Sister Rose

Sister Rosellen Gallogy is the executive director of Market Ministries. A native of Providence, RI, she grew up in an Irish Catholic family, helping her parents care for elderly people as they took them in. From her five brothers and two sisters, she received a great deal of support growing up.

A graduate of St. Xavier Academy High School in Providence, she joined the Sisters of Mercy. The decision was an easy one since she was mentored by them on a daily basis. She came to New Bedford with five other Sisters of Mercy in 1968 to teach English as a second language. She taught during the day and spent her free time volunteering at the shelter during the nights.

Since 1984 when Market Ministries first opened, she enjoyed every part of what Market Ministries has become. She organizes the soup kitchen during the week and has a transitional house in the city. Sister Rose is also in the process of opening up the home next to Market Ministries for administrative offices and staff training. Since receiving the “Extra Mile Award” from the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, she hopes the state can one day put an end to homelessness.

Her experiences from Market Ministries come directly from the guests. “It is often the guests that are teaching you something. You learn to be more caring and compassionate.”