to Our Lady was instilled by the example of my mother who never failed to go to Mary with big and small requests and never failed to adorn her altar at St. Ignatius Church with beautiful bouquets in thanksgiving.  A love of Scripture was fostered by a Child’s Bible and The Lives of the Saints which I loved to read.  It didn’t hurt that I loved the Holy Name Sisters. My mother was taught by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) and we would often visit with her favorite teacher, Mother Mary Angela.  I was always going to go to Marylhurst College but my mother wanted me to go to the University of Portland, which was coed, and board there.  I knew that, when I was able to enter, I would. So I told my parents that I would go to University of Portland but would stay at home.  I wanted to be with them as long as I could. I chose the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon because they would allow me to visit my parents’ home if I was driving in the area.  At that time, the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary would not.  And so, with my parents blessing, I entered our Community, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, when I was six months from my twenty-first birthday. God has been very good to me and my soul is filled with peace and joy.