An IHM Celebration
On August 10, 2025, Sister Alys Currier celebrated an extraordinary milestone—her 100th birthday! Just days later, on August 14, the IHM Sisters, staff, and Monroe Mayor Robert Clark came together to honor Sister Alys with a joyful celebration that beautifully reflected her legacy of faith and service.
The day began with a special Mass in the Motherhouse Chapel, where Sister Alys was presented with a papal blessing from Pope Leo, along with a vibrant bouquet of flowers from IHM Leadership. The reverent atmosphere was filled with gratitude and admiration for Sister Alys’s century of life.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the Maxis Community Room, where guests gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” and enjoy a lively dessert reception. Mayor Clark spent time chatting with Sister Alys, sharing newly uncovered historical insights about her family—adding a personal and heartfelt touch to an already unforgettable day.
Watch the video above for photos and clips that beautifully recap Alys’ special celebration – you won’t want to miss it!
100 Years of faith and learning:
A celebration of Sr. Alys Currier, IHM
On August 10, Sister Alys (Gerontia) Currier, IHM, turned 100 years old. With her signature curiosity, candid humor and deep faith, Sister Alys reflects on her life not as a chronology of events, but as a series of opportunities for discovery—and above all—love.
Sister Alys was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, one of nine children. She attended St. Philip School, where she first met IHM Sisters. She remembers being drawn to them not only because of their teaching, but because of their joyful presence. That same trait has marked her own life through decades of ministry.
“It’s about faith,” Sister Alys says. “But not a passive kind. St. James said, ‘Faith without works is dead.’ Faith is something that has to grow in you. Something you question. Something you challenge yourself with. Sometimes you make a mess of it. The only way to get through the mess is to be humble. You’re not God.”
That humility served her well when, at just 20 years old and with no formal training, she was suddenly asked to begin teaching first grade at St. John School in Monroe. “I got through it by speaking softly,” she said. “They kept quiet just to hear what I was saying.” That unexpected call to the classroom launched a teaching ministry that would span decades and take her to Holy Redeemer in Detroit, Holy Name in Birmingham, Sacred Heart in Auburn Heights and schools in Highland Park. She smiles when recalling the time she asked her students, “What does maybe mean?” One little boy replied, “If you take yes and cut it in half, and then take no and cut it in half, you get maybe!”
Her ministries didn’t end in the classroom. Inspired and transformed by the changes of Vatican II, Sister Alys began working with adults as a director of religious education. “We grew together,” she said. “Ninety percent became good friends. It was one of the most productive times in my life.”
Later, she served as a pastoral associate at St. Anne in Sterling Heights for 21 years, where she helped form Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programs, visited the sick, worked with the homeless, and supported parents of LGBTQ children. “Pastoral ministry was my favorite. Every day was something new. I never felt like I was ‘in charge’— I believed the best way to lead was from behind. Let people own their work. I was there to be with them, not to direct them.”
Sisters Alys Currier and Ann Currier attending to the IHM courtyards. Each year the biological sisters would plant thousands of flowers together to beautify the Motherhouse.
She once made a silent retreat in the Arizona desert, living alone in a cabin among a community of women hermits. “The stars were so close you felt you could pick them out of the sky,” she remembers. When asked what she learned in that solitude, she replied, “Almost everything. When you’re alone, you just be.”
Throughout her life, Sister Alys continued to pursue learning wherever she could. “I’m a lifelong learner,” she says. “Every time I had a new ministry, I took classes to learn how to do it.” She recently surprised her doctor with so many questions during an appointment that the physician laughed and said, “You ask more questions than all my other patients combined.”
July 2025 – Sister Alys Currier attends theOSP-IHM Ten-Year Gathering
Sister Alys remains deeply engaged in community life at the Motherhouse, where she participates in meetings and visits with sisters in health care, and—when asked—shares wisdom earned through a century of living. She takes walks regularly and says, “Whatever comes up, I do what I can.” Her ministry now is one of prayer and presence. Though she has low vision, she remains keenly attentive to the community and world around her. Reflecting on her journey, Sister Alys says, “My life has been blessed. My family, the IHM community and my ministries were my mentors—through them I experienced God’s presence and love. I’m deeply grateful to each person who has graced my life.”
When asked what she’s looking forward to now, without hesitation and a gentle smile, she answers,
“Going home to God.”
Fun facts about Sister Alys Currier, IHM:
- Born: August 10, 1925. She is celebrating her birthday on the 14th, though, because her birthday fell on a Sunday this year and according to Sister Alys, “Sundays belong to the people.”
- Family of faith: Her biological sister, Ann, was also an IHM. Her religious name was Agnes Cecile. She passed away on Feb. 13, 2020. Two of her brothers went to the seminary.
- Favorite phrase: Jesus told his disciples, Abide in My Love. I use it often.
- Favorite Ministry: Pastoral ministry. “I enjoyed listening to people and their needs.”
- Hobbies: Her past hobbies included reading, needlepoint, and Japanese painting; learning new things has and continues to be her biggest pastime. She is a frequent participant in many Motherhouse activities and meetings. She enjoys being independent, visiting her friends in the community and taking walks daily.
- Biggest Lesson: “Faith must be lived. And you have to listen—really listen—to others.”
- Advice: “Do as much as you can. And always be present for others. It affirms them.”