Mother Consuella (Rebecca Clifford) was educated by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacraments at Saint Francis de Sales School at Rock Castle, Virginia. She was professed as an Oblate Sister on August 15, 1908. Mother taught at St, Frances Academy from 1907 to 1926. From 1910 on she was Directress of novices. During those same years, Mother Consuella was secretary-general. From July 22, 1925 to June 24, 1926 she was assistant superior under Mother M. Thaddeus Bennett. On June 24, 1926, Sister Consuella became the tenth superior of the Oblate Sisters of Providence.

As Superior General, Mother Consuella Clifford is remembered for being a true mother to her spiritual daughters. Constant efforts to restore and preserve the original spirit of the Sisters marked her years in office. Mother laid the groundwork for the revision of the Community's constitutions. During her term in office, too, the property of Gun and Rolling Roads, (Baltimore, Maryland), present site of the Motherhouse was purchased. The Oblates celebrated their centennial year during her leadership.

So vivid an impression of holiness did Mother Mary Consuella make on the Sisters that serious efforts were inaugurated to begin the process for her canonization. These efforts were particularly strong in Cuba, where there is still great devotion to her memory.

From time to time, Mother Consuella would send out spiritual suggestions to the Sisters. Typed, mimeographed, stapled in booklet form, these little notes provide insight into her own closeness to God.

"Be a true Oblate Sister of Providence, conformed to God's Will, seeing His Hand in all that happens to you and believing firmly that He will provide for you on all occasions, under all circumstances. May He bless, direct and guide you at all times and in all places is the prayer of one who will always speak to Him of you". Mother Mary Consuella Clifford from a booklet-undated

Mother suffered with lupus and died in 1937, with a year of her term remaining.