1937 Oil On Board Sister Mary Davidica Artwork - 15” X 19”

Sister Davidica (Mary Beschta) was born in Saukville Wisconsin on October 17, 1870. Her parents were John Beschta and Francis Tauschta both born in Europe. She entered the Holy Family convent from Clintonville, Wisconsin, on July 3rd 1885, at the age of 14. She attended Holy Family Academy for her high school education. She was received into the community on June 17, 1887, and made her vows on August 13th 1889.

In her early years as a Sister she taught in classrooms and was the organist for the parish. Her love for music and her talent in art were recognized. She attended Metropolitan Museum and Ridgley Music School in New York in 1921-1922. She was then sent to the Bush Conservatory of Music in the mid-1920's where she received both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in music. Her special skills included were in piano and organ, she also played the harp.

In 1925, Sisters Davidica, Sister Benjamin, and Sister Celerine became the first three teachers at Holy Family Conservatory of Music and Art, in Manitowac Wisconsin. The Conservatory founded by our Francican Sisters of Christian Charity, opened that year on December 10th. These Sisters and a number of our musicians taught there. The Conservatory continues today.

Sister Davidica was charged with the completion of the 30 foot mural brought from Germany in the 19th century and was a part of the historic Saint Francis Convent Chapel in Milwaukee Wisconsin before it was torn down in early 2020.  The mural is now part of the Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc Wisconsin.

Sister Davidica was also charged with the restoration of what’s thought to be a 1652 Murillo masterpiece.

 Sister Davidica was a prodigious artist and produced numerous paintings and musical compositions. Many of her paintings adorn the walls of our Holy Family Convent. In addition to oil on canvas paintings she also painted chinaware and many of these treasures are displayed throughout Holy Family Convent.

Sister Davidica died on December 12, 1953 at Holy Family Hospital, in Manitowoc Wisconsin she was 83 years old.