The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky

CJI=

00

Copyright, 1917
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA PRESS. INC.

To

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL,

APOSTLE OF CHARITY,

PATRON AND PROTECTOR,

FATHER AND FOUNDER

OF
THE SISTERS OF CHARITY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

AND TO

BISHOP DAVID AND MOTHER CATHERINE SPALDING,
WHOSE ZEAL AND PIETY

ESTABLISHED
THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH,

THIS VOLUME

Is REVERENTLY DEDICATED

INVOKING THEIR AID, PROTECTION AND BLESSING

UPON
ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY

CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I

Historical Background; Bishops Flaget and David — Momen
tous epoch in National life ; Kentucky's part therein— Eighteenth
century France aids Education and Religion in the United
States — The French missionaries, Benedict Joseph Flaget, John
Baptist David — Their early life — Labors in America — The Ken
tucky field— St. Thomas's Seminary— The Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth 1

CHAPTER II

Formative Years — Foundation of Nazareth on St. Thomas's
Farm — School begun ; Rule received ; Vows first pronounced —
First Branch Houses: Bethlehem Academy, Bardstown, St.
Vincent's Academy, Union County — Removal of Nazareth's
Community to present site of Mother House — St. Catherine's
Academy, Scott County, near Lexington, Ky.— Sister Columba
Tarleton — First Public Examination at Nazareth Academy . . 19

CHAPTER III

Mother Catherine Spalding— Early life— Joins Sisterhood-
Superior Kentucky Legislature grants charter to Nazareth-
Community's first Orphan Asylum and Infirmary begun in
Louisville — Proposed changes in rule, habit, etc. — Nazareth's
present church consecrated— New Academy— Mother Cath
erine's Death 45

CHAPTER IV

Mother Frances Gardiner and Other Members of the Early
Sisterhood— Sisters Teresa Carrico, Harriet and Clare Gardin
er, Ellen O'Connell, Martha Drury and others 79

CHAPTER V

Early Foundations— Bardstown, Union County, Lexington
academies continued— Presentation Academy, St. Vincent's Or
phan Asylum, St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville — St. Frances
Academy, Owensboro, Ky.— La Salette Academy, Covington,
Ky.— -Immaculata Academy, Newport, Ky.— St. Mary's Acad-

V

VI CONTENTS

PAGE

cmy, Paducah, Ky.— St. Mary's Academy, St. John's Hospital,
Nashville, Tenn.— Ideals and Curricula at Nazareth and else
where 100

CHAPTER VI

Mother Columba Carroll— Girlhood— Enters Novitiate— Di
rectress of Studies— Superior— Anxiety and Charity during
Civil War and the Yellow Fever Plague— Death 136

CHAPTER VII

Civil War — Agreement between Bishop Spalding and Brig.-
Gen'l. Robert Anderson for Sisters as nurses— Heroic minis
tries of the Sisters — Lincoln assures protection to Nazareth —
Skirmishings near Mother House and Branch Houses— Gen- *
erals Bragg, Buckner and Hood at Nazareth 148

CHAPTER VIII

Post Bellum Days— St. Columba's Academy, Bowling Green
—Small pox epidemic in Kentucky— Sisters as nurses in St.
John's Eruptive Hospital, Louisville— Establishment of St.
Joseph's Hospital, Lexington, Ky 164

CHAPTER IX

Expansion in the South— Foundation of Bethlehem Academy,
Holly Springs, Miss.— St. Clara's Academy, Yazoo City, Miss.
—Yellow Fever in the South— Sisters Laurentia, Cointha and
others, martyrs of Charity 177

CHAPTER X

Expansion in the South, continued— Mother Helena's ad
ministration — Foundations in Arkansas — Schools and Orphan
age begun in Memphis, Tenn.— Sisters as nurses during
Spanish American War, East Lake Hospital, Chattanooga,
Tenn.— Foundation of St. Mary's Academy, Leonardtown, Md. ;
St. Vincent's Orphanage, Roanoke; Ryan School and St. An
drew's School, Roanoke !9!

CHAPTER XI

Expansion Northward and Eastward— Mothers Helena and
Cleophas alternate as Superiors— Ohio Missions— First Eastern
foundations: Newburyport, Mass.; Brockton, Hyde Park,
Lowell, Mass ,206

CONTENTS VII

PAGE
CHAPTER XII

The Maternal Commonwealth— New Presentation Academy,
Louisville; Parochial Schools; Improvement of St. Joseph's
Infirmary, Louisville; Schools and benevolent institutions in
small towns and rural districts of the State— Improvements at
Nazareth— Alumnae Society formed 219

CHAPTER XIII

Twentieth Century— Death of Mother Helena and Father
Russell— Mother Alphonsa Kerr, Superior— New Convent,
Nazareth, begun— Our Lady of Angels School, Barton, Ohio-
Nazareth's Exhibits in St. Louis Purchase Exposition ; Alumnae
Meeting in St. Louis— Mother Cleophas' Death— New Convent
Completed— Mother Eutropia McMahon, Superior— Papal Ap
probation; Elevation of Society to rank of Religious Order-
Mother Eutropia Mother-General; Her Death 251

CHAPTER XIV

Centennial Year— Mother Rose Meagher Mother-General—
New Foundations in Kentucky and the East— The Nazareth
School, South Boston— Centennial celebrations at Nazareth
and Branch Houses 274

CHAPTER XV

Nazareth's New Century— Death of Mother Alphonsa—
Foundations in and Near Louisville— Death of Sister Maria
Menard— St. Dominic's School, Columbus, Ohio— Parochial
School at Old Nazareth, St. Thomas's Farm— Oregon ... 293

CHAPTER XVI

Educational Ideals— Curricula at Mother House and Branch
Houses— Affiliation of Nazareth Academy with Kentucky State
University and Catholic University of America, Washington . 305

CHAPTER XVII

The Spirit of the Order— General ideals and characteristics
-Rule 329

CHAPTER XVIII
Notable Scenes and Shrines at Nazareth 345

VIII CONTENTS

PAGE
CHAPTER XIX

Ecclesiastical Friends and Superiors 357

CHAPTER XX
Conclusion ,383

APPENDIX

Sketch of Mile Le Gras, the First Sister of Charity— Chron
ological List— List of Ecclesiastical Superiors— List of Moth
ers of the Society— Jubilarians— Summary— Centennial of the
Bardstown Cathedral 391

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Nazareth Frontispiece

FACING
PAGE

Rt. Rev. Benedict Joseph Flaget 10

Rt. Rev. John Baptist David 16

The Log Cabin of 1812 28

Old Nazareth 40

Mother Catherine Spalding 54

Presbytery and Convent 66

Mother Frances Gardiner 82

Colonial Porch 94

Academy and Auditorium 106

Front Avenue 118

Mother Columba Carroll 138

A Drive 152

Autograph of President Lincoln 156

Monument to the Sisters, Holly Springs, Miss 184

Mother Helena Tormey 196

The Lake 216

Autograph of St. Vincent de Paul 226

St. Vincent's Church, Interior and Exterior 238

Early Life at Nazareth 246

Mother Cleophas Mills 254

Mother Alphonsa Kerr 266

Mother Eutropia McMahon 272

Mother Rose Meagher 278

Old Nazareth Day, Centennial Week 284

Columba Reading Room 296

Religious Day, Centennial Week 300

Faithful Retainers, Centennial Entertainment 310

Museum and Art Gallery 320

The Visit of Cardinal Falconio 326

St. Vincent de Paul 332

Noonday Visit to the Church 340

Glimpses of Front Grounds 346

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom 352

Rev. Michael Bouchet 368

Rev. David Russell 380

IX

INTRODUCTION

present volume, as compiled by Miss Anna
Blanche McGill, makes a most interesting and
readable story of the rise and progress of the Society,
which under the auspices of the saintly Bishops Flaget
and David, had its birth a century ago in Nelson County,
Kentucky, in connection with St. Thomas's Seminary,
the Cradle of Catholicity in the West.

The author is in deep sympathy with her subject and
has contributed to our Catholic literature a volume which
all may read with profit — a record that will prove espe
cially edifying to the young members of the society, as
well as an inspiration to them in following the footsteps
of those who under difficulties and privations laid the
foundation stones of one of the most prosperous and
beneficent institutions of our land.

From the portals of the Mother House, Nazareth,
Kentucky, band after band of zealous sisters has gone
forth to academies, parochial schools, orphan asylums,
hospitals and infirmaries. These religious have instructed
the young and ministered to the needy of all degrees and
kinds throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Massa
chusetts and elsewhere. They have won laurels as
teachers wherever they have gone — to mention only one
place, Leonardtown of our State of Maryland. Many
daughters of the Southland during the past hundred
years have had mind and heart educated at Nazareth
Academy, and have carried forth from its threshold those
charming manners and sterling virtues which have caused
them to be loved and admired throughout the land.

I am happy to send my blessing to the Sisters of this

XI

XII INTRODUCTION

noble Community, that their excellent work may prosper
in years to come as successfully as it has done in the past.
And for the writer and reader of this volume, I ask a
blessing from the Heavenly Father, that the history of
the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth may be an inspiration
to a greater love for God and fellow-man.
Faithfully yours in Christ,

JAMES CARDINAL GIBBONS.

Cardinal's Residence,
Baltimore, Maryland.

Feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin,
Nineteen Hundred and Sixteen.

PREFACE

^JTEADFASTLY through a century to have solaced
^ the afflicted and warmed the hearts of the needy with
the fire of charity, to have been a lamp unto the feet of
youth and a light unto the path thereof, is to have en
riched the years with deeds too precious to be left un-
chronicled. The present volume endeavors to record
such activities — the daily routine of the Sisters of Charity
of Nazareth, Kentucky, since their establishment.

Cardinal Gibbons, generously commending the Order
and noting its geographical extension, has placed the
Sisters' good works in true perspective as significant con
tributions to the history of religion and education in the
United States. Hence it is hoped that the following
pages may prove of interest not only to the community
itself but to other toilers in the vineyard. Laborers of
the present hour may derive stimulus from the careers
of Nazareth's pioneer bands who, in conditions far less
auspicious than those now prevailing, gave luminous
examples of courage, fortitude, dedicated industry. In
spiration may be afforded likewise by the work of later
groups, faithful to their traditions of piety, benevolence,
able teaching.

Whatever general interest the story of the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth may have, the particular hope is that
it may be a source of gratification and encouragement to
the society's own members — tracing for them their ven
erable family history. This purpose accords with a
sentiment once expressed by the late Archbishop Elder
of Cincinnati, approving "the practice of keeping little
memories of those who edify most the Community, writ-

XIII

XIV PREFACE

ing down their many good works and edifying traits
. . . The old Acts of the Martyrs were exactly little
memories of this kind, carefully preserved."

For aid in compiling the little and great memories
herein gathered, acknowledgment is made to all who
facilitated the task: especially to the late Sister Marie
Menard, who collected some of the material used; to
Sister Adelaide Pendleton, for help in selection of data ;
to Sister Marietta, whose assistance and counsel are
affectionately remembered by her one-time pupil. Help
ful for the early chapters were "The Life of Bishop
Flaget" and "Sketches of Kentucky" by Archbishop
Spalding, and "The Centenary of Catholicity in Ken
tucky" by the Hon. B. J. Webb. It is a special pleasure
to name these two historians, many of whose kinswomen
have been associated as pupils or religious with the Sis
ters of Charity of Nazareth.

ANNA BLANCHE McGiix.

Louisville, Kentucky,
January, 1917.

(ix)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Spalding, M. J., Life of Bishop Flaget (Louisville).

Sketches of Kentucky.

Webb, B. J., Centenary of Catholicity in Kentucky

(Louisville).
Burns, Rev. J. A., The Catholic School System in the

United States (New York)
Herbermann, C. G., The Sulpicians in the United States

(New York)
Minogue, Anna, Loretto, Annals of the Century (America

Press)

Maes, C. P., Life of Father Nerinckx.
Hewlett, Wm. J., St. Thomas' Seminary (St. Louis).
Steiner, E., History of Education in Maryland (Mary
land).
Stuart, Janet Erskine, The Education of Catholic Girls

(New York)
Stuart, Janet Erskine, The Society of the Sacred Heart

(New York).

Sadlier, Agnes, Elisabeth Set on (New York).
McCann, Sister Mary Agnes, History of Mother Seton's

Daughters (New York).
Religious of the Sacred Heart, Mother Aloysia Hardey

(New York).

Hughes, Rev. Thomas, Loyola (New York).
Schwickerath, Robert, Jesuit Education (New York).
Newman, John Henry, Idea of a University.
Collins, History of Kentucky (Louisville).
Johnston, Stoddard, History of Louisville (Louisville).
Winterbotham, History of the United States.
Logan, Mrs. John, Personal Recollections of a Soldier's

Wife (New York).

Catholic Almanacs, 1832-35; 1841-45 (Philadelphia).
Dewey, John, Ethical Principles Underlying Education

(Chicago).

James, William, Talks to Teachers (New York).

xv

XVI BIOGRAPHY

Canby, Henry Seidel, College Sons and Fathers (New

York).

Wynne, John J., Catholic Schools (New York).
Catholic Encyclopedia (New York).
Dewey, John, Schools of To-morrow (New York).
Walsh, J. J., Education; Hoiv Old the New (New York).
Spalding, J. L., Means and Ends of Education (Chicago).
Spalding, J. L., Thoughts and Theories of Education

and Life (Chicago).

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas.
Burstall, Sarah, Impressions of Education in America

during 1908 (New York).
Butler, Nicholas Murray, Education in the United States

(New York).
Barton, Angels of the Battlefield.

CHAPTER I
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND; BISHOPS PLACET AND DAVID

CROWNED with the beauty of a century's maturity,
in a thousand acres of Kentucky meadowland,
stands the mother house of the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth. This famous educational and benevolent in
stitution is situated in Nelson County not far from the
Lincoln Road, about forty miles from Louisville, Ken
tucky, and two and a half miles from Bardstown. Be
tween rows of oak and maple a long driveway leads from
an artistic station to "Nazareth". Over a hundred years
ago Bishop David gave this hallowed name to a log cabin ;
today it designates a group of buildings with a frontage
of a thousand feet, consisting of academy, convent, chapel
and chaplain's residence. Sixty branch houses in the
South, East and North still farther extend the order's
influence.

Lowly cabin of yore and stately edifices of the present
symbolize Nazareth's story. Superficial, however, would
be the observation that failed to discern beyond this
material expansion the spiritual forces which accom
plished such development. Hence the following pages,
while chronicling the laying of stone upon stone, record
a far more impressive process, the triumphs of faith,
fortitude, charity. To these virtues majestic mother
house and prosperous branch houses are eloquent monu
ments.

Nazareth's history begins in a momentous national
epoch, that of America's second Declaration of Independ
ence, the War of 1812. During that conflict Kentucky

1

2 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

was weaving two distinctly different patterns upon his
tory's loom. In the battle of Raisin River, the subsequent
massacre, and the relief of Fort Meigs, many of the
States's fairest names were incarnadined ; Kentucky
heroes — Isaac Shelby's sharp-shooters — upheld Perry's
arms at Lake Erie and swung the tide of battle to victory.
Meantime, while these sons of the old Commonwealth
were thus militantly active, a few of its daughters were
entering upon valiant careers as a Legion of Peace; the
first Sisters of Charity of Nazareth were inaugurating
their labors for the honor of God, the good of humanity
and the sanctifkation of their own souls.

Beginning thus in a time so eventful, Nazareth's
earliest records commemorate scenes, personalities, inci
dents such as give vitality, dignity, engrossing interest to
history's page. The background is typical of those
pioneer days which charm historians and romancers. A
beautiful if needy and difficult virgin soil, awaiting ex
plorer, colonist, missionary — such was the Kentucky
wilderness of the early nineteenth century wherein the
garden-spot, Nazareth, was to blossom with the roses of
faith and charity.

But to discover the actual origin of this flowering, the
imagination must press even beyond the primitive Ken
tucky wildwood to Europe of the eighteenth century, to
the drama of the French Revolution. That catastrophe,
enthroning Madame Guillotine and sowing dragons'
teeth of atheism, was eventually to be responsible for
planting seeds of benevolence and piety upon American
soil, through the agency of noble spirits forced to flee
hither to preserve their lives and, what they prized still
more, their faith.

The heart has repeatedly been stirred by the story of
the French exiles who bore Christianity to America as
once the Levites transported the Ark to its allotted goal.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 3

Yet, though so familiar, the narrative has not lost power
to inspire. It forms an indispensable prelude to the
history of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who revere
as their spiritual fathers two of those distinguished
fugitives, Benedict Joseph Flaget and John Baptist David.

The former of these illustrious exiles was born in
Contournat, France, in 1763. Baptized Benedict because
his family welcomed him as a blessing, he was to prove
an inestimable blessing to his adopted country, the United
States. Left an orphan at an early age, this child of
benediction was entrusted to the care of an aunt and an
uncle, the Abbe Benedict Flaget, canon of the collegiate
church of Billorn. As a mere boy the future American
bishop entered the college of Billom, where he manifested
much proficiency in his classes and that piety which won
for him the appellation, "the saintly Flaget." In his
eighteenth year he entered the Sulpician seminary of
Clermont for his ecclesiastical studies, finally uniting him
self with the Sulpician Order in his twentieth year. His
clerical course was completed before he had numbered
years sufficient for entrance into the priesthood; hence,
after the manner of so many great souls preparing for
their life-work, he withdrew for a while to solitude, in
the Sulpician house at Issy near Paris — "Paradise on
earth," he termed this season of pious meditation.

During his first sacerdotal years M. Flaget was pro
fessor of dogmatic theology at Nantes, and later in the
seminary of Angers. He had been in the latter institution
only a few months when the French Revolution began;
the seminary was closed; students and faculty were
forced to flee. The young Flaget retired to his family
at Billom, and there he heard the mysterious and pro
phetic inner voice which in his childhood had often whis
pered to him that he would some day go far away and
that his family would see him no more. Now while the

4 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

turmoil of persecution was afflicting his native land, his
thoughts turned toward a distant country where, with the
freedom to work and pray, he could serve the God Whose
altars France was desecrating. His native land virtually
forbade his fulfilling his vocation, but the missions of the
United States were ready to welcome such men as he;
Bishop Carroll's huge diocese sorely needed more priests,
and M. Flaget resolved to share that exacting apostolate.
In 1792 he set sail from Bordeaux, having as his travel
ing companions two other Frenchmen, M. David and M.
Badin. Those ready to note the hand of Providence in
human undertakings may find significance in the fact
that, without any prearrangement whatsoever, these three
missionaries to Kentucky met at Bordeaux, whence to
gether they set sail for the great work which they were
to share beyond the sea. Especially touching is an inci
dent following their arrival in Baltimore. Setting out to
pay their respects to Bishop Carroll, they met this revered
prelate on his way to welcome them. A tribute to their
worth as well as to his need of them was Bishop Carroll's
greeting: "Gentlemen, you have travelled fifteen hundred
leagues to see me ; surely it was as little as I could do to
walk a few squares to see you."

After a brief sojourn in Baltimore, M. Flaget set forth
on a long journey to Vincennes, Indiana. Going by
wagon to Pittsburgh, he was detained there for six
months. His delay was far from idle; he boarded in a
French Huguenot's home where, unique as was the situa
tion, he daily said Mass. He devoted some time to in
structing the French citizens and the Catholic soldiers.
Small-pox devastated the city during his stay, and he
generously performed spiritual and corporal works of
mercy for the afflicted.

At this time General Wayne was stationed in Pitts
burgh, preparing for his famous expedition against the

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 5

Indians of the Northwest. Bishop Carroll had given M.
Flaget letters of introduction to the general and the pres
entation bore good fruits, for General Wayne became
deeply attached to the young cleric. Finally, when navi
gation down the Ohio was possible, M. Flaget resumed
his journey to Vincennes. General Wayne gave him a
letter of introduction to General George Rogers Clark,
then in command of a garrison on Corn Island, near
Louisville, Kentucky. This was the beginning of a loyal
friendship between the French missionary and the noted
Kentucky pioneer, who armed a bateau for M. Flaget's
journey, and himself joined the party, offering every
courtesy to his new friend — to the extent of sharing a
tent with him.

M. Flaget held the laborious charge of Vincennes for
two years ; then Bishop Carroll recalled him to the Balti
more diocese, where he became chief disciplinarian at
Georgetown College. After a few years in this office he
joined three Sulpicians who were planning to open a col
lege in Havana, Cuba. This project did not materialize ;
but M. Flaget remained in Havana for two years as tutor
in a distinguished family. One of the incidents of this
sojourn was his acquaintance with Louis Philippe. When
this fugitive king and his two brothers were about to
leave Cuba for the United States, M. Flaget was ap
pointed by the islanders to present to the exiles a purse
of money in token of sympathy for their misfortunes.
Years later when Louis Philippe was King of France and
M. Flaget had been made Bishop of Bardstown, the
former's appreciation was expressed in handsome gifts
which remain today the chief treasures of the historic
St. Joseph's Church of Bardstown, formerly the cathe
dral1. Among these royal benefactions were paintings by
old masters, golden vessels set with precious stones, vest-

1 See Appendix, Bardstown Cathedral.

6 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ments of much fine needlework wrought by the Queens
of France and their ladies. A certain chasuble of red
velvet was elaborately embroidered on one side in a design
representing the Kings of the House of David; on the
other side was the French coat-of-arms ; this was re
moved by Bishop Flaget, with the remark: "We are
living in a Republic, not a Kingdom."

This, however, is to anticipate a few interesting de
tails forerunning the elevation of M. Flaget to episcopal
honors. In 1801, he had returned from Havana to Balti
more and circumstances were being shaped for his
establishment in a permanent life-work. To such pro
portions had the United States grown, it had become
necessary to lighten the venerable Bishop Carroll's bur
dens. Therefore, to the Holy Pontiff was recommended
the foundation of four new sees: Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, and the little Kentucky hamlet, Bardstown.

At this point of the story appears upon the scene an
other native of France, the Rev. Stephen Badin, M.
Flaget's fellow-voyager from the Old World, and the
first priest ordained in the United States. Father Badin
was assigned to Kentucky shortly after his ordination.
Being only twenty-five years of age and having but a
slight knowledge of English, he was at first reluctant to
accept such a charge; but Bishop Carroll justly divined
that his zeal, his energy and his buoyant French tempera
ment could be relied upon in the difficult missions of the
Middle West. Obediently therefore, and on foot, the
young Badin and a companion set forth. They trudged
from Baltimore to Pittsburgh, thence by boat down the
Ohio, ultimately resuming their journey as pedestrians
over primitive roads to the Kentucky wilderness. Dur
ing his sojourn in Kentucky, Father Badin is said to have
ridden a hundred thousand miles on horseback. His
heart knew "solicitude for all the Churches," if the term

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 7

may be applied to the primitive stations fifty or sixty
miles apart, where he said Mass, visited the sick, in
structed his widely scattered flock. Of him and Bishop
Flaget it was justly said : "Though born abroad, both
were Kentuckians in the best sense. They explored the
forests with General George Rogers Clark, with Boone
and Kenton. They lived in lonely log cabins during the
period of the Indian warfare."

Pages have been filled and might still be filled in com
memoration of Father Badin's piety and his indefatig
able toil. His especial connection with the subject of
this chapter lies in the fact that, when there was rumor
of making Bardstown a bishopric, it was he who jour
neyed to Baltimore to recommend M. Flaget for the pro
jected see. His suggestion found favor; and thus by
the recommendation of Bishop Carroll and that of Father
Badin, their friend received episcopal honors, with juris
diction over the vast territory of the West and North
west. Thus was established that see of Bardstown which,
as an earlier chronicle observes, "bears the same relation
as that of Baltimore to the whole United States. Each
is a Mother Church to which many spiritual daughters
look up with gratitude and reverence."

When his election was reported, M. Flaget went to
Baltimore for confirmation of the news. After his ar
rival one of the first persons he met was his fellow-
traveller from France and his future coadjutor, M.
David, who had also been suggested for the episcopal
office. His greeting was typical : "They told me I was
to be Bishop of Bardstown. I did not believe it; but I
determined that, should this happen, I should invite you
to accompany me. The case being now reversed, I tender
you my services without reserve."

Not till three years later was the bishop to start for his
diocese, his means and those of his future flock being

8 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

too slender to provide for the journey. Finally, however,
in 1811 he and his suite departed from Baltimore, over
the mountains to Pittsburgh, down the Ohio River to
Louisville. A letter written at the time by Father
David to a friend in France, gives an idea of the river
voyage: 'The boat on which we descended the Ohio
became the cradle of our Seminary and the Church in
Kentucky. Our cabin was at the same time chapel,
dormitory, study and refectory. An altar was erected on
the boxes and ornamented so far as circumstances would
allow. The Bishop prescribed a regulation which fixed
all the exercises and in which each had its proper time.
On Sunday after prayer, every one went to Confession;
then the priests said Mass and the others went to Com
munion. . . . After an agreeable navigation of thirteen
days, we arrived in Louisville, next at Bardstown, finally
at St. Stephen's Farm several miles from Bardstown, the
residence of the Vicar General, Father Badin," with
whom the Bishop and his suite made their home for a
year.

Bishop Flaget's own words vividly describe another
part of the journey : "The faithful of my Episcopal city
put themselves in motion to receive me in a manner con
formable with my dignity. They despatched for my use
a fine equipage drawn by two horses, and a son of one
of the principal inhabitants considered himself honored
in being the driver. ... It was then, for the first time,
that I began to see the bright side of my Episcopacy and
that I began to feel its dangers. Nevertheless, God be
thanked, if some emotions of vanity glided into my
heart, they did not long abide. The roads were so de
testable that, in spite of my beautiful chargers and my
excellent driver, I was obliged to perform part of the
journey on foot. ... In entering the town I devoted
myself to all the guardian angels who resided therein,

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 9

and I prayed to God with all my heart to make me die a
thousand deaths, should I not become an instrument of
His glory in this new diocese."

The charm of simplicity and picturesqueness invests
Father Badin's account of the pilgrimage from Bards-
town to St. Stephen's Farm :2 "The Bishop found there
the faithful kneeling on the grass and singing canticles
in English; the country women were nearly all dressed
in white and many of them were still fasting, though it
was then four o'clock in the afternoon, they having en
tertained the hope of being able to assist at Mass and to
receive Holy Communion from the Bishop's hands. An
altar had been prepared at the entrance of the first court
under a bower composed of four small trees which over
shadowed it with their foliage. Here the Bishop put on
his Pontifical robes. After the aspersion of the Holy
Water, he was conducted to the chapel in procession, with
the singing of the litany of the Blessed Virgin. The
whole function closed with the prayers and ceremonies
prescribed for the occasion in the Roman Pontifical."

The imagination glows at this account of ceremonies
so august in circumstances so primitive. In after years
the bishop and his clerical attendants in this impressive
scene were to officiate in noble churches of their adopted
land; but surely no ceremony was to be more solemn,
beautiful and touching than this beneath the leafy canop
ies of the Kentucky woods, wherein they were to build
temples and tabernacles to their Master.

During his year's residence at St. Stephen's Farm, the
site of Father Badin's church, the bishop occupied a one-
room log cabin which he cheerfully termed the "episcopal
palace." A similarly luxurious apartment was assigned
to the "episcopal suite", consisting of Father David and

' Site of the present Mother House and Convent of the Lorettine Sisters.
See Minogue, "Loretto; Annals of a Century" (The America Press, New
York).

10 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

a few seminarians, for already the bishop had begun to
train assistants for his vast diocese. How edifying
Bishop Flaget's humble avowal that "he esteemed him
self happy to live thus in circumstances of Apostolic
poverty!" But not in their poverty alone, but in other
experiences did the missionaries of that epoch offer com
parison with the first apostolate. Their heroic toil, their
sacrificial spirit, their arduous pilgrimages recall the first
carrying forth of the Gospel. How similar their vicissi
tudes to St. Paul's "journeyings often" and "perils in
the wilderness" ! Almost the whole category of apos
tolic ordeals was endured. The demands of the diocese
may be judged from this message sent by Bishop Flaget
to the Sovereign Pontiff: "In order properly to fulfill
the task imposed upon me, I was compelled to traverse
a territory six or seven times more extensive than Italy,
and it was in many respects after the manner of the
Apostles that I had to undertake all these journeys, for
I had absolutely nothing except the blessings with which
the venerable Archbishop of Baltimore had crowned me."
Like Father Badin, Bishop Flaget might have been
termed the "equestrian apostle;" during the early months
of his episcopacy he travelled eight hundred miles on
horseback. He often rode twenty or thirty miles fasting,
before saying Mass. In a reminiscence of that early
time he once said that he did not remember to have
passed four consecutive nights under one roof.

Yet laborious as was such an existence, a comforting
side was not lacking. To this more auspicious aspect
testimony is offered by the following sketch of primitive
church-going in Kentucky, as observed by a European
visitor : "It was one of those occasions upon which con
firmation was to be given to a hundred and forty persons.
Before dawn one hundred had already assembled, having
travelled a long distance. Had a painter been present,

RT. REV. BENEDICT JOSEPH FLAGET,
First Bishop of Bardstown.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 11

I should have solicited him to draw off a representation
of their departure from church on Sunday which to the
European eye was an enchanting spectacle. The church
being seated on a hill, you could see the priest's house on
a neighboring eminence, and an endless cavalcade on the
road that corresponded to the centre of the hill, while
some few walked on foot, the whole view being romantic
and delightful."

It is no derogation from Bishop Flaget's performance
of his difficult tasks, to say that a large measure of his
success must be ascribed to one who from the beginning
was his first lieutenant, Father David, founder and
spiritual father of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
In a little town near Nantes 'and Angers, France, was
born in 1761, this great builder of Catholic education in
Kentucky. Notably was he to fulfill the promise of his
Scriptural names — John Baptist David. He was to be
"a voice crying in the wilderness" — preparing the way
of the Lord in the Kentucky wilds, and, like the Psalmist,
he was an eminent musician. Of sturdy Breton stock,
the child of devout parents, he entered during his youth
upon that routine of mental and spiritual discipline which
was to distinguish his later career. At an early age he
manifested rare spirituality. He was particularly fortun
ate in his first preceptor, a clerical uncle who taught him
French, Latin, music. While still a small boy, he became
an enfant de choeur, and his excellent musical training
was to be a good asset in the primitive see of the Middle
West. In his fourteenth year he was sent to the Ora-
torian College near Nantes, where he gave evidence of
a vocation to the priesthood. Going later to the dio
cesan seminary at Nantes, he won his tonsure in his
eighteenth year. In 1763 he entered the Sulpician Order,
withdrawing to the Solitude of Issy near Paris for addi
tional theological studies. These completed, during

12 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

several years he taught philosophy, theology and Holy
Scripture in the seminary of Angers. At this point may
be emphasized the inestimable advantage which the
Sisters of Charity were to enjoy in having as their first
teacher him who, in renowned Old World institutions of
learning and piety, had laid the foundations for the erudi
tion, the holiness and the discipline which he was so ably
to share with others.

However, his own season of quiet study and teaching
was not to continue indefinitely, his four years at Angers
being suddenly and dramatically ended by the Revolution.
The seminary was seized and converted into an arsenal ;
students and professors were forced to flee for their
lives, and Father David took refuge in a private family.
After this interruption of his seminary life he devoted
two years to study and prayer, a time of fruitful medita
tion, resulting in his determination to unite himself with
the missionary bands then going forth to America.

On his outward voyage, this founder and first eccle
siastical superior of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
gave remarkable evidence of his mental energy. While
on shipboard, he applied himself to the study of English,
and made such progress that he mastered the chief diffi
culties ere he set foot on American soil. After four
months in this country, he preached his first sermon in
English, and was "consoled to find that his discourse had
been understood and had made a profound impression."

His marvellous aptitude and industry, when reported
to Bishop Carroll, almost immediately won for him a
charge in the lower part of Maryland. There during
twelve years he labored, having three congregations as
his particular charge. One of his flock declared : "He
bequeathed to the Marylanders a rich and abundant
legacy of spiritual blessing which was to descend from
generation to generation."

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 13

But edifying and successful as was Father David's
pastoral work in Maryland, Bishop Carroll felt the need
of his services in Georgetown College. Recalled thither
in 1804, he remained until 1806, when his fellow-Sul-
picians of Baltimore besought his labors for their own
seminary, St. Mary's. There during five years he held
various offices, working so hard as to impair his health.
In 1811 his pedagogic activities were temporarily laid
aside when he joined Bishop Flaget's pilgrimage to the
transmontane Kentucky diocese. The hardships await
ing him were by no means absent from his anticipations ;
nevertheless he eagerly departed to participate in tilling
fields already white with the harvest.

Unrecorded, perhaps never entirely to be chronicled, is
the full count of Father David's labors, but among his
most valuable services must have been his tender heart
ening of his episcopal superior who from time to time
seems to have had misgivings as to his adequacy for his
weighty office. No such faintheartedness appears in
Father David's biography. In vain may his letters of
that difficult time be searched for notes of languor or
despondency. His hand had been put to the plough in
the Lord's fresh fields, and without repining he gave
himself to the work to be done. "Here, Lord, am I," his
zealous soul responded to God's need of him.

One specific task awaited him. Had he foreseen it
during the turbulent incidents which had exiled him from
his native land, doubtless he had hastened to his new
labors with even greater alacrity. Virtually driven forth
from the seminary of Angers, he was to be called upon
to take part in building a seminary in the land of his
adoption. This was one of Bishop Flaget's most ardent
dreams, the establishment of an institution for the train
ing of future priests; and with admirable wisdom he
appointed Father David superior of what was to be the

14 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Alma Mater of some of the most devout and able
priests of the South and Middle West, St. Thomas's
Seminary.

Well was Father David to deserve his title of honor
and endearment, "Father of the clergy of Kentucky."
Precept and example were his chief influences in mould
ing the young Levites who rallied to the first summons.
Rigid in his own self-discipline, he firmly but kindly
exacted the same of his spiritual children. He had a
special gift for imparting instruction and inspiration.
Two Scriptural passages have been handed down as his
favorite quotations : "I have come to cast fire upon the
earth, and what will I but that it may be kindled?"; "I
have placed you so that you may go and bring forth fruit,
and that your fruit may remain." His biography leaves
the impression that he had an unusual knowledge of the
interior life, and that he had also a remarkable grasp
upon the practical details of routine and discipline. His
many maxims to his spiritual children, maxims still trans
mitted from generation to generation of Nazareth Sisters,
bear testimony to the former gift. On the other hand
his wisdom concerning the inner life of the soul was
equalled by his regard for those outward observances
wihch symbolize and foster faith. Accustomed as he was
to the beautiful ceremonials of Old World churches, he
yearned to transplant to the New World a similar beauty
and dignity of ritual. Trained from childhood in the
excellent choirs of his native land, he gave to his little
group of seminarians an instruction in music which they
would otherwise have had to cross the seas to gain.
When Bishop Flaget's cathedral was established in Bards-
town, the choir was Father David's special charge; he
was both organist and leader. The result of his work
is best attested by a letter sent to France by a member
of the French Association for the Propagation of the

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 15

Faith: "I avow to you, Sir, that if ever I was pene
trated with a deep feeling it was while assisting at the
Holy Sacrifice in the Cathedral on Sunday. Torrents of
tears flowed from my eyes. The ceremonies were all
performed with the greatest propriety according to the
Roman rites. The chant, at once grave and touching;
the attendant clergy, pious and modest — everything im
pressed me so strongly that I almost believed myself in
one of the finest churches of Rome. . . .From the bottom
of my heart I poured forth prayers to God for this
worthy Bishop and for those who, by their generosity
had contributed to having the good God so well wor
shipped in the midst of the waving forests."

Chiefly to Father David's love of beautiful ritual, and
his labor in securing it, is this praise due, as is the ad
miration bestowed upon the choirs of Nazareth's first
humble tabernacles and her later chapels where, in choice
and rendition of music, his influence still remains.

Meantime he was laying solid foundations of piety
and character training for the future priesthood of Ken
tucky. In their ' 'apprenticeship to the apostolic life",
the seminarians alternated prayer and study with vigor
ous exercise ; they toiled in the fields and vineyards ; they
made brick and prepared mortar, cut wood for their own
buildings, and later bore an industrious part in the erec
tion of Nazareth. From their ranks were to go forth
many of the most efficient and devout missionaries of the
epoch.

Glancing backward across the century at the work
which Father David and his bishop accomplished in con
ditions so primitive, under circumstances so unpropitious,
our own day, with its shibboleths of organization and
efficiency, may well wonder at the achievements of those
early evangelists. As clairvoyantly as any great organ
izer of today knows the possibilities of his materials and

16 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

the means of moulding the same to his purpose,
Bishop Flaget and Father David realized the promise
and the needs of the vineyard to which they were called ;
straightway they began mustering the particular forces
necessary to save and sanctify that field for their Master.
Their inspired vision and their practical good sense
created St. Thomas's Seminary, which was to be one of
their prime aids in accomplishing their high ideals. But,
invaluable as was the seminary, it was not enough; be
yond its scope was other work to be provided for, the
education of the young, the exercise of charity, spiritual
and corporal works of mercy, which the zealous seminar
ians could not conveniently perform. There was urgent
need for a society of religious women to supplement the
efforts of prelate, priests, seminarians. So now again
the vision of Bishop Flaget and Father David swept the
field for helpers. Once more their genius for successful
organization began marshalling recruits for their cru
sade of religion and Christian education. At the time
France could not help, nor did the bishop have means to
transport a colony of nuns across the ocean. He appealed
to the Sisters of Charity of Emmitsburg, Maryland,
but they were unable to spare any members for the Ken
tucky mission. Yet Bishop Flaget and Father David
were not discouraged. Near at hand was material,
awaiting but a shaping touch. Already in the hearts of
a few Kentucky women were glowing embers of piety,
needing but a breath to blow them into flame. That
quickening was supplied by Father David's fervent words,
in response to which the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
were organized.

Of that beginning over a century ago many precious
traditions have been transmitted through generations of
the Order's devoted members; but the imagination may
never completely reconstruct that inauguration of valiant

Rx. REV. JOHN BAPTIST DAVID.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 17

struggles, aspirations, victories. What inspiration and
example for today, could the daily life of what was truly
Nazareth's heroic age be described in vivid detail! Yet
if this is not possible, fortunately there are extant sundry
notes made by some of the community's pioneer daugh
ters.' Having more authority and personal value than
accounts prepared from a longer perspective, their
records are included in the next chapter. To some ex
tent the form of the original documents has been left in
tact, as a fitting medium for the life described. The first
scenes of Nazareth's home life, though occasionally
idyllic, sometimes fairly epic, lack perhaps the glamor
glorifying the beginnings of some institutions. All at
tempt to retouch these pictures, to idealize or minimize
the primitive elements, has been resisted, for two reasons ;
first, because of respect for historic accuracy; secondly,
because such development as Nazareth's is more and
more recognized as characteristic of much that is highly
valued in our country's history. The courage and perse
verance exercised by the first Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth are typical of the best grain in our national
existence. These virtues, however different the garb in
which they were practised, gave worth alike to the best
New England Pilgrims, Cavaliers, and Lord Baltimore's
colonists, from whom many members of the early sister
hood were descended. Today one of the nation's great
highways leads to a Kentucky cabin, Lincoln's birthplace
at Hodgenville; the monument there erected is in a
sense a memorial to hardihood, idealism, noble simplicity.
And now from year to year pilgrimages are made to a
similar shrine, another little log house in a Kentucky

1 Among those who were truly Nazareth's first historians were Sisters Ellen
O Connell, Elizabeth Suttle, Mother Frances Gardiner, Sisters Clare Gardiner,
Martha Drury, Mother Columba Carroll, Sisters Claudia and Emily Elder.
Through Sister Marie Menard's industrious efforts their notes were gathered
and preserved. Some of these religious survived until fifty years after their
entrance into the Community; hence their records combine reflective judg
ment with the qualities of a first-hand account.

18 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

field, where a hundred years ago were pursued the humble
but inspired careers recorded in the following chapter,
the careers of generous women who helped to emanci
pate innumerable young fellow-countrymen from the
bondage of irreligion and ignorance.

CHAPTER II
FORMATIVE YEARS

WHEN Bishop Flaget and Father David desired to
form a community of religious women, their
hopes antedated acquaintance with persons suitable for
the undertaking; nor did they have any definite idea
| of what Rule should be adopted. But Providence, that
inspired the missionaries with their noble project, seems
at the same time to have influenced the hearts of two
i women, Miss Teresa Carrico and Miss Elizabeth Wells,
i who in November, 1812, presented themselves to the
bishop to be directed by him.

Miss Carrico was the first to appear. In her home,
Washington County, Kentucky, she had heard Father
David preach. She had listened eagerly to the unfolding
of his design, in the realization of which she desired forth
with to cooperate. The accomplishment of her wish was,
however, postponed awhile ; for, notwithstanding his own
hopes, Father David feared that the financial condition
of the diocese was not propitious for the immediate
organization of such a society as he contemplated. Miss
Carrico meanwhile urged him not to delay, and soon her
devout purpose was strengthened by the arrival of an
other candidate for the religious life, Miss Elizabeth
Wells of Jefferson County, sister of General Wells and
| Captain Wells, officers in the War of 1812.

With the Apostle, Miss Carrico and Miss Wells might
i have avowed : "Silver and gold I have none ; but what
j I have I give." Both possessed priceless dowers of good
1 will, generosity, lofty aspiration. Their zeal renewed

19

20 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

the confidence of Bishop Flaget and Father David, who
now met their fervor half way by allotting to them part
of a log house on St. Thomas's Farm, Nelson County,
where the bishop had already established St. Thomas's
Seminary and his own humble dwelling. The quarters
assigned to the future Sisters of Charity consisted of
two rooms, one above the other, where in early December
a routine of dedicated labor was begun. The two women
spun, wove, made clothing for the students of St.
Thomas's Seminary. They visited the sick, taught the
poor children and servants of the neighborhood, and
performed other kind offices without distinction of creed.
Great was their happiness when in January, 1813, they
were joined by Catherine Spalding, a young woman of
exceptional endowments, then in her nineteenth year,
who was to become one of the most potent factors in
the spiritual and temporal development of the Com
munity. On the day of her arrival Father David, with
the approbation of the bishop, gave provisional rules to
the three women, explained their duties, and gave them
an order for the day's exercises. He appointed the oldest
to act as superior until the community should become
large enough to justify an election.

By faithfully observing their rules the members of
the small band daily formed themselves more and more
for their later work. Their complete lack of many sup
posedly necessary articles and conveniences gave them
constant occasion to follow the first evangelical counsel.
They were not able to procure a religious habit, so for a
while they wore what they had taken with them to their
adopted home. All privations were, however, cheerfully
borne, and soon the little community began to flourish
beyond every one's expectation. By Easter three new
postulants had arrived, Miss Mary Beaven, Miss Harriet
Gardiner, Miss Mary Gwynn. Their number having

FORMATIVE YEARS. 21

thus increased to six, a retreat of seven days was made
under the direction of Father David. At its close the
first election was held. There in the little log house of
the Kentucky forest officers were chosen in the following
order: first superior, Mother Catherine Spalding; assis
tant mother, Sister Harriet Gardiner; procuratrix, Sis
ter Betsey Wells. No treasurer was elected, for there
was no money to keep. Bishop Flaget, Father David,
and Rev. G. I. Chabrat were present, the bishop giving
encouragement, instruction, and his blessing.

The Sisters' residence had meantime been removed
about a mile and a half from St. Thomas's Farm, where
in a field there are still seen vestiges of the original habi
tation. Their new log cabin, built by the seminarians
of St. Thomas's, contained two rooms and a half story
above ; this attic served as a dormitory, one of the lower
rooms was used as a community room, while the other
served as kitchen. Furniture and humble fare offered no
sharp contrast to the humble surroundings. Pioneer
life was exemplified in perfection, the Sisters' fortitude
and perseverance being as characteristic of all that was
best in that existence as their circumstances were typical
of its hardships. Their resources were at times so scanty
that they had not salt enough to season their corn cake.
Mother Catherine's anxiety was intense. She said noth
ing, but prayed earnestly. Bishop Flaget, one day
noticing her distressed countenance, asked her the cause;
on learning it, he gave her five dollars, telling her that
if the Sisters could refund the same later on, they might
do so; otherwise she might consider it a gift. This was
the first pecuniary assistance offered to the community,
and the last for some time; but Mother Catherine ever
remembered it with peculiar gratitude, for it had served
to raise her spirits and to meet immediate needs. The
lack of help from the Bishop and Father David did not

22 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

proceed from any deficiency of good will on the part of
these friends, whose own means were extremely limited.
Fortunately Mother Catherine possessed remarkable
ability to face difficulties and to provide for her children
in most adverse circumstances.

In their new home the Sisters were constantly em
ployed at the spinning-wheel and loom, with their need
les, household tasks and their prescribed religious duties.
Their industry enabled them to manufacture garments
for themselves and for the needy students at St. Thomas's
Seminary. Gradually the proceeds of what they spun
and wove for families in the neighborhood brought them
a livelihood which, according to their prime ideal of
charity, they began to share. The recipients thereof —
a few aged persons of both sexes — helped in the work so
far as they were able. One of them, a Mr. Morgan, was
well versed in the art of weaving, in those days an art
indeed, and he was of great assistance to the Sisters.
Another, more feeble in health but a saint — Mr. Wes
ley — contributed his prayers to the household's wel
fare. Near the Sisters' house were three or four log
cabins which in earlier days had served as slave quarters.
These were now renovated and made as comfortable as
possible. One was used as a weaving room; another
provided shelter for the old men; a third served as a
laundry. From the beginning the Sisters' home was
termed "Nazareth." Father David said that this beauti
ful name should unceasingly remind his spiritual daugh
ters of the Holy Family's domicile, where "Jesus grew
in wisdom and grace before God and man." "There,"
said Father David, "seeking to be unknown, the Son of
God gave us the example of perfect purity of life, of the
obedience, humility and poverty that ought to be the
riches of religious houses."

From the first moment of the community's establish-

FORMATIVE YEARS. 23

ment, Father David had entered upon his long-held
office as spiritual director, instructor, general adviser to
the little band. At the same time St. Thomas's Seminary
and a great many missionary duties were under his
charge. Now, as the Nazareth Sisterhood was definitely
organized, and as the educational needs of the neighbor
hood had increased with the gradual augmenting of the
population, Father David felt the urgent necessity for
beginning the work of teaching. Yet with so many other
tasks filling his hands, he scarcely knew how any addi
tional labors might be undertaken. Again Providence
seemed to supply help. Among Father David's par
ishioners in Maryland there had been a gifted and highly
educated woman, Miss Ellen O'Connell, who now made
application for entrance into the little community under
his direction. She was a strong and generous spirit, a
teacher of ability and experience. Father David repre
sented to her the hardships awaiting her ; but undaunted
by the difficulties of an unfamiliar life, she made the
arduous westward journey from Baltimore to Kentucky.
Her resolution persuaded her former spiritual director to
regard her as sent by Providence to aid in realizing one
of his cherished ideals, a school for the children of the
region. He himself had been assiduously teaching the
Sisters in order that they might be equipped to instruct
others ; now, with the acquisition of so capable a teacher,
preparations for a school were hastened.

With the aid of the seminarians from St. Thomas's,
who cheerfully spent their recreations in felling trees and
hewing logs, an additional house was now erected, a
wide passage connecting it with the Sisters' dwelling.
This increase of space gave the Sisters an opportunity
especially prized, for they now had a room which might
serve as chapel. A record of the time describes an idyllic
scene: Father David bearing the Blessed Sacrament

24 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

across the fields, followed by a procession of the Sisters
and the seminarians. In this chapel, the community's
first sanctuary, Father David said Mass once a week ; in .
order to hear Mass on other occasions the Sisters had to
walk a mile and a half over the meadows to St. Thomas's.

In August, 1814, Nazareth's first school was begun,
with Sisters Ellen O'Connell and Harriet Gardiner as
faculty, assisted when possible by Mother Catherine. All
three were women of excellent mentality, industry, and
power of imparting instruction. The first pupil received
was Cecilia O'Brien, daughter of a neighboring farmer.
This little girl entered as a day pupil and she eventually
became a member of the community as Sister Cecily. The
first boarder was Ann Lancaster, daughter of Ralph Lan
caster of Nelson County, a name of much repute in his
tory of Church and State in Kentucky.

Owing to the distances between the farm houses and
Nazareth there were few day pupils in the school's early
days. The majority were boarders from the surrounding
country. By the first of December there were nine little
girls, whose names are duly recorded in the academy's
registers; a year later the enrollment was thirty-four
students, from Nelson County and adjoining regions.
This was deemed a large school, considering the sparsely
settled country, the difficulties of going to and fro, and
other general conditions of pioneer days. The progress
of the children was evident and gratifying; the reputation
of their teachers steadily increased; and thus the com
munity was gradually supplied with means of support
and extension. Mother Catherine's ever vigilant eyes
foresaw the most needed improvements, which she made
as rapidly as her means permitted, fitting up new rooms
for domestic work, and building a fine stone spring-
house whose sweet waters were ever fondly remembered
by those who tasted them.

FORMATIVE YEARS. 25

During these years the Sisters had continued to follow
the provisional rules given by Father David to the ori
ginal group. Several years earlier, when Mrs. Seton had
wished to found a religious community in America, Arch
bishop Carroll had asked Bishop Flaget to bring from
France a copy of the Rule which St. Vincent de Paul
had given to the Sisters of Charity in France of the
seventeenth century. Accordingly Bishop Flaget brought
over the Rule which, with a few modifications to suit
this country, was given to the Sisters of Emmitsburg,
Maryland. It was thought that the same would be best
adapted to the little society then developing on Kentucky
soil. During their sojourns in Maryland, the bishop
and Father David had ministered to the spiritual wants
of the Sisters of Emmitsburg, whom they held in great
esteem, and when the Kentucky sisterhood was first
thought of, the bishop asked that two of the Maryland
Sisters might be sent to train the new Community; but
they could not at the time be spared. However, a copy
of their Rule was obtained, and a little later the "Con
ferences" of St. Vincent were transcribed at Emmits
burg for the Sisters of Nazareth. In connection with the
choice of St. Vincent's Rule for the Kentucky sisterhood
a point of interest may be found in the fact that a close
friendship* had existed between St. Vincent de Paul and
M. Olier, the founder of the Sulpician order of which
Bishop Flaget and Father David were members. Thus
St. Vincent and M. Olier, two of the most eminent
Frenchmen of the seventeenth century, missionaries of
wide experience in city and country, were to have their
ideals perpetuated and their counsels followed by some
of the most spiritual groups of men and women in nine
teenth century America.

When Mother Catherine and her little band received

*See Herbermann, "The Sulpicians in the United States" (The Encyclo
pedia Press, N«w York), p. 28.

26 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

their Rule in 1815, they adopted a uniform consisting of
a black habit, cape and apron, such as is still worn. This,
their first religious dress was spun, woven, and colored
by their own hands, after the worthy custom of colonial
days. The cap was then black, like that first worn by
the Sisters of Emmitsburg. Six or seven years later
it was changed to something like its present shape and
was made of cotton material; the form adopted seemed
more suitable than the cornette worn by the Sisters of
Charity in France.

In December, 1815, the Community gained a valuable
member in Miss Harriet Suttle, called Sister Elizabeth,
the eleventh to join the Society and the first to change
her name, there being already a Sister Harriet at Naza
reth. Sister Elizabeth was a welcome addition to the
teaching corps and her piety reinforced the spiritual ele
ments of the sisterhood.

During this early period there were several occasions
of supreme importance to the Sisters, and none more so
than the Feast of the Purification, 1816, when vows
were pronounced for the first time. Four religious made
this long-desired consecration, Sister Teresa Carrico,
Mother Catherine Spalding, Sister Harriet Gardiner,
Sister Mary Beaven, usually known as Sister Polly.
Mother Catherine always celebrated with special joy and
thanksgiving the anniversary of this happy day, which
had formally marked her own and her associates' dedi
cation to God and to humanity's service. A few weeks
later several other Sisters made similar vows.

The society had now attained a size which made more
and more possible the benefits of community life. The
members felt an increasing sense of union under the
banner of spiritual ideals. Among them prevailed an
eager reciprocity of encouragement, a noble emulation
transcending mundane rivalry, uniting and endearing,

FORMATIVE YEARS. 27

rather than embittering and alienating the fervent com
petitors. Next to Father David, the supreme guiding
influence in the Sisterhood at the time was Mother Cath
erine, beloved because of her tenderness to all, respected
because of her exceptional abilities. Therefore, at the
second election, 1816, she was retained in office; Sister
Harriet Gardiner's term as assistant mother was pro
longed; Sister Ellen O'Connell added the duties of treas
urer to her tasks as instructor of Sisters and pupils; Sis
ter Agnes Higdon became procuratrix.

During the following year the community and school
continued to increase and again more room was needed.
A little frame chapel had been built but now it was
decided to erect no more temporary wooden structures,
but to save all possible earnings until there was enough
for a brick house. Few buildings of the kind existed in
the neighborhood, hence the Sisters' project was deemed
chimerical; yet it was accomplished in the summer of
1818. Their new brick house was considered very large;
it was scantily furnished ; but the Sisters, disciplined in
the practice of poverty, slept with light hearts upon their
straw pallets while awaiting better times.

Toward the close of 1818 Bishop Flaget and his sem
inarians moved from St. Thomas's Farm to Bardstown,
where the cathedral was in process of erection, and
where the Sisters were soon asked to open a day school.
Sisters Harriet Gardiner, Polly Beaven and Nancy Lynch
went as Nazareth's first missionaries, so to speak, to
conduct this first branch school which Father David
named. "Bethlehem." In the same year the mother
house was to be compensated for its generosity in thus
sharing its teaching band; as if to take the places of
those who had gone into Bardstown, three new members
arrived, Agatha Cooper, Clare and Frances Gardiner,
the Misses Gardiner being sisters of Sister Harriet. So

28 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

young, so slender, so meek, was Sister Frances (after
ward Mother Frances) that she was affectionately
termed "little Moses." The name was prophetic, for
she was to become one of the Society's most efficient
guides, one of the great mothers of Nazareth.

However lowly the Society's circumstances during its
formative years, nevertheless the Sisters from time to
time participated in impressive ceremonies which deep
ened their feeling of alliance with works and organiza
tions larger and more widely known than their own;
such participation gave them fresh inspiration and digni
fied their small institution of the secluded woodlands.
An occasion of this kind was the consecration of the
Bardstown cathedral (August, 1819), an occurrence of
general rejoicing and interest to both Catholics and non-
Catholics throughout the State — to none more edifying
than to the little Sisterhood so dear to Bishop Flaget.
On the octave of this notable event, the Nazareth com
munity was again to share in an impressive ceremonial,
for on the Feast of the Assumption Father David was
consecrated Bishop of Mauricastro and was made coadju
tor of the Bishop of Bardstown. Bishop Flaget, having
felt that the burden of his extensive diocese was too
heavy to be borne alone, had sought and obtained from
Rome this appointment of his old friend and co-laborer.
Bishop David was wont to practise as well as preach
obedience, hence he humbly acquiesced, though with
marked reluctance. Therefore he felt some respite when
the bishop's and his own small means postponed his
consecration until requisite assistance could be received
from France. Such aid finally arriving, the Sisters of
Nazareth were profoundly gratified by the conferring
of episcopal honors upon their founder, who was ever
to remain their "Father" David. At his request as many
as possible of the community attended his consecration.

THE LOG CABIN OF 1812.

FORMATIVE YEARS 29

To return to affairs at Nazareth, in August, 1819, an
election was held in consequence of the expiration of
Mother Catherine's second term of office. Bishops Fla-
get and David and the Sisters wished Mother Catherine
to remain in authority ; they thought that the comparative
smallness of the community and the need for her wise
guidance would justify a deviation from the Rule which
now required the election of another superior. They
cited the example of Mile Le Gras8, superior of the
first Sisters of Charity, who ruled her spiritual children
throughout her life-time. A similar permanence in office
was desired for Mother Catherine, but though she felt
as perhaps none other could feel toward the community
which she had cradled, she was strongly opposed to
retaining office. So earnestly did she plead the im
portance of strict adherence to the Constitution, that
the point was yielded and Mother Agnes Higdon was
elected to succeed her, with Sister Ellen O'Connell as
assistant mother; Sister Ann Spalding, treasurer; Sister
Barbara Spalding, procuratrix. Mother Catherine con
tinued to serve as mistress of novices, an office which
she had held for a few years. While she lived she was
always consulted about every point of importance in the
government of the community.

During the following year Nazareth, the parent-tree,
was to put forth a few more branches. In the Spring of
1820 three Sisters went to Long Lick, Breckinridge
County, Kentucky, to establish a school. The pastor
there was Rev. Robert Abell, one of the distinguished
ecclesiastics of the State, who as a seminarian at St.
Thomas's had helped to build some of Nazareth's log
houses. But auspicious as was his presence at Long Lick,
this foundation did not prosper; illness and other diffi
culties necessitated the Sisters' withdrawal.

•See Appendix, Mile Le Gras; and Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. IX.

30 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

During the same year, a far more successful founda
tion was made in Union County, Kentucky. To this
point, half way across the State from Nazareth, Sisters
Angela Spink, Frances Gardiner and Cecily O'Brien
journeyed on horseback. This was the customary mode
of travel, as but few of the roads were made and those
were remarkably bad. The Sisters carried tow aprons
sewed in the shape of bags, containing a few articles
of clothing, their entire baggage. Father David prob
ably accompanied the party. Notwithstanding their diffi
culties, the journey to Union County was not without
amusing incidents. The country through which the little
company passed was thinly settled, and chiefly by Protes
tants to whom the three "nuns" were an unfamiliar sight.
The pilgrims stopped here and there, always meeting
with a kind reception ; a night's lodging was never denied.
The old Kentucky farmers had begun to establish their
proverbial reputation for hospitality; if the shelter they
could give was sometimes primitive, the generosity with
which it was offered compensated in great measure for
the lack of comfort.

After their arrival the Sisters began the Academy of
St. Vincent's on a farm destined for the use of the
Church, land afterward purchased by the community.
The surrounding country was but recently settled, hence
the Sisters had to undergo many hardships. Before their
arrival, the house intended for their residence had been
rented by a couple who declined to relinquish it; there
fore the Sisters were forced to occupy an uncomfortable
log cabin till the house assigned to them was vacated.
After having ridden a hundred and fifty miles, their first
labors were to make their temporary lodging decently
habitable. Their fare was Spartan, as was their toil,
equalling that of first settlers; no pioneer women have
more remarkable deeds to their credit. At last their

FORMATIVE YEARS. 31

initiative, their courage and patience were rewarded.
A thriving boarding school was permanently established.
Sister Angela Spink, the leading spirit in this founda
tion, possessed almost masculine strength and endur
ance. She toiled in the field and woods ; she reaped her
own harvests, thus helping to provide a livelihood for
the other Sisters and the means for building a school
and for making things decorous and comfortable. In a
few months two Sisters were sent to reinforce the original
colony, so promising had the academy already become.

And now, within less than a decade, having become
firmly established, and able to go forth and plant the
seeds of religion and education in fields far from the
mother house, the Sisterhood was called upon to aid
Bishop Flaget in one of his other admirable projects.
With Nazareth so progressive and St. Thomas's Sem
inary flourishing, the bishop began to materialize another
plan dear to his heart, the establishment of a college for
young men. This was St. Joseph's College, Bardstown,
Alma Mater o>f numerous Kentuckians and Southerners
of note, in its day one of the most esteemed institutions
of the country. At Bishop Flaget's request a band of
Sisters went from Nazareth to do the sewing for the
college and for St. Thomas's Seminary, which had been
removed to Bardstown. Later the Sisters took charge
of the wardrobe, infirmary, kitchen and refectory at St.
Joseph's. In 1834 they were recalled to Nazareth, their
services being needed for duties more immediately in
harmony with their vocation. Meantime they had once
again supported Bishop Flaget and Bishop David in the
cause of education and religion.

While thus supplying toilers for other vineyards than
its own, the community at Nazareth was seemingly pros
perous. Members of the Society and pupils were yearly
increasing in numbers, and there seemed every reason for

32 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

thanksgiving when, like a thunderbolt, came a startling
discovery. Untutored in worldly wisdom, the Sisters
had from year to year been spending their earnings upon
improvements when, to their utmost surprise, they learned
that the ground on which the mother house stood did
not actually belong to them. The will of the original
owner, Mr. Howard, precluded the possibility of the
land's being sold even to a religious community. Ap
parently Bishops Flaget and David had been unaware
of this state of affairs. It was a shocking blow to
Mother Catherine who, with Mother Agnes, was then
planning still further improvements. But no time was
to be lost in repining. At once the Sisters began to look
about for a place which they could buy, and finally they
determined to acquire the present site of Nazareth, then
offered for sale; the purchase was made in 1822.

Though Mother Catherine at first regarded the
necessity for moving as a great calamity, eventually she
recognized it as a Providential blessing, especially when
a new member was received, Sister Scholastica O'Con
nor, who brought with her a sufficient amount to pur
chase the new Nazareth. This assistance was all the
more valued because, in moving, the Society had to
sacrifice all the expenditures devoted to improvements
during its first ten years of industrious toil. But, like
many other annoyances, this source of worry had to be
disregarded in order that fresh duties and opportunities
might be met. In March, 1822, three Sisters with four
assistants set out to prepare the new home. With the
help of two orphans (who later joined the community)
and two negroes belonging to the Sisters, crops were put
in and a vegetable garden was started. Fancy lingers
over that simple rural scene, directed by the three reli
gious — the first tilling and planting in the fields round
which Nazareth's thousand acres were later to flourish.

FORMATIVE YEARS. 33

Simultaneously with this provision for daily bread,
arrangement was made for spiritual needs; the study
of the former proprietor, Preacher Lapsley, a Presbyter
ian minister, was fitted up as a temporary chapel. And
now again across the Kentucky meadows of that early
time the community made one of its historic and pic
turesque pilgrimages ; Sisters and students passed in pro
cession to the new Nazareth which promised to be a
permanent abiding-place.

Including the novitiate, the Society now numbered
thirty-eight members and the boarding pupils consider
ably increased the size of the household. The incon
venience of mingling day pupils and boarders made it
preferable to receive the latter alone ; these now began
to be more numerous, necessitating the building of new log
houses. One of these was used as a chapel, and a priest
went every morning from St. Joseph's College, Bards-
town, to say Mass. As the hour of his arrival was
somewhat uncertain, what with the heavy missionary
duties of the time and the imperfection of the roads, the
Sisters, as soon as their meditation was over, went to
their tasks, indoors or in the fields, until summoned by
the bell announcing the priest's arrival. One of the most
dearly loved of the pioneer Kentucky clergy, the Rev.
E. J. Durbin, was the most frequent celebrant of this
daily Mass. With much edification the Sisterhood
long remembered how he was wont to walk through
the snow on cold mornings. He would kneel shivering
before the altar if the Sisters' meditation was not fin
ished, for he would not allow this exercise to be inter
rupted, yet seldom could he be induced to take a cup of
coffee and warm himself by the fire before he started
home.

Father Durbin's sturdy, almost stoic, fortitude was
characteristic of many of his fellow laborers among the

34 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

priests and Sisters of the epoch. Such a valiant spirit
infused the heart of the first postulant received at the
new Nazareth, Catherine Drury, in religion Sister Mar
tha, destined to be one of the community's pillars of
strength. In a special sense she was one of the first
fruits of the Society's planting in its recently acquired
domain. The daughter of a neighboring fanner, she
entered the Novitiate in the second month of Nazareth's
establishment on its present site.

Auspicious conditions now prevailing at the Mother
House, so far as human judgment perceived, an exten
sion of the Sisterhood's usefulness to another mission
was again planned. In April, 1823, Mother Catherine
with three Sisters journeyed to Scott County, near Lex
ington, to open a school. Father David, honoring the
guiding spirit of the expedition, named the foundation
St. Catherine's Academy. This institution was begun
on a farm donated for the purpose by Mr. James Gough,
an elderly gentleman who willed the place to the Sisters
on condition that a small annuity be paid to him during
the remainder of his life. The property thus given was
afterward claimed as church property and an objection
was made to the Sisters' selling it when later they wished
to remove to Lexington. Fortunately, when the discus
sion arose, Mr. Gough was still living and he appeared
in person to vindicate the Sisters' claims, otherwise the
community would probably have lost his gift. As a
matter of fact they virtually purchased the place at its
full value, for Mr. Gough lived a long time and the
annuity was paid until his death.

During the latter part of 1823, Nazareth enjoyed
having as one of its first chaplains the Rev. Simon
Fouche, who had lately arrived from France. This priest
was the nephew and ward of Pere Maignan who, under
most dramatic circumstances, had been confessor to

FORMATIVE YEARS. 35

Marie Antoinette during her imprisonment." Father*
Fouche's own memories of the French Revolution were
intimate and vivid; hence through his conversations the
Sisters and pupils of the Kentucky convent were given
first-hand accounts of momentous episodes in Europe's
history. Father Fouche had gone to Nazareth mainly
for the purpose of learning English; Sisters Ellen and
Harriet gave him lessons, and he frequently attended the
Sisters' recreation in order to converse in English. He
taught the children catechism and no doubt stimulated
the study of the French language. This clergyman
afterward became a Jesuit and a member of the faculty
of St. Mary's College, Kentucky. He left at Nazareth
a memory fraught with edification.

Meanwhile Bishop David was still ecclesiastical supe
rior, confessor, and spiritual director of the community.
Appearing every Wednesday to hear confessions, he
lavished upon the beloved daughters in long remembered
instructions the riches of his own heart, the treasures of
his own discipline in charity and other golden virtues.
He often read aloud from the masters of the spiritual
life, the Fathers of the Church and the Fathers of the
Desert. With the latter he had a special affinity; their
ascetic traits he perhaps saw in a measure reflected in
the pious lives of the self-sacrificing Sisters. It was often
remarked that, however great the pressure of other
duties, Bishop David always had time to give to his
daughters of Nazareth; he knew them well and indi
vidually, and was ever ready to encourage, to console,
or to chide with justice and gentleness.

On his part, deep must have been the gratification of
seeing the Sisters fulfill their heroic routine. They
brooked manifold hardship cheerfully, bravely rising
to them every day. In the morning, after a little corn-

8 See Webb's "Centenary of Catholicity in Kentucky."

36 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

bread and a cup of rye coffee without sugar and often
without milk, they went to their labors in the school
room, the fields, the kitchen, the laundry. And when,
after the usual prayers, they assembled for dinner, hun
ger rendered palatable a piece of cornbread, bacon or
"middling," as it was called, with greens or some other
plain vegetable, cooked on the fire made of branches
which they themselves had brought from the woods.
This humble meal partaken of, toil was resumed. The
evening meal consisted of a morsel of cornbread and a
cup of sage tea, seasoned like the morning's coffee.
Often this scanty diet was insufficient to satisfy hunger;
yet no murmurs were heard. The pupils must be served
first; the Sisters, humble servants of God and the poor,
must be sustained chiefly upon faith and hope. Upon
such foundations of self-denial, cheerfulness, sturdy pa
tience was to be built a Society, strong and resolute, for
God's glory and the good of humanity.

By the year 1824, the community at the mother house
numbered twenty-eight, including professed novices and
postulants; other religious were busy in the four branch
houses. Besides the Sisters, Nazareth's household included
twenty-five or thirty pupils, all boarders; three elderly
women tenderly cared for; eight orphans and three ser
vants, two of whom belonged to the community, the third
being hired. For this family of goodly size the "preacher's
house," (as the original frame building was long called),
and the scattered cabins did not provide sufficient accom
modation. The cabin used as a chapel was entirely too
small, yet there seemed an even more immediate need
for school rooms and dormitories. Not so, thought
"Father" David. "My children," said he, "build first a
house for your God, and He will help you to build one
for yourselves." The Sisters followed this counsel and
soon they had the gratification of owning a compara-

FORMATIVE YEARS. 37

tively spacious brick chapel. Their reverence for God
and their acquiescence in their director's advice were
rewarded, for in the following summer four pupils ar
rived from the South, a region which was eventually to
send pupils by the hundreds to Nazareth. For that first
group board and tuition were paid one year in advance ;
this financial assurance justified the laying of foundations
for the school buildings. In this undertaking the Sisters
were substantially aided by the merchants of Bardstown,
who offered to supply them with groceries and merchan
dise during the ensuing year and to await their conven
ience for payment; the Sisters were thereby enabled to
appropriate all their means toward the expenses necessi
tated by the buildings. But the greatest economy and
exertion were required to meet the heavy debts perforce
incurred. Finally the endeavor was justified by the
result, a commodious edifice, large enough for one hun
dred boarders. As soon as it was completed, pupils
flocked from the South.

Some time before the school's removal to the new
building, the faculty had the great advantage of having
the Rev. George A. M. Elder, first President of St. Jo
seph's College, Bardstown, to> assist in establishing a
regular order of school work. Educated at the noted
Sulpician institutions of Maryland, St. Mary's College,
Emmitsburg, and St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore,
Father Elder possessed an art, both mild and firm, of
securing discipline. To illustrate the routine which he
advised for Nazareth Academy, he assumed for one day
the role of disciplinarian. He rang the school bell, pre
sided during study hours, accompanied the girls to their
classes and to the refectory. With Sister Ellen he ar
ranged the classes for their respective hours. The school
department then consisted of two rooms, one serving as
study hall, the other as recitation room. In this circum-

38 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

scribed space the classes trained by Father Elder moved
with as much precision and formality as was observed
when there were three hundred pupils marching down
the long corridors of the later and larger Nazareth. The
order which Father Elder and Sister Ellen established
has been preserved almost unaltered. Father Elder
maintained as a guiding principle that, in training chil
dren, teachers should conform with their own regula
tions, should if possible enforce silence in silence, and
should seldom give a reproof in a loud tone. But after
school hours were over, this exact disciplinarian gen
erally participated in the recreation, walking in the woods
with the merry bands of children and teachers, his amiable
disposition and witty conversation making such occasions
memorable. His interest and encouragement were among
the prime factors in placing Nazareth's educational work
upon a solid basis and in securing for faculty and pupils
an excellent mental and spiritual discipline.

During 1824= many new members were added to
the Community, but, alas, death also made his har
vest. Sister Scholastica O'Connor was the first
summoned. Born in Baltimore of a wealthy Prot
estant family, this future religious had in her young
womanhood married an eminent Catholic physician.
She soon became an edifying convert, having Father
David as her spiritual director. Some time after
Father David's departure to Kentucky, Mrs. O'Con
nor passed through bitter tribulation; she lost her
good husband, and through her affiliation with his reli
gion she had already forfeited the good will of her rela
tives, who now failed to console her in her bereavement.
Thus her faith became her sole support and she longed
to become a religious. She wrote to Father David, who
told her of the little community under his guidance, of
the zeal, generosity, self-sacrifice of its members, where-

FORMATIVE YEARS. 39

upon she petitioned for admission within its fold. Well
she knew that her delicate health was scarcely equal to
the hardships she was facing; yet without hesitation she
gathered all the means of which her relatives' ill will
had not deprived her, that she might make a complete
offering. Through her assistance the community was
not only enabled to purchase the present site of Nazareth,
but it was also supplied with many household articles;
the silver spoons and forks still used in the priest's house,
the teaspoons in the infirmaries were Sister Scholas-
tica's, as were several handsome dresses that served as
material for vestments and the adornment of Nazareth's
early altars. She brought also a valuable Colonial clock
(today the envy of collectors), still considered a wonder
ful piece of mechanism, for it records the flight of time,
chimes the hours, and indicates the phases of the moon
and the day of the month. For many years it was the
only time-piece in the house.

Sister Scholastica's distinguished education, the refine
ment of her mind and habits, and her frail constitution
made her new mode of life more arduous to her than it
was to those bred in more rugged conditions. Yet she
cheerfully submitted to all privations. She was a culti
vated musician, the first to teach music at Nazareth.
Her piety, patience and personal charm were endearing
and edifying to all who knew her. When, standing be
fore her bier, Bishop Flaget spoke to the community, his
voice was choked and tears suffused his countenance.

Her demise was followed in a few months by the
death of three other valued members : Sister Agatha
Cooper, a devout religious ; Sister Mary Beaven, one of
the earliest missionaries in the first branch school, Bards-
town; and finally Mother Agnes Higdon, who was sud
denly stricken while zealously directing the building of
the new house. Six days after her death Mother Cather-

40 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ine was summoned home from Scott County to resume
the duties of superior. All her energy and clearsighted
ness were required to conduct the work awaiting her, to
meet trials equalling, if not surpassing, those of earlier
days. Mother Agnes, who was not an expert in finance,
had neglected to keep accounts and receipts. Sister
Frances Gardiner, the treasurer, seemed imperatively
needed at St. Vincent's Academy, Union County. A
month earlier the Bishop's niece, Sister Eulalia Flaget,
had been appointed to succeed her; but Sister Eulalia's
difficulty with the English language had made further
confusion. Claims for money came daily, and there was
little or none to give. Those among the Sisters who had
the best right to know thought that certain amounts had
been paid, but there was no proof, hence the necessity of
often paying again. Mother Catherine's heart almost sank
under her burdens. In reference to the period she said
frequently that she scarcely knew how the community had
struggled through it. In the successful clearance of diffi
culties she saw a special mark of God's Providence.

Another cloud upon Nazareth at the time was the
death of Sister Columba Tarleton. This beloved young
Sister had been a pupil at Old Nazareth, where she had
made her first Communion. Withstanding opposition
amounting almost to martyrdom, she entered the convent
m her nineteenth year. She was employed in teaching
music and other branches until her all too early death.
During her painful last illness she expressed few desires;
but having once vainly tried to partake of the food pre
pared for her, she exclaimed: "I wish I had a partridge;
it seems to me I could eat that." The infirmarian left
the room, grievously regretting that she was unable to
obtain the desired morsel for one who asked so little.
Scarcely had she stepped into the kitchen when a par
tridge flew upon the threshold, remaining quiet until she

OLD NAZARETH.

FORMATIVE YEARS. 41

had seized it. The Sisters loved to see in this incident
a favor designed by Providence for their cherished in
valid. Sister Columba's patience, gentleness, considera
tion, left a hallowed memory among her associates.
Among those who watched frequently at her bedside was
one of the older pupils of the academy, Margaret Carroll,
whose own young heart had heard a call to the religious
life. The dying Sister expressed a wish that Margaret
when, garbed as a Sister of Charity, should be called
Columba; one year later the wish was realized.

At the close of the school year, 1825, an event of spe
cial importance in the history of the institution occurred
at Nazareth Academy, an event deservedly considered
of significance in the history of education in the State,
some of whose representative personages were partici
pants. The number of pupils had now considerably in
creased, as had the courses of study. In the beginning
parents had left their children at school only one year, or
at most two, and during so short a time only elementary
branches could be taught. But as soon as pupils began
to arrive from the South, a longer period was allowed
and training became more complete. The thorough
mode of teaching adopted by the Sisters from the be
ginning gave their pupils more than a superficial knowl
edge of the subjects taught, as Bishop Flaget, Father
David and other reverend friends and lay patrons were
well aware; but they wished the public also to be con
vinced. Hence they urged the Sisters to have their
pupils undergo examinations in the presence of parents
and guardians, that the reputation of the academy might
be firmly established and maintained. The judicious
and learned clergymen insisted that, "however excellent
may be the training given in a school, the school will not
prosper unless a sufficient evidence of its work is pre
sented to the public; parents will not willingly confide

42 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

their children to teachers the fruit of whose skill has not
been tested ; thus the sphere of activity which Providence
may have designed for such instructors will be limited,
the seeds of learning and piety will not be planted in the
hearts of numberless children, and the vineyard will
remain unproductive, because the gardener can find no
roots to lay within its soil." The Sisters recognized this
as the judgment of wisdom and experience; hence in
July, 1825, the first public examination was held. The
Fathers took pleasure in going from St. Joseph's Col
lege to question the young students and Henry Clay pre
sented the diplomas. Many other distinguished men and
women were in attendance. How industriously the chil
dren labored may well be imagined. Their assiduity was
renewed as soon as the dread order to prepare for exami
nation was heard ; and here again the Sisters were grati
fied to note the fresh energy pervading the school. Thus
the first examination met with signal success; each year
was marked by additional progress and the reputation
of the academy was more widely spread. The building,
which had seemed gigantic and had been the marvel of
the neighborhood was soon scarcely sufficient to shelter
the pupils who now almost daily arrived from the South.
While the convent school of the Kentucky woods was
winning this favorable recognition, every effort was made
to sustain this esteem and to strengthen the Sisterhood's
bonds of union. All that was possible was done to en
courage individual members and their talents and at the
same time to foster that spirit of cooperation which is
the very essence of community life. Letters from supe
riors and Sisters of this early time manifest the general
striving to prove worthy of the common vocation. Illus
trative of this effort is a passage from a note written
by a member of Nazareth's first household, Sister Har
riet Gardiner, to one of her sisters, Sister Clare, then at

FORMATIVE YEARS. 43

St. Vincent's Academy, Union County, with allusion to
another sister, Sister Frances :

''How do times go with you? I am thinking you find
your hands full. You never saw any one more anxious
than Sister Frances to improve, that she may go to your
aid. She would study day and night if she were per
mitted; so if you hear that she has killed herself, you
need not be surprised. . . . Let us again and again
bless the God of mercy for our precious vocation and
resolve to live up to what we profess."

The wholesome cheerfulness of this note is typical
of a quality, distinguishing the community from the
beginning, no doubt to be ascribed in part to good con
sciences, yet also resulting from the fortunate tempera
ments of the majority among the early Sisterhood. Many
of them sprang from good Kentucky or Maryland stock,
blessed with a certain grace of nature, a tendency to
regard with amiability God's world and things in general.
By no means did they fail to realize how serious an affair
life is, but they had no disposition to face it in a grim,
sombre mood. Like St. Francis and St. Teresa, they
approved of cheerfulness within the convent walls, the
happy-heartedness which springs from love of God, trust
in Him, and the desire to share with His creatures the
sunshine of a resolute and hopeful spirit. This trait pro
moted a sisterly attachment among the members, an affec
tion free from dross of sentimentality and caprice, but
firmly based upon shared devotion to a lofty unifying
purpose. Thus there was soon developed a noble esprit
de corps, enabling them to bear trials and win triumphs
shoulder to heroic shoulder, and thereby to create a tra
dition of fidelity and solidarity for the inspiration of
later generations.

44 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Exponent of all that was best in the early sisterhood
and a prime factor in securing stability for its worthiest
characteristics, Mother Catherine, who had been superior
since the death of Mother Agnes in 1826, was reflected
in 1828, to the deep joy of her daughters. They had
learned to appreciate more and more her energetic self-
devotion and sagacious direction. Ever watchful, she
gladly marked the prosperity of the community and
hoped that ere long it might become more active in the
service of the poor, according to one of the first ends of
its organization. Hence, she began applying in different
directions for information about the management of hos
pitals, asylums and similar benevolent institutions. She
hoped that God would place in the Sisters' hands the
means to serve Him through ministrations to his forlorn
ones. She knew that, because of inadequate resources,
the Society was unable to undertake great works of
charity; the bishop, though zealous and benevolent, was
unable to give her any support or much encouragement.
However, her heart continued to hold its generous
dreams; with the patience of great souls she trusted the
future to bless with harvest the seeds which she and her
devoted associates were sowing in the wildwood of Ken
tucky.

CHAPTER III
MOTHER CATHERINE

THE foregoing sketches give some general idea of the
valiant figures who were the very soul of early
Nazareth ; but so distinctive were their respective person
alities and their contributions to their community's
growth that they deserve more detailed comment. All
those heroic builders possessed what may be termed gen
ius for the spiritual life; reflection upon the conditions
over which they triumphed half persuades one that they
succeeded by sheer force of that genius alone, but this
supreme endowment being once duly recognized, there is
no derogation therefrom in noting their other equip
ments for their exacting careers.

For instance, how auspicious the fact that many were
daughters, native or adopted, of the soil whereon their
labors began. Their hearts were beating in sympathy
for it ; their minds were awake to its educational needs ;
their spirits were yearning over the eternal welfare of its
people. In no merely rhetorical sense, but in edifying
actuality, every one stood ready, a gallant Jeanne d'Arc,
eager to give her best strength, her heart's blood if neces
sary, for her dear land.

foremost among those of whom this may be said were
the first superiors. Their special endowments, their op
portune appearance, offer striking examples of God's
providence toward Nazareth. In the earliest days of the
society, the particular need was for leaders capable of
sturdy pioneer work; later, the chief requirement was
administrative ability; still later, talent for educational

45

46 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

work combined with executive power. By fortunate co
incidence the first Mothers of the community had gifts
of spirit and personality admirably serviceable for their
respective regimes, and especially was this true of her
who with Bishop David occupies foremost rank in the
sisterhood's affections and history — Mother Catherine
Spalding.

This first superior of the Sisters of Charity of Nazar
eth was born in St. Charles County, Maryland, in 1793.
Her father, Mr. Ralph Spalding, was a second cousin
of the father of Rt. Rev. Martin John Spalding, Arch
bishop of Baltimore. After the death of her exemplary
parents in her early childhood, Catherine made her home
with her uncle, Thomas Elder, who with his large family
had come to Kentucky in 1799. Before leaving Mary
land, this family had already merited Heaven's blessings
by sheltering for some time that other distinguished figure
of American Catholicity, Prince Demetrius Gallitzen.
His protectors gave to religion not only their adopted
daughter, but a goodly line of ecclesiastics, including the
Rt. Rev. Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati, the much loved
Rev. W. E. Clark, president of St. Mary's College, Ken
tucky, and numerous devout religious.

Truly might Mother Catherine have said : "I have re
membered my Creator in the days of my youth."
Trained as a child in the practice of piety, she devoted
the ardor and energy of her young womanhood to the
cause of religion, joining Father David's little sisterhood
in the second month of its existence. Her election as
superior so soon after her affiliation with the society was
justified, for she had promptly manifested the traits
which were to distinguish her subsequent career — charity,
courage, spirituality, abundant common sense. These
gifts of heart and soul were to prove precious stones in
the building of Nazareth ; as one of the community of to-

MOTHER CATHERINE. 47

day has said: "After a century of activity and increase,
there has been no special work done by the Society which
Mother Catherine did not personally initiate."

A remarkable tribute this, considering the changing
conditions of a hundred years. Her achievement is a
story of vision, patience, unflagging trust in Heaven.
Slowly but surely in the first quarter of the nineteenth
century she added stone by stone to Nazareth, now a
room, now a new log house; now an upper story for
God's humble tabernacle; now the greater dignity of a
frame chapel; gradually brick buildings and a worthier
chapel. Far from being satisfied with planting in one
field, her zeal and sagacity promoted the sowing afar of
the seeds of religion and education. Establishing branch
houses wherever and whenever possible, for these she
labored as vigorously as for the mother house. Shortly
after the expiration of her second term of office, when
she so firmly resisted re-election for the sake of conform
ing to the rule, she gave a year and a half of industrious
toil to the foundation named for her, St. Catherine's
Academy, Scott County, Kentucky. Such a reputation
for benevolence did she win in this central region of the
State that she was deemed a saint ; on meeting her many
would bend the knee and kiss her hand.

Having given her constructive genius to the founda
tion of this school in Kentucky's Bluegrass section, she
was recalled to Nazareth by the death of Mother Agnes
(September, 1824). Allusion has already been made to
the anxieties awaiting her. Added to her trials was her
sharp personal sorrow over the death of that exquisite
flower of sanctity, Sister Columba Tarleton. Little time,
however, had Mother Catherine to indulge in brooding
grief, for the chaotic state of affairs at the mother house
demanded her close attention. Before Mother Agnes'
sudden death, foundations had been laid for the new

48 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

building, which through twenty years was to serve as
the academy and for thirty years longer as the convent.
But what contracts or disbursements had been made for
the work done or to be done, none knew. A foregoing
chapter has rendered tribute to the prudence with which
Mother Catherine handled the difficult situation. Her ef
forts win all the more admiration when it is remembered
that she was then so young — a little over thirty; older
persons may well marvel at her successful coping with
financial problems. The church and academy, whose build
ing she directed, were monuments to her executive ability.
At the end of the session in 1825, the principal hall was
near enough completion to serve for the Examination
or, as it was later less formidably called, Commence
ment Day. On that occasion the numbers who came
from far and near — Kentuckians from neighboring and
distant counties, patrons from the remote South — were
gratified by the appearance of stable structures, com
pleted or in process of completion, giving assurance
of the Sisters' progressive spirit and their desire to
provide their young charges with the best educa
tional facilities. From year to year Mother Catherine
continued to improve the grounds and academy, till by
1828, $20,000 had been expended. This outlay was en
tirely and promptly justified by the increase in pupils and
the additions to the community.

But heroically as Mother Catherine had accomplished
her task of readjusting affairs and extending the sister
hood's usefulness, she was not to be permitted unalloyed
satisfaction in the fruits of her toil. At this period there
were some who deemed the expansion of buildings and
interests a departure from the society's original simplici
ty. It was suspected that vanity might creep within the
growing convent walls. A few still more scrupulous
spirits found even the little unostentatious white linen

MOTHER CATHERINE. 49

collar a cause for criticism. How summarily Mother Cath
erine's great spirit, so free from all pettiness, would have
ended the discussion is shown by these words from a note
to Bishop Flaget:

"May, 1829.
"RT. REV. B. J. PLACET:

"Most Reverend and Dear Father,

"We are now ready to adopt the white collar or
to reject it entirely, just as you and Father David please
to say. ... I feel that my life has been spent and
my peace sacrificed to the good of the community;
. . . and it would now, even according to the world,
be foolish in me to introduce what would serve only for
the vanity and enjoyment of those who come after me.
Moreover, dear Father, we are not unmindful that if
there are now splendid buildings, comfortable lodgings,
it is not precisely for us who have borne the heat and
burden of the day ... I conclude by begging the
prayers of you both that, after passing through the many
and various storms and trials of this life, I may at last
be at eternal peace and rest in the next."

Evidently the annoyance was disproportionate to its
cause. No detailed report of the perturbed season is ex
tant; and this is typical of the Sisters' dignified reticence;
their immemorial principle seems to have been a reluct
ance to dwell upon trials ; rather have they entertained a
wholesome confidence that time and God's justice would
right all wrongs and clarify all misapprehensions. Such
trust during this period seems not to have been misplaced,
for the fretfulness subsided, the buildings which had
seemed a temptation to vanity proved indispensable, and
the neat white linen collar was retained.

Following this season of disquietude, Mother Gather-

50 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ine, who had borne the brunt of the worry, was to enjoy
several consolations. In 1829 the receipt of a papal Re
script, conferring many privileges and blessings upon the
society, indicated how far it had advanced on the paths
of holiness and in the esteem of others. A gratifying
assurance of temporal prosperity and stability was given
in the same year, when Nazareth received its charter from
the Kentucky legislature. A few incidents connected
with the securing of this legal recognition are not with
out interest. When the Bill for the charter was intro
duced before the House of Representatives, among those
particularly in favor of it was Mr. Crittenden, a member
of a distinguished family, whose daughter was then a
pupil of the academy. Another noted Kentuckian, Mr.
Ben Hardin, declared in the Senate that Nazareth was
"one of the best female schools in the country." He
drew upon the best resources of his oratory to describe
its curriculum, adding: "The character and virtue of
these good nuns are beyond praise. The utmost vigil
ance is used in regard to the morals of the pupils. They
have sent forth to Society some of its brightest orna
ments. The excellence of the school is known by many
members of the Legislature whose daughters have been
educated there. . . . But while advancing the cause
of virtue and literature, the Sisters have experienced con
siderable difficulties from the want of a corporate and
legal existence. It is highly desirable to obviate these
and other difficulties by creating a corporate body. While
so much has been done for the education of males, shall
nothing be done for females who form so interesting and
important a portion of the community? They are in
some degree a proscribed race; we have deprived them
of interference in most of the public concerns of the State,
but shall we deny them the advantages of education ? Is
it generous to refuse legislative aid to the efforts of these

MOTHER CATHERINE. 51

helpless females who have already done a great deal for
virtue, a great deal for piety, a great deal for charity,
and a great deal for literature?"

Mr. Hardin's chivalrous plea, supplemented by the
good will and testimonials of others, secured the passing
of the Bill for the incorporation of "The Literary and
Benevolent Institution of Nazareth."

The gaining of this charter, giving legal status and
greater stability to the sisterhood's chief academy, was
characteristic of Mother Catherine's vigilance over the
community. But gratified as she was by this secure
establishment of what was soon to become one of the
best patronized schools of the South and Middle West,
her zeal was not satisfied. Still another work persistently
called to her. From the days of her girlhood novitiate
to her last hours, if her great heart might ever have been
opened, within would have been found inscribed : "So
licitude for the orphans and other needy." One of her
earliest prayers as a religious was that "God would place
in the hands of the Sisters the means to serve Him in the
person of His forlorn ones." In the truest sense could
she echo the words of St. Paul, which St. Vincent had
adopted as his motto : Caritas urget me. While her noble
dream of benevolence had to await realization in a more
propitious season, she found comfort in St. Vincent's
words to Mile Le Gras: "Be not afraid to do that
present good in your power; but fear your desire to do
more than you can, and more than He means for you to
do." This counsel Mother Catherine held in her heart
till finally her supreme desire was granted in a manner
which proves that steadfast purpose ultimately gains op
portunity for noble realization. Like Mile Le Gras,
she had devoted herself to the exacting labor at hand, and,
while fulfilling this immediate task, her longed-for op
portunities arrived. In 1831, her term of office being

52 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ended, she and several companions went to Louisville to
open what has since become one of the most important
branch houses, the Presentation Academy. Beginning
humbly in a frame house next to St. Louis's Church
(eventually superseded by the cathedral), this school was
soon well patronized. In the growing city, Mother
Catherine found many an opportunity for the exercise
of her compassion. As formerly in Lexington, so now
in Louisville she early established her reputation for
charitable deeds.

Like many other good works whose light shines afar,
her efforts for the orphans began most informally. One
day she learned that two children, whose parents had
died on the way from New Orleans, had been landed
friendless and destitute at the Louisville wharf. Imme
diately she became interested in their welfare and took
them home with her. Through the assistance generously
extended by a number of ladies, she arranged for the
children's maintenance and education. Thus was in
augurated her noble work for the orphans. By the end
of the year, four more children had found shelter in the
small school house. One of the first infants in arms re
ceived was the child of lately arrived German immi
grants. Hearing of the family's pitiful condition,
Mother Catherine sent Sister Regina to their aid. All
the way to Portland (a western division of the city) and
back — a distance of three or four miles — Sister Regina
walked, bringing the baby back in her apron. Day by
day other appeals were made to Mother Catherine's ever
responsive sympathy. Finally, the citadel of her tender
heart was to be even more powerfully besieged. In 1832,
the cholera began its devastations throughout Kentucky.
In Louisville, several families were stricken. The Rev.
Robert Abell, a brilliant and distinguished clergyman of
the city, who at the time was found day and night by the

MOTHER CATHERINE. 53

bedside of the sick and dying, acting as nurse, physician,
priest, advised the Board of Health to ask for Sisters of
Charity as nurses. Many members of the community
longed to respond; those selected were Sisters Margaret
Bamber, Martha Drury, Martine Beaven and Hilaria
Bamber. Before their departure from Nazareth, Bishop
Flaget called Mother Catherine, the Sisters, and Father
David into the church, saying: "Come, my children, offer
yourselves to God." They knelt in silence a few mo
ments, then the bishop read aloud a short act of consecra
tion and thus the heroic band went forth to death-haunted
posts. From house to house they passed, nursing where-
ever they were needed, but particularly among the poor.
During those ominous days the Presentation Academy,
Louisville, was necessarily closed, at least so far as school
work was concerned, being practically converted into an
orphanage and infirmary. To Mother Catherine's care
were entrusted numerous orphans bereaved by the
plague. Her compassionate arms received one after the
other till the sheltering capacity of the little school was
taxed to its utmost. Repeatedly was she seen turning
from some plague-stricken district, carrying one infant
in her arms, another in her apron, while a third toddled
beside her, clinging to her skirt.

The records of those days bear eloquent witness to
two of Mother Catherine's typical traits, her profound
charity and her strong character. The latter was par
ticularly exemplified by the following incident. When
the plague subsided, a group of bigots circulated reports
which were repeated in a pulpit of the city, terming the
Sisters' work "mercenary" and asserting that the city's
account books testified to the remuneration paid for their
"services." Whereupon Mother Catherine addressed to
the Mayor and Council of the City of Louisville this letter
which reveals her dignity and her sense of justice :

54 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

To THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOUISVILLE,

"Feb. 10, 1834.

"Gentlemen :

"At that gloomy period when cholera threatened to
lay our city desolate, and nurses for the sick poor could
not be obtained on any terms, Rev. Mr. Abell in the
name of the Society of which I have the honor to be a
member, proffered the gratuitous services of as many of
our Sisters as might be necessary in the then existing dis
tress, requiring merely that their expenses should be
paid. This offer was accepted — as the order from your
honorable board inviting the Sisters will now show. But,
when the money was ordered from your treasury to de
fray those expenses, I had the mortification of remarking
that, instead of the term, "expenses" of the Sisters of
Charity, the word "services" was substituted. I imme
diately remonstrated against it and even mentioned the
circumstance to the Mayor and another gentleman of the
Council, and upon being promised that the error should
be corrected, I remained satisfied that it had been attended
to, until a late assertion from one of the pulpits of the
city led me to believe that it stands yet uncorrected on
your books, as these same books were referred to in proof
of the assertion. If so, gentlemen, pardon the liberty I
take in refunding to you the amount paid for the above
named expenses, well convinced that our Community, for
whom I have acted in this case, would far prefer to incur
the expense themselves than to submit to so unjust an
odium.

"Gentlemen, be pleased to understand that we are not
hirelings; and if we are in practice the servants of the

MOTHER CATHERINE SPALDING.

MOTHER CATHERINE. 55

poor, the sick, and the orphans, we are voluntarily so.
But we look for our reward in another and better world.

"With sincere respect, Gentlemen,
"($75 enc.) "Your obedient servant,

"CATHERINE SPALDING,

Sister of Charity."

This note elicited an amende honorable to Mother
Catherine and her associates. Her enclosure was re
turned ; a correction of the city's books was made ; and the
Mayor apologized for the negligence which had left the
error uncorrected, thereby causing false impressions and
assertions. Despite its disagreeable elements, the incident
served to emphasize to the citizens in general and the
city fathers in particular the probity of the Sisters of
Charity and their superior.

During the years following the plague, Mother Cath
erine was busily occupied with her orphans. Twenty-
five of these children were now crowded in the school
house, the Sisters' rooms being shared with them. But
this arrangement failed to satisfy their tender guardian's
heart. Therefore at her suggestion, Nazareth purchased
a lot near the church where, through the aid of Father
Abell and some of the devout women of Louisville, a
home was built for the orphans. But this house also soon
proved too small. Hence, two years later a newly-built
tavern on Wenzel and Jefferson Streets was purchased,
and thither in 1836 twenty-five little ones were trans
ferred. No sooner was this done than Mother Catherine
inaugurated another of her long entertained projects.
Her new asylum had a few spare rooms, and these be
came the first refuge for the sick in Louisville. Inform
ally named "St. Vincent's Infirmary," these few rooms
were the foundation for the future of St. Joseph's In
firmary, now one of Louisville's largest institutions.

56 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

To and fro from her orphan children to her patients,
Mother Catherine went for a few years, solacing them,
and widely endearing herself throughout the city. But
content as she was to devote herself to the bereaved and
ailing, the community had other needs for her energies.
Mother Frances' six years of office having expired in
1838, again Mother Catherine was called to that leader
ship which she had already so ably exercised. Dear as
Nazareth was to her, constant as was her zeal for its
growth in holiness and usefulness, she was loath to leave
those who made so particular an appeal to her maternal
sympathies, the Lord's forlorn lambs. One of the few
surviving notes from her pen dates from this season
(1838) : "I came back from Louisville to take again a
burden I little suited and still less desired. My heart
clings to the orphans and the sick whom I have to leave."

Yet for all her reluctance in parting from her dear
orphans, after her return to Nazareth she devoted her
customary vigor to the duties of her executive office.
The attendance at the academy now surpassed the num
bers she had foreseen several years previous, when she
had recognized the need for more spacious buildings.
Pupils from Kentucky, adjacent States and the South had
already began to crowd the school rooms; the register
of 1839 records over two hundred boarders. Hence
Mother Catherine was much occupied with the academy's
affairs, with her large household of religious as well as
students. Like the Valiant Woman of the Book of
Proverbs, she was continually called upon to "put out her
hand to strong things." Her administrative powers had
to be exercised not only at home but for the growing
branch houses of Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown,
Union County. Frequently business matters required
her presence in these various foundations. Her generous
response to such demands may be all the more appreciated

MOTHER CATHERINE. 57

when it is remembered that at the time all journeys had
to be made on horseback, by carriage or wagon. Many
such tedious trips did Mother Catherine make, cheerfully
enduring the fatigue of three or four days' jolting over
roads by no means always in perfect condition, during
seasons not always clement. Yet, notwithstanding the
difficulties, she undertook these arduous pilgrimages
whenever her distant children called to her, and it was
at all possible to go to them. The records of the eighteen-
forties refer to substantial support rendered to the con>
munity's branch institutions, to one a gift of a thousand
dollars, to another, two thousand dollars, these sums
proving that the mother house was prospering and that
the good works of the branches were steadily increasing.
But though, when viewed in time's long perspective,
Mother Catherine's days seem to have followed a fairly
even tenor of diligent labor and cheerful routine, again
the other side of the shield must be shown. She has been
said to have surmounted difficulties and it has been taken
for granted that she did not escape the trials which beset
the path of all human achievement, little or great; but
how regrettable to note that this woman of generous
heart and noble soul should have been subjected to a
protracted strain of irritating embarrassments and petty
annoyances such as are often far more disturbing to men
tal and spiritual peace than is some tragic crisis ! A series
of such difficulties made a certain season of Mother Cath
erine's life a foretaste of Purgatory. It was another of
those periods of disquietude, which occur in the history
of nearly every individual and every human institution,
one of those periods all the more lamentable when the
chief victim's judgment and magnanimity are really su
perior to the forces which, for the time being, have
gained the ascendancy. The annals of the period state :
"The year 1841 dawned ominously for the Community."

58 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Again the details of the difficulty are lacking, but the
main factors of the trouble seem to have been misunder
standings from without and disturbing influences from
within, traceable to a few who disapproved of certain
appointments and regulations. In some quarters the dis
quietude left an impression of a more general lack of
harmony than existed. The fact is that the discontent of
the complaining few was one of the chief disturbing
elements, and their subsequent withdrawal was followed
by the return of concord.

Before their departure, however, Bishop Flaget, then
aged, feeble, and hardly equal to the task, undertook to
restore harmony. Depending more and more upon
others' counsel, he gave favorable attention to sug
gestions (primarily from his coadjutor, Bishop Chabrat)
for radical changes at Nazareth. Among these was the
affiliation of the community with the Sisters of Charity
of Emmitsburg. As has been stated, when Bishop
Flaget and Father David first planned to establish a
sisterhood, they endeavored to obtain Sisters from Em
mitsburg, but when this proved impossible, a distinct
community was formed from the material at hand. Bish
op Flaget and Father David then thought that the main
tenance of independence, the freedom from connections
with other groups, would contribute to the success of the
Sisters' work, but in 1841 came the suggestion for unit
ing the Sisters of Nazareth with those of the Maryland
Society. Had this plan materialized, the Kentucky com
munity would have become subject to that of Maryland,
and various other changes would have been necessitated.
The whole idea was uncongenial to the Kentucky Sisters
who, during three decades, had pursued an independent
and distinctive career, determined in large measure by
the particular circumstances in which their work had be
gun. Bishop Chabrat especially favored an affiliation

MOTHER CATHERINE. 59

with the community of Emmitsburg, his idea apparently
having been that such a union would give more stability
to the Kentucky society. This prelate was exceedingly
energetic in striving to accomplish his purposes; but
Mother Catherine and the majority of the Sisters thought
that Bishop Chabrat's endeavors were not always judi
cious; he lacked a sympathetic understanding of the
Nazareth Community.

Another proposed alteration, distinctly distasteful to
the majority of the Sisters, was the suppression of an
article of their Constitution which provided for an im
mediate ecclesiastical superior, secondary to the bishop.
Such provision had been one of the fundamental and most
prized privileges, indeed necessities, of the Society. What
with the innumerable other duties of the episcopate, it
was physically impossible for the bishop to give adequate
attention to the affairs of the community, which mean
time demanded some ecclesiastical head. In addition to
the suggestion to omit the clause of the Constitution pro
viding for such a director, other minor changes — espe
cially in the Sister's costume — were advised. These were
slight enough — but the pertinacity and fervor with which
they were urged exaggerated their importance beyond
all reasonable limits. Bishop David, Father Hazeltine,
Father Badin and other good friends of the community
were not in favor of the proposed changes in Constitu
tion and costume. They concurred with Mother Cath
erine's judgment and that of her sympathetic associates.
But obviously, great pressure was brought to bear upon
Bishop Flaget. In April, 1841, this perplexed prelate,
accompanied by Father Badin, appeared at Nazareth for
the purpose of investigating the harmony or lack thereof
in the community. Later documents indicate what sym
pathy Father Badin had with the Sisters and what good
judgments he made of their affairs. But evidently on

60 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

this particular visit, the aged missionary was not able to
end the discussions. The spirit of criticism and opposition
which continued to prevail is all too pathetically regis
tered in Mother Catherine's note below, with its mingled
tone of meekness, dignity and integrity:

"Rx. REV. B. J. PLACET; "APril 17> 1841-

"Rt. Rev. Dear Bishop and Father :-

"I do not know that you require any answer to your
letter of yesterday. I have read it with all the attention
of which I am capable and have spent not only one quar
ter of an hour before the Adorable Sacrament (where in
fact, I find my only comfort), but quarters of hours ; and
I feel now as I did at first. I can only say that to the
best of my power I will endeavor to comply with your
orders. If you believe that Almighty God can be more
glorified by our wearing a black cap instead of a white
one, I hope you will do me the justice to believe that I
attach no importance to those little articles of our
clothes. ... It matters not — white or black is the
same to me, and for anything further I forbear to make
any remark. May God's Holy Will be done ! and may He
in His mercy grant me the grace to save my poor soul —
it shall be my only aim.

"I feel consoled, dear Father, that in your visit the
other day you found the community happy and contented
in the regular observance of the rules and religious duties,
which I do think to be the case as far as can be, and I
fondly trust that with the blessing of God it may con
tinue to improve. . . .

"My God, I trust, knows the purity of my intention
and I leave it in His Divine Hands. I did think I had
experienced every kind of trial — this is entirely new.
God be praised for all and have mercy on me,

"His humble and unworthy handmaid,

CATHERINE."

MOTHER CATHERINE. 61

This, however, was not to be the end. The perturbed
conditions continued. How serious they became, may be
deduced from this note of Father Badin's with its accom
panying document addressed to Bishop Flaget:

"Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir :-

"The Sisters sent for me some weeks ago, much con
cerned. I heard what they had to say, as charity dic
tated. I summed up the result of my own opinion, the
inclosed observations, which one of the Sisters wrote
under my dictation, as I have not the free use of the pen.
My intention at the age of 73 may be presumed unbiased
by human respect.

"I remain in visceribus Christi,

Yours very Respectfully,

S. T. BADIN."

Father Badin's "observations" were thus concisely
summarized :

"1st. It appears that the Sisters are happy in every
one of the houses of the Institution. All are disposed to
do good and to continue in their vocation under their
rule and constitution. . . . The former success of
the Institution is a proof of it. ... Any notable
change may prove detrimental and create much confu
sion. The Sisters hold their situation as a source of
present and future happiness, both spiritual and tempor
al. They have taken and renewed their yearly vows
under their present constitution, with the conviction and
presumed certainty that so long as it is not productive of
serious evil, nay is productive of much good, their So
ciety would and should be maintained in tranquillity and
of course without change.

"2ndly. The Sisters do cheerfully acknowledge accord-

62 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ing to their constitution that the Bishop is their first
Superior. They must equally acknowledge that since the
Bishop, by his necessary engagements in a multiplicity of
diocesan affairs and Episcopal visitations, is unable to
give in every emergency his personal and immediate
attention to the minute details of the Government of the
Institution which embraces so many houses with Sisters,
novices, and academies containing pupils, orphans, etc.,
and so many visitors of various characters and sects
which the Sisters cannot entertain themselves, there is a
good reason and even necessity for an immediate second
ary Superior, nominated by the Bishop himself and acting
under his authority, to which the Community is most will
ing to submit its transactions connected with Religion
and Morality. It is a true and sincere truth that the
Sisters would be happy to receive with respect and grati
tude the Bishop's frequent visits and paternal instruc
tions. Yet all the Sisters view the existence of an im
mediate Superior as a necessary point of their Constitu
tion. The Bishop himself has had the same view and has
sanctioned the whole Constitution from the beginning.
The most Reverend Archbishops of Baltimore have all
sanctioned the same fundamental article for the Sisters
of Emmitsburg. Since it has emanated from the Holy
Founder St. Vincent De Paul, neither they nor the Sis
ters have dared to suppress it. The Sisters think and
flatter themselves that the Reverend Bishop Flaget, left
to his own reflections and natural mildness, will not in
sist upon the suppression of this fundamental article of
their Constitution, so dear to all their communities.
Otherwise we may look for frequent inconveniences, dis
sensions and even divisions, sins, defections and perhaps
dissolutions of houses which are now prospering to the
honor of God and His Church.

"Finally — as to the article of the Sisters' dress, we may

MOTHER CATHERINE. 63

with great probability expect that a notable change would
afford room for public remark and probably general rid
icule. Considering also that the time designated by the
Bishop is so near the epoch of the desertion of three
Sisters — who however have left no regret after them in
the community — so long as the Sisters' dress is not con
trary to modesty and any notable change in it would
create much rumor, the apprehension of which might
have great bearing upon the imagination and feelings of
the Sisters, it is conceived that such an important inno
vation about the forms and colors might be let alone
without criminality. They are well informed that the
color worn by the Sisters in France is white. Having
begun with it, they wish to retain the same, especially
since it is the symbol of purity. Still a diminution of the
plaits, the suppression of the cone and bow, which perhaps
worldlings might attribute to vanity, would suffer no
opposition — to satisfy the Bishop."

Thtis straightforward and friendly communication,
with its French note here and there, was followed in July
by another letter from Nazareth's grieving but prudent
superior. Her admirable document is quoted almost in
full, — partly because it discusses categorically the points
which were causing annoyance; secondly, because it
again emphasizes the writer's strength of mind, her
depth of feeling, her power of striking a balance between
respect for authority and that freedom of personal opinion
which the actual facts justified :

"1841

"RT. REV. B. J. FLAGET;
"Right Rev. Father :-

"Since the reception of your letter containing your
late orders relative to the changes you required in our
Community, we have spent much time in meditation and
prayer to God for His light and grace ; we have repeated-

64 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ly offered up novenas, supplicating that His Holy Will
be done in regard to our dear Community. And now,
most beloved and venerable Father, it is with sentiments
of the deepest respect and true filial regard, together
with a profound regret, that we have come to the con
clusion to lay before you, our Bishop and Father, our
humble and earnest entreaty, that we be allowed to con
tinue unchanged in the manner in which we have been
established in your diocese by your zealous co-laborer,
our revered Father and Founder in Kentucky.

"We entered the house of Nazareth and embraced with
our whole hearts the practices, rules and constitutions
given to us by him, being assured that they were dictated
by the Blessed Vincent of Paul, solemnly authorized and
approved by yourself and sanctioned at the court of
Rome, and we were always left under the firm convic
tion that they were sacred and never to be liable to any
change.

"Father David, (whom you have so frequently and so
warmly recommended to our confidence and reverence,
as being one of the greatest divines and the holiest clergy
men) has on numerous occasions expressed it to us as
his decided opinion that it was much better for both our
happiness and spiritual good that we should exist always
as he and you thought proper to institute us — a separate
and distinct body — and that he felt most grateful to God
for so directing and ordaining it. And surely religion
in Kentucky can be more extensively and effectually
served by us as we now exist.

"And here we may be permitted to express our humble
thanks to Divine Providence and to your and our revered
Founder's protection and instruction that Nazareth, as
you acknowledge with parental joy, has never given any
scandal in your diocese, but has constantly labored to do
good — the success of which efforts facts attest.

MOTHER CATHERINE. 65

"Permit us too, dear Father, to recall to your paternal
recollection, those primitive days of our poor afflicted
community when, with simple-heartedness of devoted
children, we zealously and cheerfully spent the energies
of our youth in the fields, looms, spinning-rooms, kitch
ens, at St. Thomas's — rejoicing that, by our humble
labors in the most servile and lowest occupations, we
might contribute our poor mite to the support of the
seminaries and churches in your diocese, while at the
same time we were struggling in the commencement of
our own little community. Afterwards we labored with
the same zeal for the college, seminary and Cathedral in
Bardstown. And oh, Father, those were happy days, be
cause we looked forward with delight to the rise and
progress of the works of religion, believing that we our
selves were settled in the way of life to which we were
convinced we were called by our common Father. We
never dreamed that a change would be required of us,
otherwise our zeal and energy would have been paralyzed
as they are now.

"With due humility and a deep sense of the over-ruling
care of Heaven, allow us to call to your mind the num
bers of respectable families added to the Church by the
education and religious impressions which individuals
receive at Nazareth ; every year brings with it conversions
either in the school or after the young ladies have left
our Institutions ; and you know, far better than we do, the
immense weight of prejudice which has been removed by
Nazareth's humble efforts, aided by the Blessing of God.
Add to this the baptisms and the first communions for
which the children are regularly instructed and prepared
each year in the Branch Houses and at Nazareth. Many
scholars are also educated gratuitously each year in each
one of the houses, and alms largely distributed to the
neighboring poor. Of these things we do not boast, for

66 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

it is only our duty; but we merely wish to give your
paternal heart consoling- proof that Nazareth, as it ever
has been, is devoted to the interests of Charity and Re
ligion.

"And the Orphan Asylum, which it was your most ar
dent wish to see established (all who do justice must
acknowledge), would not exist at this time, had it not
been for the untiring exertions and labors of the Sisters
of Nazareth, who moreover aided the good work by
pecuniary means drawn from the resources of the So
ciety.

"It is true many members have left our community; but
we have every reason to believe and to know that the
same occurs, and perhaps more frequently, in other com
munities where the vows are simple and yearly; and, as
you are aware, such defections do sometimes, and not in
frequently, take place in Monasteries, where vows are
taken for life. We read in the discourses of St. Vincent
de Paul, addressed to the first Sisters of Charity that,
even during his life-time and in the first fervor of the
company, many members left, and after leaving, spoke
in the most disparaging terms of the order. During the
last six years only three have gone from among us — and
they returned not to the world.

"We need not remind you, beloved Father, that we
commenced in a new country and not even in the most
Catholic settlement of the country; therefore, owing to
that cause and perhaps some others, our community is
comparatively small. But we have always been taught
to believe that the strength of a religious body depends
not so much on its numbers as upon the fervor, zeal and
devotedness of those who compose it; and especially
upon the blessing of our good God, who seems to delight
in effecting good by instruments few and feeble. Still
we have five prosperous houses in your diocese, the mem-

MOTHER CATHERINE. 67

bers of which are happy in their state, and each house is
doing a not inconsiderable portion of Charity from the
resources and labors of the Sisters.

"You have already had the unanimous testimony of
the Sisters that the Community was never happier, more
orderly, more united, or more zealous in the observance
of rules; that all are most desirous of living up to the
spirit of their state. For all this, we humbly and thank
fully bless God. And although our schools and houses
are flourishing and favored by the Almighty with suc
cess, yet God forbid we should glory in being the instru
ments; but we feel — as every Christian heart would feel
— an anxious wish to maintain our Society unchanged,
as our revered and holy Founder and Father first estab
lished it, and as he believed and wished it would, under
your paternal care, continue. We are accustomed to our
manner of life, and feel thoroughly convinced that we
could not find happiness in being connected with or mixed
in any other community or family: — and, furthermore,
that we might by doing so, jeopardize our eternal sal
vation, for which we have embraced our state of life.

"Honored and dear Father, though we do most ur
gently and humbly implore to be allowed to continue un
changed as we began in the practices, rules and constitu
tions as given to us by yourself and Father David, yet we
beg you to be assured that it is our most earnest desire, as
we know it to be your right, should disorders creep in,
that you should administer your fatherly advice and cor
rection. We always have cheerfully and gladly acknowl
edged you as our first Superior; but we believe that the
interest of the Society and our constitutional right re
quire an immediate Ecclesiastical Superior. We cordial
ly wish and urge frequent visits from you, and that those
visits should be of such length as to enable you to be in
timately and personally acquainted with the general in-

68 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

terests and business of the house, and with each individ
ual in particular. And we candidly assure you that it is
and has ever been our fixed determination to persevere in
our holy vocation, and to labor sedulously to advance
constantly in virtues required by our state of life.

"We attach little importance to the article of dress in
itself, yet we think changes so striking as that which you
propose in our cap, would be hazardous and calculated
to arouse public observation, to elicit surmises and oc
casion prejudices which may be highly detrimental to
Nazareth and perhaps to Religion in Kentucky. Had
we worn the black cap for twenty-five years, as we have
done the white one, we should feel equally reluctant to
so remarkable a change as that of the color; which un
doubtedly would subject the community to animadver
sion and ridicule, and thus might tend to diminish public
respect and confidence, which St. Vincent de Paul con
sidered as most essential to the success of the Sisters'
labors.

"In terminating, most revered and cherished Father,
we throw ourselves on your kind and fatherly forbear
ance, begging you not to consider us importunate, but to
listen with a Father's heart to the humble, earnest and
most respectful remonstrance of your children, who feel
convinced that these changes may be the laying of the
axe to the root of that tree which you and we equally be
lieve to have been planted and watered by the hand of
God. Numbers of our sisters whose deaths have been
most holy and edifying, have asserted such to have been
their dying belief, and no one who is acquainted with
the commencement and progess of Nazareth, can doubt
its being the work of the Most High.

"In the presence of our good and merciful God, and
kneeling before the sacred image of His crucified Son,
we hereto affix our names, earnestly imploring you, our

MOTHER CATHERINE. 69

dear and revered Father, in the name and for the sake of
Him whose place you hold in our regard to yield to our
entreaties and once more to restore to your children, that
happiness and quiet of mind they have so long enjoyed
at Nazareth, promising you, in all the sincerity of our
hearts, that we shall with the grace of God, redouble our
efforts to advance in the virtues of our states of life and
to do good in your diocese."

In addition to Mother Catherine's signature, this docu
ment bore the names of the Sisters at Nazareth and those
of the sister servants7 of the branch houses.

The conclusion of the matter was that the rule re
mained unchanged; serenity was restored; the commun
ity was permitted to continue as Mother Catherine de
sired, a distinct body, independent of American or Euro
pean affiliation. That such was a wise decision, time has
proved. Virtually the same rule and uniform have been
retained since the society's organization. Quaint, forth
right Father Badin had said to Bishop Flaget a propos
of the uniform : "Well, Bishop, I do not see why you
should interfere with the Sisters' dress. White or black
cap — what is the difference? I think their uniform very
nice and proper for Sisters of Charity. Why not let
their dress alone?" Father Badin's advice was followed
and only a slight alteration was made; the white linen
cuffs and undersleeves formerly worn were abandoned
in favor of black sleeves of the same material as that of
the habit; a simple bowknot on top of the cap was sub
stituted for the large double bow with loops. Thus in
inner life and outer appearance, the community has from
the beginning preserved its original identity and pursued
its distinctive career. In 1910, when the order received
papal approbation, it was practically the same as that

T This name has been customarily given to the superiors of the branch houses.

70 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

which in the second decade of the nineteenth century
had won the approval of Bishop Flaget and the paternal
affection of "Father" David.

In the year 1841, following the restoration of harmony
at Nazareth, Mother Catherine suffered the loss of her
holy guide and friend who had always been "Father"
David to his beloved sisterhood. As a loving daughter,
Mother Catherine ministered to his last moments, going
herself to Bardstown to have him conveyed to Nazareth,
where he wished to breathe his last, surrounded by his
fond and heart-broken children. A later chapter gives
in greater detail this incident, so fraught with sorrow for
the community which he had helped to organize, and
which was ever the object of his tenderest affection and
paternal care.

Two years later, Mother Catherine's term of office
being again ended, she returned to her cherished or
phans in Louisville. During six years she was to live
among and toil for these forlorn ones whose welfare
ever seemed her heart's central interest. Dearly as she
loved this work, it was by no means free from great dif
ficulties. Not always was adequate support at hand; yet,
Mother Catherine was ever sustained by her faith that
God would not forget His own. She did not, however,
sit idly waiting for Providence, but acted according to
St. Ignatius' maxim: "Do all thou canst as if success
depended wholly upon thy exertions; and trust to God
for the result as if thou hadst done nothing." During
seasons of need she visited wealthy citizens and told them
of her orphans. The result was that one sent her supplies
of sugar; another, coffee or flour; another, clothes for
her little ones. Among her letters of this time is one
from a voluntary benefactor. This aged man, born in
1760, a survivor of the Revolution, wrote : "I have been
told of your institution and the great number of orphans

MOTHER CATHERINE. 71

kept together by charity. I knew I was not able to do
much, but I thought every little would help; and my
Church and conscience called louder than aught else."

In 1850, Mother Catherine was again elected to the
office of chief executive. The following six years were
to cro\vn her labors as superior of that community, whose
first Mother she had been. Awaiting her were activities
demanding the best of her administrative powers, her
ever dependable resourcefulness.

Early in February, Bishop Flaget was called to his re
ward, and his episcopal burdens devolved upon the able
shoulders of Rt. Rev. Martin John Spalding, a devoted
friend of Nazareth, who in 1848 had succeeded Bishop
Chabrat as Bishop Flaget's coadjutor. When the see
was transferred to Louisville, in 1841, the Jesuit Fathers
took charge of St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, where
the seminary had been conducted since the erection of
the old Bardstown cathedral, in 1819. One of Bishop
Spalding's earliest activities was to appoint the Reverend
Francis Chambige to resuscitate the old seminary at St.
Thomas's, the cradle of the Church in Kentucky and of
Nazareth itself. Father Chambige' s zeal soon brought
the seminary to a flourishing condition and he planned
to have in connection with it an asylum for boys. He
appealed to Nazareth for a Sister to take charge of the
seminary infirmary and wardrobe, to superintend the
kitchen, refectory and general work of the household.
Mother Catherine's good heart promptly responded to
this request. Accompanied by Sisters Victoria Buckman
and Bernardine O'Brien, she went in person to revisit
the shrines of the first Nazareth. Touching memories
of that pilgrimage have been transmitted through gene
rations of Sisters. On arriving at St. Thomas's, Mother
Catherine piously revisited the scenes of her dedicated
girlhood; she renewed her vows before the altar where

72 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

she had first pronounced them. She ''peered into every
nook and corner, went down to the Old Spring, tenderly
recalling early days. The brick walls she had put up at
old Nazareth were still standing. She told Father Cham-
bige to tear them down and use the brick to erect the
orphans' home. Then resolutely she turned away, and
never again beheld that blessed spot of her early con
secration."

As a matter of fact, this woman of indefatigable
energy could permit herself but few moments of happy
recollection. Work at the New Nazareth was calling to
her. Those academy buildings, which at the time of their
erection had seemed to some timorous spirits a source of
vanity and too large for any possible needs, were now
evercrowded. Hence, once more, Mother Catherine's
constructive spirit was to build more stately mansions for
the activities of her community. But now again, before
undertaking the erection of a new school building, she re
called Bishop David's counsel of long ago: "Build first a
house for God." Acting upon that advice, first of all she
erected to God's glory the present Gothic church, "the
gem of the diocese," Bishop Spalding termed it; it re
mains one of the community's most beautiful buildings.
Nazareth's estate supplied the materials for the edifice.
The stone was quarried, the lime produced, and the bricks
made from the farm's resources. On the nineteenth of
July, 1854, it was consecrated.

An impressive letter of Mother Catherine's, dated the
following winter, illustrates what this new building sig
nified to her — no vainglorious expansion, but the erection
of a firm fortress of the spiritual life. Entrenched there
in, the Sisterhood should, in its superior's opinion, ad
vance to greater perfection, to more united and efficient
community life:

MOTHER CATHERINE. 73

"Jan. 9, 1855.

"My heart yearns for you all with maternal interest.
Oh, if you all have hearts as devoted to all the interests
of the community as mine is, there would truly be but
one common interest and self would be laid aside. . . .
Our community must be the centre from which all our
good works emanate, and in the name of the Community
all must be done. Then let none of us be ambitious as
to who does more or who does less. God will judge it
all hereafter. Let us therefore strive hard daily to secure
our eternal union in the bosom of our Blessed Lord in
Heaven. Our Church is finished ; we are just preparing
to put the seats in it. Then there will be an edifice to the
honor of God, not indeed as fine and rich as the one
built by Solomon; but as fine as His poor daughters of
Nazareth could build for His honor for future genera
tions. We hope to use the new Academy next summer ;
then ... we are ready to begin to arrange this
house for the Community, where the Sisters may live as
a regular community should live. As it is, we are all
scattered and sleeping about where we may find most
convenient. Oh, how I long to see all fixed as a Com
munity should be, and then I may lay me down in peace !
Pray for me, my dear child, that God in His own good
mercy may give rest to my poor soul in a better world;
for in this life there has been but little rest for me — and
indeed we should not seek rest here, for here is the time
for labor and sorrow. Now, my good Sister, do not be
too particular with your poor Mother. You know how
hard it is for me to write since I have suffered so much
severe pain; I never expect to be entirely well again
. . . write to me whenever you can. I am always
"Your sincere friend and Mother,

CATHERINE."

74 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

In 1855 the academy was completed. And now again
timid souls whispered : "Mother Catherine is a visionary.
Such immense halls are useless." Yet in a dozen years
they too were overcrowded, fulfilling Mother Catherine's
prophecy : "These rooms will all be filled and more will
be needed." This exacting work of building being fin
ished, Mother Catherine then began a series of visits to
the various branch houses, dispensing sympathy and
counsel. Generously as she gave her thought, prayers,
toil, during these final months of her last administration,
it may readily be judged that when her term as superior
ended in the summer of 1856, she was not reluctant to
lay down the burdens of an office so long and nobly
borne. Indeed with a joyful heart she now returned to
her beloved orphans in the Louisville asylum. There
among them she was to labor while it was yet day; they
were to be her last care, even as they had always been the
subject of her tenderest solicitude. The scientifically
dispensed philanthropy of today, with its often merely
mechanical methods, lacking all spiritual elements, prat
ing of brotherhood and often missing the essence thereof,
and consequently achieving merely materialistic results,
might well find a profitable example in Mother Cather
ine's benevolence. Wise she was, as an expert sociolo
gist might dream of being, in understanding of the
human heart and its needs ; but her sagacity was tempered
by a profound sympathy, rarely encountered — even
among the best exponents of our vaunted organized
charities. The worth of her "methods" might be satis
factorily measured by the worldly success of many whose
lives she had guarded; but a greater tribute long sur
vived her in the affections of the innumerable friends
who felt that to her was due their eternal as well as their
temporal welfare.

The foregoing pages summarize the work so ably in-

MOTHER CATHERINE. 75

spired and directed by Mother Catherine; but they have
not adequately recorded the spiritual support which she
was continually giving to her children in religion, ever
solicitously brooding over their welfare, yearning to
lighten their drudgery, so that their strength might be
sufficient for the service to God and God's children. Her
letters to the Sisters on missions recall the early Chris
tians' messages to one another : "Grace be unto you and
peace!" Those maternal epistles are primarily counsels
of perfection, urging above all the love and glory of God ;
and at the same time they contain practical admonitions
concerning the immediate work to be done. Turning
the pages of these old letters, admiration is divided be
tween their virile power and their gentle tenderness. Now
they vigorously encourage the recipient in a trying but
necessary task; now, with simple affection, they tell of
sending some Sister "a pair of soft gloves for your poor
chapped hands." When her own circumstances forbade
her giving all the material aid desired by her distant
children, she gave a hundredfold of her stimulating en
couragement. Thus when Sister Louisa wrote from the
orphanage in Louisville, mentioning her need of assist
ance, Mother Catherine was unable to help — yet how
richly comforting are her motherly words : "Rest assured
you will always find in me a heart that will know how to
sympathize with you in any difficulties — a comfort which
I never had in all that I had to encounter in establishing
that house. If your heart beats friendly toward my dear
orphans, be assured it is an additional claim you have on
me, and an additional tie full as strong as the one that
binds us in the sacred bonds of Religion." Then follows
this final paragraph, again emphasizing her heart's con
stant brooding over the orphanage: "If our good and
venerable Bishop calls there, be sure to tell him from me
that I wish him to give that place his special Benediction."

76 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

How expressive of her spirituality, her wisdom, her
respect for discipline, is this note — which begins with
an account of the prosperity and expansion of the acad
emy and community in 1852, and then continues:

"But what will all that profit us, if we neglect the spir
itual building of our own perfection? Poor human na
ture is apt to let every little thing interfere with regular
attendance upon religious exercises and other observ
ances. You are particularly blessed in that house, as all
your labors are for those immediate works of Charity.
Then have courage, and still strive more and more to
make spiritual and corporal works go together; and re
member St. Vincent says: 'If you keep your rules, they
will keep you.' Pray for me — while I never forget any
of you/'

Mother Catherine devoted twenty-five years to her
exacting responsibilities as superior. But her whole
forty-five years as a Sister of Charity represent an in
cessant labor of love for God, self-sacrifice for His poor
and afflicted, affectionate fidelity to her order, and zeal
ous endeavor for its welfare. Constantly spending her
rich fund of energy and sympathy, it was typical that the
Dark Angel could claim no moment of relaxed effort
wherein to call her from her benevolent occupations;
the summons came as she was exercising her strength
and compassion in her wonted charities. She was again
with her dear orphans in Louisville, and while on an er
rand of mercy to a poor workman who had been hurt,
she contracted a deathly cold. As the ceaseless devotion
of her life rendered daily tribute to her Heavenly Father,
so the hour of her death bore witness to her perfect trust
in Him, her serene content in accepting from His hand
whatever riches of Eternal Life her earthly sojourn had
merited. With characteristic meekness, when she felt

MOTHER CATHERINE. 77

the end to be near, she begged to be placed upon the
floor. And in that humble position she breathed her
last on the twentieth of March, 1858, in her sixty-fifth
year, the forty-fifth of her religious life.

In her last moments, with touching humility she be
sought pardon of any to whom she had ever given the
slightest wound. But if indeed it was impossible to find
any who felt the need for such humble contrition on her
part, countless were the hearts whom her passing wound
ed inconsolably. During her life some one had said : "All
the orphans of the city claim you as their Mother." At
her death these and numberless adults suffered the grief
of bereaved children. The following incident casts two
fold light upon her character — her power to inspire rev
erence and to stimulate a sense of duty. A laborer, who
doubtless had shared in her benefactions, went into the
office of a much occupied business man8 and said : "What,
and are you at work today, and Mother Catherine dead ?"
"Yes," responded the business man. "and I suspect that
Mother Catherine would feel more honored by your at
tending to your own duty than by your idly laying off/'

When the moments for the last rites drew near, all
fitting offices of love and reverence were rendered to this
Mother, so deeply cherished. A half mile from Nazareth
her cortege was met by the whole community of Sisters,
novices, and the academy's three hundred pupils. In
solemn procession they took their way to the community
chapel, where the Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding, Father
Hazeltine (then ecclesiastical superior), and other cler
ical friends, officiated in the augustly sad ceremonial.
Then passing to the cemetery they laid her, in fulfilment
of her request, at the feet of "Father" David, her
fellow-laborer in organizing the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth. At the suggestion of Bishop Spalding, in

• Mr. Jeremiah Corcoran of Louisville, uncle of the present writer.

78 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

honor of her dignity as virtual founder, first and fre
quent superior, upon her tombstone is chiselled a sun
burst, fitting symbol of her noble warm heart, the un
failing light of her spiritual vision, the untarnishable
brightness of her good deeds.

Today, gazing at the benignant countenance which
looks forth from Mother Catherine's portraits, one reads
unmistakably the outward signs of her radiant inward
graces. Nobility, strength, tenderness, ardent trust —
these are eloquently proclaimed in the placid brow, can
did eyes, indeed in every expressive lineament. Cantos
urget me} the kind firm mouth almost speaks, as she
seems to bless the Community and to share with it her
serene strong faith. Her humility was so great, she
would not have wished to be regarded as a model ; yet as
such is she venerated in the numerous academies, infirm
aries, asylums and other institutions which today are
realizing her dauntless hopes, her generous visions.

CHAPTER IV

MOTHER FRANCES AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY
SISTERHOOD

UPREMELY blest as the Sisters of Charity of Naz-
areth were in their able and saintly first superior,
they were also highly fortunate in her whose labors al
ternated with Mother Catherine's in giving stability,
direction and inspiration to the community during its
first half century. Mother Frances Gardiner, the second
of those who may be justly termed the great mothers of
Nazareth, was born in Fairfield, Nelson County, Ken
tucky, in 1800. Her family was well known for its piety
and probity in her native State and in Maryland, whence
her parents, Joseph Gardiner and Winifred Hamilton
Gardiner, came to Kentucky in their early married life.
Clement Gardiner, grandfather of Mother Frances, had
the reputation of having done more than any other Cath
olic layman for the Church and chanty in Kentucky. His
wife, Henrietta Boone, a kinswoman of Daniel Boone,
was likewise revered for her zeal and benevolence. A
few words about this couple will indicate what spiritual
inheritance they transmitted to three of their devout
descendants who figured prominently in the history of
Nazareth. Of Clement Gardiner an earlier historian*
has said: "His benefactions were as important as they
were unceasing. He not only subscribed liberally for the
personal maintenance of the early clergy of the State;
but he was never invoked in vain for aid in the construc
tion of churches and for other undertakings in the in-

•Webb, "The Centenary of Catholicity in Kentucky."

79

80 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

terest of Catholicity, whether special to the people
among whom he lived, or having reference to the wants
of his brethren in other parts of the State. The tract of
land upon which he lived embraced in whole or in part,
the site of the present town of Fairfield. The original
dwelling house built by him was erected with special
reference to the religious wants of the settlers in the
neighborhood. For eleven or twelve years the largest of
its rooms was made to do service as a chapel." Mr.
Gardiner later gave not only the ground for a church,
but funds for the building thereof, and a plot for the
cemetery. The historian above quoted says that Henri
etta Boone Gardiner is "to be classed with the extraor
dinary women of the early Church in Kentucky. She
was not only an exponent of Christian courage, meek
ness and piety; but she was an exponent of that charity
which has for its standard of human equity the welfare
of the neighbor." Her granddaughters' conspicuous
part in the Nazareth's educational work was foreshad
owed by her own generous endeavors to secure mental
and spiritual training for the children of her immediate
vicinity. "The last act of her life for the good of others
was worthy of the name she bore and of Christian re
membrance. Her husband and herself had long enter
tained the thought of founding a girls' school in the
neighborhood of Fairfield. The difficulty had been that
they were unable to secure competent teachers. Early
in 1821, Mrs. Gardiner consulted with the Bishop, and
the result of their conference was a pledge on her part to
make to the Bishop a deed of gift of three hundred acres
of land near the town and a counter pledge on the part
of the latter that a school building should be put up on
the land and teachers furnished for the conduct of the
school. Both pledges were fulfilled before the close of
the year and in December, 1821, the property was placed

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 81

in the possession of a colony of eleven Sisters of the
Loretto Society."11 This school served its excellent pur
pose for several years. By thus liberally sharing their
estate and their personal activities, Clement and Henri
etta Gardiner were true pillars of religion and education
in Kentucky; but perhaps their most valuable contribu
tions to their high causes were their three granddaughters
who became Sisters of Charity of Nazareth — Mother
Frances, Sisters Harriet and Clare Gardiner.

As a child of eleven or twelve, Frances Gardiner first
aspired to devote herself to religion. She was confirmed
by Bishop Flaget, having first received spiritual instruc
tion from Father David. As a young girl of eighteen
she joined the Nazareth community (1818), receiving
the habit in her nineteenth year. Gentleness, humility,
marvellously pure austerity distinguished her girlhood,
nor did the sanctity of her youth diminish during her
later career of strenuous activity and many executive bur
dens. To such cares she brought a gift for administration
no less remarkable than her rare spiritual nature.

Like Mother Catherine, Mother Frances indefatigably
participated in increasing the community's spiritual
forces, in developing the mother house, and in mission
ary labors. During the society's early years and her
own, her distinctive qualities of faith and devotion were
a priceless boon. When the community began making
foundations throughout Kentucky and elsewhere, such
growth involved many trials, and Mother Frances met
courageously and successfully the difficulties of the time.
With her childlike reliance upon Providence, she never
lost confidence, however dismaying the situation, however
great her responsibilities. Steadfastly she worked,
watched and prayed, and Heaven did not fail the heart
whose faith and hope ever soared upward.

10 Webb, "Centenary of Catholicity."

82 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Of her sixty years as a religious, Mother Frances gave
thirty-five to the duties of superior. Among the promin
ent branch houses opened by her, or during her adminis
trations, were: St. Frances Academy, Owensboro
(1849); La Salette, Covington (1856); Immaculata
Academy, Newport (1857); St. Mary's Academy, Pa-
ducah (1858) ; St. Clara's Academy, Yazoo City, (1871).
Too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the prudence
and executive ability demanded in this extension of the
sisterhood's good works. A patience and energy equal
to those of the community's first years were required to
initiate these new foundations in unfamiliar fields and
frequently inauspicious conditions. Meanwhile at home
the growing academy and the community's increasing
numbers were continually requiring wise guidance and
energetic management.

Mother Frances's terms of office or of shared respon
sibility were tests of courage and fortitude; they were
often coincident with one of those dire visitations which
repeatedly called forth the sisters' heroic qualities. Dur
ing such ordeals as the Civil War, the yellow fever and
cholera plagues, the valor and fidelity of the Sisters of
Charity in hospitals and infirmaries matched the bravery
and devotion of soldiers on the battlefield. Through
such tribulations Mother Frances's burdens were indeed
heavy. She, whose heart was ever tender and merciful,
had an overwhelming solicitude for her spiritual chil
dren, so nobly giving their services, imperilling their
very lives, as nurses; yet recognizing the opportunities
such seasons gave for testing the virtues to which they
aspired, she longed to sustain them in their trials, to en
courage them in rising to the heroism demanded. This
is the tenor of her letters during days of affliction : "It is
an honor to serve Our Lord in His suffering creatures."
And again this high strain : 'To die while laboring for

MOTHER FRANCES GARDINER.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 83

the neighbor, as did our dear Sister Mary Lucy, is to die
as Martyrs of Charity." With a resolution like that of
her patron, St. Francis of Assisi, she strove to infuse a
spirit of cheerfulness into the hearts of those who had so
much to endure ; for example this message : "Ask Sister
Laurentia if she has lost an arm since the War — she has
not written to me for a long while." And in similar
vein, with a deeper note of solicitude so evident :

"Dear Sister:

"I presume you have scarcely time to cross your
self since the poor wounded soldiers have come into the
hospital. Now indeed you may be a daughter of Char
ity. Do all you can, my dear Sister, for this is the will
of God. Take prudent care of your health in order to
be better able to serve others."

Well might Mother Frances give precepts to her Com
munity, for she herself was well disciplined in "those
things which are the chief glory of the religious life."
Her strict fidelity to her rule and her constant solicitude
for her society are golden testimonials to her fitness for
the vocation to which she responded in her childhood.
Her counsels were fraught with the spiritual wisdom of
her own dedicated heart. In typical strain she wrote:
"We are, oh I hope, in the same purpose of glorifying
God, doing good to the neighbor, and sanctifying our
own souls." She had a special gift for pointed phrasing,
not, however, because she sought for effective terms, but
because her sincerity, her ardent wish to fulfill her mater
nal role, gave a vigor and a persuasiveness to her ex
pressions. The following maxims are illustrative : "Try
to keep your rules; do not neglect your spiritual exer
cises, for they are your arms against the tempter ;" "Love
recollection, prayer, silent prayer to the heart, while the
hands are busy in acts of charity."

84 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

The spiritual was the base of her every thought and
every advice, yet she could also give admirable practical
suggestions for the day's work, thus helping the individ
ual's own progress and that of the community, for in
stance: "You must not neglect to improve yourself all
you can. Write every day and with care. Your letter
was well done, Review and study, and never think you
have reached the point beyond which you need not aim.
Go ahead ever!"

Those who knew Mother Frances but slightly might
have been tempted to judge her austere; but her letters to
the Sisters on missions are models of touching affection.
Characteristic is one letter with its tender note, hoping
that Sister Claudia gets her cup of coffee every morning.
Still more typical is this communication whose "sweet
reasonableness" is like a gentle touch upon a ruffled
heart :

"As I am as anxious for your happiness as I am for my
own, I write you these few lines to ask you what I can do
to effect it. Tell me, I pray, dear Sister, where you would
like to be. I feel that the Sisters of the Council feel as
I do on this subject; and if you will only say where you
want to be, I will propose a change. You know that I
have always been candid with you, that when I promise
a thing, it is with the intention of fulfilling it."

What gentle consideration breathes in these words,
deepening the impression left by many traditions: that
Mother Frances was one of those whose seemingly
austere but really tender natures ceaselessly spend them
selves in a thousand "little nameless unremembered acts
of kindness and of love." Hence, a true portrayal of her
is to be gained less from mere formal enumeration of her
activities, than from such loving tribute as this, rendered

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 85

by one whose intimate acquaintance with her gives au
thority to the eulogy : "Who but God's recording angel
could tell of the silent deeds of her charity, the whispered
words that came just in time to save, the mercy that
feigned not to see the transgressor? Here is a memory
that must hallow the very walls in which she has lived."

Undoubtedly, such guiding spirits as Mother Catherine
Spalding, Mother Frances Gardiner, and Mother Co-
lumba Carroll were chiefly responsible for directing the
early band in the way of piety and prosperity; but they
in turn were able to accomplish their work largely be
cause of the loyal and energetic co-operation of their de
vout associates. Hence further reference is due to these
companions in the society's intrepid vanguard.

Foremost among these, Sister Teresa Carrico deserves
special commemoration. The first of the original group
to respond to Father David's hope for a community of
religious women, her fervor was really the cornerstone
of the order. When Father David had almost despaired
of being able to surmount the difficulties in the way of
establishing the society, was it not her trust in Divine
Providence that renewed her spiritual father's own con
fidence? Having but little of what the world deems
knowledge, she was blessed with unusual spiritual wis
dom. An informal sketch thus describes her: "Her
humility was so great that she never seemed to wish for
any knowledge save that of the Cross. How great was
her acquisition of this supreme knowledge God alone
knew. But those with whom she lived could easily see
that she had reached an extraordinary height of super
natural wisdom. In her own simple way she had a judici
ous answer for every question. Every word of hers
seemed as if inspired by God Himself. Exaltavit humiles
were certainly a fitting expression of Heaven's grace
toward faithful Sister Teresa."

86 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

The poet's praise of "drudgery divine" she richly de
served :

"Who sweeps the floor as for Thy laws
Makes that and the action fine."

A young sister had heard that for many years Sister
Teresa had had so much to do in the kitchen that she
could not leave her duties to make her meditation, and
that on Communion days she could go to the chapel only
at the beginning of Mass, leaving at the close, without
longer time for thanksgiving. "Did you not find it very
hard to do these things, Sister," asked the younger re
ligious, "to miss so many exercises?" "Why, no, child,"
was the artless answer, "I never missed any exercises at
all. Whenever I could go with the community, it was a
joy to me and I was at my place ; and when I could not,
I did the most I could where I was. Father David used
to tell us that is the way to do, that God would make up
for our spiritual exercises if we left them only for love
of Him ; then, said Father David, our work becomes a
prayer, and we miss nothing but only gain more merit.
And how God did make up for it all !"

Today has its own characteristic piety and its own
phrasing thereof, but it is edifying to follow a little
farther Sister Teresa's ingenuous sincerity: "Why, I
don't believe I ever made better meditation, or more
fervent preparation and thanksgiving for Communion
than when standing by the fire in the old kitchen. I
never could get anything out of books; but when I was
by the blazing fire, it was so easy to think of the burning
flames of hell and purgatory and the wickedness of sin
that sends people there. And then I had so much to
thank God for ! Just to think that a poor miserable crea
ture like this old Teresa was allowed to live in His house,
receive Him so often, and serve Him all the day long!
And then He was blessing our little community so visibly !

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 87

We had been so poor that many a time I did not know
what I could get to put in the kettle; but something
always came ; then abundance came ; and now, you young
Sisters can scarcely imagine how it used to be. We must
never forget to be grateful to God for all this!" As her
informal biographer comments: "The secret of Sister
Teresa's life was thus revealed; she made of it an un
broken prayer. Whatever she did, her soul was ever
united with the will of God. The love of Him made the
works He expected of her hands seem light — the cross
is no burden to a loving heart ; and Sister Teresa learned
how to make everything serve to unite her more closely
with her Heavenly Spouse. Her exact observance of the
rule seemed to cost her no effort; she had imbibed the
spirit of a true Sister of Charity, she walked in humility
and simplicity before God, and the Sisters saw with
great edification her homely features made beautiful by
the holiness that shone through them, revealing the love
liness of her soul. Her manner of observing silence was
particularly striking. She seemed perfectly recollected
and scarcely ever spoke an unnecessary word, but she
greeted everyone she met with a kind smile. "And that
smile was always sure to greet the Sister whose heart
was heavy. It came like a ray of sunshine to direct
thought heavenward and raise the sinking courage. . . .
She could not bear to hear fault found nor any criticism
of her superiors. Such unkindness never failed to bring
a frown to her brow and the gentle sufficient rebuke:
Tity, pity, child ; God sees to all these things ; good will
come out of it; but harm will come to us if we foolishly
discuss things in which it is none of our business to
meddle'."

Sister Teresa was particularly fond of the young
Sisters, in whose society she was generally found during
recreation hours. They, in return, loved and revered her.

88 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

There was nothing austere in her words and ways. She
was always cheerful, prompt to see what good there was
in everyone, ready to sympathize with others in their
little trials, to encourage them and say how she had once
had perhaps the same trials : then always came her favor
ite words: "My child, be obedient, and love God with
all your heart, and everything will go right with you.
. . . Labor for God alone."

Exceptional were her humility, her piety, her love of
holy poverty, but no less remarkable was her Christian
perseverance. In her last years, though rheumatism
badly afflicted her, she continued, whenever possible, to
attend all community exercises. Sick or well, she never
failed to rise at the first bell in the morning. If she felt
too ill to continue dressing, she went to bed again, but
never until she had made the first effort; she said that
otherwise sloth might get the better of her.

No one ever knew Sister Teresa's exact age, but she
was not very young when the community was formed,
and she lived in it many years. She and Mother Cather
ine had labored together from the beginning of their
order, and Mother Catherine's death was her own mortal
blow ; only a month did she survive her friend and com
rade in Christ. The Jesuit Father who preached her
funeral sermon said to the Sisters: "You have parted
with a saint." Thus reverenced, passed in 1858 the spirit
of one whose virtues are among the community's most
precious traditions. She was one of the lowliest, but
one of the most glorious, of the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth — their ever venerated "foundation stone of hu
mility."

If it may be said that the success of almost any im
portant human work largely depends upon the sympathy
which supports its incipient stages, then in great measure
credit for the formation of the Nazareth Society may be

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 89

ascribed to Sister Elizabeth Wells, second member of
the small household with which the sisterhood began,
who united her fervent request with Sister Teresa's for
the organization of the community. Sister Betsy, as the
quaint parlance of the day termed her, was a noble soul.
Not till her sixteenth year did she become a Catholic,
after making the acquaintance of Father Stephen Badin,
who instructed her and received her into the church.
Thenceforth her fervor was unabated, devoting itself to
many pious works before and after her affiliation with
Sister Teresa. Yet, for all her holiness, she was a little
erratic. She eventually withdrew from Father David's
little band, but this does not detract from the generosity
with which she helped to accomplish its first mustering.
Her piety and many other sterling qualities doubtless
compensated for her eccentricities. She gave lavishly of
her energies and her means, asking naught for herself.
It was said of her: "Beyond food and clothing, she
would accept nothing for her labor, holding with St.
Paul that piety with sufficiency is great gain."

To Sister Harriet Gardiner, sister of Mother Frances
and Sister Clare, prominent place is due in any early
history of the community. Brought up like her sisters
in the religious atmosphere of her grandmother's home,
she early manifested signs of strong character and solid
piety. As a young woman she made a retreat under
Father David's direction, and this spiritual season seems
to have matured her childhood dreams of a religious life.
She and Catherine Spalding had been playmates and
friends from their early youth. They "formed their holy
purpose together ;" and three months after Catherine had
joined the sisterhood, Harriet enlisted in its ranks, thus
becoming a member of Nazareth's first family, the
original six religious of 1813. When the first election
was held, Sister Harriet stood by the side of Mother

90 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Catherine as her assistant. By a dispensation of the
rule, which the small number of members rendered neces
sary, she filled this office for two consecutive terms.

Endowed with a clear and superior intellect, Sister
Harriet was an excellent teacher, and as such, she was
successfully employed at Nazareth for many years. She
possessed in an eminent degree the art of enforcing disci
pline among children. With her this gift was a fine art.
Her quiet, dignified bearing was enough to secure order ;
she seldom found it necessary to administer a reproof;
but when this was needed, she gave it in so firm and
gentle a tone that the fault was at once corrected. She
possessed the children's affection to such a degree that,
when possible, they grouped around her with eager at
tention and beaming countenances, listening to every
syllable that fell from her lips, thus receiving profitable
lessons in most effective form.

Always pious and exact in the observance of the rule,
Sister Harriet was a source of edification to the com
munity. She was gifted with a special tact for conversa
tion, and possessed the power of interesting and bene-
fitting all. The Sisters' recreation was never so pleasant
as when her joy-imparting voice was heard. No one
could utter a word contrary to charity, or savoring of
complaint, that she did not know how to change the
trend of conversation in such a way that no one could be
offended or even perceive what she had done. If a Sister
were sad, Sister Harriet was by her side, speaking of
just such things as would best divert or console her, and
that as though accidentally.

Sister Harriet founded the school of Bethlehem in
Bardstown and also that of Vincennes, Indiana. It was
in the latter institution that she died, with no comfort
but the grace of God and the testimony of a good con
science. In this primitive mission there was a great

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 91

scarcity of clergymen, and the one on whom devolved the
care of the congregation was frequently away: he had
been absent for two months when Sister Harriet's frame,
wasted by a fever of thirteen days, at last yielded up its
spirit. The four Sisters who formed the community
there all contracted the same malady, and one with great
effort crawled out of bed to help another. Sister Har
riet's unfailing cheerfulness is revealed in the following
letter, written on September 27th, 1826, when the fever
must have been already upon her, for she died ten days
later. It is addressed to Sister Clare.

"St. Clare, Sept. 27, 1826.
Ma tres chere Sceur,

"What in the world is all this bustle about? You
must pretend you get no letters from me or they are in
tercepted. I wrote you in July. Mon Pere is gone to
Canada. God only knows when we shall see him. I have
had a terrible time since his departure. I am the only
one well, and I think every day that my turn has come.
I feel much like it at present. Hardly can there be found
one house, whether in town or country, without some
sick in it. Fevers of every kind are prevailing. Had I
had time, I should doubtless have yielded — but indeed I
have hardly had time to breathe. I had plenty to keep
me busy all day. Our school was very full all summer,
but it is now quite small because of sickness. Our last
examination was splendid, attended by nearly as many
as the room would contain. But why should I tell you
of our school ? You are as mute as a mouse about yours.
I judged the reason to be its insignificance, of which
you are ashamed. I must conclude by giving you the
love of all the Sisters and begging you to give ours to
all your children. . . .

"Adieu, ma tres chere Sceur,

SISTER HARRIET GARDINER/'

92 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

It was to be her final "Adieu ;" her death occurred the
following month, profoundly grieving the community to
which she had given the service of her tireless energies
and amiable disposition.

Throughout Nazareth's early history appears the name
of the third member of this devout triumvirate, Sister
Clare Gardiner, who in 1819 joined her two sisters in the
community. Though different in disposition from
Mother Frances and Sister Harriet, she possessed traits
which notably contributed to the community's early de
velopment at the mother house and its branches. She was
an admirable and exacting teacher, a strict disciplinarian,
yet deeply beloved. During her years at Nazareth the
pupils included a number of vivacious Southern girls,
somewhat difficult to control. Sister Clare used to say
that her success as a disciplinarian among these lively
spirits was due to the fact that, whenever she entered the
study hall to preside, she always thought of the guardian
angels there, one for every mischievous girl ; this thought
alone sustained and encouraged her.

As Mother Frances's near kinswomen were thus united
with her in religion, so Mother Catherine enjoyed the
satisfaction of having her sister enter the order in 1816.
Sister Ann Spalding was an admirable and talented re
ligious, an especially able teacher of advanced classes.
One of her first missions was to St. Catherine's Academy,
of which she was in charge when it was moved to Lex
ington, Kentucky. There she remained until her tragic
death in 1848. Respected for her intellectual ability, she
was beloved because of her piety and charity. She was a
martyr to her kindliness and forbearance, having been
poisoned by a negro girl whom she had cared for and
protected. Though she discovered the identity of this
murderess, Sister Ann refused to prosecute her; with
Christlike forbearance and forgiveness, she and Mother

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 93

Catherine requested that nothing be said about the
deed.

Another family blest by having a group of its members
united with the little society of the Kentucky countryside
was that of Sister Margaret, Patricia and Hilaria Bam-
ber. All three gave devoted labors to their community,
to God and to their fellow creatures. For many years
Sister Margaret was the able superior of St. Vincent's
Academy, Union County, where her administration was
eminently wise and successful : but it is, above all, as a
kind, skilful infirmarian that tradition has handed for
ward her name. During the cholera epidemic she was
one of the most successful nurses. For many years in
firmarian at Nazareth, she survived her dear Mother
Catherine only ten days.

Sister Patricia Bamber was one of the community's
early martyrs, she having lost her life while nursing
cholera patients. Sister Hilaria Bamber entered the
community with Sister Margaret Bamber in 1829. Her
services to the order were manifold. She was an excel
lent teacher, an able infirmarian. She, too, was faithful
even unto death, dying a victim of the cholera epidemic
of 1833.

In glancing over the sisterhood's earliest records one
is impressed by its good fortune in having several mem
bers of rare intellectual endowment, others remarkable
for physical energy, while some of the band possessed
both mental and physical strength. From many of them
Browning might have had an eloquent response to his
question :

"What hand and brain went ever paired ?
What heart alike conceived and dared?"

This variety of gifts enabled the community to fulfill
its high and manifold destiny as a charitable and teach
ing body. Foremost among those who gave distinction

94 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

to Nazareth teaching corps, was Sister Ellen O'Connell,
whose name a preceding chapter has perhaps already in
vested with interest. Her affiliation with the community
was distinctly opportune. Possessing admirable native
talents, a cultivated mind and taste, she was a disting
uished candidate for the spiritual and intellectual guid
ance which Father David, with his own still richer store
of learning and Old World training, shared with his chil
dren of Nazareth. Her lectures on Christian doctrine
are said to have been as clear and impressive as those of
Father David or Bishop Kenrick. As a girl she had
made a special study of the Bible with her father," who
was professor in a Baltimore college. Her abilities seem
to have been as versatile as they were solid; she was a
mathematician, an artist, a musician, a writer of consider
able grace and imaginative power. Like many other
highly intellectual persons, she possessed an excellent wit ;
her distinguished acquisitions in no sense chilled or
atrophied her genial spirits. Her charm and dignity
in conversation, her discreet understanding of others and
of the fine possibilities of the human relation, made her
a valuable guide in initiating her pupils into the great
art of living wisely and agreeably with one's fellow crea
tures. One of the traditions of her life at Nazareth is
that of her taking the pupils for long, delightful walks,
during which the whole company gathered branches and
twigs, bearing the same home for firewood, Sister Ellen
meanwhile recommending the occupation as good ex
ercise.

Invaluable as was Sister Ellen's contribution to Nazar
eth's academic life, the spiritual stimulus she gave must

u A few years ago, while in Virginia, a Sister heard this story about Sister
Ellen's grandfather, from one of his relatives. After the death of one
of his children he dreamed of his own death, followed by a long journey
which ended at a gate. He attempted to enter, but was restrained by a voice,
saying, "You cannot enter here until you change your faith. You have one
child here and soon you will have another." Mr. O'Connell paid little atten
tion to this dream till he lost a second child; he then took a course of in
struction and became a Catholic.

COLONIAL PORCH.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 95

have been equally enriching. Though unused to priva
tion, she humbly adapted herself to the discipline and
somewhat primitive conditions which awaited her at the
mother house. A final proof of her meekness and forti
tude was given in her late years. During one of those
seasons of misunderstanding which occasionally befall
those of best intentions, it seemed advisable for her to
go forth to a new mission. She was given her choice of
the school in Louisville or the more arduous and recent
foundation at White River, Indiana, but with true re
ligious spirit, she declined to choose. The council then
decided upon White River, and thither she obediently
went in her sixtieth year, and with the "generous cheer
fulness" which characterized her life. That she was
deeply wounded, no one will doubt, for she was human;
but never did act or word of hers betray the fact. She
was still ready to labor according to her strength. The
foundation at White River was not entirely successful,
and when it was closed, Sister Ellen went to Lexington,
Kentucky, where she taught seven years until her death
in 1841. There, as elsewhere, she gave untiringly of her
intellectual powers, her gracious nature, her spiritual
forces. Thus has her contribution to her community
been summarized: "There is not one of us now, there
will not be one in the future, free from indebtedness to
her."

In a particular sense this was true of her educational
work, whose good methods and high standards were
transmitted to her distinguished pupil, co-laborer and
successor, Margaret Carroll, the future Mother Columba.
So eminent and enduring an influence did this religious
exert in the history of Nazareth, that a full length por
trait is accorded her in the chapter bearing her name.

No biographical sketches of the early sisterhood would
be complete without special comment upon one who bore

96 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

a prime part in the first work of the mother house and,
as a true apostolic religious, vigorously aided in building
and sustaining new foundations, Sister Martha Drury,
called indeed to be busy about many things. What tra
ditions her name recalls, of unflagging zeal, rugged piety,
utmost compassion ! More than once her name must
shine forth gloriously in the history of the community
which she served for nearly seventy years. Like so many
of the other first members, this young girl had been one
of Father David's lambs. Under his instruction she had
been prepared for her first Communion and for Confir
mation, and great must have been his joy when, as its
first postulant, she crossed the threshold of the new Naz
areth in 1822. Knowing so well her indefatigable in
dustry as a handmaid of the Lord, Father David chose
her name; but did even he suspect the manifold labors
by which she was to rival her Scriptural counterpart?
Toil at the loom and in the fields ; domestic tasks innum
erable; the burden of opening new schools and infirm
aries ; faithful nursing of cholera patients ; attendance
on sick and wounded soldiers ; care of orphan children —
how appropriate was the name Martha for one who gave
such generous service to her Master !

After her early years of vigorous labor at the mother
house, Sister Martha went on her first mission, Bards-
town, whence she returned to Nazareth as infirmarian —
only to go forth again to establish a school in Fairfield,
Kentucky, then back to Nazareth, where, as one of her
friends says, "with her usual promptitude she set herself
to work to straighten out whatever was amiss in the vari
ous departments of labor in the institution." After these
years of varied experience and discipline, Heaven deemed
her equal to her first great ordeal, and she was to pass
nobly through several. In 1832-33, when the cholera dev
astated the country, valiant Sister Martha was one of the

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 97

earliest to nurse the victims. She herself fell ill of the
plague, but her hardy physique and doughty spirit van
quished the disease. St. Vincent's Academy, Union
County, the Presentation Academy, Louisville, St.
Mary's, Paducah, St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville, were
afterward to claim her glorious energies, her unbounded
charity, and, to add one of her chief qualities, her ex
cellent common sense. In the subsequent sketches of the
several branch houses, her name and deeds will promin
ently appear. In the present eulogy, no more telling
summary of her virtues may be made than that con
tributed at the time of her death by her distinguished
friend above quoted, the Hon. B. J. Webb:

"What a life of toil and abnegation has been here pre
sented to us ! Think of it ! A woman, happily a strong
and hearty one, with no will of her own beyond the will
to be true to her God, to her superiors, and herself!
Knocked about for more than sixty years, from pillar to
post and back again — not that she was tired of either post
or pillar or they of her, but because the one or the other
had greater need of her services ! Giving of her strength
to the weak, her knowledge to the ignorant, her hope to
the despondent, and the love of her heart to all, through
Christ Jesus ! Now binding up wounded limbs, and now
closing dying eyes and reverently folding lifeless hands
over unheaving breasts. Here nursing the sick, wooing
back to health by her gentle ministrations or whispering
messages of peace and comfort into ears fast closing to
all sounds of earth. Now teaching the little ones to pray,
and now forming bands among the pupils of her schools,
and encouraging them to raise altars in their hearts
whereon to offer flowers of love and duty to the Cruci
fied and His Blessed Mother!"

Sister Martha had the gratification of sharing her vo
cation \vith her sister, Sister Isabella Drury. This good

98 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

religious was much beloved and she generously gave hei
life and labors to her community during a period of
fifty-one years. At the mother house she was long a
valued teacher; one of those who inspired and retained
the confidence of parents. Such a memory she left also
at St. Vincent's Academy, Union County, where her able
administration is commemorated in a subsequent chapter
containing the recollections of her former pupil, Mrs.
John A. Logan.

Still another of the early sisterhood, whose career was
an encouragement to her associates and is today a pious
tradition, was Sister Elizabeth Suttle. Born in Maryland,
she joined the Nazareth Society when she was only six
teen years of age (1815). A long period of her fifty-
eight years as a religious was spent at St. Vincent's
Academy, Union County. Her last labors were those of
hostess at Nazareth, where she endeared herself to the
academy's household and to all who visited the institu
tion. She was an able teacher, a cheerful, patient, chari
table Sister. Father David held her in high esteem. A
brief sketch of her contains this eulogy: "Would we
find the keystone of a life so eminently beautiful and sin
less ? Like the Beloved Apostle, she loved God truly and
earnestly, and the burning chanty of her soul overflowed
with love for all. In all she saw the image and the work
of God ; she loved flowers, she loved the song of birds ; a
ray of sunshine brought gladness to her soul ; every ob
ject raised her thoughts to heaven in love and gratitude."

To these glorious names of the early Nazareth Sister
hood others might be added, but biographical details are
inadequate for distinct portraits. The memory of all,
however, is closely interwoven with the community's
pioneer days. Their zeal, their inspiration, their heroic
labors contributed time-proof threads to the fabric of
Nazareth's history. In no small measure the strength

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SISTERHOOD 99

and wide usefulness of the society today are due to their
ardor, vigor, and patience. Grace of God and their own
inspiration sustained their endeavors. So primitive was
the mode of transportation during the first half century
of the community's existence that they were virtually
islanded from the world which lay beyond their rural
estate; but thus cast upon their own resources, they de
veloped initiative, self-reliance, confidence in Heaven,
which served as strong armor for their immediate work,
as swords of the spirit to pass to their successors. At
one in their conviction that holiness is the supreme ideal,
they represented, as has already been said, a variety of
personalities and talents: sturdy pioneers, highly culti
vated minds, simple souls whose zeal kept the flame of
devotion glowing, delicately nurtured women, "of dis
tinguished respectability," as the old phrase goes, several
fortified by rich traditions of ancestral pieties. By the
end of the community's second decade these diverse ele
ments formed the nucleus of a promising society — one
which was to prove worthy of that mighty magnet, love
of God and fellow-man, which had drawn them together.

CHAPTER V

EARLY FOUNDATIONS; IDEALS AND CURRICULA AT
NAZARETH.

WHEN the community had established itself as a
teaching and benevolent society, it began to re
ceive frequent requests for aid in the missionary settle
ments of the South and Middle West. Not unlike the
apostolic bands of yore the small companies, whenever
possible, went forth to open schools, hospitals, infirmaries.

In opening branch houses, two principles have from
the beginning guided the superiors of Nazareth. They
have been eager to respond when needy vineyards called,
yet, with commendable prudence, they have been re
luctant to undertake foundations where their toil might
prove vain and impermanent. Undaunted by difficult
tasks, they have wisely striven to devote themselves
where the glory of God and the good of humanity might
be most effectively served. Comparatively few of the
branch houses have been closed; nearly all have enjoyed
steadily progressive careers. This chapter will sketch
their early days, while subsequent pages will recount
their later histories.

It was indeed fitting that, as the mother house was
named Nazareth, the first branch house should have been
called "Bethlehem." This academy was begun in Bards-
town, Kentucky, 1819, in the home of a convert, Mr.
Nehemiah Webb, whose family has long been represented
at Nazareth by pupils and religious. Before the erection
of the Bardstown cathedral, the principal room in Mr.
Webb's house was used as a chapel ; it was auspicious

100

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 101

that the Sisters should have opened a school in such an
already sanctified dwelling. Sisters Harriet Gardiner,
Polly Beaven and Nancy Lynch established this academy,
which was to" do honor to the noble parent tree.

Though the purpose for which the sisters first went
into Bardstown was the nourishment of the young minds
and souls of the cathedral congregation, sterner tasks
than teaching were undertaken from time to time. Dur
ing the cholera epidemic of 1832-33, the Sisters laid
aside their books and energetically performed spiritual
and corporal works of mercy, many an afflicted house
hold in Bardstown being blessed by their ministrations.
They did house-to-house nursing, and served in the hos
pitals improvised during the trying season. The follow
ing episode is typical of their generous deeds : Two miles
from the neighboring convent of Loretto, a family named
Roberts had been stricken by the plague. Two Loretto
Sisters had tried to give aid to the unfortunates; but
one of these good nurses had succumbed to the scourge
before the Sisters of Nazareth appeared. When Sister
Martha and a companion arrived, they entered the
kitchen where they found one negro servant dead and
another with life almost extinct. Within the next room
a child lay dying, watched by the grief -stricken parents.
Two farm hands soon came in, evidently in the clutches
of the pestilence. The Sisters had the manifold task of
nursing and comforting the living, ministering to the
dying, attending to the burial of the dead. Sister
Martha's companion was unable to continue the exhaust
ing, nerve-racking occupation, so Father Reynolds took
her home. Sister Eulalia Flaget, the bishop's niece, then
joined Sister Martha. When the latter saw that the sick
children were far gone, she asked their father if he ob
jected to her baptizing them ; his answer was expressive
of the unreserved confidence which the Sisters had won

102 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

for themselves: "My life, like my children's, is in your
hands. I can grant you nothing, because I can refuse
you nothing. If I still have anything, it is all yours. My
friends have forsaken me; and you, who were a stranger
to me, have come and stood by me in my distress at the
peril of your life."

When the plague subsided, the Sisters returned to their
school work with the blessed adaptability of true Chris
tians. Their generous nursing had won the affection and
esteem of the townspeople, whose patronage thereafter
gained a steady prosperity for Bethlehem Academy.

The foundation of St. Vincent's Academy, near Mor-
ganfield, Union County, Kentucky, in 1820, at first known
as "Little Nazareth", has already been sketched. Like
the mother house, it was built by pioneer women, whose
vigor of spirit, mind and body infused it with their own
vitality. It soon became one of the community's best
patronized academies, drawing pupils not only from
neighboring Kentucky families, but from Indiana, Ohio,
Illinois, especially from their southern sections, where
elementary education was chiefly in the hands of itinerant
teachers. The Catholic academy of Union County, Ken
tucky, \vas the only comparatively near-by school to offer
more than reading, writing and arithmetic ; for painting,
music, the languages, in fact, a well rounded education,
girls were sent to St. Vincent's, often under the care of
Father Durbin. In the wide territory of his missionary
labors, this "patriarch priest" won many devoted friends
among Catholics and non-Catholics, who gladly en
trusted their children to his fatherly care. After the
custom of those stage-coach days, many a time at the
beginning of school sessions there might be seen passing
through the rural districts of the above named States a
merry caravan, a flock of St. Vincent's pupils, shepherded
by Father Durbin. Vivid and happy reference to early

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 103

academic life at St. Vincent's Academy occurs in the
memories of Mrs. John A. Logan, widow of General
Logan, in her volume, "Reminiscences of a Soldier's
Wife." From her girlhood home in Southern Illinois
this distinguished author went to the academy in West
ern Kentucky, where she was graduated in 1855. In
addition to their charm, her memories have a two-fold
importance; besides commenting on the school's good
training, they intimately picture that home life of the
convent boarding-school which many parents have es
teemed an attraction scarcely secondary to a well planned
and taught curriculum. In the old days that existence
was perhaps more easily secured than at present, a state
ment which casts no reflection upon Sisters and pupils
of today. But in the earlier epoch when the means of
transportation were limited, the teachers and students
were more dependent upon one another's resources, and
many children were left for months, sometimes years, in
the Sisters' care. The present facilities of travel permit
more frequent encroachment of city life and its distrac
tions, and doubtless to some degree make the "home
atmosphere" of the boarding school more difficult to
maintain. Its idyllic tone of yore is felicitously recap
tured in Mrs. Logan's memories. From her home,
Shawneetown, in southern Illinois, where her father was
President Pierce's appointee to the office of land registrar,
she was taken to St. Vincent's Academy of the eighteen-
fifties. "It was then and still is one of the best schools
in the whole country. In the community where I lived
there were few Catholics, and no churches, monks, nuns
or priests. I was totally ignorant of the ceremonies and
symbols of the church and of the significance of the cos
tumes worn by priests and nuns, and consequently had
much to learn that was not in the curriculum of the
school." Evidently with some trepidation the young

104 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

girl of fifteen accompanied her father to the unfamiliar
doors of the convent. Her childish fears began to be
dissipated when, in answer to her father's ring, "the
angelic face of a Sister appeared ; . . . she quickly
unlocked the door and invited us into the parlor. Under
the influence of her gentle manner and the immaculate
appointment of the room, together with the bright wood-
fire in the fireplace, I began to feel less frightened. After
seating us, the Sister withdrew to call the Sister Su
perior. ... In a few moments Sister Isabella
[Drury] came in. . . . She drew me close to her
and in a voice of tenderness, welcomed me as one of her
girls. I soon forgot my terror and thought her cap and
gown especially becoming to her. After luncheon father
completed all the arrangements for my remaining for the
school year of nine months and took his leave while I,
with tearful eyes, was led by Sister Isabella into the con
vent proper, and introduced to some of the older girls
who acted as hostesses to the new arrivals. At first I
was very homesick, but soon forgot my unhappiness, sur
rounded by light-hearted companions and the good kind
Sisters who were ever ready to comfort and cajole the
homesick and unhappy.

"To have any idea of the conditions at St. Vincent's in
1854-55, it would be necessary to turn back the leaves
of time for more than fifty years and to realize that
scarcely a single advantage, which the pupils at St. Vin
cent's now enjoy, then existed. We were literally pion
eers, and the opportunities we had were of the most
primitive character; but underlying them all was the
lovely spirit of devotion, purity, and tenderness of the
dear Sisters which made the simplest exercises beautiful
and attractive.

"In those days we had the cabins of the slaves in the
rear of the main buildings of the school. I remember

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 105

very distinctly the pranks in which Sallie Cotton, the
Van Landinghams, the Cunninghams, the Luns fords,
Spaldings . . . myself and a host of happy unaf
fected sweet girls engaged. We used to take our finery
and deck out the pickaninnies and mammies in harlequin
colors."

Among these proteges of the blithe-hearted girls were
Uncle Harry, the best hand on the farm, and Aunt Agnes,
his wife, the cook, whose dainties endeared her to the
girls. Aunt Agnes was eventually sold and pathetically
borne away from her family — an incident of heart
breaking significance to Sisters and girls, who, led by
Sister Isabella at the end of the sad scene of parting,
passed into the church to pray for poor Agnes. An inci
dent of happier character was a May-Day party : "The
girls at St. Vincent's were happy, practical, sensible, con
scientious girls, but full of mischief and fun. I remem
ber our crowning the Lady Superior, dear Sister Isa
bella, as Queen of the May. Uncle Harry, the faithful
old colored man on the place, cut the poles for us, which
we used as a broad platform, whereon we placed a rustic
throne chair, covering all the floor of the platform with
green leaves that made it look like a green carpet and
twining greens about the chair, making a beautiful ap
pearance — an arch wound with wreaths above the chair.
To this platform we conducted dear Sister Isabella, with
all her maids of honor and attendants in regular state,
Sister Isabella in her habit and cap and her sweet face
full of smiles. We then crowned her, with a wreath of
flowers, Queen of the May, and she presided over the
various ceremonies, holding in her hand the sceptre which
directed the Maypole dance and other features of this
May Day Celebration, seemingly enjoyed by her with
just as much enthusiasm as the girls. Through an ar
rangement with the Sisters luncheon was served on the

106 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

green. Toward evening when the sun was sinking low,
we were marched back to the Convent, and at our sup-
pertime we were surprised to find that Sister Isabella
had her secret — in preparing for all the school a lovely
banquet." "

"Transportation being difficult in those days, many of
us spent our holidays at the Academy, and employed our
time in embroideries, knitting, repairing our clothes, and
sometimes in feasting and dancing. We were allowed
to go into the parlor to be introduced to the parents of
the girls. . . and on these occasions we were coached
as to the manner of entering the room, saluting the guests
and to withdraw without betraying awkwardness. In
those halcyon days, in addition to our studies and school
drudgery, girls of sixteen and upward had to make their
own clothes, including a graduation dress of sheer fine
muslin, together with a slip to wear under it. All this
was made by hand, which meant many hours of careful
sewing. . . . They not only had to make their own
clothes but had to assist the Sisters in making the white
dresses for the ten or a dozen orphans whom the Sisters
had on their hands to clothe and educate. Good-natured
Sister Superior Isabella would journey by water to
Louisville, Kentucky, to buy the material for the dresses,
together with many bolts of blue ribbon for sashes and
bow-knots, which every girl was obliged to wear on
Commencement Day. This was the one occasion of all
the year when we laid aside our purple calico and white-
apron uniforms. These on May 1st annually took the
place of the black alpaca which we wore in winter. . «

"The last few days before graduation day were be
wildering with the multiplicity of things that had to be
done at the last moment — final recitations for the elo
cutionists, rehearsals for the musicians, and the last read-

u Sisters' College Magazine, Jan., 1917.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 107

ing of compositions which we innocently believed would
startle the literary world if they could only appear in
print. . . . Fame was my theme. ... I felt
very proud of it then, and doubted if any author had ever
written so fine a production as, after Sister Lucy had
corrected it many times, and I had rewritten it, incorpor
ating her corrections, it seemed to me nothing could be
more perfect. I remember the difficulty of getting a
quill pen, and selecting paper that was good enough for
this wonderful production. . . . Memory carries
me back to that bright morning in June, 1855, when our
class graduated from dear old St. Vincent's.
Beneath the boughs of the majestic trees of the lawn a
large platform had been erected and covered with a bright
green carpet. A fine piano was on one side, while a
suitable place was arranged for the Bishop and priests
who were to distribute the diplomas, medals, and prizes.
After a long programme of music, addresses, giving of
diplomas, awards, and a benediction by the Bishop, we
marched to the refectory where a sumptuous repast was
spread and enjoyed by all."

Since that graduation day of 1855 the writer of the
foregoing memories has actively participated in the life
of affairs, sharing for thirty-one years the variously in
teresting career of her soldier-statesman husband, Gen
eral John A. Logan, and winning her own honors as a
writer. Being once complimented by a gentleman upon
her command of the English language, Mrs. Logan loy
ally gave credit to her Alma Mater for this accomplish
ment: "I had learned it in the dormitory of St. Vin
cent's. To commit to memory a column in the dictionary
was a form of punishment for a violation of the regula
tions ; and, as I was frequently among the delinquents,
I had learned much of the dictionary by heart." This

13 Reminscences of a Soldier's Wife (Scribner, 1913).

103 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

discipline now amiably recalled, immemorially in force
also at Nazareth Academy, doubtless served the former
St. Vincent girl in good stead when she was later pre
paring her several volumes, numerous magazine and
newspaper articles. One of the first books of its kind
was her "Home Manual" (1869), with its quaint and
comprehensive subtitle, "Everybody's Guide in Social,
Domestic and Business Life," a book which still (allow
ing for the changing customs of fifty years) remains an
excellent first aid to living wisely, gracefully and well.
Among her other volumes are "Thirty Years in Washing
ton;" and, in collaboration with her daughter (Mrs.
Mary Logan Tucker), "The Part Taken By Women in
American History." To the aforesaid memorized dic
tionary columns, dread but salutary penalty, is no doubt
to be ascribed the clear, fluent, often forceful style of
these volumes and of the many articles on national and
international affairs which Mrs. Logan has long con
tributed to periodicals.

Among Nazareth's branches next in seniority to St.
Vincent's Academy is St. Catherine's Academy, Lexing
ton, Kentucky. Mother Catherine began this school in
Scott County in 1823. Under Sister Ann Spalding's
guidance it was transferred in 1833 to the chief city of
Kentucky's Bluegrass region. During St. Catherine's
ninety-two years of existence, occasional trials have al
ternated with prosperous seasons. Upon its superiors
and their assistants have heavily fallen, from time to
time, the afflictions of pestilence and war. Nor have
they failed to be candidates for the blessing promised in
the eighth Beatitude to those who suffer persecution. At
an early period an inimical sect endeavored to prejudice
the citizens against the Sisters and Catholic institutions
in general, but the futility of this opposition was proved
by an editorial of the time, rejoicing at the establishment

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 109

of the school : "There is nothing more calculated to raise
us to an eminence than nurseries of learning of this kind.
Many of my acquaintances have been under the Sisters'
tutelage ; and I have found the Sisters affable, agreeable,
intelligent, polite, though quite plain, modest, unassum
ing and unaffected in their dress and manner." The
writer compliments the excellence of their pupils' work
as shown in the examinations — the trying public ones
then held in the presence of the most brilliant profes
sional men of the commonwealth. The chivalric and
just tribute then defends the Sisters from the charge of
proselytism : "They make no attempt at proselytism ; and
the only religious influence they exert is that of their in
dividual piety and exemplary conduct." Thus their sea
son of trial but served to win for them a more loyal
esteem and to elicit for their humble lives an applause
which they themselves would never have sought.

The gradually attained prosperity of St. Catherine's
Academy was due to the patience and industry of su
periors and their assistants. Several of the community's
most able religious guided its early destinies. Mother
Catherine, its founder, and her sister, Sister Ann Spald-
ing, who was in charge at the time of the Academy's re
moval to Scott County, had a line of worthy successors,
including Mother Frances Gardiner; Sister Gabriella
Todd, daughter of Samuel Todd, at one time a prominent
society woman, who became a convert and a Sister of
Charity, and devoted her rare intellectual gifts to the
service of God ; Sister Luc)r Lampton, under whose direc
tion for many years, the academy reached a high degree
of success. To a subsequent chapter belongs the account
of the school's later development.

When Bardstown was first made a bishopric, the epis
copal territory extended to Indiana. There in Vincennes,
in 1823, a band of Nazareth's Sisters, led by Sister Har-

110 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

riet Gardiner, established a school. This, however proved
to be one of the community's least fortunate foundations.
Sickness among the Sisters and infrequent attendance of
the priests caused the discontinuance of the school.
Later it was reopened and for a while it flourished, but
when, in 1834, Vincennes was made the see of a new
diocese with Bishop Brute as first bishop, it was thought
that the services of others would be more agreeable to
him, and the Sisters returned to Nazareth. Burns' "His
tory of Catholic Schools in the United States" states
that the schools established by the Sisters at Vincennes
and in the vicinity formed the starting point for subse
quent Catholic school settlements in Indiana.

When in 1831 Mother Catherine with several com
panions went down to Louisville to open a school in a
small house next to the old St. Louis's Church, long since
superseded by the Cathedral of the Assumption, great
would have been her joy had she foreseen the noble struc
tures which were to spring from her humble cornerstone.
From the little school were to evolve the now handsome
and prosperous Presentation Academy, St. Vincent's Or
phan Asylum and St. Joseph's Infirmary.

The original Presentation Academy had as its first
band Mother Catherine Spalding, Sisters Clare Gardiner,
Apollonia McGill and Serena Carney. So successful
were their labors, that they were able in a few years to
purchase a larger brick building on Fifth Street. There
and in an adjoining house, which they later acquired,
many of the representative Catholic and non-Catholic men
and women of Louisville began their first steps up Par
nassus. The present writer recalls with particular vivid
ness a scene of many years ago: One morning dearly
beloved Sister Sophia opened the class-room door, and
there on the threshold stood a stately beautiful woman,
looking into the room with obvious emotion. It was Mrs.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. Ill

De Navarro, who as Mary Anderson had once been a
pupil of the venerable school. Her volume, "A Few
Memories" (Harper's, 1915) contains affectionate allu
sion to her Alma Mater. She disclaims any particular
brilliance, though in reading she was head of her class —
this proficiency being doubtless a case of facile princeps.
She modestly recalls occasional punishments; but the
memories thereof seem to be far from bitter. One re
current penalty was being sent to stand in the corner or
to sit on the "dunce stool", this durance vile being evid
ently mitigated by the fact that the stool was cushioned.
And to the culprit in question there were other consola
tions. " 'I love sitting here', said I to Sister De Chantal,
who was fond of me in spite of my mischievousness, and
who always administered punishment in a kindly way, 'I
love sitting here, for I am nearer to you and can see the
girls better, and this seat is so much more comfortable
than those hard benches !' '

But to return to the other institutions, St. Vincent's
Orphan Asylum and St. Joseph's Infirmary, inaugurated
in the original Presentation Academy, the little frame
house of the eighteen-thirties. As has been said, the
former began as a refuge for children bereaved by the
cholera of 1832-33. When in 1836 it was moved to
larger quarters, Mother Catherine availed herself of a
few spare rooms which she arranged for the sick and
named St. Vincent's Infirmary. These quiet rooms won
the favor of city physicians. The Sisters' reputations as
nurses spread rapidly; the few rooms soon became in
adequate; hence Mother Catherine at first rented (1853)
and then bought (1858) St. Aloysius' College on Fourth
Street, originally occupied by the Jesuits. Thither in
1853 the patients were transferred and the new infirmary
was named St. Joseph's, now one of the community's
largest institutions of its class.

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

In 1849 Mother Frances Gardiner established in
Owensboro, Kentucky, another of Nazareth's eminent
branch schools, fittingly named St. Frances Academy.
Trials challenged the courage of the early bands at this
foundation ; but soon the academy gained prestige among
non-Catholics as well as Catholics.

Sixty years ago Covington and Newport, Kentucky,
laid the foundations for two prominent academies, La
Salette and Immaculata. Responding in 1856 to a re
quest from Rt. Rev. G. A. Carrell, Sister Clare Gardiner
and five other religious undertook two schools in Cov
ington, an academy and a parochial school. Bishop Car
rell and Father Butler dignified the former by naming it
after the famous French shrine, because it was estab
lished about the time of the apparition at La Salette, and
it is the only academy in the United States so named.
This school, which was to become one of Nazareth's
most creditable academies, was begun, and for many years
continued, in a small two story brick house surrounded
by commons. The impression made by the Sisters' in
dustry and their triumph over unfavorable conditions is
revealed by a quotation from one of Bishop Carrell's
Christmas sermons; His Grace wished the congregation
the blessings of the season and then, addressing the Sis
ters, said : "And you saints, also the same." Mother
Frances' comment was : "This is being canonized be
forehand, without the expense of the devil's advocate."
Providentially, Sister Clare, her associates and their suc
cessors in the early days of La Salette possessed pioneer
spirit enough to support them in their labors. Their
house contained only six rooms and three in the basement
which had to be utilized, as the place served not only as
academy but also as residence for its own Sisters, for
those teaching in the parochial school, St. Mary's, and
those who every day walked across the bridge to New-

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 113

port to teach in the Immaculata academy and parochial
school. But though they were thus crowded, the Sis
ters' faith and zeal transcended inauspicious circumstan
ces, and from their simple dwelling spread rich influences
of education and religion.

As is true of Nazareth's other branches, the establish
ment of Immaculata Academy, has been due to the able
superiors who have directed its course and to the zealous
and faithful religious who have assisted them. Among
the capable guiding spirits of earlier days was Sister
Mary David Wagner, a devoted Sister of Charity, strong
in character, unforgettably distinguished for her "spirit
of poverty" in all that concerned herself. She was local
superior in various missions, holding this office during
many years at the Immaculata. She was in charge dur
ing the erection of the first home and new school (1864),
a structure ever since known as "David's Tower". Be
cause of the small piece of ground at the Sisters' disposal,
it was necessarily run up to a height unusual at the time.
The upper stories proved most serviceable when the floods
invaded the ground floor; today the building is one of
three used for school and convent.

None of Nazareth's branches has won more local es
teem and more fond approbation from the mother house
than another pioneer institution — that fondly termed
"Old St. Mary's," Paducah, founded in 1858. Like
their sisters in Covington, those who helped to establish
this school are truly to be reckoned among Nazareth's
"saints;" several came near being numbered among her
martyrs. Hardships, spiritual and physical, marked
their first years. Paducah was then but a village and
prejudice was one of its prevailing mental attitudes. Into
such an unsympathetic atmosphere and into living condi
tions still primitive, dauntlessly fared the little army of
spiritual and intellectual crusaders. It was particularly

114 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

blessed in its leader, whose name has become a synonym
for indefatigable energy, courage and kindheartedness —
Sister Martha Drury. As one of her associates of St.
Mary's early days writes: "The Mother House well
knew what material was required to go forth into the
wilderness and produce the harvest. Born of Kentucky
pioneer stock that trod the wilderness when the whoop
of the Indian and the cry of the panther were the only
sounds which disturbed the solitude, Sister Martha was
endued with the sturdy spirit of her ancestors which de
fied all hardships. She often told her cathechism class of
the sacrifices undergone by the first Catholics. Among
other things she told of traveling twenty-five miles on
horseback without partaking of food or water to receive
the Bread of Life."

Associated with Sister Martha in the early days of St.
Mary's were Sister Sophia Carton and Sisters Beatrice,
De Sales, Guidonia, Jane Frances and Mary Lucy.
Later these were joined by others. The devoted group
spent a few years in arduous school work; then came
the Civil War, bringing stern trial and affliction to Sister
Martha and her co-laborers, and for the time requiring
their services as nurses rather than teachers.

One of the earliest foundations outside of Kentucky
was that of Nashville, Tennessee. This, consisting of a
school and a hospital, was begun in 1841 in response to
an invitation from the Rt. Rev. Bishop Miles. Accom
panied by Rev. Joseph Hazeltine, and Rev. J. M.
Lancaster of St. Joseph's College, the Sisters arrived in
Nashville in August, 1841. In the first week of September
they moved to a commodious building on the brow of
Campbell's Hill, formerly the home of Captain John
Williams. There they at once opened a boarding and
day school under the name of St. Mary's Academy. A
few months later St. John's Hospital was begun bv the

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 115

Sisters in the old church, the then new cathedral having
been recently completed. Catholic orphan girls were re
ceived at St. John's, where they helped the Sisters to
care for the sick.

Several years after their establishment in the benevol
ent institution, the Sisters were again to exemplify the
charity, fortitude, fidelity of Nazareth's nursing bands.
During the Asiatic cholera, 1848, they gave unstinted
care to the sufferers, winning from all sources cordial
laudation for their heroic labors. Three of the Sisters
had already been initiated into the task of nursing cholera
patients, having served their trying apprenticeship when
the plague visited Kentucky in 1833. The following
paragraph pictures vividly the tragic conditions which
these brave nurses were called upon to face :

"Scarcely a family escaped the blighting touch. The
rich and well-to-do, whose clean food and airy dwellings
might have protected them, fled to the country. The poor
were left in their squalid tenements without nurses, with
out medical advice, to fight the battle out alone. To
these the Sisters devoted themselves night and day. No
hovel was too noisome for their visiting ; no atmosphere
too tainted for their breathing. Their courage and con
stancy won admiration and confidence ; the hearts of the
infidel and the ignorant were touched by the spectacle
of such heroic self-sacrifice; and the divine light of faith
illumined more than one sin-clouded soul. When the
plague had ceased in Nashville, the citizens returned to
find the Sisters again in their class-rooms, ready to take
up their work of the school year."

At a later period, during the epidemic of small-pox,
the Sisters again dispensed their tenderness and mercy.
They fearlessly sought the afflicted homes and there
cared for the sick and dying. Their generous offices ex
tended to the many orphans bereaved by the dread visita-

116 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tion. Writing to Mother Catherine at the time, one who
had intimately observed the Sisters' noble labors said,
"The Sisters in the hospitals went forth cheerfully; their
care of the sick is the theme of every tongue ; even a
Protestant minister spoke highly of them last Sunday."

But zealous and successful as was the work of this
group during ten years, distinct difficulties arose in 1851
and prevented the order's continuance in Nashville.
These obstacles sprang from different points of view
held by the diocesan head and Nazareth's superior. The
bishop wished to have a permanent staff of teachers.
This, being at variance with the necessary discipline of
the community, could not be conceded by the mother
house. It was also desired to have the Sisters sing in
the church, which, was also inconsistent with the society's
ideals. When tidings of the situation reached Nazareth,
Mother Catherine went to Nashville to investigate. Find
ing that Bishop Miles desired a diocesan community,
independent of any authority but his own, she stated
her o\vn and Nazareth's unwillingness to accede to such
an arrangement. Noting that five or six of the Sisters
seemed disposed to acquiesce in the bishop's plans, Moth
er Catherine expressed her deep regret at losing these
religious, and returned to Nazareth with those who pre
ferred to remain affiliated with the mother house. In
September, 1851, the Nashville property owned by the
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth was sold for twenty thou
sand dollars. Through many hardships the separated
group passed for a while. Finally in 1858 they moved to
Leavenworth, Kansas. The story of their trials and
triumphs is told by one of the members in an interesting
volume entitled "History of the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth."

With the exception of this foundation and that of Vin-
cennes nearly all of the early cornerstones laid by the com-

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 117

munity still remain. Their history, a record of labor,
piety, initiative similar to that of Nazareth's founders,
must ever be ranked among the community's chief glories.

While these branches were thus taking root, Nazareth
Academy was increasing its prestige. Intimate pictures
of its old-time school life survive in early pupils' remin
iscences, for instance those of Mrs. Eliza Crozier Wilk
inson, who entered their ranks ninety-two years ago:

"My first remembrance of Nazareth, as it appeared to
me as a very small child in 1825-26, is a plain frame farm
house in a verdant spacious yard filled with grand forest
trees. An ample orchard was the daily temptation of
the children. But the special object of our admiration
was the Priest's House where Father David and Father
Fouche were often found. Have I ever heard music
that spoke to the heart as did the Nazareth choir of those
days? . . . Now and then Father David, who
even in his old age had a voice of surpassing melody,
sang the Adoremus and Tantum Ergo at Benediction.

"The girls arose long before daylight in the winter,
and by the dim light of tallow candles, in ten sconces,
huddled down the stairs. On the benches in the school
room or gallery, they broke the ice to get water from
the tubs which held it. In the summer their faces were
often washed at the spring; or, what was sweeter still,
they were bathed on the way in the dews from the grass,
for we believed that would make us fair.

"In Mother's room I was awakened by the Angelus
bell, then rung by Sister Apollonia McGill whom long
years after I knew as the tender mother of the orphans
in Louisville and, better still, as the gifted nurse and In-
firmarian beloved of all. Next to that room was the
Treasury, then occupied by Sister Eulalia, the niece of
Bishop Flaget, to whom she was devoted. The girls soon
learned of her ardent affection and when we saw the

118 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Bishop coming there was a general cry like Sister Eula-
lia's: 'Ah, mon Oncle; mon Oncle!' I loved her very
dearly and realized even then that France and that uncle
comprized her world. Her room was always fragrant
with mignonette — the seed had come from France.

"From Sister Eulalia's room we passed through the
school room into the music room, occupied by Sister
Joanna Lewis. Sister Joanna was of commanding pres
ence, dignified but gentle. One quiet glance of her black
eyes had more effect than punishment from others. She
died the death of a true religious nursing cholera patients.
Next to her room was that of Sister Ellen — Directress
of Studies. Young as I was, I saw that Sister Ellen's
labors were incessant ; she taught all the higher classes in
the school as well as general classes in writing, tapestry,
embroidery, and painting for which she had a true and
cultivated talent. At the same time being Mistress of
Novices, she was preparing the young Sisters to be teach
ers. A few years later I learned more justly to appreciate
this gifted woman. Brilliant in wit and repartee, her lit
erary taste was highly cultivated. Her English was per
fect. Positive in character as one of such endowments
and experiences must be, she was peculiarly fitted for her
mission — that of being the first accomplished teacher at
Nazareth. Great in native gifts, she was also a thorough
scholar. In Christian Doctrine and Biblical lore, she had
no superior. She had a heart of profound charity, a
humility that led her to bestow the utmost tenderness
upon the erring rebellious child.

"Sister Elizabeth Suttle, who is still so well remem
bered at Nazareth, so cultivated in mind, so gentle and
truly maternal, was the teacher of the first grammar
class, then parsing Milton ! She seemed perfect mistress
of her lofty subject; we little ones therefore regarded
her as a marvel of learning'.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 119

"I give my earliest recollections of Nazareth, but I
think that even had I not known Mother Catherine in
after years, I could never have forgotten the tones of her
voice — so gentle, but so deep and earnest, or the ex
pression of her dark blue eyes which seemed to read your
inmost heart. Her words were few and concise, but
spoken with an enunciation so distinct they were sure to
be remembered. I have heard my Mother, then a Protest
ant, describe her first acquaintance with Mother Cath
erine at Old Nazareth, St. Thomas' Farm. She was then
only nineteen years old, but the impression made by her
manner, intelligence, beautiful modesty, caused my
mother to say, stranger though she was, that she recog
nized one to whose care she could confidently entrust
her daughter. In those days we knew few Catholics and
she was my Mother's first Catholic friend. Mother
Catherine's entrance into our school room for a lecture
was always hailed with interest and loving respect, so
tender was she, especially to the erring or turbulent
young creatures who drew strength and courage from
her words.

"In speaking of Mother Catherine's lectures I am re
minded of others : especially Father David's Thursday
evenings which were a great treat, filled as they were
with beautiful illustrations from the Holy Scriptures
and the Lives of the Saints. Bishop Reynolds, then Vice-
President of St. Joseph's College, gave lectures to the
first class on Philosophy, Chemistry and Literature,
Father Fouche, the accomplished Professor of French, on
the French Language and idioms. Ah, but Sister El
len's lectures on neatness and politeness ! How the trans
gressor trembled as Sister Ellen ascended the pulpit in
the study room! Ah, how the little ones enjoyed her
lessons! All had to walk the length of the study hall,
greeting her respectfully and with all possible grace as

120 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

we passed her, and making a profound courtesy to the
school as we entered or left the room. In those days
there were some untutored or 'green* subjects who made
sad failures of their attempts — but woe betide the girl
who could not refrain from a smile on those occasions,
or who committed any offence against grammar, neat
ness or politeness — one criticism from Sister Ellen would
be remembered.

"Our examinations were public — not as 'public' is now
understood when Louisville and other places can fill with
out difficulty the great exhibition hall, but the best part
of the people of the vicinity and such of the children's
relatives from a distance as might be at Nazareth were
present. The Reverend Professors of St. Joseph's Col
lege usually examined us, or handed the text book to some
gentleman and scholar who might be present. There
were no speeches nor dramas in those days, and the read
ing of a graduate's composition was not done by the
young lady herself. At fourteen years of age, when I
finished my course at Nazareth, my valedictory was read
aloud by Father Reynolds, — my name being first given,
while I, agitated and crying, tried to hide myself as
much as possible behind the girl next to me! Henry Clay
was present on that day and I had my premium from his
hands.

"Years afterwards, when Nazareth had so grown and
the crowds on such occasions increased, Mother Cath
erine said she looked forward to the day when all this
would be changed. For many years it seemed necessary
that the public should see what was the progress and
capability of the school, but in time it would be so well
established, that such public exhibitions would be dis
carded and both sisters and girls spared such fatigue and
trials, all of which would be 'more consonant with the
spirit of Catholic female education.'

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 121

"We had few holidays ; the feast day of Bishop Flaget,
(4th of November) when he happened to be in the vicin
ity, and the feast day of Father David, the founder of
Nazareth, were celebrated in the best style of that day
by addresses in English and French and songs with
original words. I felt it a great privilege to be one of
the little torch bearers, clothed in white, standing near
the young lady who modestly read her address from a
ribbon-decked manuscript. Mother Catherine was al
ways welcomed by the sounding of bells on her return
from her visitations or from her founding of houses.
Her journeys were made on horseback or in a heavy
slow private conveyance — they must have been very
fatiguing.

"Sister Columba Carroll was introduced to me as
teacher of our little arithmetic class; I suppose it was
just before her taking the habit. I recall her perfectly
to-day, very slight, very fair and beautiful, with dark
hair that could not have been taught any other style than
its many curls. She was as gentle then, and dignified, as
in her mature years. Ah, the delight and pride of being
taught by her, and the wonder of the school (which was
then almost entirely Protestant) that one like her, so
young and lovely, should 'be a nun!' Possibly I may
seem to dwell too much upon the personal characteristics
of the Sisters. But in all cases their personalities seemed
to cast into relief their complete sacrifice of life, and all
it holds dear, to the service of God."

As comment upon and brief continuation of the spirit
of Mrs. Wilkinson's memories may be added these words
of Mrs. Wallace Strain, daughter of the Hon. B. F.
Webb and mother of Sister Angela Strain:

"How peaceful, how pleasant the backward view!
Nazareth has always had among those she so fondly
calls her children many who serve their God under dif-

122 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

ferent forms of religion from her own ; but all love and
serve Him better for having passed here those most
important years of their lives, when their characters
were building and heart and soul were most responsive
to impressions of good. . . ."

Ante-bellum life at Nazareth is pictured with intimate
charm by another devoted pupil, Mrs. Julia Sloan Spald-
ing:

'Tradition is the origin of my earliest impressions of
Nazareth, and they extend backward almost to cradle-
hood — though I cannot claim to remember the ceremony
of my infant baptism in the convent chapel, when Father
James Madison Lancaster and Sister Sophia Carroll stood
sponsors for the future Nazareth girl of 1853-1858. In
the early fifties, Nazareth was situated in a sylvan soli
tude. The approach was over an irregularly outlined
dirt road, through a copse of broad-branched forest
trees and vine-hung undergrowth, so dense that they in
terrupted the beams of the sinking sun."

At this time Reverend Joseph Hazeltine was eccles
iastical superior of Nazareth. So devoted to Nazareth
and so systematic was this distinguished priest and gen
tleman that he made a practice of enrolling all entering
pupils and keeping note of their later careers as far as
possible. The writer of the above paragraph describes
her enrollment : 'The ceremony seemed a solemn one — a
swearing-in as it were. Among the memories that en
dure none stands out more clearly than those which arise
when I think of Father Hazeltine. He had a mind ever
calm, a heart always in repose. A uniform kindness and
simplicity marked his intercourse with children. They
sat around him on the floor, listening to his cheerful
talk, playing games and partaking of the cakes and apples
which he was in the habit of passing to them — saying
playfully to each one : 'Now take the biggest and best ;

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 123

then each will get the biggest and best/ Patrons and
visitors enjoyed his companionship and no courtier could
receive the coming and speed the parting guest with
happier grace. He presided over a little dominion of his
own; he was custodian of the records and spiritual di
rector of the community.

"Father Hazeltine's negro body-servant, Henry Hazel-
tine, as he was always called, must not be forgotten in
connection with the master whom he faithfully served as
valet and acolyte, much to the half-curious interest of
the girls from the more northern states. The third mem
ber of this ecclesiastical household was Jacko the Great,
a feathered prodigy intimately identified with my earliest
recollections. Jacko would never divulge his age; but
we knew that he was the contemporary of several gen
erations of Nazareth girls and easily an octogenarian,
when he died of a broken heart because, so the story
goes, of being supplanted by a younger bird and being
sent to a strange perch to pine his life away. He was an
intelligent parrot, but I remember him with no especial
affection; he was officious and a tell-tale. When the
girls went near the apple trees that stood just around
the corner of Father Hazeltine's house, he would cry out
vociferously: 'Girls stealing apples! Ha, Ha!' [A
more edifying tradition of Jacko is that when near the
Sisters' room he frequently participated in the commun
ity's prayers, in fervent tones adding his Tray for us'
to the Litany] .

"At this time the school numbered about three hun
dred and thirty girls, mostly Southerners — a vivacious,
fun-loving set, indifferent toward study, impatient of re
straint, and not consumingly ambitious. They repre
sented the best families of the South, and many of them
eventually became representative and dignified Nazareth
graduates. In those days, travel was by stage-coach

124 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

over the white turn-pike that led from Louisville to Nash
ville. What a commotion when the stage horn sounded
up the avenue of historic Elms and Locusts! Who was
coming? Some girl's relatives, new pupils, what man
ner of visitors ? Every point of observation was crowded
that a glimpse might be had of the newly arriving. In
those early days Nazareth was a summer resort. Weeks
before Commencement Day, Whole families with babies
and maids and luggage filled the strangers' rooms and
lined the galleries. They were refined intellectual people
and afforded social intercourse to the school — but taxed
the Institution's hospitality.

"Among the guests whose frequent and protracted
visits to Nazareth were a distinct pleasure was Rt. Rev.
Martin John Spalding who, in the seclusion of Nazareth,
did much of his literary work. His talks and lectures
were delightfully educational, and no one thought op
pressively of his rank and scholarly attainments; his
unaffected simplicity put every one at ease.

"O. A. Brownson was once a guest. His appearance
was as unusual as his character; he wore a loose-fitting
suit of light clothes which gave him an unclerical ap
pearance—not equal to what we had expected of our
distinguished guest. With the frankly critical irrever
ence of young girlhood, we thought his lecture the dryest
we had ever heard. Of course he lectured above our
heads. Nor did he make a favorable social impression
upon us, seeming indifferent if not impatient toward
our own efforts at affability.14

"The Jesuit Fathers did much to promote our educa
tion—spiritual, scientific, literary. Archbishops, bishops,
and priests from a distance and distinguished people of
every type did not think Nazareth too inaccessible or too

u,»!* lh i?ppea js that Mu' ,Brownson received a happier impression than that
been defZarfe UffVhe .h*h'-hef ted *c^ girls. He declared that he had
1 Wlthl

u,» h i j u' , on an a

been defZarfe UffVhe .h*h'-hef ted *c^ girls. He declared that he had
SSfNfiyJSft1 Wltht,hls visit, and m some publication he made the statement
that JSazareth was the most homelike institution he had visited.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 125

unimportant to be visited. Fixed in my memory as the
most eloquent sermon I have ever heard was one that
Bishop McGill of Richmond, Virginia, preached on
Transubstantiation in the Nazareth Chapel.

"In my school days French was taught by French
ladies, Madame Boyer and Mademoiselles Tatu and Du-
four. Mesdames Blaque and Chase drilled the girls in
grace and deportment. And professors taught dancing.
Monsieur de Grandeville demonstrated this art by doing
all the dancing himself — or more accurately, gy rating-
scolding profanely in French when the girls failed to
skip and whirl as nimbly as he did. His fiddle and bow
received rough treatment in consequence of his im
patience.

"In 1856 the uniform, long characteristic of Nazareth
pupils, was adopted. Garbed in purple calicoes on week
days, and in buff dresses on Sundays, varied by maroon
and blue winter frocks, capped by a nondescript but
unique Quaker scoop, a Nazareth girl was easily identi
fied — and proud to be so recognized. From beginning
to end of the year we were kept busy; but study was
made interesting and the year with all its duties and
pleasures passed rapidly. Lessons and tasks did not
monopolize all our time. The Sisters allowed us to play,
dance and sing as we pleased. Our stage performances
were amusing — if they had no other merit. Musical
soirees, concerts, serenades and minstrelsy from the
Bardstown swains kept our spirits attuned to youthful
gladness. There were picknicks, lawn parties, hay-rides,
phantom parties, nutting parties, candy pullings and
fancy-balls with Nazareth colored band to fiddle and
pick the banjo. O what fun! And the sisters were
sure to serve refreshments from great baskets — good
substantial sandwiches, cakes and fruit. And so the
spice of life conduced to our health and happiness.

126 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

"Diplomas were first conferred in 1858, and Bishop
Martin John Spalding then presented them to trie eight
'Young Lady Graduates' . . . "

Had not that old literary form, "Friendship's Gar
land," become obsolete, not merely a chapter but a volume
of goodly size might easily be written of such fond
memories. Such a volume would include verses by the
gifted Charlotte Mcllvain and, notably, a sketch con
tributed to the Catholic World (January, 1893), by Mis.
Emily Tarleton Snowden. Member of a well-known
Kentucky family, a relative of Sister Columba Tarleton
commemorated in foregoing pages, Mrs. Snowden was
one of Nazareth's pupils in the early days and until her
lamented death in 1914, she was one of the community's
most loyal friends. Her sketch in the Catholic World,
"A Famous Convent School of the Southwest," was one
of the first and it remains one of the most just and elo
quent tributes ever paid in print to her Alma Mater:

"As for the sisters, their delicate personality meets
with a ready and sympathetic response in the young
hearts placed under their care. The obligations laid
upon them they discharge with the utmost fidelity.
They are above everything teachers, and realize to per
fection the deep significance of their office ; to mould
intellect, to develop character, to influence the whole
future of a soul — after the priesthood there is no more
sacred calling."

Unique but characteristic testimony to the fame which
Nazareth had won for itself in the ante-bellum days is
found in that interesting volume: "Forty Years in the
United States, 1837-1885."1* Its author, Father Thebaud,
states: "In 1842 en route by boat from Louisiana to
Louisville, I was accosted by a distinguished gentleman
who was accompanied by a delicate girl." After some-

u In the Monograph Series of The United States Catholic Historical Society.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 127

what lengthy and repeated observations of Father
Thebaud, the gentleman eventually asked if the
priest were not a Catholic. On receiving an affirma
tive answer, the gentleman said that such had been
his supposition and, on the strength of Father
Thebaud's assurance, he began to give his confidence
and ask advice. The young girl was his wife.
Though she was penniless, he had married her — not only
on account of her beauty but her sterling qualities of
mind and heart. He lived in the interior of Mississippi
where he was the owner of a large estate. Around
him there were many rich families, and they formed to
gether a most pleasant society. The young wife, being
deficient in education, was at a disadvantage among
these friends; but he had obtained her consent to go
north to some educational institution, where she might
spend a few years if necessary and gain some knowledge
of music, geography, history, English literature. He
wished to confide her to some nuns in Kentucky of
whom he had heard, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
What he now asked of Father Thebaud was advice
on the prospect of her being received. He was afraid
of being shown the door. Perhaps a "married lady
among so many maidens would not be acceptable."
Father Thebaud assured the husband that if the Sisters
of Nazareth could not receive the wife, they would say
so with all possible courtesy and certainly would not
show the couple the door. Father Thebaud asked his
confidant if he did not share the prejudice then existent
in many pjlaces — for instance, such as had provoked
the Bostonians to drive out the Ursulines from Mt.
Benedict. The gentleman assured Father Thebaud that
the men of his class, though Protestants, had no such
prejudice. Of late years he had entertained much in
terest in Nazareth and its Sisters. All the young women

128 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

of his vicinity who had been graduated from that convent
returned home with deep affection for their former teach
ers and spoke warmly of the treatment they had received.
There was particularly, he said, "a Sister Ellen O'Con-
nell" whom all admired and loved. This was the chief
reason, he wished his wife to be admitted as a pupil.
Father Thebaud thought that there would not be any
difficulty. It is supposed that there was not, and that
the young Southerner entered upon her somewhat belated
school life under the tutelage of the Sisters, whose good
reputation as teachers had led her from her far-away
home to the threshold of Nazareth Academy.

At this point it is in order to give a resume of the
curricula and general educational ideals which won pat
ronage for the mother house and its branches, from their
establishment to the period of the Civil War. That
epoch, being synchronous with the society's fiftieth
year of activity, supplies a fairly satisfactory point
whence retrospection may judicially observe the sister
hood's aims and accomplishment.

The first records of Nazareth's academic life, compiled
from memories of early pupils and teachers from 1822
onward, emphasize the courses in Christian Doctrine,
grammar, writing, music, history, French, plain sewing,
tapestry and embroidery. From the beginning the regu
lar school work was supplemented by lectures from the
professors of St. Joseph's College on philosophy, chem
istry, literature, French. Agreeing with Matthew Arnold
that "conduct is three-fourths of human life," the faculty
considered that in the cultivation of ideal Christian
womanhood attention to dignity and grace of demeanor,
courtesy and consideration for others, was as necessary
as training in academic branches ; hence, by continual
discipline of precept and example, stress was laid upon
these virtues, at best so closely akin to spiritual qualities.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 129

The earliest printed copy of Nazareth's curriculum, in
the Catholic Almanac for 1833-35, gives this account of
the branches taught: reading, writing, arithmetic, Eng
lish grammar, geography (with the use of globes), his
tory, rhetoric, botany, natural philosophy including the
principles of astronomy, optics, chemistry, etc. ; plain
sewing, marking, needlework, drawing, painting, music
and the French language. "This last branch, to wit,
the French language, is taught with the greatest correct
ness both as to grammar and pronunciation, there being
actually in the Institution several French Sisters, besides
others who understand and speak the language very
correctly. A course of Lectures on Rhetoric and Philos
ophy (Natural and Moral) will be given annually by
the Professors of St. Joseph's College. Lessons and Ex
ercises in Polite English Literature will also be given."
With its quaint phrasing, the Almanac gives a good
manifesto of the advantages and special characteristics
of Nazareth Academy : "In point of health, pleasantness,
retirement, water, etc., its situation is perhaps inferior
to none in the Western country. . . . The school
is conducted on principles similar to those of St. Joseph's
College. It is under the supervision of the Right Rev
erend Bishops, and the inspection of the President and
principal professors of the College who quarterly ex
amine the pupils and encourage their progress .

"The Institution being conducted by a numerous com
munity of religious persons who have consecrated them
selves to the service of God and their neighbor, there is
always a sufficient number of competent tutoresses whose
tender and conscientious care of their pupils is calculated
to gain the love of the children and the confidence of the
parents.

"A certain number of orphans or destitute children
may be placed in this institution upon application .

130 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

'There will be an annual vacation from the last Thurs
day of July to the first Monday in September."

The Catholic Almanac for 1841 records the addition
of Italian and Spanish languages, the harp, guitar, and
dancing to the list of subjects taught. A paragraph con
jures a picture of the Nazareth girl as she appeared in
her winter uniform of dark merino, while her summer
raiment required blue and pink colored ginghams and
calicoes, with plain aprons and capes. Another clause
definitely states that "no solicitation or influence is used
to change the religious principles or creed of the pupils ;
should any manifest a desire for such change, the parents
or guardians are informed of the same." During many
of the early years the non-Catholic children formed the
majority of the pupils. Among these were three little
girls who appeared in 1843, Mary, Anna, and Elizabeth
Bradford, nieces of Jefferson Davis. From their uncle's
Mississippi plantation these young Southerners arrived
one May morning in Louisville, whence they departed
on a seven hours' stage coach ride to Nazareth. After
a time one of the girls avowed her purpose of persuading
Sister Columba Carroll to renounce her faith. Later all
three, two other sisters, and their mother were baptized
in Nazareth's church. At the time Father Hazeltine was
ecclesiastical superior and a pleasing sketch of him
occurs in the memories of one of these young women,
Mrs. Edward Miles (Anna Bradford) : "Father Hazel-
tine was the first Catholic priest we had ever met. We
were charmed with his elegant appearance and courtly
manner; and we could but admire the grace with which
he wore his handsome well-made cassock with its long
train and heavy sash; he won the respect and esteem of
those who knew him. He was much pleased with our
Christian names, and he would often stop to speak a
kind word as we three sisters were sitting together in

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 131

the shade of the grand old trees; he would slowly pro
nounce our names: 'Mary, Anna, Elizabeth.' We did
not then know why he so often called, our names in meet
ing us ; but in after years when we became Catholics we
knew the nature of his thoughts."

The earliest catalogues of Nazareth Academy extant—
those of 1857, 1858, 1859 — indicate the numerous at
tendance from the South. Louisiana and Mississippi vied
with Kentucky in patronage — as the French and Spanish
patronymics suffice to reveal : Alpuente, Lacour, Rous
seau, Le Blanc, Le Vaudais; with such characteristic
Christian names as Delphine, Mathilde, Antoinette, Jus
tine, Celeste, Clarisse and Adeline, occurring as fre
quently as the less romantic Marys, Annas, Ellens of the
neighborhood. In 1860 the enrollment from Louisiana
was one hundred, while Mississippi and Kentucky were
represented respectively by fifty; in the following year
Mississippi and Louisiana both surpassed the creditable
registration of eighty-eight Kentucky girls. Meantime,
the numbers in the entire school mounted towrard three
hundred, being augmented by pupils from Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas. During these
years the school term ended July 1st or the last Thurs
day in June. Though the mercury in Kentucky ther
mometers probably mounted as high in those days as at
present, Nazareth was so much farther North than many
of the children's homes that it was considered no hard
ship for the girls to be left in school so late; in fact,
as an earlier reminiscence has stated, many Southern
families during the summer enjoyed the Sisters' hos
pitality in the spacious Kentucky convent home.

The ante-bellum catalogues record the addition of
vocal music (which, however, was really taught from the
beginning), German, composition, epistolary style (the
Lost Art?), parsing in Milton's "Paradise Lost," parsing

132 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

in poetry. The naming of these last two studies may
today provoke a smile, perhaps a frown, since in some
quarters it has become the custom to regard such parsing
as a two-edged sword, doing mortal damage to the
poetry itself; spoiling it for those who thus study it.
The point is indeed well taken with reference to the
manner in which the teaching of such a course has often
been done; but the contrary was the case at Nazareth
of yore (and in other convents which might here be
named) where "Parsing in Poetry, Parsing in Milton's
'Paradise Lost/ " left an ineradicable and most profitable
love and appreciation of the literary masters. Such
parsing may indeed have had its terrors for the parser;
none the less it gave a good training in grammar and in
interpretation of great literature, a far better interpreta
tion than that which the present with some of its dry
analyses sometimes secures. Taught by the gifted faculty
of early Nazareth, it became an initiation into the mean
ing and true values of poetry, familiarizing the pupils
with the best thought and noblest feelings of all time
expressed in best language, "spiritual beauty .
wrought out in terms of visible beauty, swift image,
noble phrase, making the profoundest interpretation of
the soul of man." Compared with courses of study to
day, those early courses in poetry perhaps seem the
most antique branches in the old curricula; they were
incontestably among the most valuable, giving a dis
tinction to the thought and modes of thought, the excel
lent English, the general "tone" of the pupils who in
that far away time added prestige to their Alma Mater.
The dignity, charm, precision of diction still encountered
among convent-bred women of distant yesterdays con
trast so sharply with much of our current speech, that
one need not be irreclaimably a laudator tcmporis acti
to wonder if the modern systems, however "improved,"

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 133

have not forfeited some potency possessed by earlier
methods which now win an indulgent smile.

Reference has recurrently been made to the stimulus,
encouragement, assistance given to Nazareth's faculty by
the professors of St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, and
other eminent scholars and educators. The academy and
the college were a mutual advantage to each other in
securing patronage. In many neighboring and distant
regions there was scarcely a family of note or interest
in education which did not have representation at one or
both of these Kentucky institutions. As Nazareth's early
registers contain names well known and esteemed, so
onward from the year 1823 St. Joseph's College began
to include among its alumni such men of distinction as
L. W. Powell, Governor of Kentucky; Hon. James
Speed, attorney-general under President Lincoln's ad
ministration; Governors Roman and Wickliffe of Louis
iana ; Rt. Rev. John McGill, Bishop of Richmond ; Alex
ander Bullitt, editor of the New Orleans Picayune; Col
onel Alexander and Samuel Churchill, of Louisville,
Judge Buckner of Lexington, Kentucky, Drs. William
Donne and John J. Speed, Messrs. Joshua Speed, Henry
Tyler, William Cuthbert, Washington Bullitt of Louis
ville, Hon. Cassius Clay.

From 1832 to 1846 the Jesuit Fathers had charge of
St. Mary's College near Lebanon, Kentucky, and from
1848 to 1868 St. Joseph's College was under their care.
Like the early Kentucky bishops, many of these Jesuits
were scholarly and devout Frenchmen; especially was
this true of the first band of St. Mary's College which
included such men as Father Chazelle, one time chaplain
of the famous military school of Lafleche in France, and
later president of Montmorillon College, France, "whose
whole life was but an exhibition of uprightness and faith
fulness to duty;" Father Nicholas Petit, born in Hayti,

134 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

the son of a wealthy Creole planter of French birth
(Father Petit was for many years in New York) ; Father
Simon Fouche, who has already been mentioned, spent
some time at Fordham, New York; Father Evremond
Haissart, a zealous missionary as well as earnest teacher ;
Father Vital Gilles, a tireless worker who went from
Kentucky to the office of chaplain in the Sacred Heart
Convent, St. James Parish, Louisiana; Rev. Thomas
Legounais, revered as a saint (he too became one of the
faculty of Fordham). Revs. Augustus Thebaud, Peter
Lebreton, Hippolyte Charles de Luynes were among the
other foreign born clergy who toiled with able native
ecclesiastics to give distinction to St. Mary's.

When, in 1848, the Jesuits took charge of St. Joseph's
College, Bardstown, their ranks included a few Belgians
of piety and learning: Rev. Peter Verhaegen, Rev.
Francis D'Hoop, Reverend Charles Truyens. Natives
of France and of America also assisted in maintaining a
high degree of scholarship and discipline in the school.
The attendance was considerably increased, having a
noteworthy effect in augmenting the enrollment at
Nazareth. The Jesuits from St. Mary's and St. Joseph's
College were always cordially interested in Nazareth's
welfare, ever ready to share their stores of erudition with
Sisters and pupils, and to give of their spiritual resources.
Association with their scholarly minds, intimate acquaint
ance with their high standards, their excellent methods,
which trained some of the most eminent men of the day,
was an invaluable privilege to the Sisters of Nazareth.
Once and for all it freed them from the limitation all
too often and too unjustly ascribed to convent faculties —
aloofness from the larger world of thought and mental
discipline.

Meantime in their rural estate the Sisters might enjoy
all the seclusion they desired for themselves and their

EARLY FOUNDATIONS, IDEALS AND CURRICULA. 135

young charges. There, remote from the city and its
frequently unprofitable diversions, they could mould their
pupils according to their own lofty ideals of simplicity,
diligence, morality. In the spacious grounds, the stead
ily increasing buildings, it had become more and more
possible to promise good health and excellent educational
facilities to the children entrusted to their care. Thus
by degrees a tradition of true culture was established-
one that combined the old classic ideal, mens sana in
cor pore sano, with the still higher ideal of Christian
training that took account of heart and soul. It was this
rounded ideal of education that soon won for Nazareth
Academy the esteem of representative Catholics and non-
Catholics, who were willing to be separated for months,
sometimes years, from their children in order that the
latter might have the advantages of the Sisters' careful
instruction. In turn the patronage from such sources —
with their own high standards of conduct and intelli
gence — was an encouragement to the Sisters and decid
edly a factor in maintaining the reputation of Nazareth
Academy as one of the eminent educational institutions
of the South.

CHAPTER VI.
MOTHER COLUMBA.

HARACTERED in gold in the community's his-
tory is the name of Columba Carroll who, after
Mother Catherine's death alternated with Mother Frances
as Superior. As teacher, directress of studies, ideal reli
gious, she was a prime force in gaining for Nazareth the
prestige ascribed to it in the forgoing chapter. She is a
vivid and venerated memory to those who knew her in
life; while those whose recollections are of shorter span
have received from the past no more inspiring legacy
than the traditions of her exceptional personality and
endowments.

Like the early missionaries to Kentucky, Mother
Columba was a gift of the Old World to America. As
France had given Nazareth its ecclesiastical founders,
so another land of faith and tender hearts, Ireland, gave
to the order one of its most distinguished and cherished
members — Margaret Carroll, the future Mother Columba.
This third of Nazareth's great mothers was born in
Dublin in 1810, but in her sixth year she came to America
with her parents. During her childhood she gave promise
of her later vocation to the ranks of Charity. One Sun
day morning, when she was still a little girl, she went to
church, wearing a handsome cloak. At the church door
she encountered a beggar, in whose behalf she bettered
St. Martin's generosity, for she bestowed her whole
beautiful new garment upon her mendicant. The benev
olent spirit, thus so early manifested, was not only a per
sonal, but an inherited virtue; for the young almoner's

136

MOTHER COLUMBA 137

parents were themselves martyrs to their own goodness
of heart — they died of fever contracted from a needy
priest whom they had befriended.

After the death of these parents, their two daughters
— Esther and Margaret — were sent respectively to Lor-
etto and to Nazareth. Both, however, became Sisters of
Charity. During Mother Columba's early years in the
community, she had the gratification of being joined by
her sister, Esther Carroll, known in religion as Sister
Sophia. From her entrance in 1833 to her death, 1841,
Sister Sophia Carroll contributed valuable services to
her society. She was a good teacher, an affable, un
selfish religious, long remembered "as a sunbeam in the
community." Among the Nazareth pupils there was a
young girl of whom she was particularly fond, and to her
she said one day : "After a while you will come to Naz
areth to remain and bear my name." Fifteen years later
the prophecy was accomplished — the subject thereof be
ing Sister Sophia Carton, for years the esteemed superior
of the Presentation Academy, Louisville.

Endowed by Heaven with rare gifts of spirituality,
intellect, beauty, the future Mother Columba was
especially blessed in those who helped to foster her
talents. Her intellectual guide was Sister Ellen O'Con-
nell, long directress of studies at Nazareth; her spiritual
counsellor was that truly sanctified religious whose name
she was to bear — Sister Columba Tarleton. A passage
in the Society's early records states that at the first com
mencement (1825), Mother Catherine and Sister Ellen
"proudly beheld Margaret Carroll, a young girl grad
uate, who had whispered a request that the name of her
beloved teacher be reserved for her. Though the world
offered her brilliant prospects, she had determined to
follow the narrow way." In 1825 she entered the novi
tiate, and received the habit the following year. Almost

138 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

immediately she became one of the teaching corps, at
once giving evidence of her admirable endowments.

While she was still young in years, Sister Columba
Carroll (as she was then) passed through a stern pro
bation for her career in the ranks of charity. During the
cholera epidemic in Bardstown in 1833, she shared the
noble ministration of those who in that dire season added
a chapter of heroism to Nazareth's annals. Though Sister
Columba was but twenty-three years old, she bore a
significant part in the ordeal; and for her it was a pro
bation all the more severe because of her inexperience
among the sick and the dying. Tragically familiarized
did she then become with virulent disease and death.
She saw her companions succumb one by one, while upon
her devolved the burden of sharing the survivors' toil, or
indeed facing alone the hours of harrowing solicitude.
When Sister Patricia Bamber died, the other Sisters were
either exhausted, or busy elsewhere. To Sister Columba
fell the sad and dangerous task of caring for Sister Pa
tricia's lifeless frame, keeping solitary vigil beside it all
day, "while the whole town seemed wrapt in the very
stillness of death." Not a person could be seen in the
streets. No one entered the house save Bishop David
and Father Reynolds, until a conveyance was sent to bear
Sister Patricia's remains to Nazareth. Unquestionably
then and there Sister Columba's heart-strings were at
tuned to that sympathy and pity which in later years she
so liberally dispensed — during the Civil War, the plagues,
and in all her relations with her associates in the blessed
bond of charity.

From that first test of her fortitude, she returned to
her tasks at the academy. She was soon to take a most
conspicuous part in the work of higher education at
Nazareth. The presence of such an intellectual influence
in the community was at the time most opportune.

MOTHER COLUMBA CARROLL.

MOTHER COLUMBA 139

Nazareth was steadily augmenting its reputation ; through
the South and elsewhere branch houses had begun to ex
tend the influences of education and religion. In those
schools and at Nazareth, Mother Columba's rare qual
ities were among the foremost guiding and constructive
forces. At her death a writer of note expressed his
doubts whether or not any religious community had
possessed a better educator than she had been. Assum
ing the office of directress of studies in 1832, when her
intellectual powers were in their first vigorous bloom, she
retained that position till 1862, when she became superior.

Mother Columba's administrations have been termed
a "Rule of Love." That she deserved this eulogy is
demonstrated by her letters, which breathe a spirit of
tender affection for those under her care, both Sisters and
pupils. Her beautiful even penmanship was characteristic
of her equable temperament, of that gentleness, dignity,
and refinement which made acquaintance with her one
of life's valued experiences. She had in perfection the
gift of facile expression; felicity of mood and phrase
ran a golden thread across her pages. This note is illus
trative, being moreover a pen-picture of the Nazareth
girl of long ago: "Yesterday, as the cold weather has
passed, Mother permitted the girls to resume their hoops.
Had Queen Victoria's regal diadem been placed on each
head, more exaltation could scarcely have been apparent.
It had been a great privation for them to be destitute of
these charming adornments. However their submission
was edifying."

Mother Columba's letters bear witness, as did her
spoken words and her demeanor, to that serenity of soul
whose source of strength lies beyond all earthly dis
quietudes and uncertainties. The beauty of God's world,
especially in His garden-spot, Nazareth, was a theme
upon which she never wearied of expatiating. Typical

140 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

is one of her letters of July, 1862 ; the early part of this
missive describes the loveliness and peace at Nazareth in
sharp contrast to the turmoil and desolation elsewhere;
after the first paragraph follows this strain of profound
anxiety, coupled with admirable fortitude and confidence
in God:

"Dark as is the prospect, we will trust lovingly in
His parental care. I reflect with dread on the responsi
bility now devolving upon me; but the virtues and de-
voutness of our community will ensure God's blessing.
The coming year will be one of struggle and difficulty."

Truly prophetic was the last sentence. The following
chapter will recount the community's heroic work during
the Civil War ; but that narrative may here be anticipated
in order to throw into high relief Mother Columba's
courage and resourcefulness. To and fro in the neigh
borhood of the mother house, troops were constantly
passing. During the early months of the war, servants
began deserting. The task of running the farm, as well
as conducting the academy, added perplexing and ardu
ous burdens to Mother Columba's anxious heart. The
pupils, many of whom were from the South, were a
source of profound sympathy. Her solicitude, combined
with her resolution to maintain the poise which her re
sponsible office demanded, is revealed in these
extracts from her correspondence of those distressing
days:

"Nazareth is passing through a fiery ordeal. In God's
providence I trust all will eventually end well. I do not
suffer myself to yield to sadness, but I cannot banish
painful anxiety for interests so dear to us all and to Re
ligion."

And Mother Columba's anxiety was by no means
confined to her immediate surroundings, for several of
the branch houses were located near the scenes of war.

MOTHER COLUMBA 141

A letter, dated October, 1862, to a Sister in one of the
institutions expresses the deepest maternal concern;

"During these tedious weeks of utter isolation from
our dear Sisters, I have thought much of you and have
longed to hear from you. . . . The disturbed state
of the country and the condition of things generally have
precluded the possibility of affording you the relief you
so much need. Even now the letter communication is
uncertain, and indeed it is difficult to have our mail
(which comes three times a week) brought out. The
other day I sent a black boy to town, and while he was
in the office his horse was taken away. When General
Buell's army passed us in search of rebels, our two black
men went with them ; and now our physician has gone to
the army. As you see, we have had our share of troubles
and annoyances."

Yet, seriously and grievously as she felt the chief
burden of this trying time Mother Columba endeavored
with marvellous strength of nature to comfort others, to
infuse into their hearts a keen sense of the spiritual op
portunities which the season was providing. Typical is
this note, sent during 1863, to a Sister in one of the
hospitals :

"How are you all? Busy, I am sure; and laying up
such treasures of merit that we are almost tempted to be
jealous or rather envious of you."

For Mother Columba's reassurance at this time, and as
proof of the esteem in which Nazareth was held, guar
antees of security had been forwarded from President
Lincoln and from high officers in both camps. Yet,
faithfully on the whole as these promises were kept, they

142 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

could not avail to banish Mother Columba's daily — nay,
hourly, anxiety. Although no serious intrusions or dis
turbances might occur, these were nevertheless constantly
imminent. Repeated skirmishings in the neighborhood
kept the atmosphere tense with excitement. This culmi
nated on a certain occasion which sternly challenged
Mother Columba's equanimity. Within Nazareth's se
cluded precincts one day appeared a foraging corps.
Mother Columba consented to share her stores, provided
that no annoyance was given by the soldiers. The cap
tain gave his promise, which some of his men disre
spectfully broke; a group of them crowded toward the
windows of the recreation hall, endeavoring to engage
the attention of the schoolgirls who were already in a
condition of excitement and anxiety. Immediately,
Mother Columba with her marvellous dignity passed into
the yard ; one of the officers stepped up and asked if she
wished anything. "I am looking for a gentleman," said
she, and the words proved sufficient to disperse the
offenders.

No greater testimony to Mother Columba's strength
of nature and intellect may be found than that offered
by her firm guidance of both community and academy
during the years of the war. Generalship of a high
order was needed at that time to keep the academic
routine running smoothly, to preserve her own mental
and spiritual placidity, to comfort and sustain the hearts
of her pupils, her anxious teaching Sisters, and those
sacrificial spirits whom the dread season claimed as
nurses in camp and hospital. But gloriously as her
handling of affairs during the nation's conflict redounded
to her honor, still further evidence of Mother Columba's
abilities was given by the remarkable prosperity of Naz
areth in the years following the war. After the tribula
tion and depression of the four preceding years, Naz-

MOTHER COLUMBA 148

areth, in 1865, registered three hundred pupils. There
were likewise many additions to the community. In no
small measure, the capable superior was personally re
sponsible for this prosperity. She had endeared herself
to those pupils whom she had guarded during a season
so perilous; her wise and stable administration had won
the confidence it so richly deserved.

Fortunate as was the community in having Mother
Columba as superior during the war and the years im
mediately following, no less propitious for continued
success was the fact that at the expiration of her term
(1868), she resumed the office which she had previously
held with such honor and efficiency, that of directress of
studies. Especially identified as this position was with
academic work, it did not preclude Mother Columba's
active participation in the other interests of the society.
Ever zealous as member of her particular order, valuable
as adviser, and sympathetic as friend and helper, what
ever her specific office she constantly bore significant part
in the community's general affairs.

Re-elected superior in 1874, she again entered upon a
series of responsibilities which were to make a final test
of her poised intellect, her fortitude of soul, her judg
ment and her unwavering trust in God. The order's ter
ritorial expansion then required a still firmer grasp upon
the helm. Constantly from various quarters came re
quests for new foundations, demanding the exercise of
keen judgment, the strict tempering of zeal with prud
ence. A particularly important work which she super
vised at this time was the building of the large Sts. Mary
and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville (1873-1874).

As she thus ably guided and served her sisterhood, it
was truly fitting that the community should signally
manifest its affection and reverence for her when the
year 1877 brought around her fiftieth anniversary as a

144 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

religious. To-day, after the flitting of forty years, the
occasion remains a memorable one, so fervent was the
tone of the many felicitations offered, so united were
Sisters and friends in their manifestations of fond at
tachment.

The happy moments of Mother Columba's festal day
—how different were they from the sombre hours of the
following year, 1878, when the dire plague of the South,
yellow fever, swept the land, desolating Mother Col
umba's tender heart, testing the resources of her brave
spirit. Once more the daughters of St. Vincent were
called upon to prove themselves in the truest sense Sisters
of Charity. Better than any comment, Mother Columba's
letters of this sad period reveal her brooding affection,
her reliance upon God, her double emotion of harrowing
anxiety and Christian confidence. One of the greatest
afflictions of this sorrowful season was that the Sisters
often gave not only their strength and labor but also
their health and life itself to their self-sacrificing occupa
tions. Many of them died; numbers endured long
periods of illness. What a maternal cry is this from
their grieving Mother's heart : "Ah, that I could fly to
your bedside this morning; but we must pray, my dear
children, now as ever, God's will be done!" And again:
"His ways are full of mystery, but they are full of love.
Your letter, my dear child, comforted your poor afflicted
Mother's heart . . . because I see how God is
comforting and sustaining you. No words can convey
to you an idea of the anxiety and grief of your Sisters
here and in the different houses. Be very prudent in
your convalescence. God brought you through your
dangerous illness that you might love Him still more
and more. Holy and sanctifying is the Hand of illness
and affliction He has laid upon you."

Equally expressive of her parental solicitude, now tak-

MOTHER COLUMBA 145

ing thought of her children's physical comfort, now con
sidering their spiritual welfare, are these two messages
to those in tribulation : "Be sure to inform me if there is
anything I can send for your comfort;" "My dear chil
dren, do not permit your thought to dwell on the sorrow
ful scenes of the past sad weeks; but be cheerful, laugh
and joke, and strive to amuse and sustain each other.
God's fatherly Hand and Heart directed in love the trials
and sorrows that visited your sweet happy home."

But if, during the stress and strain of this sombre
period, Mother Columba again displayed those virtues of
charity, equanimity, maternal solicitude which had
marked her foregoing career, she who had been such a
source of strength and comfort to others did not remain
unscathed by the stern ordeal. Weakened by the worry
and burden of distressing experiences, that noble over-
fraught heart was to break beneath the excessive strain.
Those who remember the harrowing days recall her
pathetic appearance, especially when the mail arrived.
She dreaded to open it, lest it contained tragic news of
her Sisters' illness or death.

Moreover to add to her "sorrow's crown of sorrow,"
her guide and friend from girlhood years, Mother
Frances, passed to her eternal reward in November,
1878. The following month Mother Columba herself
succumbed. Thus almost together entered upon their
richly merited season of heavenly recompense, these two
spirits who rank among Nazareth's most able architects,
who alternated for many years as superiors. Coupling
their names during Mother Columba's obsequies, the Rt.
Rev. Bishop McCloskey fittingly said to their bereaved
community and their numerous other mourners : "Be ye
imitators of them, as they were of Christ Jesus!" V'.iat
eulogy more eloquent, what higher praise were p^ oible ?

Those who knew Mother Columba may deem that the

146 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

bishop's words adequately epitomize the merits of one
whose supreme aim was to walk in her Divine Master's
footsteps ; but those who know her merely by report may
desire more detailed characterization. The following
quotation from the Hon. B. Webb's "Centenary of Cath
olicity in Kentucky'' may consolingly vizualize the in
tellectual and personal distinction of this rare woman
who, for more than half a century, was one of Nazareth's
precious ornaments, as she will ever be one of its most
treasured and inspiring memories :

"She was of the middle stature, perhaps a little above
it. She was very fair, and her features were of that
regular order that is judged by artists as comprehensive
of all requisites to facial beauty. Her eyes were of a light
blue, mild and encouraging where her confidence was
either given or sought; and piercing, with an expression
that spoke of sorrow as well as grievance, when she felt
called upon to repress among her pupils either levity in
speech or breaches of decorum. No one could look into
her face and not discern therein an intellectuality of a
high order, and neither could any one hold intercourse
with her and not discover that her nature was noble.
Her voice was as pleasant as anything in nature that is
most grateful to the ear, and her conversation was of
the precise character that one would expect out of the
mouth of an intelligent Christian woman. Looking at
her and listening to her, as I have often done, I have
felt that there was no earthly dignity to which she might
not have aspired, and of which she was not worthy; and
I have felt too that it was meet that such excellence,
with its wealth of capabilities and capacities, should have
been reserved for Heaven and its King."

Fervent as this eulogy is, to some extent it leaves the
impression that Mother Columba was particularly fortun
ate in her endowments. But this undoubted fact must

.

MOTHER COLUMBA 14:7

ot be allowed to overshadow her zealous and persistent
co-operation with Heaven. For though graces abundant
were her dower, she daily merited them afresh. Because
she knew the value of discipline, and had intimately
learned God's ways with the soul, she could persuasively
share such counsels of perfection as these : "Be humble,
fervent, generous; never stopping to mourn over the
petty contradictions and ills that may sometimes start
up in your pathway. God is lavish of His favors to us ;
be never parsimonious with Him. When a duty is as
signed, think not of your capability but proceed forth
with to perform the task with your heart and soul, and
God will supply the zeal or imaginary deficiency."

To those more interested in spiritual values, in the
complexion of the soul — if the phrase may be permitted
— than in superficial aspects, these words portray Mother
Columba's spiritual nature more accurately than does
any description of her appearance. In these words she
truly reveals her own soul, proving that however admir
able were her own countenance and demeanor, certainly
the supreme beauty of this particular King's daughter
was within. Hence, even as her cultivated intellect, her
dignity and comeliness of mien, have ever been prized
among the fairest pillars of the House of Nazareth, so
her exceptional spiritual qualities were at once the crown
of her own nature and must ever be ranked among the
precious graces which have given her community its
high character and have helped to win for it Heaven's
perennial benedictions.

CHAPTER VII.
THE CIVIL WAR.

IN seventeenth century France, under St. Vincent
de Paul's direction, the Sisters of Charity first es
tablished their claim to a term often since bestowed upon
them, "Angels of the Battlefield." This role they ful
filled during the disasters of the Fronde ; later, while the
French Revolution raged, their charity again was freely
exercised. Repeatedly when seasons of strife have spread
death and desolation, they have gone forth as eager to
heal and save as the combatants have been to wound and
kill. Side by side with the forces of destruction, their
hands have worked for the conservation and rebuilding
of human life.

This tradition of compassionate deeds the Sisters of
Nazareth gloriously exemplified during the Civil War.
Their earliest and some of their ablest services began on
that Kentucky soil whence their order had sprung to life.
Early in the tragic drama, Louisville was the scene of
martial activities. In the spring of 1861, Bishop Martin
John Spalding sent a formal communication to General
Robert Anderson of Fort Sumter fame, then in com
mand of the department of Kentucky, tendering the of
fices of the Sisters of Charity as nurses. The offer was
cordially received and immediately arrangements were
made for the Sisters to work in the hospitals of Louis
ville and the vicinity, according to the following agree
ment:

"The Sisters of Charity will nurse the wounded under

148

THE CIVIL WAR 149

the direction of the army surgeons, without any inter
mediate authority or interference whatever.

"Everything necessary for the lodging and nursing of
the wounded and the sick will be supplied to them with
out putting them to expense; they giving their service
gratuitously.

"So far as circumstances will allow, they shall have
every facility for attending to religious and devotional
exercises.

ROBERT ANDERSON,
Brig.-Gen'l, U. S. Army."
"M. J. Spalding,

Bishop of Louisville."

Three large manufacturing establishments were placed
at the service of the Government and transformed into
hospitals. Twenty-three Sisters and an army surgeon
were given charge thereof. Immediately an orderly
system was introduced where there had been chaos. The
long cot-lined rooms of the improvised hospitals were
so divided that a Sister might have supervision over
every section.

Before the arrival of the nurses, one battle and several
skirmishes had occurred, and many Confederates had
been captured. Thus the Sisters were immediately in
itiated into a scene of heartbreaking anguish. Awaiting
their merciful care were hundreds of Union and Con
federate men — agonizing, mutilated, mortally wounded,
disease-stricken. As soon as the orderlies had performed
their first services to the disabled, the Sisters' labors
began. Impartially their skilful hands ministered to the
Blue and the Gray, to soldiers gentle and uncouth.
Seasoned fighters and little drummer boys groaned side
by side; but for all there was the same consideration.
Wounds received in battle were not always the most

150 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

serious sources of anxiety. Contagious diseases — those
scourges of Bellona's train — these too had to be vigor
ously handled. Typhoid and other fevers, erysipelas,
pneumonia, were among the foes which the Sisters had
to combat. Moreover, they expended unflagging effort
as ancillcc Domini; for though the parish priests faith
fully attended the sick and the dying, the Sisters supple
mented their spiritual works of mercy. They prepared
those who desired baptism or other sacraments, and
rendered many other offices for the soul's welfare.

Other parts of Kentucky were fortunate in sharing
the Sisters' benevolence. It was lavishly exercised in
Bardstown. This town was successively occupied by
Union and Confederate troops, and several hostile en
gagements occurred in the immediate neighborhood. As
soon as possible, Mother Columba sent a corps of nurses,
and the Baptist Female College was converted into a
hospital for the numerous disabled Confederate soldiers,
eager to be again on the march. Expeditiously and
successfully the Sisters cared for their wounds, where
upon they departed, only to be immediately followed
by a relay of Union men. As a reporter of later times
aptly expressed it: 'Thus in the midst of civil strife,
with bullets flying thick and fast, did the Sisters work
under one flag, a flag that was respected by Northerner
and Southerner alike — the flag of humanity."

Paducah as well as Bardstown was the scene of some
of the most stirring excitement in which the Sisters par
ticipated. Early in 1861 General Smith, in command
of seven thousand Union men, appealed to Nazareth for
aid, the request having been prompted by Dr. Hewit,
who had elsewhere observed the Sisters' ability as nurses.
This Dr. Hewit was a brother of the noted superior of
the Paulist Fathers in New York. When the request
was made to the Sisters in Paducah, Sister Martha Drury

THE CIVIL WAR 151

was then Superior of St. Mary's Academy. At the time
no communication could immediately be made with the
mother house; but it was a crisis demanding prompt
action and such charitable response as Nazareth would
have cordially sanctioned. Hence, Sister Martha forth
with gathered her little band and went to take charge
of the sick and the wounded. Vigorous as were her
mind and spirit in post-bellum days Sister Martha said
that such had been the strain of war-times, her life
before that nerve-racking period had become almost a
blank. Paducah was filled with dying and wounded
soldiers from the battle-fields of Fort Donaldson, Fort
Henry and neighboring scenes of conflict. In 1862
General Forest led a raid of Confederates into this town,
and anxiety ran riot. Stored in one building not far from
the river, where the gunboats were appearing, was pow
der enough to blow up the town. A general flight
occurred. Motherly Sister Martha sent as many of her
companions as possible to places of safety for a few
days, some being sheltered in the home of Sister Marie's
family, the Menards. Sister Martha, with typical cour
age, remained praying for peace till it was safe for the
other Sisters to return.

That return, however, was not to the ordered routine
of teaching, for the school had been virtually closed.
The immediate needs were for hospitals and infirmaries—
for nurses rather than teachers. A Baptist church was
converted into a hospital, and there the Sisters were
placed in charge of the sick and wounded. All gave
noble service; one expended her life itself in her faith
ful nursing — a sacrifice all the more impressive, in that
its victim was so young and gifted. What the Sisters'
tender care meant to their patients may be judged from
the tribute paid to this member of Sister Martha's de
voted company, Sister Mary Lucy, a former pupil of St.

152 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Vincent's, Union County. At the outbreak of the war,
she was one of the youngest religious in the community.
She relinquished her duties as music teacher in St.
Mary's Academy to become a volunteer hospital nurse.
Because of her youth and zeal, some of the most difficult
cases were assigned to her. Her successful nursing re
stored to health many victims of typhoid fever and ser
ious wounds ; but, alas, that enemy, the fever, which her
care and skill had so often routed, at last vindictively
claimed her own young ardent life. Her death was a
source of profound grief to the soldiers of both armies.
Their sorrow was impressively manifested in her obse
quies — a military funeral was accorded her. In com
pliance with her desire, she was laid to rest in the vicin
ity of her beloved Alma Mater, St. Vincent's, Union
County. Thither several files of soldiers accompanied
her remains. With muffled drums the cortege marched
from the hospital in Paducah to the Ohio River, where
a sombrely draped gun-boat was waiting. Slowly the
boat drifted to Uniontown ; and thence the faithful mili
tary escort bore their sorrowful burden to St. Vincent's.
From the moment their cherished nurse and friend had
been taken from the hospital to the place of her last
earthly repose, a guard of soldiers kept constant vigil,
watching all through the night with blazing torches made
of pine knots.

How the heart stirs at this reverence shown to a meek
young religious during a period of such bitter strife.
From the dark background of the time the incident stands
forth, radiantly illumining the virtues of charity, gentle
ness, mercy, offering what a sharp contrast to the cruelty,
the harshness, the vindictiveness which ever follow in
war's horrid train.

The circumstances of Sister Mary Lucy's death and
her impressive obsequies give to her martyrdom the

THE CIVIL WAR 153

character of a profoundly moving drama, set it apart,
lift it to the plane of the unusual. Richly did the heroic
young Sister deserve such distinction; yet the piety, the
spirit of sacrifice which inspired her dedicated offices
were likewise infusing the hearts of many other members
of the Community whose daily, indeed hourly, routine
was one of self-immolation and charitable ministries.
The following incident illustrates the Sisterhood's un
hesitating response to the urgent needs of the time :

One September evening in 1862, twelve Confederate
soldiers appeared at Nazareth. They had ridden all the
way from Lexington, Ky., to ask for a corps of nurses.
Immediately Mother Columba granted the request. The
leader asked her :

"How many can you spare?"

"Six now, and more later if necessary," was the
response.

"When will they be ready to return with us?" was
the next question.

"This very night, and at once!" was the prompt, gen
erous answer.

"Isn't God good to us to call us in the night?" one of
the Sisters exclaimed.

Nazareth's history contains many impressive episodes
but few more unusual than the unique procession which
set forth next morning — the armed soldiers, the six Sis
ters with little baggage save their rosaries and their
books of devotion. Under the protection of a flag of
truce they took their way. They spent one night in a
farmhouse; the following evening Frankfort sheltered
them. Arriving in Lexington, they promptly entered
upon their duties. Later, another band of Sisters went
to Lexington's aid — to nurse Union soldiers quartered
in old Transylvania College.

Greatly endeared did the Sisters become during their

154 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

generous labors in Lexington. Sister Blanche Traynor,
one of the first group to arrive, recalls the gratitude of
the soldiers during those days when the sick and the
wounded crowded the hospitals, receiving from the gentle
hands of the Sisters a care so tender as to draw tears to
the eyes of mature men and little drummer-boys.

Not only among soldiers, young and old, did the Sis
ters win respect and esteem ; among the citizens of Lex
ington they made lasting friendships. Typical of the
gratitude felt for their services is the fact that Mrs.
Morgan, the mother of General Morgan, had new uni
forms made for several of the nurses.

Owensboro and Calhoun, Kentucky, were among the
other scenes of the Sisters' benevolent labors. After the
battle of Shiloh, the hospitals could scarcely accommo
date the victims of bullet, powder, disease. Wherever
and whenever it was possible to give succor, the Sisters
did so — thus immortally enrolling themselves in their
country's and Nazareth's legion of honor. Unostenta
tiously as they passed from one field to another, dispens
ing charity and mercy to men of the Blue or the Gray,
these humble nurses were making some of the greatest
history of the tragic epoch. In the stress of the time
and because of their great humility, many of their noble
deeds failed to be chronicled. Yet numerous episodes,
then and since recorded give some idea of what the Sisters
accomplished and what they endured. Many of the
soldiers had never seen a religious; some had known
but few Catholics. But mere ignorance was not the
worst condition to be met and reckoned with. Distrust,
suspicion, prejudice, bigotry — these had to be overcome.
Here, however, was an opportunity for the victories of
that charity which worketh all things. It was a prin
ciple with the Sisters never to obtrude their creed upon
any, yet their daily lives were constantly exemplifying

THE CIVIL WAR 155

their faith to many in great need of spirtual aid. Fre
quent were such incidents as this : One of the Catholic
soldiers was indifferent toward doing anything for his
soul. But nearby was a non-Catholic who had overheard
the words which the chaplain and the Sisters had ad
dressed to his impenitent neighbor. Eventually he called
a Sister and requested to be instructed in Catholic belief.
Shortly afterwards, with swift consecutiveness, he re
ceived four sacraments; Baptism, Penance, Holy Com
munion, Extreme Unction.

Among the most touching scenes of these pathetic days
were the deaths of those untimely victims of war — the
drummer boys and buglers. One day to a Louisville hos
pital were borne three boys, fair haired, blue-eyed, but
alas, in the final stages of pneumonia. Side by side on
their cots for several days lingered the poor little com
rades-in-arms. The mothering of these wounded lambs
became the Sisters' chief heart-breaking task. One of
the boys exclaimed what all felt: "O you are just like
my mother to me!" Still another lad of twelve or thir
teen in his last moments sobbed : "O Sister, put your head
right down by me and don't leave me!" With his arms
clasped around the Sister's neck, the little one passed
into the arms of the Good Shepherd.

Typical of the indebtedness which the patients felt to
ward their good nurses is the fact that a certain soldier,
a Mr. Sherer of Bowling Green, wished to obtain a pen
sion for Sister Patricia who had helped to take care of
him. This was one of the formal manifestations of the
respect and esteem which the Sisters received ; many were
the other tributes repeatedly paid to thm. Characteristic
is the following letter from an army surgeon to Mother
Frances in 1862 :

"I regret very much to have to inform you of the

156 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

death of Sister Catherine at the General Hospital in this
city. She, as is true of the other Sisters at the hospital,
has been untiring and most efficient in nursing the sick
soldiers. The military authorities are under the greatest
obligation to the Sisters of your order. Bishop Spalding
has informed me that you have some apprehension that
your institution may be taken as a hospital. You may
rest assured that there is no danger of Nazareth Academy
being taken by the Government. You shall not be dis
turbed in the quiet possession of your buildings.
"Very Obediently,

"Your Respectful Servant,

JOHN MURRAY."

Many of the branch houses, being in or near the storm
centres, were converted into hospitals and infirmaries;
but fortunately the mother house itself was permitted to
enjoy comparative peace and freedom from belligerent
occupation. As the foregoing chapter has stated anxiety
of course existed. The seventy pupils included an equal
number of northerners and southerners; the nineteen
graduates of 1862 gradually dwindled to seven. With
their keen sense of responsibility for their young charges
Mother Frances, Mother Columba, and the Sisters knew
many moments of grievous apprehension. In some
measure this was allayed by assurances from officers in
charge. President Lincoln himself sent a card to Mother
Columba, promising every effort to leave Nazareth undis
turbed. One of Nazareth's treasured autographs runs as
follows :

"Let no depredation be committed upon the property
or possessions of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Academy near Bardstown, Ky.

A. LINCOLN.

Jan. 17, 1865.

^fc^Cx

/

AUTOGRAPH OF I^KKSII^NT LIXCOLX.

THE CIVIL WAR 157

This card had been enclosed with the following note
from Mr. L. W. Powell :

"Senate Chamber, Washington,

Jan. 17, 1865.
"Miss Columba Carroll,

"Mother Superior of Nazareth,

Bardstown, Ky.,

"I received your letter of the 9th inst, two days ago.
I called on the President this morning and presented
your case for his consideration. He promptly gave me
a safe-guard which I enclose herewith; it will protect
you from further depredations. It affords me pleasure
to serve you in this matter. If I can serve you further,
command me.

Respectfully,

L. W. POWELL."

Lincoln's courtesy to Nazareth gains a certain per
sonal note when it is recalled that, with his mother, who
was a Catholic, he attended Mass at old St. Joseph's
Church, in nearby Bardstown, when he and his family
were on their way to their future home in Illinois.

Hon. James Guthrie of Louisville, one time Secretary
of State, also made special application to the President
for the institution's protection. The President issued
an order, declaring that any violation thereof would incur
his serious displeasure. Similar injunctions were given
by leaders of both sides. The following is a letter from
Brigadier-General Wood of the United States forces :

"To the Lady Superior and Sisters of the Convent of
Nazareth :

"I have just had the pleasure of receiving by the hands
of your messenger the very polite and complimentary

158 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

note of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding, and I hasten to
apprize you that it is my earnest desire and intention to
afford you perfect protection and the enjoyment of all
your rights, both as an institution and as ladies in
dividually. It is my earnest desire and intention to secure
you and your ancient institution which has educated so
many fair daughters of my own native State, Kentucky,
from all molestation and intrusion ; and to this end I pray
that you will not hesitate to make known to me any
grievances you may have on account of any misconduct
on the part of any officer or soldier, under my com
mand. I assure you that it will be equally my duty and
my pleasure to attend to any request you may have 1o
make. I beg you to dismiss all apprehensions on account
of the presence of the soldiery in your sacred neighbor
hood, and to continue your peaceful and beneficent vo
cations as if the clangor of arms did not resound in your
neighborhood.

"I have the honor to be, ladies, your very obedient
servant,

TH. J. WOOD,
Brig. Gen'l, U. S. Army."

What a contrast between the courtesy, the chivalry,
the note of true Christian civilization in this document
and the devastation wrought in venerated shrines these
days of the European conflict (1914-1917).

With frequent assurance of protection from so many
faithful friends and patrons, Nazareth did endeavor to
pursue its peaceful and beneficent vocation, difficult as
this sometimes was. Not the least burden was the effort
to console and calm the hearts of the pupils, many of
whom were so far away from their loved ones. On the
whole, it was possible to maintain a fair degree of order,
though the conventual serenity was now and then threat-

THE CIVIL WAR 159

ened by exciting episodes. One day a Sister, glancing
out of a window, saw a Bardstown physician fleeing from
his pursuers; he was riding at full speed, he and his
horse "clearing fences like a bird." This fugitive finally
found refuge at St. Vincent's Academy, Union County.

Mother Columba's letters give an idea of the general
perturbation and her constant solicitude. "It is impos
sible for me to express my extreme anxiety to see you
all, but I cannot say when I shall be able to go down.
Mid the taking possession and evacuation of places so
common now, I might be blockaded in your city for a
long time . . . The truth is, while troops are
passing I could not leave home."

Again she writes : "No news from Lexington which
causes anxiety." But how characteristic of her Christian
fortitude and equanimity are these words : "Thank God,
hard as times are, and constantly as we have to feed the
hungry and clothe the indigent, His blessed Providence
has not failed."

Grave and afflicting as the situation was, not entirely
lacking were incidents to lighten the gloom. One of these
episodes, for all its touch of humor, illustrates the strain
which the Sisters were continually undergoing, and their
valiant resourcefulness. One day as Sister Mary Ann,
who had charge of Nazareth's cattle, went down into
the pasture, her black sunbonnet drawn over her white
cap, she was accosted by a soldier who was hunting for
strays or recruits :

"Madam," he said, "where is your husband?"

Immediate was the retort:

"Gone to the war, sir, where all the heroes are!"

It is supposed that the answer sent her interlocutor
in the same direction.

The chief actor in another episode was an old re
tainer of the academy. As the war proceeded, this loyal

160 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

soul was among the few men remaining at Nazareth,
and he had a due sense of his importance as a protector.
One evening when a skirmishing party made its appear
ance, the Sisters' faithful guardian, armed with an ancient
and probably innocuous weapon, leaned out of a window,
saying: "O pass on, good sors, we're only faymales
here!"

During these stirring days some of the Sisters were at
St. Thomas's Seminary, Bardstown. Sister Mary Louis
vividly recalls a day when Father Chambige heard that
there was a wounded soldier in the neighboring woods.
This Confederate, Colonel Brown, and his body-servant,
Gus, had been left behind by Bragg's men when news of
Buell's approach hurried them onward from a camp
nearby. Colonel Brown sent to St. Thomas's for medi
cal aid, and Father Chambige answered that if Colonel
Brown would go to the seminary, his wounds would be
dressed. The invitation was accepted and during many
weeks the Southern soldier remained under the care of
the seminary force, including the Sisters. In the begin
ning, however, it was not an entirely tranquil conval
escence. Colonel Brown had never before known any
Catholics, and ignorance had bred distrust. Whenever
slumber weighed his eyelids, he would whisper to his
valet ; "Don't go to sleep, Gus ; keep one eye open." The
Sisters' care soon dissipated suspicion and won esteem.

Still more personal is another of Sister Mary Louis'
memories. One day as she went into the garden, a Union
soldier appeared and demanded the whereabouts of a
"rebel" supposedly hiding in the neighborhood. Sister
Mary Louis gave an evasive answer; whereupon the
soldier retorted: "If you don't tell where he is, I will
shoot."

"Shoot away!" was the intrepid answer.

But the soldier decided to continue his search and spare

THE CIVIL WAR 161

Sister Mary Louis — faithful religious, diligent sacristan,
whose careful hands long made Nazareth's chapel a place
of consummate order and loveliness. Well might she
say: "I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house,"
cherished Sister Mary Louis who, in her additional office
as bell-ringer, during fifty years punctually summoned
Nazareth's household to its daily routine!

To return to memories of war times : Sister Marietta,
then a school girl, recalls a visit made to Nazareth by
Generals Bragg and Hood, with their respective staffs.
In their company was General Buckner, wan and feeble,
who had just been released from Camp Chase. Impres
sive indeed must have been the occasion — to soldiers and
pupils; to the former, so far from home and from
young relatives of school-girl age; while likewise stir
ring was the soldiers' presence among the students
whose own kinsmen were even then fighting, perhaps
dying, on the battle-fields. Sister Marietta conjures a
pathetic picture of General Bragg standing tall, grave,
care-burdened, near one of the pillars of the recreation
hall. The pupils sang for him and his companions the
stirring melodies: "Maryland, My Maryland;" ''Dixie ;"
and "Jump Into the Wagon and We'll All Take a Ride."

Though spared any serious molestation, certainly few
untroubled hours were the portion of Mother Columba,
i Mother Frances and those who shared with these supe-
jriors the responsibilities of the disastrous time. It is
worthy of record that academic work at Nazareth pro
gressed as systematically as if the din of war were not
| prevailing in the outside world. Hearts ached, of course,
| at times, and tears fell. The children felt keenly the
| separation from home and friends, the awful dread that
|they might be utterly deprived of both. Yet the buoy-
iancy of youth, the tender care of the Sisters, and the
contentment that regular employment creates, kept the

162 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

pupils pleasantly occupied with the day's routine. Sister
Adelaide Bickett, the beloved disciplinarian of those
trying times, was as a tower of strength to her young
charges. Among the children she bore the reputation
of being a saint, and they would often beg her to prophesy
how battles would result, or when tidings from home
were to arrive. She certainly knew how to dry the
falling tear, and how to instill a spirit of holy resignation
or bright hope into stricken hearts.

Sister Mary Rose O'Brien, in the infirmary, soothed
the grief-stricken and nursed the ailing with a mother's
tenderness, which made the old infirmary rooms "seem
like home." The students of those days never forgot
dear venerable Sister Emily Elder, the cheery teacher of
music, who was as willing and as able to lead the girls
to fun and frolic as to direct their song or piano lesson.
There were many others whose names are ineffaceably
enshrined in the hearts of the Nazareth girls of war
times: Sisters Mary Vincent, Augustine, Xavier, Anne,
Harriet, and others, many others ! During that sad era,
a bond of intimate affection, a freedom of intercourse,
and a tie of close sympathy existed, which happier seasons
were less likely to foster between Sisters and pupils. The
threatening dangers endeared all to one another, gave
to the Sisters an influence, and to the children a confid
ence, which resulted in life-long attachments. Of Sister
Marietta's own school girl memories these latter para
graphs are partly woven.

To summarize the sombrely disguised blessings of the
distressing days : the season assuredly laid up crowns of
reward for many of Nazareth's heroic daughters. To
Confederate and Union men alike, the days of trial
proved the exceeding merit of the tenderhearted nurses,
who knew not what it \vas to fail at their posts, though
all too often forfeiting life itself. Hence after the sub-

THE CIVIL WAR 163

sidence of the strife, many who had seen their ability
sternly proved, made requests for new foundations under
the Sisters' direction, Thus, where the red flowers of
battle had crimsoned the soil, there were to spring the
fairer blossoms of education and religion, of which the
gentle, able gardeners were to be the Sisters of Charity
of Nazareth.

CHAPTER VIII.
POST-BELLUM DAYS.

VEN before the end of the War requests for Sisters
had begun to be made from various quarters. In
1862 Rev. Joseph De Vries of Bowling Green, Kentucky,
appealed to Nazareth for a band of teachers. As educa
tional facilities in that town were meagre, the need was
urgent, for in addition to Father De Vries' regular par
ishioners, the many families settled along the railroad
then being built increased the necessity for instruction
in religion and letters.

In response to the zealous pastor's petition, Sisters
Constantia Robinson, Mary Louis, De Chantal, and Flor
entine were appointed. On their arrival in Bowling
Green, they were met by Father De Vries and a group
of their future pupils. Among these was a little girl
who was afterward to be an active member of the Naz
areth community, Sister Dula Hogan. The little colony
took up its residence in a building that had been alter
nately occupied by Federal and Confederate soldiers.
As may be conjectured, time and patient labor were re
quired to put things in order, for the disorganizing con
ditions of war prevailed. School furniture that had been
ordered was not sent in time for the opening of school,
fuel and provisions were with difficulty conveyed to their
destination, in fact the first supply of coal, after long
delay, was dumped in the yard, without regard to exits
and entrances. On the evening of its unceremonious ar
rival, the Sisters retired, not knowing how they could
get it into more convenient place on the morrow. But

164

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 165

a kind neighbor, a Mr. Meagher, noticed the situation
and, like Aladdin of the wonderful lamp, removed the
coal to its proper place; the morning revealed a well-
stored coal-house and a yard swept and garnished. This
same benevolent friend, because of his services to the
army was allowed weekly rations; he directed the local
commissary department to convert his allowance into
baskets of bread. Promptly every Saturday morning
these welcome hampers were delivered at the school door.
It was a most fortunate arrangement because, even had
the materials for bread-making been at hand, many in
conveniences attended the evolution of a loaf. What
with the many deprivations caused by the War and the
Sisters' humble circumstances, it was sometimes neces
sary to send to a neighboring blacksmith's shop to procure
live coals to start a fire. Help being so scarce, and the
Sisters so busy with school work, such difficulties as this
concrete if homely example illustrates were frequent
and annoying.

No sooner were the Sisters installed in their school,
than five denominational schools were also opened, but
they were as rapidly closed, for neither pupils nor means
were forthcoming. Already the Sisters had won the
esteem of fair-minded people and the school became well
patronized by all classes.

Father De .Vries constantly exhibited interest and
solicitude for the Sisters and the school. Till his death
he continued to be the Sisters' spiritual father and faith
ful friend. His weekly conferences to the little com
munity were an encouragement to their daily labors, as
well as an uplifting inspiration to walk before God and
be worthy of their holy vocation.

In 1869, the school was removed to the fine lot on
Centre Street. There St. Columba's Academy prospered,
becoming revered as the Alma Mater of many dis-

166 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tinguished citizens. Among its daughters who chose
that "better part," the religious life, is Sister Dula
Hogan, a member of the present General Council of
Nazareth. Many of Bowling Green's representative
families, Catholic and non-Catholic, have been patrons
of the academy, such as the Covingtons, Gerards, Black-
burns, Hodsons, Thomases."

When in 1878 the yellow fever made its dread visita
tion in Bowling Green, school work had to be suspended.
While the scourge desolated the town, the Sisters gave
whole-hearted care and sympathy to the ailing and the
dying, solacing the living with their words of comfort.
Thus once again under the banner inscribed Caritas,
they laid up treasures of earthly esteem and gratitude,
as well as rich store of heavenly recompense.

When this period of anxiety and busy nursing was
ended, school was re-opened. From time to time other
laborers joined the original missionary band, and toiled
nobly for God and the neighbor. Sisters Angelica
O'Dwyer, and Patricia Grimes especially became well-
known and beloved. Both died at Nazareth and the
occasions of their death called forth glowing tributes.
Among these is the following eulogy by the Rev. Frank
M. Thomas, then of Owensboro, to the memory of Sister
Angelica and her companions:

"The sad news reached Owensboro a day or two ago,
that Sister Angelica, for a long time teacher in St.
Francis Academy, had gone to meet the Heavenly Bride
groom. This news brought a pang of sorrow to many
who knew her and loved her. The writer of these
lines had known her well nigh thirty-five years. As a
very small boy he received his first schooling in St.
Columba's Academy, Bowling Green, where she was

16 Rev. Frank Thomas, a noted Methodist minister of Louisville, Kentucky
was a pupil of St. Columba's Academy.

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 167

then teaching in the flush of her young womanhood. At
that time, to his boyish imagination the school seemed like
a section of Paradise. It was a fine old Southern man
sion aloof from the street amid noble forest trees, whose
leaves swayed only to the sound of prayers and the low
hum of boys and girls, studying at the feet of devout
women robed in black. There was Sister Constantia,
Mother Superior, with her masculine brain, womanly
heart and sublime faith. There was Sister Beatricia,
whose cheeks were as rosy as the apples she sometimes
gave us. There was Sister Angelica, with her sweet
sunny nature, bright mind, and words of good cheer for
us all. There were other noble women who had set
apart their lives wholly for God; but these three remain
in memory, photographed forever in the fadeless colors
of the human heart. And now all are gone! Sister
Angelica has gone — one of the radiant spirits who made
my early boy-hood sweet. She was well named — 'the
Angel-natured.' And I am sure that she is at home,
'Where the Saints all immortal and fair are clothed in
their garments of white.' She was indeed a sister to
this sorrowing sinful humanity of ours, lightening many
a heavy load by her loving sympathy and kind words.
Many a noble deed done in the silence of the Sister
hood will rise up at the Judgment and bless her name."

On the passing of Sister Patricia, a former pupil
wrote: "Sister Patricia has gone; but the memory of
her good works will live forever in the hearts of her de
voted pupils of Bowling Green, among whom she labored
for almost half a century. It was dear little Sister
Patricia whose gentle touch soothed many a dying
soldier and whose kind words brought many an erring
one back to the true fold. At every crisis Sister
Patricia proved herself a Spartan Mother. If we could

168 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

materialize our affection for Sister Patricia, we would
fain build a monument as lasting as her love and care
for UG have ever been."

In 1911 the present pastor, Rev. Thomas D. Hayes,
built a parochial school on the lot belonging to the
church. He erected also a neat substantial home for the
Sisters close to the church, on a lot which had been pre
sented to Rev. Joseph De Vries by Mr. Edward Coving-
ton, a non-Catholic gentleman of Bowling Green, as a
compliment to the priest and with the hope of inducing
people to settle in that vicinity. This hope was realized ;
the handsome church was built, paid for, and consecrated
before Father De Vries' death. A fine congregation
had grown up in the neighborhood and the young people
have a very accessible parish school, St. Joseph's, which
has now superseded St. Columba's Academy.

Several years before the yellow fever devastated the
South and called forth the heroism of the Sisters in
Bowling Green and elsewhere, Kentucky was visited by
that other dire scourge, small-pox. Louisville was one
of the most afflicted centres. Dr. Ford of that city, in
the name of the Mayor and Board of Health, with the
bishop's approbation, appealed to Nazareth for Sisters
to take charge of a hospital, known as St. John's Erup
tive Hospital. Four Sisters were sent immediately, re
maining from January till July, 1872. During their
heroic sojourn the Dominican Fathers of St. Louis
Bertrand's Church were most zealous in spiritual minis
trations to the Sisters. Mayor Charles Jacob, then in
office, had greatly feared the pestilence; but after the
Sisters took charge of the hospital, he made a practice
of calling upon them regularly, thus giving cordial evi
dence of his admiration for their courageous and com
passionate spirit.

The Sisters' generous response to this appeal for their

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 169

merciful offices was nothing short of an act of self-
immolation; yet envy and prejudice could not restrain
a note of bitterness. Such incredible narrowness and
bigotry, however, served to elicit eloquent contradiction ;
one defender, apparently a non-Catholic, wrote thus :

'The Sisters' taking of the hospital was the subject
of envy. Some inquired if there were not other nurses
carefully trained. To our notion all this nervous in
quiry about creed and professions in such a case is an
impertinence and an absurdity. With the Mayor, in his
selection of persons for a trust so sacred and responsible,
the inquiry first of all should be as to fitness. This is not
a question of orthodoxy but of competence. It is not a
question of creeds but of training and experience in car
ing for the sick. Then the matter of compensation,
though a minor matter, is one of importance. If these
Roman Catholic Sisters can discharge this most difficult
and really appalling service better than others, then in
the name of humanity and common sense, accept their
services. . . . While we are on the subject, we
shall go a step farther. In these days people have a way
of judging religion not by its pretensions or profession
but by its fruit. Wherever men find the sweetest charity,
the most self-sacrificing devotion to the welfare of others,
the most of the spirit of Him who went about doing good
without any ambition but love, without any reward but
joy of the work — there, they will think, is the most
genuine religion. If the Roman Catholic church of all
the churches furnishes nurses of trained and loving hand
who are ready with heroic devotion, without fee or re
ward, to enter the lazar house where the air is heavy with
pestilential vapors, to go by day and night from ward to
ward with unwearied foot, to minister to those afflicted
with most loathsome and deadly disease, then we say : 'All

170 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

honor to this ancient and honorable Church, and all
shame to those who fail to make provision for this blessed
work of mercy'. . . . We congratulate the Mayor
and the city in securing these efficient and self-denying
nurses for the new Hospital." It may be added that
other nurses had been requested to take charge, but they
had declined. This fact accentuates the Sisters' prompt
acceptance of their difficult role, and discredits the in
vidious criticism of their detractors.

The Catholic Advocate of that year states that the
opening of the hospital under the Sisters' care was the
death-blow to the dreadful disease: "It lost from that
day the greatest part of its horror. People went gladly
to the hospital to receive proper attention. The flag of
terror disappeared from the streets and hardly any one
knew that the scourge was still raging but the Sisters of
Charity who sat by the bed-side of the sufferer. It is
there that the Sisters became known to a great many
who will never forget their tender care, nor lose sight
of the power of religion."

In his annual report of the year the Mayor of Louis
ville paid a similar tribute to the Sisters: "Actuated by
a sense of duty to their God and of love and sympathy
for their afflicted fellow-creatures, liable at any moment
to be themselves stricken down with this most loathsome
disease, these noble women labored night and day with
out pay or earthly compensation until all apprehensions
had been entirely removed from the public mind of a
farther spread of small-pox. The names of these faith
ful and self-sacrificing Samaritans who, when their labor
of love and charity was over, left as quietly and unos
tentatiously as they had come among us, are Sisters
Euphrasia, Antonia, Joachim, Andrea, Valentine and
Mary George ; and I feel that your honorable body would
be honoring yourselves by giving some official recognition

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 171

of their great services. I myself would earlier have
borne public evidence to their work except that I desired
to mention them in my annual message, when their
heroism could be recorded in the 'Municipal Reports of
the Year.' "

When the epidemic ceased, the Sisters withdrew;
thenceforth the institution was presided over by the city
officials. However, in 1890, contagious diseases prevail
ing, the authorities again applied for the Sisters to take
charge, and Sisters Albina, Mary Josephine, and Wal-
trude responded to the call and tenderly nursed the
patients confided to their care.

In 1893 a destructive fire consumed the hospital. It
was promptly rebuilt, and almost immediately became
the refuge of the victims of small-pox. Sisters Romania,
Waltrude, Mary Brice and Macaria, formed the second
group devoted to the heroic work in which they toiled
till the close of 1895. A spirit of prejudice then ap
peared to control affairs and the Sisters were recalled to
Nazareth. To the honor of Louisville, it must be said
that the ungracious dismissal of the Sisters met with gen
eral indignant censure. A number of influential citizens
asked the Board of Safety to fight the case in the courts
and retain the Sisters, but the latter refused to remain,
not wishing to be there under such conditions. It was
recalled at the time by Judge Burnett that in 1873, dur
ing the small-pox epidemic, the Sisters of Charity were
the only ones who would nurse this class of patients and
that they came voluntarily from Nazareth to attend the
stricken. It was deemed a grave injustice to force the
Sisters from the hospital, but the Board of Safety was
powerless under the circumstances and the Sisters pre
ferred to relinquish the charge.

One of the most important works of the community
during the first decade of post-bellum days was the

172 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

building of Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital (1873-74).
This institution, now one of the largest hospitals of
Louisville, was originally the gift of Mr. William
Shakespeare Caldwell in memory of his wife, Eliza Mary
Breckenridge. Mrs. Caldwell was a graduate of Naza
reth and the only daughter of James Breckenridge, a
noted lawyer and statesman of his day, at one time Con
gressman from Kentucky. At the formal opening of
the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Dr. Yandell, one
of the city's chief physicians, said : "I should rather have
founded this hospital than have been the commander of
a victorious army. . . . Nay, I should rather have
had my pathway to a better land bedewed by the grate
ful tears of the sick poor restored to health, than made
luminous by banners won on a thousand battle fields."
A similar tribute was paid on Epiphany when the build
ing was dedicated, and the orator of the occasion fittingly
said : "The incense of prayer will arise from the abode
built by the gold of charity, and souls brought back to
God by the way of suffering shall offer up the purifying
myrrh of mortification. Thus the triple gift of the Magi
will be perpetually renewed."

Since that day of edification, forty years and more ago,
stone after stone has been added to the original structure.
The spacious hospital, under Sister Uberta Keyes' guid
ance, is one of the prominent institutions of Louisville,
respected and esteemed by leading physicians and other
citizens.

Founded in 1877, St. Joseph's Hospital, Lexington, is
another of Nazareth's large hospitals. By one of time's
happy dispensations, its superior until Feb., 1917, Sister
Euphrasia Stafford, was she who nearly forty years ago,
with a little band of Sisters, laid the foundation for the
structure of to-day. In the country near Lexington,
Sister Euphrasia and her companions first rented a dilap-

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 173

idated small house where the sick were sheltered and
nursed. Old and young, rich and poor, without distinc
tion of creed or color, there received the ministrations of
Sister Euphrasia and her associates, Sister Gonzaga,
Sisters Jovita, Bonaventure and Florida. Struggles and
difficulties were for some time the portion of these heroic
benevolent women. Though occasionally aided by a few
gifts, in their early years they feared that their zeal was
not to be crowned with success, but at the moment when
the hospital's continued existence seemed precarious, the
able superior of Nazareth, then Mother Helena Tormey,
brought her executive power into play, and purchased
for her children a new home on the present site of St.
Joseph's.

This place, to-day so sanctified by good works, is his
toric soil. It is associated with the chronicles of many
well-known Kentucky families. The first patent to the
land was granted and signed by Thomas Jefferson when
Governor of Virginia. This patent was given to one
John Floyd and, as soon as issued, was assigned to John
Todd, Jr. ; but the aforesaid Floyd failed to transfer the
land granted to him in 1779. Hence arose complications
involving numerous legal proceedings. These, instead of
diminishing, increased during the following years. To
the mind untrained in legal technicalities, the details are
but abstruse complexities. Nor were these knots im
mediately untangled when in the course of time, by be
quests and purchases of one kind or another, the property
became the Sisters' possession.

But if these long and difficult legal proceedings baffie
the uninitiated, they meantime cast into high relief a few
interesting facts: for instance, certain data which attest
the remarkable efficiency and sagacity with which Mother
Helena repeatedly handled some trying situation arising
from the legal quibbles and quiddities. On one occasion

174 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

she expeditiously went from Nazareth to Lexington, with
five thousand dollars tied in a napkin, therewith sum
marily and substantially settling a disputed point.

Another interesting fact in the early history of this
now stably organized, widely loved institution is the
variety of sources, Catholic and Protestant, whence it
has received generous bequests. Glancing through the
annals, one notes as friend of St. Joseph's a kindly Meth
odist, Miss Sofia Chenowith, and members of other de
nominations, to say nothing of numerous Catholic bene
factors. In its turn, St. Joseph's has been a generous
Samaritan whose charity has not been confined to its own
people. Its liberality has been returned to it a hundred
fold, not only in material gifts but in the affection of
many grateful patrons.

Yet here again, in noting the wide-ranging esteem this
noble institution has won, mere abstractions are inade
quate. For such a centre of beneficence, even as the
mother house, Nazareth, must ever be thought of in
terms of constructive human personalities. Thinking
thus of Lexington's great hospital, one sees in imagina
tion a cohort of nurses whose diligence, sympathy, skill,
are the real foundation-stones of to-day's impressive
structure. And even more particularly does the vision
focus upon the figure whose direction since the beginning
has guided and sustained this hospital and its admirable
corps. Reluctant to do violence to an admirable charac
teristic of the Nazareth community which makes its mem
bers Sisters of humility as well as of charity, one names
this figure with hesitation. Yet here is one of those
lives which have been inspiring models to other religious
and even to those not in religion. The record of such
work as hers cannot fail to stimulate and encourage
humanity to lofty aspiration, to noble industry. This
particular Sister of Charity has given such encourage-

POST-BELLUM DAYS. 176

ment and example to her generation that in her jubilee
year, 1914, she was the subject of editorials in the Lex
ington papers; surely then in these more intimate pages
of her community's annals one of those editorials (from
The Leader) may now be quoted :

"There dwells in this city one whose remarkable ca
reer is lasting proof of the constructive energy and far-
sighted judgment which a woman may exercise in the
administration of business affairs and yet retain and de
velop the exquisite beauty, the most precious traits of
womanhood. Sister Euphrasia has for fifty years been
doing a man's work in the world. She has planned with
greater confidence, she has builded with better skill, she
has concentrated her thoughts to better effect than most
business men. She has directed the work of a small army
of workers in the same workshop for thirty-five years
with better results and less friction than any employer
could boast in the same length of time. She has given
more to the support of St. Joseph's Hospital than its most
wealthy patron, for she has given it the benefit of a
courageous spirit and has asked nothing in return. She
has worked harder to save the lives placed in her never
weary, yet rested hands, than many a physician. She
has prayed more earnestly for the souls of men than many
a priest. And she has amassed a greater wealth than any
financier; for in the heart of every man, woman and
child who has ever known her, she has laid away a store
of the incorruptible gold of loving kindness. Cloaked
in a sweetness, a dignity, a gentleness and unbounded
sympathy, which have been as great a protection from
unthinking offense as the simple garb of the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth, Sister Euphrasia has entered the
busy world of mankind and for the good of mankind
has toiled and striven in a labor few men would be hardv

176 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

enough to undertake. . . . She has been con
stantly in charge of St. Joseph's here, and has seen it
grow under her direction from a small, inadequately
equipped building to one of the most widely known in
stitutions in central and Eastern Kentucky. It is not
the wish of the Nazareth Community to have their per
sonal works and deeds given publicity, so that in the roll
of names of women who have accomplished great things
for Lexington, that of Sister Euphrasia is seldom seen.
But the appreciation of a city and a people is none the
less deep because infrequently expressed, and not even
she herself will know how many hearts echo the Leader's
Sunday greeting: 'God bless you, Sister Euphrasia/ "

Special praise belongs also to Sister Euphrasia's help
ers during those early days, when she and they had to
struggle through many hardships in their care of patients
who sought aid and shelter. Greater accommodations
and more laborers were gradually added, and the humble
refuge of 1877 has become the spacious flourishing St.
Joseph's Hospital of to-day.

CHAPTER IX.
EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH.

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY, Holly Springs, Mis
sissippi, was one of the foundations requested by
those who had noted with admiration the Sisters' work
during the Civil War. Among those who especially
wished to have this school established was a non-Cath
olic, Colonel H. W. Walters of Holly Springs, who had
been in camp near Nazareth and later had entered his
daughter there. On returning home, he became ambi
tious to see a branch house of the institution in his own
city and in 1868 he solicited and obtained a colony.
Sister Adelaide Bickett was put in charge, and the school
was opened in a fine old Southern home, surrounded by
an orchard and gardens. In a few months the attendance
was equal to the accommodations. That the Sisters'
labors were genuinely appreciated is evidenced by the
following extract from a local paper, published in 1874 :

"You are doubtless cognizant of the existence in this
city of a Catholic Institution known as Bethlehem Acad
emy for the education of females, presided over by and
under the exclusive management of the Sisters of Char
ity. The mere presence in any community of these good
and holy women, who have abandoned the world with
all its tempting allurements and fascinating interests, is
in itself a blessing of inestimable worth. But how much
more valuable are their active influences when exerted
in the proper and legitimate channels — the instructing
and training of the young, the moulding of the tender

177

178 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

minds of innocent ones that are to become the women
of this, our beautiful South. Already, though Bethle
hem is in its infancy, it has given to Society some of its
most refined and accomplished women, some of its bright
est ornaments, whose every word and deed conclusively
demonstrate that their education and training have been
received under the benign guidance of these most execu
tive women and efficient teachers."

In 1871 the congregation of Yazoo City, Mississippi,
determined to found a Catholic school, for which the
need was sore. The following notes have been con
tributed by members of the Nazareth community who
have been associated with the Society's labors in Yazoo
City:

Mrs. P. M. Doherty was designated by the pastor,
Rev. P. Le Corre, to visit Nazareth, Kentucky, to see if
a colony of Sisters could be induced to take this mission.
A better delegate could not have been chosen ; for Mrs.
Doherty and her sister, Mrs. Richard Davis, had been
educated at Nazareth and they tenderly loved their Alma
Mater. They proved successful ambassadors ; in response
to their request, on December 26, 1871, six Sisters were
sent to the distant mission. Sister Mary Lawrence
Perry was the superior of the little band. Their journey
of twenty-five miles over a rough road in a great lumber
ing stage-coach was an experience whose hardships may
scarcely be realized in these days of comfortable travel
and rapid transportation. Reassuring, however, was the
welcome at the journey's end. Major Doherty met the
stage-coach at the entrance to the town and took the
Sisters to his home where they were hospitably enter
tained.

Though the citizens of Yazoo had done all in their
power to make ready for the newcomers, many things

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 179

were wanting, not only simple comforts, but necessities.
The Sisters' furniture had been shipped by rail and had
to be conveyed by wagons from Vaughn's Station,
twenty-five miles distant. It arrived in installments.
One night a few bed slats were delivered ; the next night,
the foot of the bed appeared ; then a desk or two. It was
April before all the furniture had been received. But
such delays, and the inconvenience they entailed, served
to prove the courage of the Sisters, who found subject
for many a jest in their needy state.

Although lacking furnishings, St. Clara's Academy
was opened on January 4th, 1872, only fourteen pupils
presenting themselves on the first day. But the Sisters
kept up hope, and by May the number of pupils had in
creased to thirty- four.

In March, 1875, the shadow of the cross fell heavily
upon the colony. The beloved pastor, who had been
their support and counsellor, was called by the Master
to his eternal reward. When Father Le Corre realized
his critical condition, he asked the Sisters to gather
around him, as he particularly wished to speak to them.
"My dear Sisters," said he, "I have only one regret in
dying, and that is because I leave you before you are
firmly established. I have brought you so far from
home; but now I must leave you. You will have trouble
and sorrow, but God will support you. My first prayer,
when I stand before God, will be that He will send you
a good father." It is worthy of remark that Father
Mouton — a noble priest who later proved his own loy
alty to the Sisters — going to mail a letter to the dying
priest, his bosom friend, found a communication from
the bishop notifying him of Father Le Corre's death
and appointing him to the vacant place. In the sum
mer of 1877 Father Mouton gave the Sisters' retreat and
took up his office of pastor.

180 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

At St. Clara's Academy, Yazoo City, as at Bethlehem
Academy, Holly Springs, the work of education was
being carried on diligently when, in the fall of 1878,
the terrible scourge of yellow fever invaded the South.
School tasks had to be relinquished while the Sisters went
forth to minister to the stricken. Nine of these heroic
nurses fell victims to the plague, and the rest recovered
with impaired constitutions. If the community had never
before endeared itself to the South, now in this sorrow
ful season it forged permanent links of love and grati
tude. Like dry leaves before November winds the victims
succumbed. Throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis
sippi and elsewhere lamentations of the dying and the
bereaved re-echoed. The reports of those days fill the
heart with horror, stir the soul with pity. Yet again
there is the fairer side of the shield, the story of the Sis
ters' indomitable courage and unstinted toil. One writer
declared: "The entire press rings with their praise. In
this time when no words can give an idea of the horrors
in the plague-stricken districts, the sisters go forth ; and
no matter what duty they are called upon to perform,
they accomplish it with a cheerful smile, without com
plaint."

Heroically as the Sisters undertook their labors, bitter
was Mother Columba's anxiety concerning them, espe
cially when she heard that several of the valiant company
had contracted the fever. The following excerpts from
her letters of the time reveal her solicitude and her
fortitude :

"In these days of sorrow and darkness, love and
mercy guide all His dispensations in your regard and
ours. Your letters, my dear child, comfort your poor
afflicted Mother's heart, because I see how God is com
forting and sustaining you. No words can convey to

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 181

you an idea of the anxiety and grief of your Sisters
here and in the different houses. Prayer and trust in God
alone sustain us. ... For two days the papers
have reported that the dear Sisters of Mercy were ill,
I was inexpressibly anxious and troubled. Your letter,
therefore, my dear Sister, is a great relief to me. God
bless and reward them and the other Sisters."

The Sisters gratefully recall the good services of the
benevolent Howard Society, whose members immediately
sent nurses and supplies. Deathless gratitude lives in
the community's heart also for the devotion and self-
sacrificing ministrations of the four Emmitsburg Sis
ters. The good devoted Sisters of Mercy, to whom
Mother Columba refers, had gone from Natchez to the
aid of their sister religious. "To tell of their kindness,"
wrote one who had at first hand observed it, "would
be almost impossible. Day and night they were by our
bedsides, trying to comfort us, to gratify our wishes, so
far as possible. A mother could not have done more
or been more self-sacrificing than were these good
Sisters."

The first victim of the fever in Yazoo was a Protestant
lady who lived next door to St. Clara's Academy. In
the first stages of her illness she sent for the Sisters, and
they visited her every day until she died. Then they
continued to care for her family until their own house
hold was stricken. Sister Zenobia was the first of St.
Clara's band to be smitten. While she was in her last
agony, Sister Corona fell sick; she breathed her last
within six days of Sister Zenobia's death. Sister Mary
Lawrence was the next victim. Then Sisters Isadora,
Angeline, Emerentia and Cyrilla passed almost to the
verge of death — being spared, however, for God's other
demands of them.

182 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

The annals of these dark days in Yazoo City are in
complete without an allusion to Father Mouton's heroic
loyality to the Sisters. Day and night this devoted
friend kept vigil with them, caring for their spiritual
and temporal needs. But at last he was told by the city
authorities that he would have to be quarantined. "It
will then be with the Sisters," said he, "they shall not
suffer." The bishop sent as a substitute for this loyal
pastor, Father Huber, who had recovered from the fever.
He arrived too late to save Father Mouton, who suc
cumbed, a victim to his fidelity. Father Huber's kind
ness, like Father Mouton's, knew no bounds.

Though the season of death and anguish was indeed
tragic, now in retrospect it has become one of the most
illustrious periods in the community's history, a period
in which several members fulfilled to the utmost the
role of Charity. The time sternly tested their vows of
consecration to God and humanity's welfare; and con
vincingly did they manifest the sincerity, the absolute
perfection of their dedication. How impressive the fact
that the glory which now aureoles their memory was a
triumph of forces so different from those usually under
lying worldly victories. Humility, self-effacement, heroic
offices that tested the physical strength and delicate
sensibilities of the nurses — sometimes themselves none
too robust — by these factors were won the triumphs of
mercy and charity which inscribed the name of many a
meek religious upon Heaven's registers and upon many
grateful hearts. The reports of the time render cordial
tribute to the nursing corps as a whole; but so reluctant
are the members of the society to receive special honor,
it sometimes happens that individual names are not
mentioned. Yet occasionally in the journals of the period
may be found reference to certain Sisters whom the re
porter had particular reason for remembering. Subject

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 183

of such memory was Sister Laurentia Harrison, a martyr
to her love of God and pity for His afflicted during the
epidemic in Holly Springs. A graduate of Nazareth,
at one time directress of studies there, her ability as a
teacher was equalled by her efficiency in the nursing
ranks when the sick and the dying claimed her. The
following excerpt from a newspaper gives some idea of
the unspeakable trials she must have endured, above
all the bitterness of seeing her associates yield beneath
the terrible flail of disease: "Out of the thirteen of these
Christian messengers only one, Sister Laurentia, has
escaped the scourge. She has stood by her post, and ad
ministered to the sick and the dying and the dead with a
heroism that reflects splendour upon womanhood !" But
her sacrifices for others were not to be a pledge of her
own permanent immunity — she was to receive the
martyr's crown in this season of dread probation. A
special halo of sacrifice aureoles the passing of this abso
lutely self-abnegating religious; she made a voluntary
oblation of her own life for that of another. When the
scourge was at its worst, among those who contracted
it was a cherished friend and guide of the Sisters, Rev.
W. J. Elder, then Bishop of Natchez, future Archbishop
of Cincinnati. Realizing what a calamity his death at
such a time would be to the Church generally and to his
already sorely tired diocese, Sister Laurentia offered up
her own life that his might be spared. Years afterward,
referring to this crowning act of sacrifice, Archbishop
Elder wrote to the community: 'I was expecting to die
of yellow fever in 1878, when your generous Sister
Laurentia Harrison at Holly Springs offered her own
life for me. She asked to be spared long enough to at
tend to the other sisters who were ill. And I believe
that it was on returning from the funeral of the fifth (?)
that she went to bed herself. I remember all your com-

184 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

munity and particularly those living and dead who
labored under my care at Holly Springs and Yazoo City."

Sister Victoria Stafford is another of those heroines
whose golden deeds elicited the liveliest gratitude. Even
after she herself had been attacked by the disease, she
ministered tenderly to others till her exhausted limbs
could no longer sustain her. On the honor roll of this
trying period are found also the names of Sisters Mar
garet Kelly, Stella Fitzgerald, Stanislaus Morissey and
Cointha Mahony who won the crown of martyrdom in
the cause of Charity. Nor should the heroism of Fathers
Oberti, Dutto, and Lamy be unrecorded. The first of
this generous trio died a victim to his priestly zeal, while
Father Dutto survived his no less arduous ministrations.
When the trying season had reached a climax, Father
Lamy, Redemptorist of New Orleans, hastened to Holly
Springs and endeared himself to the Sisters and the
people by devotion that could not have been surpassed.

To-day in Holly Springs Cemetery, in a plot given by
the town for the Sisters' graves, rises heavenward a
monument to the noble spirits whose deaths were truly
all-glorious martyrdoms. One side of the monument
bears the words, "SISTERS OF CHARITY/' followed by the
inscription :

OBERTI ANACLETUS

ITALUS
MlSSIONARIUS ZELOTUS

MONIALESQUE
VICTORIA, COINTHA, STANISLAUS, STELLA, LAURENTIA

ET MARGARITA.
IMMANE LUE GRASSANTE

PESTIFERIS MINISTRANTES CHARITATIS VICTIMAE
OCCUBERE

A. D. MDCCCLXXVIII.

AD PERPETUAM REI MEMORIAM

GRATI CIVES.

&.*»*•

B*£

|**>«H

^v

MONUMENT TO THE SISTERS.
Holly Springs, Mississippi.

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 185

On the opposite side of the monument appears the
name of Father Oberti, with the words: "Requiescant
in Pace." On the left side is the following: "Greater
Love Hath No Man Than This, That He Lay Down His
Life for His Friends. John, Chap. XV., Ver. 13." On
the right side are the words : "The Good Shepherd Giveth
His Life for His Sheep. John, Chap. X, Ver. II."

A recent pupil of Nazareth, Miss Gertrude McDer
mott," sending the photograph and the above details to
one of the Sisters, wrote a short time ago :

"I wish you could see this monument and visit the
graves of your illustrious dead who sacrificed their holy
lives, combatting the dreadful pestilence which ravaged
the whole Southland in 'Seventy-Eight. Holly Springs
holds dear to her heart the memory of the noble women.
They were truly ministering angels to the afflicted, and
the sacrifices they made imprinted an indelible character
upon the minds and hearts of the people. There remain
several who escaped the dreadful malady; and some
whose hair has turned 'silvery gray' often re-call those
sad scenes with tear-dimmed eyes — especially when Naz
areth is mentioned."

Thus vividly and affectionately are the Sisters' deeds
of mercy remembered and reverenced after nearly forty
years. At a closer range of time and vision what pro
found admiration their heroism must have won! The
following letter to Major S. E. Powers, from Capt. Jack
Abbott of Holly Springs, is an illustration :

"You know, Major, that of late years I have been
much opposed to priests and preachers ; but that beautiful
feature in the Catholic church, the Sisters of Charity,
has changed me. I have witnessed so much goodness

17 Special thanks are due to Miss McDermott and her father, Mr. Robert
McDermott of Holly Springs, who drove out to the cemetery to photograph
the monument and copy its inscriptions.

186 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

in their devotion to the sick in our Hospitals, that I shall
always love and respect them." Strolling through the
Court House which had been used as an infirmary during
the plague, this gentleman had discovered upon the walls
the following pencil-written tribute by Dr. R. M. Swear-
ingen of Austin, Texas, to Sister Cointha :

"Within this room, October, 1878, Sister Cointha
sank into sleep eternal. Among the first of the Sisters
to enter the realm of death, she was the last one to leave.
The writer of this humble notice saw her in health,
gentle but strong, as she moved with noiseless step and
serene smiles through the crowded wards. He saw her
when the yellow-plumed angel threw his golden shadows
over the last sad scenes; and eyes unused to weeping
gave the tribute of tears to the brave and beautiful
spirit of mercy:

She needs no slab of Parian marble,

With white and ghostly head,

To tell to wanderers in the valley

The virtues of the dead.

Let the lily be her tombstone,

And the dew-drops, pure and white,

The epitaph the angels write

In the stillness of the night."

The fervent eloquence of this son of the South sum
marizes the gratitude, which the Sisters won for them
selves individually and for their order during this per
iod of dire affliction. Like their deeds of mercy during
the War, so now their sympathetic work during the pes
tilence inspired numerous requests for the establishment
of schools and infirmaries. Thus, though the grief and
the desolation of the epoch were enough to depress the
bravest spirit, Providence was to bring the daughters

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 187

of Nazareth out of their great tribulation into seasons
of fresh strength and prosperity. Where, in the gloom
of death, they had valiantly fought the plague and all
its horrible train, now in the sunshine of more auspicious
prospects they were to return to their constructive work
of teaching — though never relinquishing their offices as
consolers of the sick and afflicted, as tender shepherdesses
of God's needy lambs.

Bethlehem Academy resumed its school work as early
as possible. For several years it continued to be the Alma
Mater of many a Southern girl, whose affectionate mem
ories still cling to the beautiful convent home and its
cherished teachers. However, the gradual decline of
patronage, added to the difficulty of obtaining the neces
sary spiritual advantages, induced Nazareth reluctantly
to recall the Sisters in 1893.

After the subsidence of the fever in Yazoo City, the
Sisters of St. Clara's Academy began picking up the
threads of life's duties and weaving them into the piece
of work that God had given them to do — knowing that,
to paraphrase the poet's lines, though

"Blessed are those who die for God,
And earn the martyr's crown of life,
Yet they who live for God may be
Still greater conquerors in his sight."

To their recent sorrows, difficulties of a financial
character were now added. The purchase of their prop
erty had been made by subscriptions among the citizens ;
many non-Catholic names appeared on the list, so eager
were all to have a good school. The cost was fifty-two
hundred ($5,200) dollars. One payment was made in
cash, and notes were given for the rest. When the first
note became due, the subscriber was unable to meet his
obligation; at Father Le Corre's request, Nazareth can-

188 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

celled the note. In December, 1876, Sister Mary Law
rence presented the first payment of five hundred ($500)
dollars to the trustees, who refused to accept it —
saying that, in subscribing their names, they had never
intended to have the contribution returned. General
Wiliam R. Miles heading the list, these gentlemen wrote
to Mother Columba, asking her to accept the gift, which
she did gratefully. The Sisters, then considering them
selves in secure possession, put up a commodious build
ing, thereby incurring considerable debt. Bishop Elder
claimed that the property was dioscesan, and demanded
the deed. When he was transferred to the archdiocese
of Cincinnati, Bishop Janssens repeated the demand.
Nazareth refused to give up the deed, but directed St.
Clara's Academy to refund the payments according to
the original contract. This arrangement the Sisters com
pleted in 1895 by self-sacrifice and rigid economy; the
circumstance proves that no El Dorado had been dis
covered in this particular part of the Southland.

The present superior of St. Clara's Academy, Sister
Emerentia, took charge in 1880. She had travelled the
via dolorosa of 1878; and again, when small-pox at
tacked three of her Sisters and carried off Sister Anine
in 1900, she once more felt the pressure of the Cross.
Panic seems to have been ubiquitous. Some time pre
vious, the beautiful church had been destroyed by fire —
a visitation which had befallen its predecessor. In con
sequence, as had been the case on another occasion, the
Sisters' school hall was now serving as parish church,
but on the appearance of the dread disease, other quar
ters had to be sought. Who shall describe the feelings of
the Sisters as they saw the altar hastily dismantled, pas
tor and congregation fleeing from them? Yet one con
solation was theirs: their Sacramental Lord remained
with them in their little chapel. Nor were they forgotten

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. 189

by their loving Sisters in far-away Kentucky, two of
whom hastened to their aid, though neither was im
mune.

Sister Anine's death was most beautiful. Though de
prived of the Sacraments, even in her delirium she offered
her life to save the children from contagion. When on
April 17, she breathed her last, and her poor emaciated
body was hurriedly borne to the grave, with no attendants.
no mourners save Dr. McCormick and another dear
friend of the convent, Mrs. E. H. Kelly, the Sisters
felt that, severe as their ordeal had been, they now had
another advocate in Heaven.

Many of the townspeople did much to assist the Sis
ters in these trying days, notably Mrs. Susie Malone
Devota who, like an angel of mercy, came every morn
ing to the Sisters to see that they lacked nothing which
she could procure for their comfort.

During the next ten or twelve years, a season of pros
perity seemed to have dawned for St. Clara's and the
now beloved Southern town. But on May 25, 1904, the
fire fiend again devastated Yazoo City. From nine
in the morning until four in the afternoon the flames
raged, consuming every church, store, hotel, hall, and
two hundred houses. No other city has ever experienced,
in proportion to its size, a loss from fire equal to this.
Though three times attacked by the flames, the convent
was spared; the children's prayers seemed to prevail,
and the devouring flames fled from the house as by a
miracle.

Again the Sisters' hall became the refuge of the con
gregation and thus served as church for over three years :
their pastor, Mgr. Wise, who to-day remains in charge,
would not hear of rebuilding the church for the third
time, until his parishioners had rebuilt their homes
Many of them had lost their all ; some who had formerly

190 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

lived in affluence were so reduced as to accept charity.
But nobly, uncomplainingly, did they bear their dep
rivations, while thanking God that the convent was
spared. Our beneficent Heavenly Father was, as it were,
constrained to bless them, and give them the means to
replace their home and their stores, and then to rebuild
for the third time their beautiful church.

St. Clara's can point with pride to many of her sons
and daughters. Some are good fathers and mothers;
some have chosen "the better part" and are now laboring
for souls in the Master's vineyard. With special pride
the academy rejoiced in 1901, when one of her sons,
Rev. F. X. Twelmeyer, received Holy Orders in the So
ciety of Jesus. Within St. Clara's walls he learned his
letters, and there continued his studies till his sixteenth
year.

Among the daughters of this school who have em
braced the religious life are two sisters of Mrs. Devota,
Sister Evangelista and Sister Mary Catherine Malone,
now respectively treasurer and mistress of novices at
Nazareth.18 Several others are doing good service for
God and humanity. Meanwhile St. Clara's is daily pur
suing the tasks allotted to her by Divine Providence.

18 Their notes have been used almost verbatim in these pages on St. Clara's
Academy.

CHPTER X.
EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED.

DURING the years of recuperation following the
epidemic, several schools and benevolent institu
tions were added to those already existing in the South ;
to inaugurate and sustain them abilities not unlike those
of the pioneer Sisterhood were needed. And now again
Nazareth was fortunate in her whose strong hand held
the helm, Mother Helena Tormey.

Like Mother Columba, Mother Helena was a gift of
Ireland to the Kentucky community. During her girl
hood, her family had moved to New York, whence
she set forth for Nazareth in 1845. On All Saints' Day,
1846, she was professed. Mother Helena's first mission
was to St. Vincent's Academy, Union County. There
she taught Mother Cleophas Mills, who later became
her successor as Nazareth's superior. In several other
institutions she held various charges which prepared her
for her able conduct of the community's affairs during
twelve years as superior.

Among the scenes of her efficient labors were St. Cath
erine's Academy, Lexington; the parochial school of
Louisville Cathedral; La Salette Academy, Covington;
the Immaculata Academy, Newport; St. Frances Acad
emy, Owensboro; Bethlehem Academy, Holly Springs;
the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville. In
the last named city she founded St. Helena's Home, a
residence for the Sisters of the parochial schools.

In the memory of those who knew her, Mother Helena
is revered for that invaluable trait of character, straight-

191

192 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

forwardness. Notwithstanding her remarkable strength
of nature, she was surprisingly childlike and innocent;
this was often revealed by her quick blushes. Easily
embarrassed by the smaller courtesies of devoted friends,
she could with admirable poise conduct large transactions
demanding virile administrative power. Occasionally
somewhat brusque, she had a heart of rare tenderness,
a charity all the more praiseworthy in that she sought no
recognition of it. Like God's sunshine, it warmed the
hearts and filled the hands of others, without asking grat
itude or recompense. A characteristic illustration of her
benevolence — so active in small as well as great affairs —
is given by this little incident. One Christmas when
boxes of delicacies from fond parents were being distrib
uted, there was an anonymous box for a girl who would
not have received anything had not Mother Helena's
tenderness and foresight prevented any such neglect.
Typical was the true maternal feeling, thus forestalling
any wistfulness or disappointment in the forlorn pupil's
heart. The circumstance was related years afterward
by the grateful recipient of the kindness in a letter to
Mother Helena.

Among Mother Helena's first tasks as superior was
the opening of several Southern institutions. In the com
munity's early years the South had begun sending its
daughters northward to the Kentucky academy, thereby
forging strong ties between that region and Nazareth.
Hence it was but natural that as the development of the
South increased, many appeals should come for the open
ing of schools and benevolent institutions, and whenever
it was possible and prudent, Nazareth responded.

In 1879, the Rt. Rev. Edward Fitzgerald of Little
Rock, asked for Sisters to take charge of the Sacred
Heart Academy in Helena, Arkansas. On the 16th of
August of that year, Sister Estelle Hasson and her five

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 193

companions left Nazareth for this mission. From the
diary of one of the band the following particulars may
be gleaned. After a week's travel by land and water the
party arrived unheralded at the Helena wharf one black
rainy night, and were conveyed through pools of mud
to the Sacred Heart Academy. The Rev. John M.
Boetzkes greeted the Sisters most warmly, and by lamp
light gave them an introduction to their new home. The
early sunrise next morning revealed distant mountains,
clad in purple mist; and still nearer, the winding Missis
sippi River. The convent stood almost isolated, and was
approachjed by lofty terraces, adorned with rows of
beautiful magnolia trees.

The pastor was ever kind and attentive. He spent
much of his leisure at the academy, repairing the place
and trying to make it comfortable; for he was one of
those generous happy geniuses who in an emergency can
turn a hand to anything. As the emergency often oc
curred, he was by turns carpenter, painter, printer. He
could be physician for both body and soul. Under the
combined activity of the Reverend Father and Sister
Estelle, the place speedily assumed a decidedly different
aspect from that first presented.

For some years there had been no Catholic school in
Helena, and the evil results were apparent in the sparse
attendance at Mass. On the first Sunday the Sisters
formed almost the entire congregation. This sad state
of affairs, it was confidently hoped, the Sisters and the
school would gradually remedy. Pupils entered the
school in goodly numbers; hence at the end of a month
another Sister was needed for the classes, and soon
additions were made to the buildings. In a short time
the music pupils formed a creditable choir, and the
church services were better attended; the faith began
to enter into the hearts and lives of the people, and a

194 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

new church was erected in 1888. The school has had its
seasons of vicissitudes ; but the advent of the Sisters has
increased the blessings of religion in this city of
Arkansas.

In 1880 a foundation somewhat similar to that of
Helena was made at Pine Bluff. The zealous pastor,
Rev. J. M. Lucey, found Catholicity at a very low ebb
when he took charge of the parish in the late sixties.
There was virtually no church, and only a very small
congregation, many of whom were almost without re
ligious instruction. Father Lucey's first act was to build
a new church, and then to get the Sisters to teach the
children, for he believed this to be the only way to better
the conditions then existing. With Bishop Fitzgerald's
cordial approval, he petitioned Nazareth to send some
members of its community to open an academy. The
mother house responded to his request; and during Sep
tember, 1880, a colony of five Sisters, with Sister Silvia
O'Brien in charge, was comfortably installed in a neat
little cottage. This had been the pastor's own house,
but he gladly placed it at the Sisters' disposal, building
two small rooms for himself in the rear of the
church.

Thus was laid the foundation of the present flourishing
Annunciation Academy. Through several stages of
evolution the institution passed before attaining its stately
appearance of to-day. A few years after the opening
of the Academy the rooms became overcrowded, and
it was found necessary to add to the building. Nazareth
bought the property and erected a large two-story edifice
sufficient for school and residence purposes. In May,
1901, this was partially destroyed by fire, the cause of
which was never discovered. Preparations were made
at once to repair the damage. This was accomplished by
removing the frame building to the rear; and in its place

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 195

a substantial brick house arose, handsome in appearance
and a credit to the community and to the city.

Several years after the establishment of the Annun
ciation Academy, the authorities of the Church urged
the priests of the South to give more attention to the
conversion of the negro. Rev. J. M. Lucey was among
the first to respond to the call. Again he appealed to the
charity of Nazareth to help in this apostolic work, and
the request was not made in vain. The mother house
sent more Sisters who for a time resided at the Annun
ciation Academy, going forth every morning to a distant
part of the town. They had comfortable, well-lighted
and well-ventilated school rooms, and later Father Lucey
obtained money from friends in the North and East to
build more extensively. A handsome brick house was
erected and furnished with all modern conveniences ; and
a boarding school for negro girls was opened.

This increase of educational opportunities meant that
more teachers were required, and again Nazareth sup
plied the need. A neat frame church was built on the
new school grounds. Thus it was that the Sisters had
every spiritual advantage to help them in the arduous
work which they had undertaken. That the experi
ment was not a success was not the fault of the pastor
or the Sisters. After twelve years of really apostolic
labors, so little seemed to have been accomplished for
the souls of the pupils, that the Sisters were transferred
to more auspicious fields. However, Father Lucey felt
that the disappointment over the work for the negroes
was more than compensated for by the benefits which
accrued to the white congregation from the teaching
and influence of the Annunciation Academy.

This little sketch of the Pine Bluff foundations would
be incomplete, were not emphasis laid upon the devoted
friendship which, from the beginning, Father Lucey

196 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

showed the Sisters. Their interests, their success, and
their trials, were his own. He took charge of the
erection of the two academies, the forwarding of school
interests being always his first consideration. Those who
lived under his wise guidance will never cease to give
him grateful remembrance.

At Little Rock, the principal city of Arkansas, the
Sisters have for many years conducted St. Vincent's In
firmary, in a sense a monument to the heroines of the
yellow fever epidemic. During the terrifying visitation
of 1878 a Catholic gentleman, Mr. Hager, made a vow
that if Little Rock were spared, he would devote his
means to some charitable purpose. The infirmary owes
its foundation to the fulfillment of this pious vow. St.
Vincent's was opened at the request of the Rt. Rev. Ed
ward Fitzgerald, on May 24, 1888, Sister Hortense Guil-
foyle being installed with her little company of five
Sisters.

The first house occupied by the Sisters proved too
small; immediately it had to be enlarged. After eight
years the bishop, who had come into possession of a fine
lot in the Capitol Hill district, erected thereon a hand
some structure, capable of accommodating one hundred
patients. This infirmary has a chapel which is a gem,
beautified by six stained Munich windows. These and
all other necessary furnishings were the gift of a grate
ful friend of the Sisters. The institution's later success
has been due to other benefactions and to the co-operation
between the dioscesan authority and the Sisters. Besides
numerous paying patients, the infirmary annually shelters
and cares for all who can be accommodated, without
distinction of race, color or creed. In connection with
the hospital there is an excellent operating department,
and a training school for nurses who receive instructions
from the Sisters and special lectures from the doctors of

MOTHER HELENA TORMEY.

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 197

the city. Forty to sixty such nurses, thus equipped with
admirable practical experience, annually receive merited
certificates.

So well patronized has the establishment been that
another addition was made by the present ordinary, the
Rt. Rev. J. B. Morris, in 1908. Thus the first dwelling
of eight rooms has been replaced by an institution of two
hundred rooms, with all the improvements and con
veniences required. God has surely blessed the mustard
seed, for it has grown into a large tree.

In 1882 the Sisters resumed work in Tennessee, es
tablishing themselves in Memphis, where they now con
duct three flourishing schools and St. Peter's Orphanage.
The earliest invitation for this mission was received from
the Rev. William Walsh, pastor of St. Brigid's parish.
In response, Sister Mary Vincent Hardie led the first
colony to Memphis, and began the direction of St.
Brigid's school, with the sympathetic co-operation of the
reverend pastor, a loyal friend to the Sisters. Two years
later the Rev. John Veale called on Nazareth for teach
ers to conduct St. Patrick's school, which was started
by Sister Mary Vincent, who presided over it till 1886,
when she was appointed to the more arduous mission of
St. Peter's Orphanage in the same city. This institution,
erected to the memory of Mother Mary Agnes Mageveny,
a Dominican nun, is under the supervision of a board
of trustees, composed of gentlemen of the city, both
Catholic and Protestant, but the management is left en
tirely to the Sisters, to whom the Rt. Rev. Bishop extends
his pastoral kindness and solicitude.

The present superior of the orphanage, Sister Pelagia
Grace, is most happily adapted to her charge. During
her incumbency spacious new buildings have been erected,
and many modern improvements and facilities introduced
for the education and training of the children in various

198 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

industrial lines, till the place has become an ideal home,
worthy of the highest commendation.

Among the community's other schools in Memphis are
St. Joseph's, opened in 1890, and the Sacred Heart, in
1900. The Sisters have likewise taught very success
fully for years in Knoxville, Clarksville, and Dayton,
Tennessee.

In 1890, at the earnest solicitation of the Rev. Wil
liam Walsh, Nazareth purchased several acres at East
Lake, a suburb of Chattanooga. On this beautiful site,
St. Vincent's Infirmary was opened, offering the Sisters
new opportunities for their benevolent energies, which
were generously and heroically exercised, notably during
the Spanish-American War. The following sketch of
the Sisters' work is contributed by one who bore a noble
part in it :

"On the 16th day of May, 1898, the first soldiers of the
Volunteer Army were encamped at Chickamauga Park.
On the same day, three soldiers who had contracted
pneumonia on the way from the North were brought to
St. Vincent's Infirmary. Every clay new victims of
pneumonia and fever arrived at the Infirmary, until all
rooms and wards were occupied. In some cases the
malady had made such headway that the physician had
little hope of recovery; but, as one patient remarked,
'the Sisters seemed determined to leave nothing undone
to restore health and strength.' The sufferings of the
soldiers, though not caused by shot and shell of the
battle field, were none the less acute and appealed none the
less to the tender sympathy of the Sisters. Day and
night found the Sisters at the bedside of the sick, un
tiring in their efforts to alleviate suffering. While bodily
comforts were provided, spiritual assistance was not
wanting. All the Catholic soldiers approached the Sacra-

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 199

ments. It was the beginning of a new era in the lives of
some who had not been practical in their faith. Tm
going to be better,' was the general resolution with
which many took farewell of the infirmary. The greater
number of the patients were non-Catholics, many of
whom had never seen Sisters of Charity; their ideas of
all things Catholic were grotesque and ridiculous in the
extreme ; but when they were racked on beds of suffering
the watchful tender care of the Sisters was to them not
only a renewal of health and strength, but a revelation
of the beauties of a religion, offering faithful examples
of the Good Samaritan in every Sister of Charity.

"A gentleman, whose son had been among the sick
soldiers at the Infirmary, wrote to the Sisters: Though
not a Catholic, I never meet one of your order that I do
not feel like raising my hat and saying "God bless you."

"One sultry day in June, an unusual number of am
bulances conveying the sick arrived. Accompanying them
was a young man of rather boyish appearance. He
told the Sister in charge that he would like to remain and
be of whatever service he could to 'the boys.' 'Just call
me Ray,' he said to Sister — a very simple name amid
such a flourish of military titles. Ray was quite useful,
running errands, picking cherries, and, in short, making
himself the 'small boy' of the place. Hence the Sisters
were not a little surprised on one occasion when Ray,
in telephoning, announced himself as Rev. Mr. Gyles.
It was only then that the clerical character of 'Ray' re
vealed itself. This young man remarked when going
away that had it been said thirty years previous that
the preachers and the Sisters would work so well together,
it would not have been credited.

"The number of soldiers nursed in the Infirmary was
one hundred and twenty. The institution could not ac
commodate all who applied. Often a convalescent soldier

200 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

would express regret that his sick companions at the
Park had not the same good care which he had received.
"After the soldiers left, every day's mail brought let
ters bespeaking the deep and lasting gratitude to the
Sisters, to whom the soldiers considered themselves in
debted, for a new lease of life. On one occasion a regi
ment was ordered to Porto Rico from the Park. Sixteen
of its members the Sisters had nursed through pneu
monia and these, being unable to repair to the Infirmary
to bid good-bye, went to the nearest telephone to ex
press their gratitude to the Sisters who had taken such
good care of them."

Thus, as ever, the humble Sisters of Charity giving
their compassionate aid to the suffering, asking no
recompense save their Divine Lord's approval, won the
praise of men and angels, gave shining examples of con
secrated virtues and laid up treasures of heavenly reward.

It seems fitting that Maryland, whose descendants had
contributed so many members to the early community,
should in its turn have received from Nazareth a band of
laborers for its own vineyard. With the approbation
of His Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, the Sisters were
asked in the eighteen-eighties to make a foundation at
Leonardtown. It had been difficult to obtain Sisters
for this mission ; the patience of priest and people had
been exhausted when, with the idea of making a founda
tion if it seemed advisable, Mother Helena made a visit
to old St. Mary's County. From this particular region
many pioneers had set forth to their future Kentucky
homes. Seeing in this ancestral land of many of the
Sisterhood a possibility for God's work, Mother Helena
sent a colony to Leonardtown in the year 1885. These,
under the leadership of Sister Madeline Sharkey, opened
St. Mary's Academy.

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH. CONTINUED. 201

Though the Sisters had been so eagerly sought, their
first experiences were discouraging. Instead of the
fifty boarders expected, they had at first only two, and
only eleven day-pupils. The books which had been
ordered had to be returned. Soon, however, this dis
maying state of affairs changed. The pupils increased in
numbers, and the Sisters speedily had opportunities for
teaching and for the exercise of many corporal and
spiritual works of mercy. The fees had to be moderate
in the academic work, and free scholarships were ex
tended to many. To compensate the Sisters for their
liberality and to assist them in making necessary im
provements, Mr. James Green well secured from the Leg
islature an appropriation of $5,000, which sum tided
the institution over a trying season. Within a decade
a flourishing school was established. In its tenth year,
Mother Helena's golden jubilee was celebrated, and
Leonardtown signally participated in showing honor to
her who in 1885 had gone to the rescue of the Mary
land community. Her feast day was made the occasion
of general rejoicing. Rev. C. K. Jenkins celebrated a
High Mass of thanksgiving, the music being rendered by
the pupils of St. Mary's Academy. The church was
thronged with grateful friends.

To-day the academy is among the best schools of
Southern Maryland. On the occasion of its silver jubilee
this fact was emphasized by the addresses of His Emin
ence, Cardinal Gibbons and His Excellency, Governor
Crothers, who spoke on the spiritual, intellectual and
temporal advantages which had been secured to that
region by St. Mary's Academy. So noteworthy was the
celebration, that the following report of it may be here
incorporated :

"The seventeenth and eighteenth of May, 1910, were

202 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

devoted to appropriate solemnities and festivities. His
Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, vested in cappa magna,
presided at the High Mass on both days, attended the
banquet, the reception, and the Commemorative exercises
at the Academy. Besides the Cardinal, many of the
clergy honored the occasion; among them were: Rev
erend J. F. Hanselman, S. J., Provincial of the Maryland-
New York Province; Rev. Joseph Himmel, S. J., Presi
dent of Georgetown University; Reverend F. X. Brady,
S. J., President of Loyola College; Reverend Eugene
McDonnell, S.J., President of Gonzaga College; Brother
Paul, superintendent of St. Mary's Industrial school;
Reverends Clement Lancaster, S. J., P. J. CX Carroll, S. J.,
W. J. Tynan, S. J., Brent Matthews, S. J., F. Fan-
non, Joseph Meyers, D. C. Keenan, E. X. Fink, S. J.,
Harman, S. J., Kelly, S. J. Among the visiting laymen
were: his Excellency, Governor Austin L. Crothers,
Judge N. G. Burke, C. C. Magruder, Clerk of the Court
of Appeals, Michael Padian, P. C. Mueller, Senator
Wilkinson and Dr. F. F. Greenwell. Also prominent
among those who attended the Jubilee ceremonies were
Sister Madeline, first Superior of the Academy, and
Sister Mary Catherine, her successor during fifteen years
of the school's successful career."

With characteristic generosity the Sisters of Leonard-
town share their labors with needy fields. In the rural
districts of Maryland they hold catechism classes every
week. Their work in these sections is that of noble mis
sionaries and recalls the devout endeavors of earlier days,
winning high praise. The clergy especially value this
liberal extension of their zeal.

Eight years after the foundation in Maryland, an
other of Kentucky's foster-parents, Virginia, ap
pealed for a colony of Sisters. Responding to the invita-

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 203

tion of the Rt. Rev. A. Van De Vyver of Richmond, the
Sisters entered this new field, going to Roanoke, where
they found a cordial reception and most charming
courtesy. One of the community thus describes their
idyllic location, adding other data relative to the founda
tion:

"Under the suggestive appellation, The Magic City,
there lies in a fertile valley of Virginia the beautiful
city of Roanoke. As a verdant girdle, the mountains en
circle the city — on the East and South the Blue Ridge;
the Alleghanies on the West and North.

"No more picturesque scene may be imagined than
that from the eminence upon which the Church property
rests. Below lies the city, with its stately buildings, beau
tiful residences and handsome park; the blue of the
skies rivals that of Italy ; while all around the mountains
rear their lofty height, clearly outlined in springtime,
misty and purple-veiled in the melancholy days of autumn.
From the base of Mill Mountain on the southeast gushes
a spring of sparkling water which daily sends forth five
million gallons — a water supply not only for Roanoke,
but also for the suburban towns of Selem and Vinton.
So transparent are its cooling waters, it is deservedly
called Crystal Springs. An incline railway ascends Mill
Mountain, upon whose summit is an observation tower
whence an extensive and delightful view of the city and
valley may be obtained.

"The early history of Roanoke is interwoven with
memories of the Indians — the name being derived from
the Indian word, Rawrenoke, meaning 'Fortune Money.'
The significance of the term has been borne out by the
city's marvellous growth. Where three decades ago were
waving fields of grain there are now towering buildings,
busy work-shops, lovely homes, imposing churches, ex-

204 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

cellent schools — all that secure the culture and advance
ment of the once modest hamlet.

"In this now beautiful city, nestling among mountains,
the Right Reverend Bishop found a desirable location for
a boy's orphanage. He had long wished to have such an
institution established in his diocese. A part of the con
templated orphanage was built on a bluff overlooking
the entire city. In February, 1893, its doors were opened
to receive the children of the diocese needing its pro
tection. Sister Mary Vincent and her companions took
charge, and assumed the additional duty of teaching in
the Parochial school which had previously been con
ducted in another building under lay supervision. At
the time, the Reverend J. W. Lynch was pastor of St.
Andrew's church, then recently erected. The number of
pupils, Catholic and non-Catholic, kept pace with the
ever-increasing number of orphans, until the Home be
came overcrowded and it was deemed necessary to seek
other accommodations for the school.

"From its foundation the orphanage at Roanoke had
enjoyed the generous patronage of Mrs. Thomas Ryan,
whose name is so closely associated with charitable un
dertakings in Virginia, New York, and elsewhere. Hear
ing of the need of more room for her 'boys' — as she
called the children, she built out of her personal funds
the Ryan School, consisting of beautiful airy rooms for
class work and music, with every necessary modern con
venience. On Thanksgiving Day, 1897, the building
was opened for inspection; and Holy Mass was cele
brated within its walls. From that time it has continued to
minister to the needs of forlorn children. Parish and
orphanage have always received a well deserved meed of
recognition from local educators."

In 1901, Mrs. Ryan extended her generous benefac-

EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH, CONTINUED. 205

tions to the city of Richmond. Besides the magnificent
stone cathedral which she erected there to the glory of
God, she has built a good school house and a comfortable
convent. While the lamented Rev. J. B. O'Reilly was
pastor, Sister Xavier Smith and four assistants opened
classes in this new school, which has now an attendance
of four hundred and fifty pupils. Two years later Mrs.
Ryan provided a school building in Newport News. An
other colony of Nazareth's Sisters accepted this charge,
now teaching there about two hundred and twenty-five
children.

Thus auspiciously Nazareth's schools and other insti
tutions in Virginia have been begun, flourishing and pre
paring the way for still greater activities. The mother
house regards her foundations in Virginia, Maryland
and the farther South with special and just gratification.
However fortunate the circumstances of their beginnings
or their later history, they have demanded from the
Sisters in charge the steadfast exercise of prudence, in
dustry, zeal. Winning many staunch friends, the various
groups of religious engaged in teaching, nursing, caring
for orphans and other needy, have made an honored
place for themselves and their community in these
regions, and Heaven has liberally blessed and established
the work of their hands.

CHAPTER XL
EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST.

its earliest days the mother house has been
requested to send Sisters to eastern and northern
missions, but not always has it seemed wise or even pos
sible to accede to these appeals. However, as the de
velopment of American towns and cities has created an
increasing need for teaching and benevolent institutions,
Nazareth has, whenever practicable, sent forth its en
ergetic laborers to till new vineyards for the Lord, and
even as in the early nineteenth century the Sisters grap
pled with pioneer conditions, so Nazareth's missionary
bands have ably faced the difficulties of later times. In
the manufacturing towns of the Middle West and East
they have helped to train native-born children and youth
according to the high ideals of Christian manhood and
womanhood. The work done in these sections represents
some of the community's most valuable services to Amer
ican Catholicity. Nazareth's schools have been a price
less agency in helping to foster good citizenship during
what has been termed our country's industrial epoch.

At the earnest request of Rev. D. B. Cull, the Nazar
eth Sisterhood made its first venture across the Ohio
River and established itself in his parish at Portsmouth
in 1875. When, four years later, Father Cull was trans
ferred to Bellaire, a second colony of Sisters went to
take charge of his school at the new mission. The school
building comprised two small rooms. However, the
growth of St. John's parish has steadily paralleled the

206

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 207

expansion of this manufacturing town, Bellaire, and the
school has been proportionately enlarged. At present
(1917), over five hundred children are enrolled.

Besides teaching the children, the Sisters have per
formed many other good deeds, such as assisting the
older generations in obtaining positions and caring for
helpless members of families while the younger ones were
taught to be self-supporting. In times of flood or fin
ancial depression the Sisters, by innumerable acts of
kindness, have endeared themselves to the hearts of their
fellow-townsmen; and these good people hold in grate
ful recollection all that Nazareth's religious have done
for them. Even at the risk of making a more personal
reference than her humble spirit would approve, the
devoted labors and immeasurable tenderness of the pres
ent mother-general, Mother Rose Meagher, during her
sojourn in Bellaire must be mentioned. Her sympathetic
kindness won the hearts of young and old, rich and poor.
The mention of her name to-day brings grateful tears to
many eyes. A visit from her becomes the occasion of a
royal reception. As soon as Mother Rose's arrival is
announced, prominent citizens, aged men and women,
and little children begin making their pilgrimages of
affection to her. All are eager to manifest their undying
gratitude for the devoted services and tender sympathy
exercised toward them during twenty-two years.

Another Ohio school which has prospered from its
opening session to the present day was inaugurated at
Mt. Vernon in 1884, Sister Cleophas, who later became
mother superior, being at its head. During Nazareth's
centennial festival in 1912, the present gifted pastor Rev.
L. W. Mulhane, a distinguished scholar, paid high tribute
to the Sisters for their steadfast upholding of the priest's
arms wherever God's work was to be done. In 1891,
Father Mulhane erected a new, well-equipped school

208 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

building, thus increasing the opportunities for success
ful labors in the fields of religion and education. St.
Vincent's annually dispenses its spiritual and educational
pabulum to nearly two hundred and fifty children.
These go forth prepared to be good home-makers, or
to take their places in business, and sometimes in the
religious life.

St. Joseph's School at Circleville represents some of
the community's most industrious and constructive work
in Ohio. The Rev. M. M. Meara, pastor at the time of
its foundation, is an ardent apostle of Catholic education.
He remained director of the school till 1900, when he
was recalled to Columbus by the bishop and entrusted
with the financial affairs of the cathedral. A magazine
article of 1899 gives the following sketch of St. Joseph's :

"The school was opened in 1886 by six Sisters of
Charity, with Sister Dula Hogan as superior. From
the time of its organization, St. Joseph's has been given
the most careful attention. Everything possible has been
done for the pupils' comfort. In season and out of season
the Pastor and the Sisters in charge have been assiduous
for the elevation and advancement of the children. Those
who have been graduated from the High School have
been launched upon their careers with a thorough edu
cation and with principles that are sure to have their
beneficent effect. Among former pupils are priests, pro
fessional men, capable and edifying women. The present
Vicar-General of Galveston, Texas, Very Reverend James
M. Kirwin, received his early education there; he is a
devoted friend of the Sisters. The late Reverend John
Haughran, Rector of St. Patrick's Church, Houston,
Texas, was also an honored pupil of St. Joseph's, Circle
ville."

In the rapidly developing towns of the mining dis-

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 209

tricts of Ohio, several schools have been established,
whose importance can scarcely be over-estimated. Many
of these towns have a mingled population of immigrants
and natives. The children of the region might easily
have grown up without any Christian training, without
mental discipline, but since the year 1888 the Sisters of
Nazareth have generously aided the zealous pastors in
these parts, and together they have built bulwarks of
spiritual safety for the growing generations. Among
their schools are St. Bernard's, Corning, Ohio, founded
in 1888, now annually enrolling about 225 pupils; St.
Mary's school, Martin's Ferry, 1889, which averages 195
pupils; St. Mary's Shawnee; and the Immaculate Con
ception, Dennison, 1891, where over a hundred pupils
are usually registered.

The interesting, if at first humble, history of these
Ohio missions testifies to the fact that the Nazareth com
munity of the last quarter of a century has not forfeited
its characteristics of pioneer days. Zeal, industry, trust
in God, these virtues, so requisite in the olden days, have
been equally necessary in the later tasks to which the Sis
ters have been called, and creditably have they been mani
fested. A few more words about these missions will
indicate the particular problems which they have offered :
For instance, Bridgeport, Ohio, opposite Wheeling, West
Virginia, has as its chief interests the coal mines and
iron works. Similar in character are other neighboring
small towns such as Maynard and Barton, where the
Sisters have also opened schools. In these places the pop
ulation is distinctly unstable, consisting almost exclu
sively of immigrants. Fourteen different nationalities at
one time lent variety, to say nothing of difficulty, to
the task of shepherding the children. Their parents
were nearly all poor; many of them were but transient
laborers. Deprived of opportunities to practise their

210 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

religion, many of them had become indifferent toward
their spiritual salvation. To organize them in any way,
to mould them into anything like a stable flock, presented
a discouraging task to the most zealous shepherds. But
with excellent wisdom the Rev. J. A. Weigand, whose
charges they were, recognized that the best mode of
handling the perplexing situation was to get the children
started toward the Kingdom of Heaven — through the
doors of a good school ; therefore he called the Sisters to
his aid. In 1892 four Sisters from Nazareth were as
signed to this, St. Anthony's mission. It was a vocation
to privations and hardships. Far from encouraging
seemed the few pupils who presented themselves to re
ceive the Sisters' training. In fact the endeavor to start
a school seemed quixotic, but in a year it was justified;
the enrollment steadily increased ; the at first meagre
and fluctuating attendance became regular and otherwise
creditable.

Some years later the pastor made another appeal to
Mother Cleophas in behalf of neighboring missions, es
pecially that of Maynard, a small settlement twelve miles
distant. Here again was a work for pioneer spirits, a
challenge to fortitude, fervor, actual physical endurance.
The Sisters had to rise at four o'clock in the morning,
walk half a mile to the station, then travel five miles to
their pupils at St. Stanislaus. The small school room
at this lonely place, however, was consecrated by the
circumstance that it occasionally served as a chapel when
Mass could be said in this mission. Undaunted by in
auspicious prospects, the Sisters bravely assumed their
responsibilities. Their first pupils represented six different
nationalities, and therefore had to be first taught the
English language as a medium of common instruction.
Nor does this complete the story of the difficulties. One
of the most ominous troubles was lack of financial sup-

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 211

port, but Heaven was not to fail the devoted spirit who
had so bravely and generously undertaken the arduous
mission. During the first year, a pious Catholic, a Mr.
McCabe, who kept a general supply store, and whose
heart was even larger than his means, maintained the
school almost exclusively through his own benevolence.

The second year dawned ominously, for no support
was at hand, but the situation challenged the pastor's
resourcefulness. He promptly entered upon the publi
cation of "St. Anthony's Monthly Visitor," which re
ceived the approbation of the Bishop, the Apostolic Dele
gate, and the blessing of His Holiness, Leo XIII. The
favor of Heaven attended the endeavor and the school
was continued. Heroically the Sisters went forth every
morning on a train which arrived two hours before the
school began. But success was to crown their hardships ;
for their privations the Lord was to render consolation.
The little school so courageously begun, so perseveringly
continued, at last became permanently established in the
community. Even non-Catholics would gladly have en
tered their children had there been room for them. To
day a commodious convent, built by the Rev. O. H. Von
Lintel, is a monument to the early laborers in this at first
difficult field. A beautiful little church has been added
and the community has begun to manifest the good re
sults of the Sisters' influence. Well may one of the
order, intimately acquainted with the Sisters' exertions
in these regions, say: "The work done by the Sisters at
Bridgeport and its adjoining missions will form one of
the brightest pages in the history of the Nazareth Com
munity."

In the record of the Ohio missions special reference
is due to the zeal and indomitable industry of the Rev.
R. McEachen. At his request in 1904, Mother Alphonsa
Kerr sent three Sisters to open the school of Holy Angels

212 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

at Barton, Ohio. Conditions there were similar to those
of Maynard. In order to fit himself for his pastoral
duties in this vineyard Father McEachen made two trips
to Europe to study some of the many languages and
dialects used by his flock. He mastered several tongues,
thus enabling himself to write a series of text-books of
religious instruction and to prepare charts for the im
parting of knowledge to his classes. During his pastorate
Father McEachen erected a commodious school build
ing at Maynard. Schools were conducted for a time
also at Portsmouth, New Straitsville, East Liverpool and
Mingo Junction, Ohio.

Upon none of its foundations does Nazareth reflect
with deeper gratification than upon those of the East,
in the archdiocese of Boston. The extension of activ
ities to this region so far from the mother house was
a departure from what had been in some measure a guid
ing principle, a home-keeping tendency, so to speak. The
extension southward was scarcely in abrogation of
this principle, for, in general conditions and standards,
there perhaps prevailed greater similarity between the
South and Kentucky than between Kentucky and the
North and East. Undoubtedly something was gained by
this conservative tendency; it probably secured an in
tensive development of Nazareth's ideals and character.
Its foundations being limited to Kentucky and the South
for about three score years and ten, the community long
drew most of its members from these regions — in this
manner still further increasing the society's homogeneity
and preserving its particular characteristics. Those who
highly esteem the influence of the order may regret that
hitherto it has not drawn into its fold members from
more various and widely extended fields, and that until
the last quarter of the century its labors have not had
a larger territorial expansion. Yet these regrets may

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 213

always be counterbalanced by speculations upon the pos
sible losses or radical alterations such additions and
expansions might have caused during the community's
early epoch, when methods of communication and trans
portation were not so expeditious as they are now, when
therefore it might have proved difficult to maintain the
unity and solidarity which have been a source of strength
to the Sisterhood. Nazareth's highly creditable prosper
ity has to a great extent sufficiently justified her prin
ciples ; yet when, eventually, she began planting in distant
Northern and Eastern fields, goodly harvests justified her
new endeavors.

Nazareth's first corner-stone in the East was laid in
Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1882, where a parochial
school was opened at the request of one of the com
munity's steadfast friends, Mgr. Teeling. The first con
vent was a neat, homelike dwelling near the school and
church; but by 1886 the original colony, nine Sisters,
had increased to twenty, hence larger quarters were
required. Necessary accommodation and spacious
grounds were afforded by the purchase of the Wells prop
erty, a beautiful residence where, according to tradition,
George Washington once lodged. From the beginning
prosperity attended this foundation. Pupils soon as
sembled in throngs (the term is not an exaggeration) ; in
consequence two of the public schools were closed. It
was early found advisable to add a girls' high school to
the grammar grades. This high school prospered so well
that a resolution was made to secure similar opportunities
for boys. Hence in December, 1883, Mgr. Teeling in
duced Rev. Mortimer E. Twomey to take charge of a
high school department for boys. In a few years twenty
or more vocations to the priesthood were among the
fruits of Father Twomey's labors. The combined schools
soon numbered five or six hundred pupils.

214 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

The Sisters were always greatly encouraged by the
favorable consideration of the late Archbishop Williams
of Boston, and of the Rt. Rev. John Nilan, Bishop of
Hartford. The school was kindly commended also by
John Boyle O'Reilly, who was often the guest of the
pastor. From his own lips the Sisters and pupils heard
of his adventurous escape from Australia. Michael Da-
vitt, the great Irish patriot, was once present at an enter
tainment in his honor. John Jeffrey Roche, Mr. Ford,
and Miss Katherine Conway of the Boston Pilot were
frequent visitors.

To afford recreation and the benefit of the sea breeze,
to the Sisters, Mgr. Teeling placed his cottage on Plum
Island at their disposal. During the vacation, several
times a week the little band sailed down the Merrimac
to enjoy the day on the quiet beach. Excursions were
occasionally made to the home of Harriet Prescott Spof-
ford, who lived near Newburyport; and to the home of
Whittier, where the revered poet became a familiar
figure. The distinguished explorer, Adolph Washing
ton Greeley, returned from his Arctic expedition, visited
Newburyport, where his aged mother lived, and the
town's ovation to him was an inspiring event to Sisters
and pupils. Thus both persons and places of historic
interest lent charm to the early days of these first mis
sions in the far East.

The blessings vouchsafed to the schools of Newbury
port induced the pastors of neighboring cities to attempt
similar undertakings, the opening of institutions under
the care of religious, a venture at first somewhat unique
in this section where the public schools had so long held
sway and enjoyed an enviable reputation.

St. Patrick's School, Brockton, Massachusetts, was
opened September 12, 1887, with an attendance of nearly
five hundred children. It was the first, and for many

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 215

years the only parochial school in Plymouth County, the
home of the Puritans. Ten Sisters formed the first
colony, which was presided over by Sister Silvia O'Brien.
The teaching staff now numbers thirteen ; the pupils six
hundred.

In the early days of this foundation every possible
encouragement was given the Sisters and the school by
the Rev. Fathers McClure and Glynn. Superintendents
and professors of the public schools, visiting St. Patrick's,
marvelled at the Sisters' success. Occasionally prejudice
or curiosity may have prompted the calls, but after a few
experiences, these visitors, even if they did not go to
scoff and remain to pray, were frequently generous
enough to admit that the parochial schools were not below
the reputation ascribed to them by their friends. Indeed
this was repeatedly proved by the notable success of the
boys and girls of the parochial schools in competitive
tests with the students of the public schools.

At the advent of the Sisters, Brockton consisted of
one parish attended by three priests. Now there are
six parishes and fourteen priests. Many of the pupils are
to be found in the ranks of the priesthood. Great good
is accomplished in all these eastern missions through the
sodalities and Sunday schools. They promote sympathy
and interest among the members, encourage piety, and
become a means of carrying out in a systematic manner
various charitable and benevolent undertakings.

By the statistics of still another of these Eastern
foundations one's sense of numbers is almost bewildered.
One thousand four hundred is the present enrollment of
St. Raphael's, Hyde Park, Massachusetts. When this
school was established in 1888, Hyde Park was a thriv
ing little town, seven miles from Boston. Though so near
that intellectual centre, of which it has since become an
integral part, Hyde Park was an admirable field for the

216 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Sisters' endeavors. The population, partly native, partly
foreign, was distinctly in need of religious and educa
tional opportunities. Prejudice was by no means absent.
The general conditions of the place were different from
those elsewhere handled by the Sisters; but the zealous
spirits and active intellects of the little band that ac
companied Mother Cleophas when, in August, 1888,
she went to lay the foundation of this mission, vigorously
applied their best energies, their keenest intelligence to
the problems of religious and educational work awaiting
them. Particularly fortunate were they in having their
efforts seconded by a stanch co-laborer and helpful ad
viser, Rev. Richard Barry, who so justly deserves the
title, "Church Builder of the North." In the two schools
first undertaken there was an almost immediate enroll
ment of several hundred children. May not the patron
of the school, St. Raphael, the great Archangel who
once befriended the little Tobias, have helped to gather
the little ones of Hyde Park into the safe fold of the
Sisters' care?

St. Raphael's immediate prosperity was indeed an evi
dence of Heaven's blessings. The large enrollment soon
demanded another teacher; and the following year still
another had to be added, making the Apostolic number
twelve. But so marvellously has the school since grown,
that this corps of teachers has now been doubled. Sister
Mary Ignatius Fox, one of the original faculty, was
placed in charge in the autumn of 1892 ; as superior she
ably conducted the affairs of this important mission till
1912, when she was elected a member of the general
council at Nazareth.

A few days after St. Raphael's school was opened, the
Sisters learned, to their great dismay, that good Father
Barry had been appointed to build a church in Back Bay.
Many were the expressions of sorrow at the loss of so

EXTENSION IN THE NORTH AND EAST. 217

good and generous a pastor — the Sisters knew not the
blessing that God had in store for them in the person
of Mgr. James J. Chittick, pastor of Plymouth, whom
His Grace, Archbishop Williams had appointed as Father
Barry's successor as early as August, 1888.

From the day that Father Chittick went to Hyde Park
to the present, he has been the stanch friend of the Sisters,
supporting them in every trial and difficulty, and sacri
ficing everything for his beloved school. In less than ten
years he has not only liquidated the heavy debt which
almost prostrated him at his going to the parish, but he
has also built a school in Corriganville, Massachusetts,
enlarged the convent and school next to the church, as
well as the school in Readville, Massachusetts. All these
schools are models in organization and equipment. So
many improvements have been made in St. Raphael's,
and the parish has so much increased, that the Rt. Rev.
Mgr. Chittick's school of fourteen hundred children is
now one of the largest in the Archdiocese of Boston. In
competitive examinations, in which the public school
children also contest — the pupils of St. Raphael's are al
ways conspicuous in merit and number. This is true
likewise of the students of Nazareth's other schools in the
region.

These excellent schools, founded within three decades,
have become the community's chief glory in the East. A
few benevolent institutions under the Sisters' care like
wise do honor to Nazareth. In Lowell, Massachusetts,
in 1887, the Sisters took charge of St. Peter's Orphan
age, where little girls and boys are received. In New-
buryport they have charge of a home that shelters many
motherless little ones.

Subsequent pages will complete the history of the So
ciety's extension in Ohio and the farther East. But after
all, in the story of such expansion, the most significant

218 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

chapters are those which record the first hours' labor in
the vineyard. To summarize, then, the fruits of that
toil : the Sisters who began the Ohio and Massachusetts
foundations have made new places of honor for their
society, have greatly increased its opportunities for good
works. Bravely facing unfamiliar and often difficult
conditions, they have perpetuated the zeal, the fortitude,
the resourcefulness of the pioneer community. They have
opened the way and made straight the paths for their
successors, those who, under God's Providence, will con
tinue their work of Christian education and benevolence.

CHAPTER XII.
THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH.

WHILE the light of the Society's good deeds was
thus shining afar, it was imparting a bright glow
also to regions nearer home. In Louisville, Kentucky,
the early foundations were improved; new schools and
benevolent institutions were established to meet the grow
ing city's needs. Yet, for all these gratifying general
conditions, one incident of gloom cast a shadow across
the last decade of the nineteenth century. On March
27, 1890, occurred that direst catastrophe in the history
of Louisville, the tornado which swept the Sacred Heart
school to the ground and caused the death of Sister Mary
Pius.

At sundown on Holy Thursday an ominous cloud was
seen across the horizon. Between eight and nine o'clock
the terrific blast started upon its way, demolishing stone
warehouses, overturning massive engines, shattering
tenement houses and taking a heavy toll of human life.
The whirlwind entered the city at Eighteenth and Maple
streets, just two blocks away from the Sacred Heart
school and church. Tearing its way along, it filled the
air with the sound of crashing walls, shrieks of the dying
and the wounded, lamentations of the living. Imme
diately alarms of fire were rung, and the glare of con
flagration added another note of horror to that already
prevailing. Buried beneath ruins, many went to their
death; others were rescued with bruised and lacerated
bodies. The tornado created a fellowship of sorrow
wherein all bemoaned dear ones dead or disabled. In

219

220 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

this great tribulation the Nazareth community bore a
most afflicting part. The Sacred Heart Church and
School were among the buildings earliest struck and
Sister Mary Pius, of the teaching band, was one of the
first victims of the disaster. Well may be understood the
effect produced upon the Sisters by such an abrupt inter
ruption of their quiet evening hour. Stunned, unaware
of the exact nature of the catastrophe, Sister Mary Pius
started across the yard, immediately receiving her death
blow. Sister Anselma and others were buried under the
debris, where they remained for some time imprisoned in
living death; when the rescue corps arrived, the Sisters
could hear voices saying that there was no use in remov
ing the debris as in all probability no victims lay beneath
it, the poor distracted religious meantime wondering if
they were doomed to be buried alive. Finally they were
unearthed, soon forgetting their own anguish in their
grief for their lost companion. Their bereavement drew
sympathy from strangers as well as friends. The Cour
ier-Journal of Good Friday morning contained this af
fecting passage :

''One of the saddest processions wended its way from
the ruined Sacred Heart at Seventeenth and Broadway
at eleven o'clock last night. On a bier lay all that was
mortal of Sister Mary Pius. Slowly the procession
moved along, the reverend Fathers of the Church at the
head with lighted lanterns to show the pall-bearers
through the debris. It was a strange close for such a
life of peace; and the uncouth men who lifted the bier
were strangely delicate, as if they feared to disturb the
sleeper."

Needless to say this tragic death cast a pall over the
spirits of the surviving Sisters and other members of the
community. Yet they had to endure still another strain

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 221

on their tender hearts, that of sympathy for the afflictions
in their pupils' families. Once more the sisterhood,
grieved and burdened as it was, exercised compassionate
offices, bearing solace to the homes of the devastated
neighborhood.

The total loss of church and school amounted to $25,-
000; the church had been built a few years previous at
a cost of $15,000. The triple loss of church, school,
faithful teacher, broke the heart of the devoted pastor,
Father Disney, who never completely recovered from his
grief. In time he rebuilt the school, which has steadily
prospered, having a present enrollment of four hundred
children.

To pass from the tragic episode of the tornado to
happier incidents: one of the most valuable services to
education in Louisville about this time was the erection
of the new Presentation Academy on the corner of
Fourth and Breckenridge Streets. Since its foundation
in 1831, this institution has enjoyed a progressive career,
having been the Alma Mater of many esteemed men
and women. Rev. Charles P. Raffo, pastor of St. Charles
Borromeo's Church, Louisville, was among the academy's
"boys." Even to-day the homely ancient building on
Fifth Street, where Sister Sophia Carton was long the
presiding genius, is fraught with associations dear to
many. One of the noteworthy departments in the school
of yore was that familiarly known as "Trinity College,"
named very likely after the famous institution of Sister
Sophia's native land, Ireland. The dignified appellation
was given to an upper room at the end of the academy's
lot; what may have been lacking in outward appearance
was compensated for by the propriety and discipline
which Sister Sophia maintained among her "young gen
tlemen," as the youths of approximately twelve, thirteen
and fourteen years were always termed. With an ap-

222 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

parently stern demeanor, but with the fondest heart, she
ruled them, winning their affection and confidence by
her genuine interest in their welfare, an interest that
followed them into their later careers. Many of Sister
Sophia's "young gentlemen" are to be found holding
positions of responsibility. Mr. Wible Mapother and Mr.
Addison Smith, vice-presidents of the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad, and other able citizens of Louisville
of to-day were once students in 'Trinity College."

By faithful adherence to high standards of mental
and moral training the academy gained a liberal patron
age from non-Catholics as well as Catholics. Ultimately
the city's increasing traffic in the neighborhood of the
old school necessitated new and larger quarters. Under
the direction of Mother Helena Tormey and Sister
Augustine Callen the present building was erected on the
corner of Fourth and Breckenridge Streets in 1893.
Sister Augustine retained the office of superior of the
Academy until she was recalled to Nazareth (1894), to
assume for the third time the duties of treasurer. Sister
Augustine was a gentle and dignified religious, zealous
for the honor of God and the good of her society. She
was an accomplished teacher; and many of her pupils
have become distinguished members of Nazareth acad
emy's faculty.

Particularly fortunate was the new Presentation
Academy in its second superior, Sister Eutropia Mc-
Mahon, who succeeded Sister Augustine in 1894. Able,
fervent, gracious in nature and demeanor, she had the
twofold power of engaging the youngest pupil's affection
and of employing the force needed for the direction of
a large school in a developing city. The supreme testi
mony of her abilities was her eventual election as mother
of the community and later as mother general. Under
the able guidance of Sister Bernardine Townsend, who

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 223

succeeded her in 1909, the school continued to prosper,
sustaining the reputation ascribed to it by the Kentucky
historian, Colonel Stoddard Johnston, in his "History of
Louisville :" 'The Presentation Academy, second to none
in a city famous for its fair seats of learning." While
Nazareth's chief academy in Louisville was thus pro
gressing, annually enrolling about four hundred children,
the parochial schools of the city were likewise richly
benefiting by the Sisters' zealous labors. In 1859 St.
John's School was begun; St. Michael's in 1866; St.
Augustine's for negro children, built by the late Rt. Rev.
M. J. Spalding, 1871; St. Cecilia's, 1877; the Sacred
Heart, 1877; St. Brigid's, 1887; St. Frances of Rome,
1887; St. Philip Neri, 1889; The Holy Name, 1891. By
the closing years of the nineteenth century the yearly
registration in these schools was approximately two
thousand pupils. To their tasks of teaching, the Sisters
of these schools added many activities to be classed as
general parish work, visiting the sick, counselling and
cheering parents, instructing classes in catechism, sup
porting the pastors in various other good works. Thus
many a parochial school of Louisville under the Sisters'
care (and the same is true elsewhere) has anticipated the
work accomplished in later years by neighborhood houses,
settlement houses and similar institutions ; for the Sisters'
industry, neatness, order, co-operative spirit, as well as
their piety, have been distinctly valuable influences in
many localities.

Meantime the benevolent institutions under the Sisters'

care were developing — St. Joseph's Infirmary and Sts.

Mary and Elizabeth Hospital increasing in size and in

number of patients. With the tenderness of mothers

; and often the self-sacrifice of mothers who receive almost

I no reward for their labors, the faithful guardians of the

! orphans were caring for the boys of St. Thomas' Orphan-

224: SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

age and the girls at St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum. For
many years almost the entire burden of these forlorn
children developed upon the Sisters. Many kind citizens
from time to time gave assistance ; Father Bouchet, faith
ful friend of the Sisters and their charges, edited The
Record in their behalf; but for the most part to the
mother house and the compassionate and laborious re
ligious at the orphanages is due the care given for over
three-quarters of a century to thousands of these bereaved
children. To-day, fortunately, a board of trustees has
lightened the Sisters' labors and responsibilities.

While the Louisville schools and benevolent institutions
were thus expanding, elsewhere in Kentucky statelier
structures were rising upon ante-bellum foundations and
many new establishments were made. With special grati
fication Nazareth saw her oldest branch houses progress
ing from year to year. Already has been noted the heroic
part played by the Sisters of Bethlehem Academy, Bards-
town (begun in 1819), during seasons of pestilence and
war. Following such ordeals, whence their spirit of
mercy and compassion came forth as thrice refined gold,
the Sisters resumed school work with the happy adapt
ability of true Christians. Receiving both boarding
and day pupils, Bethlehem Academy has steadily pros
pered. In 1910, the frame dwellings on either side of the
original edifice were replaced by brick structures — all
three buildings, the old one and the two new ones, form
ing an institution which is an ornament to historic Bards-
town. To the zeal and encouragement of the Very Rev.
Dean O'Connell, the school is greatly indebted for its
present success.

St. Vincent's Academy, Union County, has proved
worthy of the vigorous spirits who founded it ninety-six
years ago. Who can estimate the accomplishment of its
generations of able Sisters? Mrs. John Logan's rem-

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 225

iniscences have already paid honor to the early convent
and its faculty ; the present superior, Sister Estelle Has-
som, has energetically continued the work of her pred
ecessors. During her ten years' incumbency she has
added many improvements to the now well-equipped
modern academy and its spacious estate. On the oc
casion of her golden jubilee as a religious (1916),
tributes from numerous devoted friends eloquently wit
nessed to her admirable endeavors and to the esteem
she has inspired.

St. Vincent's importance as an educational influence
not only in Kentucky but also in neighboring states was
illustrated during Indiana's centennial celebration of
1916, the Kentucky academy being accorded representa
tion because of its share in the education of Indiana
girls. In the commemorative pageant, daughters of
representative families impersonated grandmothers and
great grandmothers who had attended the venerable
school across the Ohio River. Seven girls garbed in
St. Vincent's first uniform — purple dresses, white collars,
cuffs and belts — revived the early days of St. Vincent's ;
while the present pastor, Father Lubberman, imperson
ated that revered missionary of pioneer days — Father
Durbin, priest, friend, counsellor, to so many families.
His church across the road from St. Vincent's was known
as The Chapel; and even as Father Durbin added so
many offices to his distinctive one of pastor, so The
Chapel occasionally served other than strictly religious
needs. For example, on Saturdays Father Durbin was
wont to bring home from the nearest town the mail for
the Sisters, their pupils, and for the various households
of the vicinity. The mail-bag was carefully borne to the
sacristy where it was emptied upon the floor, the letters
being then claimed by their rightful owners. The primi
tive method of distribution may seem questionable; but

226 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

under the supervision of Father Durbin, who knew his
flock so well, it was evidently safe.

St. Catherine's Academy, Lexington, Kentucky, es
tablished by Mother Catherine in 1823, has perseveringly
sustained the prestige won by its founder. Vicissitudes
have occasionally been its lot; but the prudence and in
dustry of superiors and their associates have vanquished
recurrent difficulties. To the academy's development
have been devoted the thought and energy of such guides
as Mother Cleophas Mills — who for a while bore the
responsibility of the general government of Nazareth,
and Sister Mary Vincent Hardie, a former pupil of St.
Catherine's, a religious of rare ability, forceful charac
ter and intellect, during many years one of the most
valuable members of Nazareth's own faculty. Long
did she labor in Lexington till she was called "home" to
the mother house, where in 1915 her faithful and efficient
life was ended. Under the direction of Sister Imelda,
excellent teacher and disciplinarian, St. Catherine's has
continued to advance. Besides its own faculty it shelters
eleven other Sisters, four of whom teach more than two
hundred children in St. Paul's parochial school; four
others instruct the negro children of St. Peter Claver's
School.

During the three score and eight years since its estab
lishment, St. Frances' Academy, Owensboro, Kentucky,
has steadily increased its reputation, gradually outgrow
ing the little schoolhouse opened by Mother Frances
Gardiner in 1849. When in 1888 larger quarters be
came necessary, a lot was purchased whereon two years
later the present St. Frances Academy was built; while
it was rising upon its foundations, untiring in direction
and wise supervision was the superior, Sister Guidonia
Flaherty, one of the Community's jubilarians. At this
point may be emphasized the fact that when pilgrimages

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THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 227

are made to the mother house and handsome branch
houses, sometimes but superficial is the realization that
these well-equipped stable structures are monuments to
executive ability of the first order, to the unassertive but
firm and prudent women who have superintended the
erection of stately academy, good school house, hospital,
infirmary, as the case may be. All the more eagerly is
the tribute paid, because those who inspire it seek no
praise that makes them conspicuous, being content to let
work of hand or brain redound to the honor of God
and Nazareth.

Indebted as St. Frances Academy has been to those
who have guided its destinies and their associates, par
ticularly fortunate have the Sisters been in such loyal
friends as the Rev. Eugene O'Callaghan, one of the
Society's most liberal benefactors, and the succeeding
pastors, Mgr. Gambon and Rev. Edward S. Fitzgerald,
the present incumbent; these three special friends of
Nazareth have lent valuable encouragement to all the
Sisters' endeavors.

Parallel with the expansion of these early branch
houses has been the growth of those other ante-bellum
foundations — La Salette Academy, Covington, Kentucky,
and the Immaculata Academy, Newport, Kentucky. Re
luctant as members of the community are to have any
particular mention, certain ones have by long service
become identified with certain institutions; such is Sister
Lauretta Meagher who in 1879 became superior of La
Salette Academy, giving to that office thirty-three years
of unsparing labor. In her girlhood this zealous teacher
and religious was a pupil of St. Vincent's Academy,
Union County; soon after her graduation she entered
the community. Her first mission (1862) was to Louis
ville, to nurse the soldiers in the military hospitals of the
Civil War. How truly the spirit of St. Vincent echoes

228 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

in her words describing this undertaking : "I was a young
idealist, with great dreams of what a Sister of Charity
and a follower of St. Vincent should do — to nurse the
sick and care for the orphans and the needy." During
those years the novices and young Sisters were taught
to bandage wounds and render other services to the
ailing and the disabled; hence the "young idealist" was
well trained for her tasks. After several months of char
itable ministrations to soldiers of the Blue and the Gray,
she was recalled to Nazareth to teach for a while, later
going to St. Catherine's Academy, Lexington, Kentucky.
When Sister Lauretta became superior of La Salette,
the little brick house where the school had first been
started in 1856 was still serving as academy and Sisters'
residence; Sister Lauretta was wont to remark of La
Salette : 'The beauty of the king's daughter is within,"
so sharply did the neatness and tidiness of the small house
contrast with its surroundings. The resourcefulness of
the superior and her assistants is illustrated by the fol
lowing incident: From the time of their establishment in
Covington the Sisters had attended Mass at the old
cathedral ; when the new one was erected several blocks
away, Sister Lauretta knew that the long walk to it
would be hard on her household; hence she decided to
have a chapel within her own walls. At Christmas one
of the Sisters received a little silver bell. "That will do
for our chapel," said Sister Lauretta. When she prof
fered her request for a chaplain, the bishop, knowing
the smallness of the house, said "But, how can you have
a chapel? Have you any furnishings?" "Yes," was the
answer, "a silver bell." The bishop then promised a
chaplain, not dreaming that by spring the devout superior
would have found a means to accomplish her wish.

Meanwhile a still more difficult project challenged
Sister Lauretta's energy. All this time the Sisters had

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 229

labored under the disadvantage of not owning their
home and school ; moreover the old building in use since
1856 seriously hampered the Sisters' educational work;
therefore from the mother house sanction for a new
school house was requested and obtained. In 1886 the
corner-stone was laid for the present substantial struc
ture, providing room and opportunity for developing an
academy of the first rank. The prompt increase in en
rollment necessitated additions to the teaching staff;
hence a new home for the Sisters was required. On
March 25, 1903, a modern residence stood completed,
superseding the antiquated one of 1856. The capable
superior, whose foresight inspired the building of the
new academy and convent, ascribes to another the ac
complishment of her wishes : "St. Joseph built the Con
vent ; I kept telling him that I wanted him to build a fit
ting home for his Lady, the Blessed Virgin. I said : 'You
know the kind of home she ought to have ;' and so, St.
Joseph really built it." This comfortable convent now
shelters twenty-nine or thirty Sisters, including La Sal-
ette's own faculty, and the teaching bands of St. James'
school, Ludlow, Kentucky, and St. Patrick's and St.
Mary's parochial schools, Covington. St. Mary's School,
whose career began simultaneously with La Salette's, and
even more humbly — in a cottage and a few detached
apartments — is now established in a well-built school-
house erected by the former pastor, then Father Bros-
sart, who has since been elevated to episcopal honors.

In 1912 Sister Lauretta laid aside the burdens of office,
her sight having begun to fail — alas, that human facul
ties have not the longevity of zeal and piety! Her suc
cessor, Sister Aime, at the end of a year was followed in
office by the present gifted superior and devout religious,
Sister Columba Fox, who>, with her sister, Sister Mary
Ignatius, the present directress of studies at Nazareth

230 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

and a member of the general council, had been among
Sister Lauretta's pupils at St. Catherine's Academy, Lex
ington, Kentucky, whence they passed to Nazareth Acad
emy, and eventually into Nazareth's novitiate. Sister
Columba has loyally paid tribute to her former teacher:
"Sister Lauretta kept the academy abreast of the times,
so there was little to be added, save a strengthening and
beautifying touch when needed and occasion permitted."
As a matter of fact nothing has been spared to make La
Salette an academy of first rank ; hence the school begun
sixty years ago by Sister Clare Gardiner in such small
and inauspicious quarters now averages an annual enroll
ment of two hundred and fifty and a teaching force of
fifteen. Regular school work is supplemented by lectures,
recitations and similar entertainments educational in
character, given by the best talent of the country. The
pupils have an annual spiritual retreat, given by a Jesuit,
Passionist or other religious. The work of the students
bears witness to the high standards maintained; illus
trative of these standards was an entertainment in honor
of the Rt. Rev. Ferdinand Brossart, following his ap
pointment to episcopal office (1916) : the chief features
of this entertainment being an address in Latin, one in
French, and one in English. An active and loyal Alumnae
Society, now affiliated with the International Federation
of Catholic Alumnae, fosters the spirit of La Salette and
exercises a fruitful influence in the social and civic life
of Covington.

Shortly after La Salette had entered upon its efficient
career, a few Sisters began walking across the bridge
every morning to Newport, Kentucky, where in 1857
they founded the Immaculata Academy. Among the
valiant band who under trying circumstances began this
school were Sister Euphrasia Mudd, the first superior,
Sisters Mary Magdalen McMahon, Angela Brooks,

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 231

and Camilla. The early days of the Academy are as
sociated also with Sister Marcella, Mother Helena and
Sisters Isabella Drury and Mary David Wagner, who
successively held office. For twenty-two years (1858-
80), the last named religious gave the service of her
distinguished mentality, executive ability and piety,
to securing stability and prestige for the Immaculata
Academy. Not till seven years after its establishment
did the Sisters have a permanent home and school. Fi
nally in 1864 was erected "David's Tower," the tall nar
row building still in use, whose name honors both the
Psalmist and the efficient religious who there spent many
days of toil and thought.

From Sister Mary David's hands the guidance of the
Immaculata passed successively to two capable and de
vout superiors — Sister Mary Walsh and Sister Blanche
Traynor. In 1886 Sister Eulalia Gaynor was appointed
to succeed Sister Blanche, but only for a few weeks was
she permitted to fill her office, for within less than a
month she was burned to death, her clothes having ignited
from a candle while she was dressing. Tragic as were
the circumstances, her death was calm and holy; ever
thoughtful of others, a few minutes before the end she
reminded the weeping Sisters that it was time for them to
repair to church to receive Holy Communion.

Especially fortunate was the Immaculata Academy in
the superior who followed lamented Sister Eulalia. In
September, 1886, Sister Constance Davis assumed the
duties of an office which she was to hold for twenty-four
years. A sister of the present Bishop of Davenport and
of the Rev. Richard Davis, chaplain of Nazareth, and
a cousin of the present mother-general of the community,
this religious was one of an exceptional little company
who during the seventies came from Ireland to take their
part in the work of education and religion in America.

232 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Sister Constance was one of three who entered the Naz
areth society, the others being Mother-General Rose
Meagher and her sister, Sister Gonzales. One of the
number has said : "We were practically received into the
Community before we left Ireland, for Mother Columba
knew that we were coming." To this fact, that their
novitiate was virtually begun in the Isle of the Blest,
may doubtless in some measure be ascribed the vigor, the
piety, the white-hot zeal which has ever marked the
work of the little group — all too humble to welcome such
eulogy, whose truth none the less forces its way from the
historian's pen.

When Sister Constance began her labors in Newport
a need confronted her similar to that faced in Covington
about the same time, the necessity for modernizing the
equipment and curriculum of the academy. For many
years the Sisters had lacked conveniences and resources
for accomplishing the good works to which they aspired.
During those seasons of limited means, however, faith
ful friends were at hand who later were nobly to second
all exertions for the Immaculata's development. Promi
nent among these benefactors were Mr. and Mrs. M. V.
Daily, who permitted scarcely a day to pass unmarked
by their generous and courteous offices. Mr. Daily's an
nual gift was a check in full for the fuel supply of the
entire year, while Mrs. Daily never failed to send to the
convent every Saturday a well-filled basket of provisions
sufficient for the week.

In 1898, Mr. Daily died, bequeathing his beautiful
residence to his daughter, Mrs. Peter O'Shaughnessy.
At once she and her generous husband made over by a
fee-simple to the Sisters of the Immaculata Academy this
valuable property, Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's girlhood home.
The acquisition of this estate, increasing the facilities for
the accommodation of students, marked an epoch in the

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 233

history of the academy; since then its success has been
assured. Another valuable addition to the Sisters' prop
erty was made in 1901, when the residence and grounds
of Mr. M. J. King, adjoining the Daily estate, were
purchased, making an ideal convent, quiet and secluded,
yet in the heart of the city. With its faculty and pupils
now comfortably housed, the Immaculata Academy takes
a foremost place in the local educational field ; its Alumnae
Association, affiliated with the International Federation
of Catholic Alumnae, includes women of rare worth, an
honor to their city and their Alma Mater. In 1907 the
institution, thus prosperously established, celebrated its
golden jubilee; during the solemn High Mass of com
memoration the celebrant, Rev. James McNerney, re
joiced the hearts of all present by reading a cablegram
from Rome, conveying the Holy Father's blessing to
Sisters, pupils and the entire congregation.

While the Immaculata Academy has been attaining
its notable position of efficiency and stability, the Sisters'
work in the Immaculata parochial school has likewise
been blessed. Its prosperity may in large measure be
ascribed to the generous encouragement and support of
Mr. Peter O'Shaughnessy. The convent, rectory, the
schools and church stand as perpetual memorials of his
untiring zeal and financial aid. His unflagging energy
and his indomitable courage in surmounting difficulties
secured the erection of the new parochial school in 1891.
Since its completion the attendance has greatly increased,
necessitating the addition of two teachers to the five al
ready in charge. Perhaps nowhere are the labors of the
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth more appreciated than
among the faithful people of Newport. The Sisters'
work has, as it were, grown with the city and its citizens,
whose joys and sorrows have been shared by the devoted
religious during more than half a century.

234 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

For many years several religious from the Immacu-
lata Academy went every day to teach in St. Anthony's
School, Bellevue, six miles from Newport, but in 1913
Reverend Frank Kehoe built a convenient home for the
Sisters near the school, the erection of this convent being
justified by the average enrollment of one hundred and
twenty-five pupils.

Another Kentucky academy ranked among Nazareth's
eldest daughters; St. Mary's Academy, Paducah, dat
ing from 1858, has repeatedly given evidence of that re
silience which is excellent proof of vitality. Earlier chap
ters have recorded the valor of its household during the
Civil War. Undaunted by the depressing experiences
of that conflict, the Sisters resumed school work when
the strife ended, also giving their services as nurses in
an infirmary which Sister Martha started in response
to the request of those who had observed the faithful and
tender offices of the black-robed nurses during the War.

Sister Martha's successors at St. Mary's Academy were
Sister Sophia Carton, later so endeared as superior of the
Presentation Academy, Louisville, and Sister Laurentia
Harrison, the heroic religious who sacrificed her life
during the yellow fever epidemic in Hdlly Springs.
Before that visitation Sister Laurentia was called upon
to endure a most severe trial; the cholera devastated
Paducah in 1873 while she was superior at St. Mary's.
Once again the Sisters laid aside their tasks of the
schoolroom and performed corporal and spiritual works
of mercy among the sick and dying, one of the Sister
hood winning the martyr's crown : Sister Ursula whose
life was forfeit to her self-immolating services.

During the superiorship of Sister Mary Regina,
St. Mary's Academy entered upon a less troubled period
of existence. The Sisters' present residence, a hand
some brick convent, was begun, and the subsequent sue-

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 235

cess of the academy has been due in no small measure to
Sister Mary Regina's wise guidance. By their vigorous
efforts of hand and brain and their piety, her successors
have furthered the school's development. Under Sister
Anatolia Byrne's direction the new academy was built,
its completion crowning the foundation's jubilee year,
1908.

While thus from the mustard seed sown by the early
Sisterhood have sprung noble plants, elsewhere in the
State the community's later activities have yielded gratify
ing fruit. In Paris, Kentucky, not far from Lexington,
St. Mary's School was established in 1888. Not only
the townspeople but those from surrounding counties
evince a marked appreciation of the Sisters' labors. In
1890 St. Bernard's School was begun in Earlington, a
mining town where the Sisters' presence is a valuable
influence. Owing to changing conditions St. Joseph's
Academy, Frankfort, has been discontinued; but the
Sisters still teach the parochial school, for which a new
building is now being considered by the present pastor,
Rev. Joseph O'Dwyer. St. Rose's Academy, Union-
town, has been superseded by a parochial school named
for St. Agnes, erected by the zealous pastor, Rev. T.
Kellenaers.

Among the prosperous rural schools conducted by the
Sisters is St. Jerome's School, Fancy Farm, Graves
County. When a teaching band went thither in 1892,
they found a harvest ripe for their gathering ; the people
of the neighborhood welcomed an opportunity to se^ir.e
Catholic education for their children. At one time this
need had been answered by a Franciscan sisterhood
which, however, had removed to Iowa a few years be
fore the arrival of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
To the latter, cordial encouragement was given by the
pastor, Rev. C. A. Haeseley. One hundred children were

236 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

enrolled during the first term ; and so rapidly did this en
rollment increase that it soon became necessary to make
additions to the teaching corps and the school house;
the original village school became an educational centre
for the surrounding district. To this little Parnassus of
Graves County several pupils daily make a long journey
on horseback. Others board nearby in order to avail
themselves of the educational advantages offered by the
Sisters. The reputation which they have established
is proved by the fact that one year, when the five months'
term of the local county school ended, the teacher and her
pupils in a body entered St. Jerome's school for the re
maining months of the term. Particularly successful
have the Sisters' girl pupils been in gaining positions of
responsibility, while the boys, after some additional col
lege work, pass creditably into professional or commercial
life.

A long cherished desire of Mrs. Anna Bradford Miles,
a loyal former pupil, was realized in 1900, when Mother
Cleophas Mills, accompanied by three Sisters, went to
New Hope, Kentucky, to arrange for opening St. Vin
cent's parochial school. Mrs. Miles and her husband
were the chief benefactors of the parish, having built both
the church and the school house; Mrs. Miles was wont
to say ; "Our ambition is to see our parochial schools the
best in the land and the teachers from our convents
equally the best." The present pastor, Rev. A. O'Shea,
has made many improvements in the church and the
Sisters' dwelling, and the good results of Christian edu
cation reward the benefactors' zeal and Nazareth's teach
ing staff.

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the brave
spirit and the wise practicality with which the Sisters
have met the needs of isolated rural neighborhoods. To
day in some districts of Kentucky, as is true in other

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 237

States, the clergy experience trials equal to those of
pioneer priests; and noble participants in their toil and
difficulties are the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Like
the community's early foundations, some of its schools
of the present lie almost in the heart of forests, whence
the Sisters' good influence radiates. Among these credit
able rural schools is St. Mary's-of-the-Woods, Whites-
ville, Dane County, founded in 1901. The zealous pastor
of this settlement, Rev. Hugh O' Sullivan, energetically
co-operates with the indefatigable Sister Mary Agnes
Pike and her companion, who "have accomplished wond
ers." In establishing such schools, Nazareth is continu
ing the great missionary work with which her career
began. The development of the mother house, the pros
perity of benevolent institutions and academies after the
War and the plagues, might have satisfied the commun
ity's zeal, being indeed enough to gain for the Sisters a
worthy place among the toilers in the Lord's vineyard.
But to be content with Work accomplished was far from
the spirit of their unresting patron, St. Vincent, and
from Nazareth's own traditions. Thus their aspiration
swept beyond stately academies and hospitals to the
humblest localities — even unto "the least of these;" in
lowly frame school houses they labored for their Divine
Master and thereby saved young souls, perhaps otherwise
neglected, trained young minds, and helped to make
good citizens for this world and worthy ones for that
heavenly country which is the fixed goal of their own
hopes.

This gratifying record of new branches planted in
fresh fields and primitive foundations matured into well-
equipped modern institutions, must of course be ascribed
to the thorough spiritual and mental preparation given to
the teaching bands before their departure from the novi
tiate and normal school of the mother house, ever the

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

subject of thoughtful care. From the days of Father
David, Nazareth has chosen as the moulders of her
future ranks those combining spiritual qualities with in
tellectual gifts and that personal power needed in training
recruits for the religious life. As mistresses of novices
or instructors in the normal school, some of the most
capable members of the community have employed their
energies and talents, such women as Mother Catherine
herself, Mother Frances, Sister Ellen O'Connell, Sister
Scholastica O'Connor, Mother Columba, Sister Adelaide
Bickett, Sister Xavier Anderson. Their names recall
others, who with them helped to give prestige also to the
academy: Sisters Regina and Seraphine, Mary Vincent
Hardie, Augustine Callen, Mary Elizabeth Duprez, Scho
lastica Fenwick, possessor of a most beautiful voice, Sis
ters Harriet Emerson, Emily Elder, Anna Mclntyre and
many others too numerous to mention, yet revered as the
diligent builders of the reputations of Nazareth Academy
and its branch houses.

The standards and curriculum prevailing at the mother
house until the period of the Civil War have already been
indicated. That conflict, with its distressing effects upon
the South, was not without disadvantages to Nazareth;
however, a creditable enrollment continued. If numbers
sometimes fluctuated, the development of the Society's
branch houses maintained the allegiance of the South.
Meanwhile, the material expansion of Nazareth during
the seventies gave evidence of prestige not only sus
tained but growing. To acommodate the pupils, new
dormitories had to be added; under the supervision of
Mother Columba the auditorium, with its seating capacity
of 1500, was completed in 1871, its upper floor being used
for commencement exercises, its lower rooms serving
as a recreation hall during vacation till recent years, when
they were converted into a museum and art gallery. Still

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 289

another addition made about this time was the presby
tery, adjacent to the church — a comfortable home for the
resident chaplain, visiting clergy and other gentlemen
guests.

This material expansion was paralleled by the progress
in school work. Conservative in the best sense as Naz
areth has been, no opportunity to keep abreast of good
methods was lost. With virtually no distractions to in
terrupt the routine of school life, it was possible to ar
range a program of study alternated with such recreation
periods as conduced to health and mental freshness.
Though the work in the advanced classes crowned the
more elementary, and was particularly characteristic of
Nazareth's methods and ideals, stress was laid through all
the classes on fundamentals, reading, writing, spelling,
grammar, mathematics. To these subjects, begun in the
primary department, the intermediate grades added geog
raphy and United States history, rhetoric and composi
tion. Through the four years of the senior grades the
higher branches were duly distributed; in the first year
English grammar was continued; literature was studied
with special attention to American authors, rhetoric with
particular emphasis upon style ; geography was reviewed ;
physiology and ancient history were begun. In the
second year, the course in grammar was completed; the
study of literature was continued, with seven British
authors as chief topics ; in the rhetoric class versification
was studied; zoology, English history and philosophy
were added ; book-keeping was elective. The third year's
work included literature, algebra, modern history, chem
istry, criterion, mythology, rhetoric, Mills' lectures, arith
metic (reviewed). In the fourth and final year the sub
jects were : general history, geometry and trigonometry,
logic, botany, geology, literature, astronomy, civil gov
ernment; a general review of fundamentals was made.

240 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Latin, French or German was obligatory through the
senior grades ; exercises in writing included training in
"Epistolary Correspondence," as the old phrase goes ;
elocution and etiquette extended through the course.

A carefully selected library of numerous volumes helped
to develop taste for good literature, and this constant
aim of the faculty was seconded by the frequent visits
of eminent lecturers and scholars, who supplemented
their formal addresses by participating in the pupils' rec
reation hours, thereby helping to foster proficiency in that
fine art, conversation. Dramas composed and (acted
by the members of the first senior class, assisted by pupils
of other grades, were among the features of the year's
work which helped to develop talent for composition and
expression, and to cultivate grace and dignity of bearing.
Often founded on historical or other cultural subjects,
these plays were instructive, while adding recreative
values to school life. Regular courses in music were
supplemented by artists' and pupils' recitals. Painting,
drawing and fine needlework were skilfully taught ; when
desired, courses in stenography, typewriting and tele
graphy were given.

A place of importance was given to the study of
French language and literature. From the beginning
Nazareth had two special advantages in teaching this
branch : the presence of several religious of French birth
or descent, and the patronage of Southern families in
timately acquainted with la belle langue Frangaise.
Pupils from these families signally helped to main
tain a high standard of proficiency in the speaking and
understanding of idiomatic French. Beginning in the
intermediate grades, the pupils were drilled in French
grammar, reading, conversation, dictation. The higher
classes were trained to translate passages of French lit
erature into English and vice versa ; a general acquaint-

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 241

ance with the history of French literature was obtained
and the senior classes were familiarized with several
masterpieces of such authors as Racine, Corneille,
Moliere, Bossuet, Fenelon, Lacordaire, Massillon and
Bourdaloue. From month to month, especially on "Note
Days" and other important occasions, poems, dialogues
and similar exercises were recited for the instruction and
entertainment of the whole school. Crowning such pro
grams were the plays given once or twice a year, the
chief roles being taken by the French girls from Loui
siana or other Southern States, to the admiration and
emulation of the other pupils. A double purpose was
sometimes served by the rendition of an English drama,
or a part thereof, in French. A pupil18 of a quarter of
a century ago records this memory: "The words, all in
French, of Lady Macbeth in the sleep-walking scene are
still distinctly impressed on my mind, as I learned them
at Nazareth. I recall very vividly the French plays of
the year, the principal roles being enacted by the French
girls from Louisiana. . . . These French plays
were admirable exercises for the French girls themselves
and an incentive to those of us not so conversant with
the language. . . . Among the courses in French
Literature I consider one of the most valuable that de
voted to the famous pulpit orators. Such readings, with
dictated lectures in French, as those we had from Bos-
suet's 'Discours sur 1'Histoire Universelle' or his 'Orai-
sons Funebres/ gave a definite and positive direction
for later studies. ... It was this course in French
Literature that, while I was still in the class-room at
Nazareth, inspired me to go to Paris, and awakened my
lasting admiration for the French language and litera
ture. The greatest attraction for me in Paris was the
Cathedral of Notre Dame, with all its associations with

» Miss Mary Susan Miller, of Washington, D. C.

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

the great pulpit orators. One of the most pleasant and
thrilling experiences of my first visit to Paris was the
fulfillment of my resolution, made at Nazareth, to hear
for myself the famous Lenten Conferences de Notre
Dame — those Conferences de Car erne which had been
immortalized for us in our Kentucky school."

In some quarters there has been a persuasion that
convent schools have been less successful in teaching
mathematics and other exact sciences than in teaching
belles-lettres. The criticism does not hold true of Naz
areth and its branch schools; girls and boys from the
Sisters' academies and parochial schools make good
records in examinations and class work, frequently being
ready for more advanced work in mathematics than
children with whom they are graded according to their
standing in other subjects; their good training success
fully stands the test when they take positions in civil
service or other occupations demanding accuracy of
thought and methodical habits. A later chapter, out
lining Nazareth's present curriculum, offers material for
comparison with courses of study elsewhere pursued; at
this point, recording work accomplished approximately
from the eighteen-seventies to the end of the century,
the standard of mathematics at Nazareth may be illus
trated by the verdict of one well qualified to judge — a
former pupil * who supplemented her several years at
the Kentucky convent by years of study at the University
of Chicago, at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Eng
land, and in Continental institutions of note. This loyal
alumna has said: "I think Nazareth would then (late
eighteen eighties and early nineties) have been classed
as A-A in the teaching of mathematics. The training in
arithmetic and algebra was unsurpassed. That Davies-
Bourdon which we were obliged to master contained such

20 Miss Mary Susan Miller, already referred to, a scholar of distinction.

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 243

difficult problems and formulae to be anaylzed, it verged
on a College Course. The manner of regular instruc
tion in Mental Arithmetic — as we termed it, in contra
distinction to work in Practical Arithmetic — was to be
commended as excellent mental discipline. Nowadays
when the teacher is supposed to pour everything into the
passive pupils' minds, instead of training these pupils
(often inclined to be inert) to use their own faculties, the
advantages of Mental Arithmetic as it was taught at
Nazareth are not sufficiently recognized. The freedom
from the city distractions at Nazareth, the regular, tran
quil life conducing so much to concentration of the
mental faculties — these and numerous other conditions
are so favorable for young women desirous of obtaining
the mental discipline, as well as the knowledge, which
the course in mathematics facilitates."

The element of partiality in this tribute may be coun
terbalanced by the statement that, in passing entrance
examinations for college and university, this former
Nazareth pupil was repeatedly asked where she had re
ceived her training in mathematics; her examiners were
in some cases scholars eminent in research work as well
as in teaching. These facts are somewhat liberally quoted
because they help to refute the charges against the teach
ing of mathematics in convent schools in general as well
as emphasizing the standard of instruction at Nazareth.
The pupil in question, after a year's absence from Naz
areth, passed a strict examination for teaching in the
public schools of Texas, one of the chief examiners being
a member of the faculty in a famous private school of the
State, noted for excellent teaching in Greek, Latin and
mathematics; the former Nazareth pupil's papers were
marked "100." She successfully passed also the exam
inations in "Pedagogy and School Discipline/' though
the theory of these branches was unknown to her; she

244 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

answered all questions according to the methods seen in
practice at Nazareth. Though possessing ability of rare
order, this pupil ascribes her excellent training to her
teacher "who taught us how to think for ourselves. I
had great opportunity to appreciate her great mentality
and exceptional abilities . . . her true nobility of
character and deeply religious spirit, her unalterable
mildness and goodness. . . . She was really what
Sister Seraphia called her: 'a marvellous mathematical
bulwark,' against all pretenses and laziness of pupils."
Only consideration for this teachers humility forbids
another loyal pupil (the present writer) from adding to
the foregoing eulogy this Sister's name, one already
made illustrious in her community's history by two re
ligious distinguished for their sanctity and high in
tellectuality.

While such instructors were maintaining a high stand
ard in the mathematical work of the academy, zealous en
deavors were made to provide thorough grounding in
the other sciences. Of special advantage in the teaching
of these branches was the assistance given by the Rev
erend Francis Chambige, a member of the faculty of St.
Joseph's College, President of St. Thomas's Seminary,
who in 18G1 became ecclesiastical superior of the com
munity, taking up his residence at Nazareth in 1869.
Father Chambige was proficient in chemistry, botany,
geology, having begun these studies in his native France,
where his father was a pharmacist of note. Besides
generously sharing his erudition with the Sisters, Father
Chambige presented to them his collection of geological
and mineralogical specimens which to-day forms a valu
able contribution to one of the academy's best equipped
departments, the Museum. During his several years'
residence at Nazareth, Father Chambige encouraged the
Sisters in all their academic work, giving inestimable aid

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 245

especially to teachers and students of chemistry. The
acquisition of globes, charts, a telescope, various appara
tus for the laboratory, a planetarium (the invention of
another ecclesiastical superior), gradually increased the
opportunities for teaching physics, geography, astronomy
and the other sciences.

This outline of work planned and accomplished at
Nazareth indicates the gradual development of the cur
riculum, which in turn demanded additions to the faculty.
By 1890 this augmenting of teaching force and courses
of study was well under way, not only raising standards
and increasing educational facilities at home but also ex
erting a stimulating influence upon the branches, to which
the mother house has ever been a well of refreshment and
inspiration, both spiritual and intellectual. The United
States Bureau of Education in a Circular of 1899 con
tains this reference to Nazareth Academy: "A view of
the school as it was in 1822 and as it now is would well
display not only the growth of the Institution itself, but
in a general way the expansion of higher education in
Kentucky at this time."

From the academy's earliest days, woven across the
fabric of every occupation was of course the influence of
religion. Doubtless because many members of the origin
al Sisterhood had ties of kinship with that land of re
ligious liberty, Maryland, a respect for the honest convic
tions of others always prevailed at Nazareth, forbidding
any attempt at proselytism. How faithfully this prin
ciple was observed is proved by the numbers of non-
Catholic pupils constantly enrolled; often they formed
the majority. For the Catholic girls the routine study
of catechism and Christian Doctrine was enriched by
lectures from devout and learned ecclesiastics, by annual
retreats and weekly sodality meetings. Meantime in
telligent and idealistic non-Catholic parents were grati-

246 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

fied to have their children benefit by the fruits of the Sis
ters' own religious discipline, so definitely and evidently
responsible for the academy's standards of honor, gen
tleness, consideration for others and similar "little flow
ers" of the spiritual life. Programs and catalogues from
the eighteen-tvventies onward give prominent place to
awards for conduct and diligence, politeness and amiable
deportment, neatness and order, these old-fashioned form
ulae emphasizing the ideals of character training and
behavior persistent in the academy.

While this training of morals, minds, manners, was
progressing at Nazareth, the infirmarians, Sister Mary
Rose and sunny-hearted Sister Boniface, were helping
to guard the pupils' physical well-being. During thirty-
six years the former richly merited the tribute written at
the time of her death in 1895 : "Dear Sister Mary Rose!
Your gentle tender voice, like your soft warm hand, had
a marvellous power to soothe and comfort feverish little
sufferers. Even the forward young truant from school
duties was not slow to succumb to your persuasive words.
Many a lesson more impressive than these received in the
class room you have taught to the self-righteous de
linquent. But who can estimate the happy influence your
cheerfulness exercised? Truly, as you were wont to
say, 'cheerfulness is often more necessary than medicine.'
Your memory will long be kept green by the bright ex
ample of your solid piety and unswerving discharge of
duty."

Having so long sent forth pupils to the larger world
beyond the academic walls, Nazareth in 1895 recognized
the wisdom of forming an Alumnae Association. The
time was coincident with the formation of women's
clubs now so numerous, and none was begun with aims
more ideal than those which inspired the little group
gathered in Nazareth's oratory, June, 1895, representing

EARLY LIFE AT NAZARETH.

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 247

the academy's worthiest traditions. An impressive fea
ture of the occasion was the presence of three gener
ations of one family, all graduates of Nazareth: Miss
Margaret Fossick, class of '95, her mother, Mrs. Mary
Ellis O'Reilly Fossick, and the latter's aunt, Mrs. Mar-
cella O'Reilly Davis. The first formal meeting was not
held till the following year (1896), when from as far
West as California, from the Southern Gulf States, from
North and East, hastened elderly alumnae, eager to re
trace the paths of girlhood, middle-aged dames and
numerous young matrons and maidens, all happy to sub
scribe their names to this first manifesto of the society,
indited by Mrs. Julia Sloan Spalding, of St. Louis, Mis
souri, class of 1858 :

With one accord

The pupils of Nazareth reunite

To revive the affection which affiliates them ;

To strengthen the claims which bind them ;

To further the interest of Alma Mater,

To perpetuate her triumphs and immortalize her.

Let the Nazareth girl of another generation,

Who may read this list of honored names,

Remember
That we are patriots in a common cause,

One in loyalty and love,
Nazareth has left us a priceless legacy-
Sweet memories which shall endure forever.

At the Society's first election presidential honors were
by unanimous choice accorded to Mrs. Anna Bradford
Miles, a woman of exceptional grace of nature, cultivated
mind, an exponent of the best traditions of Nazareth,
where she had been graduated half a century earlier.
She and her sisters, whom a preceding chapter has men
tioned, were ever zealous for the welfare of their Alma

248 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Mater. One of these sisters, Mrs. J. S. Mitchell, was
the ante-bellum pupil who had hoped to proselytize
Mother Columba, an ambition referred to in a note writ
ten fifty years after her school days, paying tribute to
Nazareth : "When I told Mother Columba that my mis
sion was to enlighten her, she calmly replied that if I
could convince her that she was in error, she would
hasten to embrace the truth. It was not long before I
asked her for instruction. . . . We should ever
be proud of what women can do when united in the
noble work of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth."

Under the guidance of Mrs. Miles, with the loyal sup
port of representative women from various sections of
the country, the Nazareth Alumnae Society auspiciously
began its career. Rich in joys of the heart and spirit as
the subsequent reunions have been, they are not merely
agreeable social gatherings. They have done good work
in gaining new pupils for Nazareth and in heartening the
Sisters in their faithful activities. Annually assembling
delegates from the branch houses, the meetings
strengthen the ties between a noble Mother and her
children. No delegate ever returns home without a
glowing memory of Nazareth, its beauty, its atmosphere
of hallowed peace and high ideals. To the alumnae them
selves the reunions afford a genuine refreshment of heart
and spirit.

Besides the first formal meeting of the Alumnae Asso
ciation, one more impressive occasion marked Nazareth's
calendar of 1896, the golden jubilee of Mother Helena
Tormey and Sister Alexia McKay, both worthy daugh
ters of St. Vincent. After years of devoted services in
school, infirmary, and elsewhere, Mother Helena was
again in office. At St. Vincent's Orphanage, Louisville,
Sister Alexia had spent toilsome days and sleepless nights
as tender foster-mother of the little waifs. During the

THE MATERNAL COMMONWEALTH. 249

solemn Mass of the day, Father William Hogarty, while
felicitating the jubilarians, paid tribute to the typical
spirit of the Sisterhood: "Let the fruit of this festival
be a renewal of the spirit of Nazareth, that unworldly,
unselfish spirit, which makes the little nursery of St.
Thomas' Farm apparelled in celestial light, which makes
Nazareth the special glory of this historic diocese, a point
to which the sick turn for mercy and the dying for a place
of rest. Long may All Saints look lovingly on it and
bless it and gather from it new accessions to their lot
in light!"

In some communities such anniversaries are disre
garded, the commemoration thereof being considered
provocative of vanity, or as setting the individual aside
for special honor. At Nazareth such festivals, far from
being occasions of undue personal gratification, foster
the life and spirit of the community, strengthen the
ties of loyalty among the members and freshly dedicate
to God their bonds of affiliation. Hence, in a special
sense, the diamond jubilee of the community's establish
ment (1897) offered opportunity for such replenish
ment of inspiration and renewal of allegiance to Heaven
and one another. The alumnae also shared in the com
memoration, presenting to Nazareth the beautiful memor
ial window in St. Vincent's church. Another noteworthy
incident of the occasion was the fact that the alumnae ad
dress was made by one whose attachment to her Alma
Mater is both a tradition and a personal fealty, Miss
Ophelia Chiles of Lexington, Kentucky, the eighth of
her family, the second of her name, to have been gradu
ated from Nazareth. Thus permanently does the vener
able academy forge links of loyalty.

On the whole the final decade of the nineteenth cen
tury was one of gratifying achievement and progress
for the Sisterhood. From this period date several im-

250 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

portant improvements at the mother house, the introduc
tion of electric light, modern water-works, the enlarge
ment of Nazareth's green-houses — so prime a factor in the
beauty of the grounds, the installation of steam plant
for heating and other purposes. This last was made
financially possible by the legacy of Sister Berenice
Downing, a religious much beloved and lamented, a
musician of rare promise. In 1899 the Sisters' new in
firmary was built through the bequest of the Rev. Eugene
O'Callaghan.

To the Nazareth girls themselves the most important
alterations, if not improvements, of these years were
the changes in uniform. For the immemorial purple
calicoes and buff frocks the death knell had now struck.
The Quaker scoop, by which for nearly a century the
Nazareth girl might be identified from afar, was super
seded by a sailor hat. But if the outward raiment
had assumed different form and hue, the Nazareth girl
of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was
expected to be garbed in the same dignity, modesty,
gentleness that had characterized her predecessors.

To summarize the community's history from early
post-bellum days to the end of the nineteenth century:
It was a period of significant expansion ; the work of the
primitive sisterhood was in gratifying measure repeated
for the benefit of humble sections of the country which
lacked educational facilities ; in the large towns and cities
there was steadily realized all that Mother Catherine's
great vision had foreseen nearly a century earlier, the
dispensing of educational opportunities on an extensive
scale, the opening of charitable institutions, the ripening
of those seeds of piety and good works which, with true
apostolic spirit, Father David had sown : "I have ap
pointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth
fruit; and your fruit should remain."

CHAPTER XIII.
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.

WITH incidents of gloom, yet with seasons of joy
to follow, the twentieth century dawned for the
community. Toward the end of the year 1900, the So
ciety suffered a grievous double loss. In the early part
of December, Nazareth's devoted chaplain, Father Rus
sell, passed to his reward; a fortnight later Mother
Helena Tormey's vigorous life was brought to a close.
To Father Russell, long a faithful friend to the com
munity, tribute will subsequently be paid; but at this
point it is fitting to render final honor to Mother Helena,
whose many zealous deeds have already praised her in
preceding pages. Fifty-five years she gave to her com
munity ; during twenty- four of these she alternated with
Mother Cleophas Mills as superior, holding at other
seasons such offices as permitted the exercise of her ad
mirable common sense and executive ability. Justly did
her panegyrist glorify her strong mind, "more power
ful than many armies, more safe than fortified towers."
Every moment of her life, declared a friend was "one
of usefulness and benedictions." Another eulogy con
tains the words : "Whence drew she these fountains of
strength and grace? From the fountain of love, the
Holy Eucharist." Her life was a continuous act of
faith and love, and her last days crowned such service;
in July, despite her advanced years, she attended all the
exercises of the spiritual retreat, her last and blessed
retreat during which, it was said, she "died to the world
and began her eternal life in God." With the ending

251

252 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

of her career was closed one more chapter in the story
of those noble and able mothers of Nazareth who were
pillars of strength to their community and who remain
sources of inspiration to their spiritual children. It were
far from their wish to be unduly glorified, to be lifted
upon a plane of superhuman faultlessness. More grati
fying to their humble hearts would have been the state
ment that, even as their companions, they were striving
toward perfection; thus their solicitude for their soul's
salvation linked them with other pilgrims along the heav
enward way, while their able fulfillment of the duties
of their exacting offices undoubtedly gained for them
deserved distinction in their sisterhood's annals.

In Mother Cleophas Mills, who, during many years
alternated with Mother Helena as superior, the commun
ity possessed a guide whose gentleness, refinement,
dignity, widely endeared her. At her Alma Mater, St.
Vincent's Academy, Union County, Kentucky, she be
gan her girlhood dedication to God. In 1851, accom
panied by Mother Catherine and two other candidates
for the religious life, Sister Beatrice and Sister Basilla,
she went to Nazareth. Between the years of her novitiate
and her several terms as superior she faithfully and zeal
ously labored on several missions. Among these were St.
Catherine's Academy, Lexington ; the Immaculata Acad
emy, Newport, Kentucky ; La Salette Academy, Coving-
ton, Kentucky; St. Vincent's School, Mt. Vernon, Ohio;
Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville. During
her years as Mother, she opened several schools in Ohio
and the East, and lent hearty encouragement to those of
Kentucky and the South. Laboring thus steadfastly
for her heavenly Master, she lived to see many of her en
deavors crowned with success. In 1902 she had the deep
joy of celebrating her golden jubilee as Sister of Charity,
a spiritual festival shared with three other well-beloved

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 253

religious: Sister Euphemia Morrissey, Sister Johanna
Lynch, Sister Mary Vincent Hardie. At the pontifical
Mass on this impressive occasion Father Joseph Hogarty,
once a pupil of venerable St. Joseph's College, Bards-
town, and always a devoted friend of Nazareth, delivered
an eloquent address which may be freely quoted because
of its well-deserved tributes to the jubilarians of the
day, and because of its sympathetic appreciation of the
community's ideals : —

"He that is mighty hath done great things to you.
During the fifty years of your religious life, how glor
iously God has blessed you. At your entrance into the
community, the majority of your Sisters in Religion were
of that noble and favored band who had been nurtured
and trained by your saintly founder and father, the vener
able Bishop David. The religious atmosphere of Naz
areth in those days was redolent of the first ages of faith.
It was your happy lot to have been contemporaries of the
illustrious Mother Catherine Spalding, of holy, happy
memory, and of the other founders of Nazareth, whose
lives were so fruitful of blessings to the community and
to the diocese at large. . . . You had the singular
privilege of living as Mothers Frances, Columba and
Helena, whose lives of prayer and holiness were as a
lamp to your feet and a light to your path. You like
wise have been made associates of a glorious multitude
of holy souls who by their heroism during the dark days
of war and pestilence, on fields of battle, in hospitals and
pest-houses, in the house of the dying and the dead, have
been as a crown of glory and honor to this, the Mother
Diocese of the Church in the West. You, dear Mother
Cleophas and Sisters Euphemia, Johanna and Mary Vin
cent, have valiantly borne your share of the burthen and
the heat of the day. It is most assuredly a testimony of
Divine pleasure that you have been preserved unto this

254 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

blessed day, and have been selected by the Almighty from
a great multitude, that you might experience personally
in the celebration of your golden jubilee, how blessed a
thing it is to have served the living God in sanctity and
holiness all the days of your life."

Mother Cleophas' day of honor was the occasion for
the presentation of many beautiful gifts. The church
which Mother Catherine had built was now renovated
and newly adorned. From the branch houses came the
musically toned Westminster peal of chimes. The stained-
glass window in the right transept was sent by the Rev.
Michael Ronan, pastor of St. Peter's Church, Lowell,
Massachusetts. On the part of the Alumnae Association
Mrs. Edward Miles, the president, presented a pair of
handsome candelabra, saying: "May our lights near the
altar mingle their brightness with the ever burning lamp
of your sanctuary."

In the year following her golden jubilee, Mother Cleo
phas was succeeded in office by Mother Alphonsa Kerr,
one of the most beloved members of the Nazareth So
ciety. The affection in which this superior was held by
her sister religious was shared by hundreds of Nazareth
pupils, far and wide. In December, 1862, Mother Alph
onsa first crossed Nazareth's threshold. Three months
earlier she and a young friend, who afterward became
Sister Kostka, had entered Louisville en route to Nazar
eth from their home in Pittsburgh. Far from auspicious
was their first experience in Louisville, where the tides
of war were then rising high. The railroad between that
city and Bardstown was in a precarious condition.
Bridges were down; Bragg with his large army was
marching toward Louisville, where General Nelson was
in command. The latter being unprepared to meet
the Confederate general, had ordered all the women
and children to be ready to leave at a moment's notice,

MOTHER CLEOPIIAS

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 255

as he intended to burn the city rather than surrender
it.

This was the perturbed situation which awaited the two
young women, who had journeyed so far to enter upon
a peaceful conventual life. The trip to Nazareth being
fraught with such perils, Bishop Spalding advised them
to return to Pittsburgh. They acted upon his suggestion ;
but three months later they again made an effort, this
time a successful one, to arrive at the goal of their fer
vent hearts. Meanwhile, Sister Alphonsa had overcome
considerable opposition in order to ally herself to the
Sisters of Charity. Her beautiful voice had been much
admired, and she had received great encouragement to
embrace a professional musical career, but her thoughts
and aspirations, were firmly dedicated to Him who had
bestowed her gift of song, and she could not be per
suaded to employ her talent in any lesser service than His.
In the novitiate she had as her teacher Sister Victoria
Buckman, who had been trained by Father David and
Mother Catherine. When her own term of probation
was completed, she entered upon her career of nearly
forty years as teacher of music. Many were those
charmed by the pure tones of her beautiful voice leading
Nazareth's choir; and to innumerable Nazareth girls of
to-day the region of the music rooms still breathes of her
amiable presence. But successful as was her work in this
department, her long experience at the mother house and
her gifts of prudence and piety eventually made desirable
her exaltation to the office of superior, in 1903. Almost
immediately she undertook a task which was to crown
her administration, the erection of the new convent.
Since the days of Mother Catherine's energetic building
in the eighteen-fifties, the visitor to Nazareth was di
rected to a simple house of three stories, once considered
a handsome, indeed to those whom the log cabins had

256 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

sheltered, an over-ambitious structure. Iron-railed steps
led to its humble porch and doorway. Ah, but in what
genial glow memory enshrines that simplicity, so digni
fied and kind was the courtesy which there met the
stranger, so fond the greeting to returning friends!
Through the little hall and unostentatious parlor, how
many Nazareth girls had first entered upon their scholas
tic careers ; how many young candidates for the religious
life thence filed into the novitiate! Therefore, with all
these associations of the past, it was not without a pang
that many heard in 1903 the sound of the destroying
hammers, the demolition of the old walls. Yet, whatever
laments there were for the passing of these old haunts,
these regrets were tempered with happy expectation of the
statelier mansions soon to arise.

Once the work of rebuilding was under way, Mother
Alphonsa zealously applied herself to the other manifold
duties of her office. The affairs of the academy and
branch houses constantly presented problems demanding
careful administration. One task which early called to
Nazareth's superior was the opening of another Ohio
mission — that of Barton. In September, 1904, at the
request of Rev. R. McEachen, indefatigable shepherd in
the missions of the coal regions of the neighborhood,
Mother Alphonsa sent three Sisters to found a school,
which was called Our Lady of the Angels. Pioneer spirit
of the olden type was demanded for this new mission;
patience, fortitude, fervent zeal were needed. The
schoolhouse, was extremely humble, the furniture scanty.
The children awaiting the Sisters' care represented a
variety of nationalities; they were Hungarians, Poles,
Italians, Bohemians, Belgians, Irish, Germans, French,
a cosmopolitan population with whom education was by
no means a burning ambition. It was the custom to send
the children to work in the mines as soon as they were

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 257

old enough; many, therefore, could not read, some could
speak no English, several had never heard of God. Only
a primitive ethical code prevailed among these little waifs
of various Old World countries, individual rights over
pencils and books were disregarded, and the limited re
sources of the first schoolrooms at the Sisters' disposal
made discipline difficult to enforce. Fortunately, how
ever, general conditions were gradually improved. A
well-equipped, furnace-heated building superseded the
original school, and the pupils gave encouraging re
sponse to the Sisters' efforts. Convincingly, if amus
ingly, this was exemplified a few years ago during a
visit from the bishop. At the end of a little entertain
ment in his honor he asked the twenty boys present how
many were going to be archbishops; the enire group
stood up and signified its inclination toward the archi-
episcopal office. The girls, seventeen in number, were
then asked how many were going to be Sisters — and
again surprisingly general was the avowal of religious
vocation

The second year of Mother Alphonsa's term of office
(1904) was a season of unique interest for Nazareth.
I At the beginning of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
i held in St. Louis, many letters were sent to the academy
! requesting its representation in the educational work of
| the Fair. In response to this request, the mother house
and the branch schools gathered what was known as the
Collective Exhibit of the Nazareth Literary and Benevo
lent Institution, a special space being allotted to this ex
hibit in the Kentucky section of the Educational Build
ing. A silk flag, seven and a half yards long, formed
the background, against which stood forth a highly cred
itable comprehensive collection, illustrating nearly every
department of work done at Nazareth and the branch
! houses. Even the foundations in the small towns and

258 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

the humblest rural schools, were represented; and these
won much praise for their examples of method and ac
complishment. Numerous cabinets attested what hun
dreds of pupils had been achieving in painting, drawing,
the sciences, indeed all the regular academic courses.
Thirty-three folios, containing pressed leaves and blos
soms, and entitled: "Blue Grass and Wild Flowers of
Kentucky" illustrated the flora of Kentucky found on
the Nazareth estate. Sacred and profane histories were
traced in admirably planned charts, entitled "A Chain of
One Hundred Years — from the Louisiana Purchase to
the Exposition." For this chart, subsequent to the Expo
sition, Nazareth received an offer of $2,500. It had as its
central medallion a pen -picture of Thomas Jefferson,
president during the Purchase, and a pen-picture of Theo
dore Roosevelt, chief executive at the time of the Exposi
tion. From one of these pictures to the other was sus
pended a chain of links, bearing the date of the years from
1803 to 1903, and inscribed around the links were the
principal events of every year. This chart was made by a
student in Nazareth's normal school. That department
also contributed beautiful aquamarine mushroom studies,
excellent charts illustrating work in physics and chemis
try. The students of the academy and of the various
branch houses sent portfolios from classes in science and
belles-lettres. Especially notably were the examples of
mechanical drawing by children in the parochial schools,
those from the pupils of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, in
cluding sketches made in neighboring factories. Par
ticular attention was paid to this work of the parochial
schools, as well as to that done in the orphanages and
rural schools, work which in a sense testified most elo
quently to the Sisters' high standards and their un
stinted industry.

Nazareth was represented in two other sections of the

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 259

Exposition. The Forestry Building contained among its
treasures a case of the natural woods found on the
grounds of Nazareth, these specimens having been col
lected and prepared by the late Rev. David Russell,
whose carvings were much admired during his long career
as chaplain of Nazareth. Nuts and acorns, gathered and
classified by the postulants and novices of the normal
school of the mother house, were exhibited in the For
estry Building; as were also folios of wild plants. This
latter collection contained over one thousand specimens,
being at the time the largest made in Kentucky. To
the "Kentucky Home" Nazareth contributed exhibits of
painting, drawing, and needlework. Side by side with
the plain or fancy sewing of today, were a few garments
showing exquisite stitches made fifty years ago by two
little Dorcases then at Nazareth.

A crowning incident to Nazareth's representation in the
educational departments of the Exposition was the cele
bration of Nazareth Day. Many distinguished Kentuck-
ians, other than former pupils of the Sisters, participated
in this festal occasion. Draped in Nazareth's blue and
white, with banners bearing the word, "Nazareth," the
Kentucky Building was virtually relinquished for the day
to the famous school which for nearly a hundred years
had borne so generous a part in the education of Southern
gentlewomen. This was the keynote of the address made
by the Governor of Kentucky, Mr. Beckham: "I take
the greatest pride in Nazareth for the good that it has
done. Its beneficent pious influence is felt over the en
tire country, especially in the South. Within its old
historic walls, lessons of piety have been taught by
grand and noble women, none other than the Sisters
of Charity."

At the mother house during 1904 the erection of the
new convent was still in process; hence it was not ready

260 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

for the annual Alumnae meeting, which therefore, was
arranged for St. Louis; and thither in September, jour
neyed Mother Alphonsa, Sister Marietta, Sister Marie,
Sister Eutropia (as she then was), Sister Cicely and
many of the alumnae from far and near. The graduating
class of the year also participated in the joyful reunion.
Members of the Alumnae Society residing in St. Louis,
constituted themselves a genial hospitality committee:
Miss Lula Hopkins, Mrs. Filley, Mrs. Julia S. Spalding,
Mrs. Given Campbell, and several others.

Many are the happy memories of these days at the Ex
position, but perhaps none is so happily recalled as that
of the Sisters' childlike joy, their eager relish of their
holiday. One day Mother Alphonsa was heard to ex
press some anxiety about getting home in the evening in
time to say her prayers ; whereupon with girlish spirit
Sister Eutropia confessed that she had said all her devo
tions before breakfast so as to have the day clear for the
pleasures thereof — the interesting instructive exhibits of
the Exposition, the happiness of being with old friends.
But delightful in every way as this World's Fair reunion
was, in the hours of greatest joy the memory strayed
backward to Nazareth; Mrs. Kate Spalding, who deliv
ered the Alumnae address of the day, expressed the senti
ments of all : 'There is no fairer or more sacred spot
than our dear Alma Mater. To her, thousands of hearts
have turned. . . . To-day in the midst of this
great Exposition her children rise and call her blessed."

The year following this happy foregathering of
Nazareth's friends and former pupils was marked by two
incidents which caused deep sorrow throughout the com
munity — the death of Mother Cleophas and that of Sister
Mary Anthony, one of the faculty in the Sacred Heart
school, Louisville. In 1905, five years after her golden
anniversary, Mother Cleophas Mills was called to the

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 261

reward which her fervent and faithful spirit had merited.
In her youth and mature womanhood she had given
generously of her strength as teacher or as superior in
several missions. Coming to a Nazareth already firmly
established by the initiative, energy, perseverance of the
earlier Mothers, she zealously sought to continue their
traditions. What their perhaps more robust qualities
had contributed to the community, she supplemented with
the grace of her gentle nature, her devout and refined
spirit.

Profound as was the grief of the community in losing
a member so widely endeared as Mother Cleophas, her
passing had rounded a long life of noble endeavor, and
this thought offered some meed of comfort to her sur
vivors. But no such source of consolation was to be
found for the untimely and tragic death of young Sister
Mary Anthony, whose thread of life was suddenly
snapped in her thirtieth year. On the morning of April
3, 1905, she and her companion, Sister Mary Leander,
started from St. Helena's Home to the Sacred Heart
School where they taught. That fateful morning a new
system of transferring had been adopted by the street
car company, and new men had been taken on as con
ductors and motormen. One of these, an inexperienced
motorman, was in charge of the westbound Broadway
car, boarded by the Sisters. As the Fourteenth Street
railroad crossing was approached, the motorman saw
that the bars were down, but he could not control the
car; it struck the train and was driven off parallel with
the railroad tracks. The motorman had cried to the
passengers to jump, but for some the warning had come
too late. Sister Mary Leander was able to leap in time ;
as soon as she recovered from the first moments of
stunned fright, she sought Sister Mary Anthony
only to find her unconscious, doubtless dead, lying be-

262 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tween the street-car and the train, "as if the angels had
placed her there," said her heart-broken companion. Her
poor frame was thus left safe from being bruised or
marred by any further motion of train or car. During
five minutes Sister Mary Leander remained alone with
the pitiful victim, saying the short act of contrition and
prayers for the dying and the departed. Finally Father
Felton arrived and the Sisters from St. Augustine's and
the Sacred Heart schools. All that was mortal of Sister
Mary Anthony was borne to the home of a neighboring
family. As the two religious rode down Broadway that
morning, Sister Mary Anthony had been reading her
prayers, including the Litany for the Dead. Her young
heart's prayers for others were thus mounting to heaven
a little in advance of the flight of her own devout spirit.
Her death was long lamented at Nazareth and by none
more deeply than by the sympathetic Sister who had been
with her in that tragic moment which fulfilled the words
recorded by St. Matthew: "One shall be taken, and one
shall be left."

Before the removal of the old convent at Nazareth,
the pulses of memory and affection were always stirred
by a first glimpse of the Sisters' House — simple and
homelike, overshadowed by ancient oak and sycamore.
But in the spring of 1906, and thereafter, other sensa
tions were to be roused by a different scene greeting the
approaching guest. Where once the lowly convent had
stood, a handsome fagade of five stories now rose be
fore the vision. Superseding the plain iron pillars of the
old-fashioned veranda, the massive columns of a colonial
porch now mounted to the third story. In noble and
beautiful simplicity a new Nazareth stood revealed. True
symbol of what lies beyond Nazareth's now broad thres
hold is the outward appearance of this central building
of the institution. The wide white doors open into a

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 263

hall, flanked on each side by a spacious parlor; just be
yond extends the colonial hall, comfortably furnished,
containing among other articles the eight-day clock which
Sister Scholastica O'Connor brought to Nazareth in
1820, and which still keeps time, being wound and
regulated by Sister Mary Louis' punctual hands. Open
ing upon the colonial hall are Mother's room, the treas
ury, the post-office and the community room, all airy and
well-lighted, simple enough to fulfil the conventual ideal,
yet large and comfortable enough to expedite the mani
fold labors which have accumulated with the community's
growth. Rivals of the busiest offices to be found any
where are Mother's room and the treasury, what with
the attention, industry, careful deliberation there devoted
to the important affairs constantly to be transacted. And
nowhere has the Government a more efficient post-office
than the flawlessly neat and orderly room, so eloquent of
Sceur Etienne's deft systematic hands — during many
years so resourceful in contributing "artistic touches"
and in otherwise supplementing the task of teaching Naz
areth girls to parler Frangais.

Simultaneously with the building of the new convent
many modern equipments were added to the academy.
Steam pipes had taken the place of stoves, electric lights
supplanted the old-time lamps. The Nazareth girls of
long ago sometimes had to break the ice in their basins
for morning ablutions ; today the most modern water
works are installed. Well might the returning pupil of
former years envy the Nazareth girl of the twentieth
century her many luxuries, while wondering if life is
any happier, any richer than in the old days of fewer
conveniences, but of equally intense young life. Yet,
contemplating the Nazareth of 1906, none would wish
back earlier days; such reactionary regrets were incon
sistent with Nazareth's own progressive spirit. Hence,

264 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

those who had known the earlier, dear Nazareth, now
passed through the spacious portals of the new with an
invocation in their hearts that, even as Nazareth and her
white-capped legions had accomplished so much for
Christian education in the pioneer homes of 1812 and
1822, so in these more commodious halls they might
prove equal to new opportunities, and continue their tra
ditions for fostering the life of the spirit and intellect.

Three years after the completion of the new convent,
Mother Alphonsa remained in office — exercising through
out the academy her benign influence, encouraging the
work of the branch houses. At the expiration of her sec
ond term she was succeeded by Sister Eutropia Mc-
Mahon, elected Mother of the Sisters of Charity, July,
1909. More than forty years earlier, as a young girl,
Mother Entropia had accompanied her sister to Naz
areth where she was graduated in 1872. Descending
from her Alma Mater's stage to her father, a beautiful
white-crowned young woman, she almost immediately
requested permission to dedicate herself to Religion.
Through her instrumentality her father had been re
united with the Church, and with generous spirit he
consented to relinquish his daughter to the service of her
heavenly Father.

During the several years following her novitiate, Sister
Eutropia taught in the class-rooms of her Alma Mater,
giving evidence as a young teacher of her future valuable
services to the community. In 1885 she replaced Mother
Cleophas as superior of St. Vincent's School, Mt. Vernon,
Ohio. Several years afterward, she became superior of
the Presentation Academy, Louisville, which during fif
teen years she guided so well, significantly increasing
its enrollment and reputation. She made a deep impres
sion upon both Catholics and non-Catholics of the city
by her admirable character, her beautiful presence and

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 265

demeanor. Her transfer to Nazareth was to many a
source of deep personal loss, which however indicated
Nazareth's great gain.

One of Mother Eutropia's first activities as Superior of
her Community was the establishment of a new rural
school, St. Mildred's, Somerset, Kentucky. To the joy of
the pastor, Rev. B. J. Bowling, Sister Madeline and her
little colony went thither in September, 1909.

Thus promptly fulfilling the tasks awaiting her at
Nazareth and elsewhere, Mother Eutropia undertook a
project of prime importance to her society; she made a
visitation of all the branch houses and learned that the
entire sisterhood concurred in her own wish to obtain
the approbation of the Holy See, which would elevate
the community to the rank of a religious order, secure
for it greater dignity and stability and place it under
direct papal jurisdiction. Mother Eutropia had the Con
stitutions of the society revised in conformity with the
new status which she desired for the community, and six
weeks after the petition was presented to Rome she had
the satisfaction of receiving on September 10, 1910, the
Decree of approbation and praise, signed by His Holiness
Pius X, now treasured among the Order's most
precious documents. The following is the Decree from
the Secretariate of the Sacred Congregation of Religious :

"With singular benevolence the Apostolic See wishes
to follow the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, having their
principal House in the Diocese of Louisville, who, having
originated about one hundred years ago, and happily
multiplied in number and in Houses, deserve most well
concerning the Christian good.

"Wherefore this Sacred Congregation of Religious,
in full Committee, on the 26th day of August, 1910, the
commendatory letters of the Most Reverend Ordinaries

266 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

having been duly considered, and in all things maturely
weighed, determined and decreed to grant to the afore
said Institution of Charity of Nazareth a definitive ap
probation, always without detriment to the Most Rever
end Ordinaries, the rule of the Sacred Canons and of the
Apostolic Constitutions.

"Which sentence of the Most Eminent Fathers, Our
Most Holy Lord Pope Pius X, benignantly deigned to
confirm, in an audience granted the following day to
the sub-Secretary of the said Congregation, all things to
the contrary notwithstanding.

"Given at Rome from the Secretaries of the Sacred
Congregation of Religious, the 5th day of September,
1910.

(Signed)

Fr. I. C. CARD. VIVES, Prefect.
VINC. LA PUMA/'

It was especially through the efforts and advice of the
Rev. Elder Mullan, S. J., secretary from the United
States to the general of the Jesuit Order, resident in
Rome, that the community expeditiously received its De
cree; hence this distinguished ecclesiastic is now enrolled
among the order's most valued friends.

In seeking papal approbation, the Sisters had occasion
to request from several other dignitaries notes of intro
duction and recommendation. The number and tone of
these eloquently rendered honor to the Sisterhood which
has so long done so much for the American Church
in general and in particular for the missions of Kentucky
in both early and later days. So definitely do these notes
characterize the Sisters' labors in various regions that
they may here be quoted, first place being duly given to
the letter from the Bishop of Louisville, in whose diocese
the mother house stands:

MOTHER ALPHONSA KERR.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 267

"Bishop's House, Louisville, Ky.
"June 14, 1910.

"The Sisters of Chanty of Nazareth is an old Com
munity in the Diocese of Louisville, and its record is
without a blemish and above reproach.

"Although but recently appointed Bishop of Louis
ville, I have known of the good work of these Sisters
for many years. They have been a most important fac
tor in the cause of Catholic education from the beginning
of their organization, and they still continue the work
with earnestness and true Catholic zeal.

"The Community has always shown a most respectful
spirit for ecclesiastical authority here, and a profound
reverence for the Holy See.

"The Sisters' labors are given chiefly to Catholic edu
cation, conducting primary and high schools, and in this
field their work has been everywhere productive of the
best results, both in this Diocese of Louisville where the
Community was founded in 1812, and in other Dioceses
where they have later established Catholic schools and
Academies.

"The Community is not mercenary but charitable. The
compensation received for the members' services bears
no proportion to the benefits rendered. Their first
thought is always to instruct and edify and for the rest
they trust to Divine Providence. Their services to this
Diocese of Louisville for almost one hundred years would
be hard to measure.

"For these reasons, I beg Your Holiness to grant the
favor requested by the Mother General and Assistants
respecting the approval of the Institute and of their con
stitutions.

(Signed)

DlONYSIUS O'DONAGHUE,

Bishop of Louisville."

268 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

To the many other manifestations of his encourage
ment, Cardinal Gibbons added the following approval :

"Baltimore, Maryland,

"June 17, 1910.
"MOST HOLY FATHER,

"For the past twenty-five years the Sisters of Nazareth
have been in the Diocese of Baltimore, in charge of the
Academy of St. Mary, Leonardtown.

"As Ordinary, I, the undersigned, have not the slight
est hesitation in testifying to the great good my people
owe to these Religious, who are to them a source of great
edification by their lives, and of temporal assistance
also by their corporal works of mercy, undertaken ac
cording to their Constitutions. It is for me a very great
pleasure to acknowledge the great work which is being
done by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Leonard-
town, for the great cause of Catholic education. The
Community has, on all occasions, shown a most respectful
spirit for ecclesiastical authority.

"For these reasons, I humbly beg of Your Holiness
to grant the favor requested by the Mother General and
the Assistants respecting the approval of the Institute and
of their Constitutions.
(Signed)

J. CARD. GIBBONS,
Seal. Archbishop of Baltimore."

From other sources were received the following words
of recognition for past endeavors and of stimulus to
further effort :

"Covington, Kentucky,-

"May 30, 1910.

"The Bishop of Covington takes pleasure in recom
mending to the Holy See the approbation of the Sisters
of Charity of Nazareth, Ky.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 269

'Tor well nigh a century these good Sisters have as
siduously labored in the field of Catholic education and
charity with great success. By their religious spirit,
their earnestness and kindness they have secured the re
spect and good will not only of our Catholic people but
of non-Catholics as well.

"In my own Diocese they have eight parochial schools,
four Academies, one Hospital, and a school for colored
children. Everywhere they have been a potent force
for good and have been a powerful help to the Reverend

Clergy.

CAMILLUS PAUL MAES,

Bishop of Covington."

"Richmond, Virginia,

"May 27, 1910
"DEAR MOTHER EUTROPIA,

"I cheerfully unite my approbation to that of the Bish
ops of the United States and ask for the approbation of
the Holy See for your Order or Society. All the Sisters
of Nazareth in my Diocese have always manifested such
a true religious spirit that I, my Priests and people are
truly edified.

"Yours faithfully in Christ,

A. VAN DE VYVER,
Bishop of Richmond."

"Quinton P. O., Ark.
"May 20, 1910.
"Dear Mother,

"Your letter of the 13th inst. has been forwarded to
me here, .

"I beg to congratulate you heartily on the approaching
centennial of your foundation. I am aware of the good
results achieved by your Sisters in the way of Catholic

270 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

education at Yazoo City — the only place in my diocese
that enjoys their presence and labors; and I cordially
recommend your petition to obtain the approbation of the
Holy See for your Society which has already lasted so
long, spread so widely, and done so much good, especially
along the lines of Catholic education.
"Yours sincerely,

T. HESLIN,
Bishop of Natchez."

"Columbus, Ohio, May 16, 1910.
"DEAR MOTHER EUTROPIA,

"It affords me great pleasure to bear testimony to
the noble and self-sacrificing work done by the Sisters
of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, in the parochial
schools of the Diocese of Columbus.

"The work of the Sisters with the Polish, Slavish,
Hungarian and Italian children is deserving of the high
est praise, and will certainly bring God's blessing on
the Community.

"In the face of the greatest difficulties and most dis
couraging circumstances, they are giving these poor
children a thorough Catholic education and saving hun
dreds of them to the Church. Their work proves that
the only practical solution of the question as to how we
are to care for the children of the foreign population
coming to our shores, is to place them under the care
of native Religious Communities in charge of our par
ochial schools. The Sisters of Nazareth have accomplished
wonders in their work with these poor children in this
Diocese.

"It is with pleasure and gratitude that I recommend
them to the Holy See for such favors as they wish to
obtain on the occasion of the coming centennial of their
foundation as a religious community.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 271

"Wishing you and your Community the blessing of
God,

Your servant in Christ,

JAMES J. HARTLEY,
Bishop of Columbus."

The obtaining of papal approbation crowned the com
munity's years of labor for God and humanity. While
retaining its traditions of simplicity, meekness, self-
sacrifice, the sisterhood was now advanced to the dignity
of a religious order and all the Sisters who had been
professed as long as six years now made perpetual vows.
The rule, receiving merely minor modifications, remained
virtually the same as it had been. Significant, however,
was the creation of a new office, that of mother general
and an assistant governing body composed of five as
sistants general, one of whom is treasurer general; an
other, secretary general. The term of office for the mother
general and her staff, known as the general council, is
six years. In accordance with the order's ideal of humil
ity, the assistants continue to be addressed as "Sister,"
the maternal title being accorded to the chief executive
alone.

In July, 1911, Mother Eutropia was elected to the new
dignity of mother general. In September of the same
year, she and her household were honored by a visit from
the Apostolic Delegate, Cardinal Falconio, an occasion
which, as it were, put a seal and special blessing upon the
community's new status. Immediately the superior de
voted her energies to many good works; improvements
were made in the academy; additional wings were built;
educational activities elsewhere were encouraged. In 1911
the Sisters resumed teaching at St. Patrick's School,
Louisville, where the Very Rev. James P. Cronin, Vicar
General of the Louisville diocese and pastor of St. Pat-

272 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

rick's Church, has given hearty co-operation to the Sisters
since their return. A substantial school building, erected
by him, facilitates the teaching of over three hundred
children.

One of the particular projects which engaged the in
terest of the mother general during the early months of
her administration was the centennial festival of the com
munity, planned for the autumn of 1912. This cele
bration which was to be one of thanksgiving for the
attainment of papal sanction, and which was still more
specifically to commemorate the society's establishment in
1812, Mother Eutropia anticipated with keen eagerness;
in such a season she foresaw many opportunities for
abundant spiritual graces — but, alas, her ardent spirit
was not to share therein save from another sphere ! On
April 8, 1912, her apparently rich vigor was suddenly
quenched at its source; a few hours' illness ended her
earthly labors. Well might her passing have evoked the
exclamation: "She should have died hereafter!" Her
demise bereaved Nazareth of one of its ablest, best be
loved religious, and left inconsolable the hearts of friends
innumerable. Justly did Rev. Louis G. Deppen observe
in Louisville's diocesan paper, The Record: "Begin
ning with Mother Catherine Spalding a century ago,
Nazareth has had a long line of brilliant and saintly
Mothers Superior; and none was more gifted, none more
revered and loved than Eutropia McMahon, Nazareth's
first Mother-General, now resting — we trust — in God."
Like the early superiors, Mother Eutropia seemed a prov
idential gift to her community, bringing to the Sister
hood at the time of her election the most opportune qual
ities. Her vision, her executive and progressive spirit,
so admirably blended with all that was best in an earlier
tradition, her dignity and endearing personality, were
an invaluable dower. All too briefly as she was permitted

MOTHER EUTROPTA McMAHON.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 273

to occupy the supreme office, she advanced the honor of
that Nazareth to which her girlhood piety had been
pledged and to which her mature womanhood lent such
enrichment. If all too soon the silver cord was broken,
she left an inestimable legacy of affection and inspira
tion; abundant fruits spiritual vand temporal did her
order reap from seeds planted by her wise judgment;
beyond the convent walls numerous hearts were to beat
all the more reverently for having known her influence.

CHAPTER XIV.
THE CENTENNIAL YEAR.

term of office which Mother Eutropia's death
left uncompleted was filled out by Sister Rose
Meagher, who had already acted as assistant superior and
as incumbent of other responsible offices: In July, 1912,
she was formally elected mother-general. Like Mother
Columba and Mother Helena, Mother Rose was a gift
of Ireland to Nazareth. She was born in Kilkenny in
1855; in 1874 she came to America with her sister and
four young cousins. The entire company embraced the
religious life; three of the devout group, Mother Rose,
her sister — Sister Gonzales, and their cousin — Sister Con
stance Davis, joined the Nazareth Community. Mother
Rose entered the novitiate in December, 1874, receiving
the habit in June, 1875, making her vows in July, 1876.
Her first mission was to Yazoo City, Mississippi, where
she labored piously and industriously. Later she went to
Bellaire, Ohio, where her charity and able superiorship
endeared her to all classes.

During the early months of her administration at
Nazareth, Mother Rose's generous spirit responded to
requests for new foundations. In September, 1912, St.
Ann's School, Morganfield, Kentucky, was opened, Rev.
Robert Craney then being pastor; his successor Rev.
Charles Rahm now faithfully presides over this flourish
ing school. In the same year an addition was made to
the prosperous Massachusetts foundations; the Nazareth
School, South Boston, was requested and built by one of
the order's valued friends, Rev. Mortimer E. Twomey,

274

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 275

whose name has been mentioned earlier in connection with
his encouragement of the Sisters' school in Newbury-
port. In that city Father Twomey had been pastor at
the time of the Sisters' first establishment in the East;
afterward, when he was assigned to Concord, Massa
chusetts, he wished the Sisters to take charge of a school,
but at the time this was not possible. Still later, when
this loyal friend became pastor of St. Eulalia's School,
South Boston, he again requested the co-operation of the
Community in his educational work, and the Nazareth
School was the response to his request.

This highly creditable institution is situated on Far-
ragut Road, South Boston, known until 1804 as Dor
chester Neck. The neighborhood is rich in historical as
sociations, recalled in the following little sketch con
tributed by a member of the Eastern teaching staff :

Within sight of Nazareth Convent stands Fort Inde
pendence, known in the early part of the seventeenth cen
tury as Castle William. Here Paul Revere with a de
tachment of men rebuilt the battered walls and strength
ened the defences which the British, while retreating
from Boston in 1776, had destroyed. Here, too, during
the War of 1812 was won "a bloodless victory," as a
recent writer asserts; for the manifest strength of the
fort so overawed the enemy that they dared not make
an attack. Though it was one of Boston's chief de
fences during the Civil War, it was not called upon for
any service save the housing of a few deserters from the
Union lines. In the Spanish-American War, it was con
verted into a torpedo and naval station. To-day
"wrapped in memories of stirring times," Fort Independ
ence forms a part of Boston's park system and serves as a
reminder of true patriotism to coming generations.

A short distance west of Nazareth Convent is another
historic spot — the Murray House, sacred to the memory

276 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

of Bishop Cheverus and Rev. Francis Matignon. Here
Father Matignon bought land for a church, which was
never built, as the Catholic population was too small to
warrant its erection. The Murray homestead, however,
became a treasure-house wherein to-day may be seen
souvenirs of Bishop Cheverus and Father Matignon.

During the Sisterhood's centennial year (1912) the
Nazareth School was built at the foot of Broadway Hill,
one of the Dorchester Heights — "the glory of South
Boston." From it may be seen Evacuation Monument,
commemorating the departure of the British from this
point, March 17, 1776. Eastward from the schooPplay-
grounds may be seen the statue of Farragut, guarding the
approach from the Atlantic. With such historic sur
roundings and a flag in every class room, what was said
of the boy heroes of Boston Common may be repeated of
the pupils of the Nazareth School, "Liberty is in the
very air they breathe." When this school was opened,
three hundred children were almost immediately enrolled ;
five hundred is now the average attendance.

While this successful foundation was propitiously be
ginning preparations for the Centennial Festival were
being made down at the mother house. One hundred
years having elapsed since the establishment of the Sister
hood, it seemed fitting to set aside a season of thanks
giving for a century rich in temporal and spiritual bless
ings. As the order's welfare had become a matter of
deep personal concern to many friends among clergy and
laity, it was determined that these too should be given
an opportunity to felicitate the Sisters; hence several
festival days were planned. Varied as the programs of
entertainment were, one exercise was repeated every day ;
this was the historical pageant, telling the story of the
community's development. First came forth a herald,
invoking all things animate and inanimate to praise God

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 277

and rejoice with Nazareth. Then followed an impressive
tableau — the log cabin of 1812 in the Kentucky wilder
ness, with the first Sisters of Charity impersonated by
pupils of 1912. Vividly the early days spent at loom and
spinning wheel were recalled in typical scenes. The next
tableau was that of the first school; nine little girls of to
day, in quaint costumes and with demure bearing, enacted
the parts of those who in 1814 were Nazareth's first
pupils. On the school's registers are the names of those
little Kentuckians of long ago: Cecilia O'Bryan, Ann
Lancaster, Eleanor Miles, Delia Thomas, Julia Haydon,
Polly Cook, Ellen Beaven, Ann Haydon, and Polly Hay
don. In succeeding pictures were illustrated the Sisters'
deeds of mercy during the plagues. With much ver-
similitude one scene portrayed Mother Catherine car
rying an infant in her arms, another in her apron, while
a third clung to her, representing the three children with
whom the Society's first orphanage began. Particularly
impressive was a Civil War scene, with the Sisters as
nurses of the Blue and the Gray. Other parts of this
interesting entertainment depicted the later activities of
the Sisters with their 18,000 pupils, their numerous
schools, orphanages, and benevolent institutions. In an
admirably arranged final tableau the educational and
charitable works of the Sisters were illustrated by groups
of girls of various ages and sizes, bearing fittingly in
scribed banners; standing thus, phalanx upon phalanx,
the pupils of 1912 lifted their voices in the Te Deum, a
hymn of thanksgiving for the prosperity crowning the
pioneer labors of 1812.

With the indulgent spirit of a mother, Nazareth char
acteristically set apart the first day of her festival for the
alumnae who travelled from far and near to honor their
Alma Mater; at her festal board gathered women of
eighty, maidens of eighteen, representatives of the in-

278 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tervening ages, the hearts of all beating with the filial
sentiment expressed by Mrs. Emily Tarleton Snowden,
beloved and brilliant alumna of ante-bellum days : "It
seems proper that the pupils of Nazareth should be the
first to attest their love and loyalty on this occasion that
brings to Nazareth the grace, dignity and distinction of
one hundred years. To her children every reminiscence
of Nazareth is most dear. To every child of her heart
she is Naomi. Her country is their country; her home
is their home, her God, their God. Her physical beauty
but adds to this singular attachment, and not one of
her pupils but longs to return some day to this holy
shrine, to rest again in the shade of her trees. Never
have we had a better reason nor a better time for re
joicing and thanksgiving than now, when we are cele
brating Alma Mater's hundredth birthday. Kentucky
surely has a right to salute her with pride and affection
as she looks down upon what her fair hand-maid has
achieved in a century."

One by one Nazareth's other former pupils laid at
her shrine the tributes of affection — all re-echoing the
words of the loyal President of the Alumnae Society, Mrs.
James McKenna : "As we rejoice in the rich harvest Naz
areth is reaping to-day, we feel that, extol her merits as
we may, she is still worthy of more than is in our power
to give; and only the Divine Master can bestow upon
her the just reward of her achievements."

Following this rich love feast, Founders' Day was
commemorated in honor of Bishops Flaget and David
and that third of Nazareth's great corner-stones, Moth
er Catherine Spalding, The celebration began with a
scene of special solemnity, a pontifical High Mass sung
by Bishop Hartley of Columbus, Ohio. An archbishop
and three bishops were seated in the sanctuary in gar
ments of episcopal purple. These were assisted by many

MOTHER GENERAL ROSE MEAGHER.

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 279

priests, deacons and subdeacons, whose vestments and
surplices repeated the tones of the centennial and papal
colors. Nave and transept of the Gothic church built
nearly a half century earlier by Mother Catherine's
zeal, offered an impressive spectacle, being occupied by
priests from nearly every diocese in the United States;
a memorable ecclesiastical picture was formed by the
black cassocks and white surplices of the secular clergy
and the Jesuits, the brown habits of Franciscans and
Trappists.

At the conclusion of this solemn Mass, Bishop O'Don-
aghue of Louisville congratulated the Sisters on their
century of good works, crowned by the magnificent re
sults of the present, and expressed the gratitude of the
thousands of children now taught and guarded by the
Sisters. Particular acknowledgment was made for the
assistance given to him and to his priests by the indus
trious and benevolent order. After this address the late
Bishop Maes of Covington, passed to the altar, whence
he imparted the papal benediction received by cable from
Pope Pius X. These august ceremonies ended, the clergy
were guests of honor at a banquet, not the least entertain
ing incident of which was the music rendered by the
negro band of Bardstown, whose leader and several of
whose members were descendants of Nazareth's former
slaves. Throughout the repast the Sisters were the
theme of cordial felicitation, notably from Mgr. Teeling
of Lynn, Massachusetts, who thirty-two years earlier
had journeyed to Nazareth to request Sisters for the
Eastern diocese : "One hundred years attending to the
aged and infirm — what a glorious record ! One hundred
years spent in alleviating suffering and consoling those
in misery and distress — Daughters of Mercy! What a
wonderful work must have been performed during these
hundred years, by the Sisters' ministry. . . . One

280 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

hundred years devoted to the poor children deprived of
father and mother." Then followed hearty praise for
the Sisters' labors in the schools : "All glory to them for
their great work in the line of Catholic Education!"

Another generous tribute was paid by the community's
faithful friends, Rev. Joseph Hogarty of Lebanon, Ken
tucky : "Today Nazareth on earth is joined with Nazar
eth in Heaven. The Magnificat which the children of
Mother Catherine sing to-day in thanksgiving for a cen
tury's grace and blessings is taken up by Mother Cath
erine and her Sisters in Heaven and is re-echoed around
the throne of God! May these holy souls obtain for
Nazareth the spirit of its founders. Nazareth now faces
the new century with its manifold duties and responsi
bilities, with its new problems. Will the new century be
as glorious as the one now closing? God alone knows.
But we feel sure it will if the coming generations keep
alive the spirit of humility, the spirit of self-sacrifice, of
zeal for the welfare of religion which Mother Catherine
and her successors infused into the hearts of the Naz
areth of a hundred years ago. . . . When time
shall be no more, may they and we — all children of the
saintly Flaget and David — be gathered before the throne
of God to chant an eternal Te Deum."

Many telegrams and letters from other distinguished
guests still further contributed to the Sisters' pleasure
and encouragement. From Rome Cardinal Martinelli
forwarded his good wishes and regrets for his enforced
absence; from the Apostolic Delegate, Mgr. Bonzano,
came a similar message, "Congratulating you and your
community on the good work you have done during the
hundred years of the existence of your congregation; I
pray God that He may continue to bestow on you His
choicest blessing." With his wonted courtesy and friend
ship, Cardinal Gibbons sent the benediction of his good

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 281

wishes. From- Cardinal Farley's secretary came the
words : "His Eminence directs me to send you and your
devoted Community his warmest blessings and the as
surance of his prayers that God may shower his choicest
benedictions on the noble work in which you are en
gaged." Similar assurances of deep interest and con
gratulation were received from Archbishop Glennon of
St. Louis and from Cardinal O'Connell of Boston. As
typical of other messages, while expressing the special
personal interest of their writers, two other notes may be
included in this account of Nazareth's historical Centen
nial exercises :

"Piazza Cavour 17.

"Roma,

"Sett. 28, 1912.
"REV. MOTHER SUPERIOR,

"I have just received the joyful news of your Centen
nial Celebration. . . . The good Sisters of Char
ity of Nazareth, as well as all those who know your
Institution, indeed have good reason to rejoice on this
happy occasion. You, my dear Sisters, with the as
sistance of Divine Providence, have done a great work,
especially for the Christian education of our young, and
deserve our gratitude and good wishes.

"I remember with pleasure my visit to your Mother
House and I am glad to say that it made a lasting impres
sion on my mind. May God in His goodness continue to
bestow upon your Institute His choicest blessings.
"With sincere best wishes and congratulations,
"Yours in Christ,

"D. CARDINAL FALCONIO."

The second of these particularly treasured notes runs
as follows :

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

"Archbishop's House,
"San Francisco, California,

"Sept. 21, 1912.
"MOTHER SUPERIOR OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF

NAZARETH,
"MY DEAR MOTHER,

"I received yesterday your very kind invitation to be
present at your Centennial Celebration. ... On
account of the very great distance between this city and
your home it will be impossible for me to attend. I shall
however not forget you and your intentions on that day
of celebration, and shall unite myself with your many
friends in thanking God for the graces of the past hun
dred years, and praying for the future that the years
may be full of merit for Eternity. What a contrast be
tween the year of your foundation and the year of your
Centennial Celebration! The poverty and trials of the
first years made the future years successful. It is only
when the seed is planted in the furrows that have been
turned by the passing plough that the farmer may expect
a harvest, and so in the sufferings of the first years and
their privations the seed of the present splendid success
was sown, and Almighty God blessed what had been done
and you are reaping the harvest of your labors in the
first years of your existence. How truly may the words
of Holy Scripture be applied to your Congregation : Go
ing they went and wept, carrying their seeds. But com
ing, they shall come with joyful gladness, carrying their
sheaves.

When I look over the past years of our existence as a
Church in this country, and ask myself to what sources
we may trace whatever success we have had, I am con
vinced that while, in a great measure, it has been due to
the Apostolic character of the Bishops and the clergy,
and the generosity of so many of our people, not the

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 283

least factor has been the zeal and piety of our Sisters in
the different Congregations among which they are dis
tributed. No persons in the Church have carried down
the ages the characteristic virtues of our holy religion
more completely than they have. The meekness, gen
tleness and humility of our Blessed Lord and Master
have been presented by them more than by any other
people in the Church. To these virtues I think Chris
tianity owes its enduring and attractive features.

"I shall not forget to say Mass on Oct. 15, for your
Sisters, that God may bless them and their work, and
that they may be instrumental in the future as in the
past, in bringing thousands of souls to sanctification on
this earth and to glory eternal in the life that is to be.

"Faithfully yours,

"P. E. RIORDAN."

With fitting sentiment the mid-week of these festival
days was devoted to a memorial service for those sainted
dead whom the Very Rev. Dean C. J. O'Connell of Bards-
town, Kentucky, eloquently characterized as "The blessed
spirits of Nazareth, hosts of virgins and martyrs, hov
ering above us, and in the company of God's holy angels
clustering around this altar before which they so often
knelt in prayer and silent adoration."

After this impressive day, the pupils of the academy
were given their share in the celebration — a holiday, a
banquet and other merry-makings. On this occasion were
welcomed also those friends other than the clergy and
alumnae. Next followed "Old Nazareth Day" in some
respects the crowning event of the centennial season. In
the morning Mother Rose and sixty-four or five Sisters
made a reverent pilgrimage to Old Nazareth (St.
Thomas's), the woodland cabin where the original Naz
areth was planted a hundred years earlier. Through

284 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Bardstown, the famous seat of the old Kentucky bish
opric, the happy pilgrims took their way to the seminary
where Bishop Flaget lived for some time and where he
and Father David laid the foundations of Nazareth. As
the Sisters' carriages passed through Bardstown, Dean
O'Connell vigorously rang the bell of old St. Joseph's
Church, the same bell that once announced the services
over which Bishop Flaget and "Father" David presided.

Arriving at their destination, the visitors found the
ancient church and the venerable log cabin of 1812
adorned with evergreens; the Sisters had themselves
borne from Nazareth baskets of flowers to decorate the
first home of their spiritual forbears, the altar of their
founders. When the blossoms from the luxurious gardens
of Nazareth of to-day had been reverently placed for the
adornment of the humble Nazareth of a century ago,
the bell of old St. Thomas' Seminary sounded the hour
for Mass, of which Father Breintner, the pastor of the
neighborhood, was celebrant. What an impressive spec
tacle as the Sisters, their hearts beating with emotion,
knelt where the first Mother of Nazareth and her pioneer
associates had knelt, dedicating themselves to God.
There the sisterhood of to-day renewed their vows,
humbly thanking God who had brought to such abundant
harvest the seeds of piety and consecration planted in
this hallowed ground.

In his address of the day, Rev. William Hogarty, a
former pupil of St. Thomas's Seminary, said : 'This visit
has deep significance; I take it to signify that after the
wonderful growth and glorious achievements of the hun
dred years just elapsed, you come back to begin the
new century of your existence where Mother Catherine
and her Sisters began. You make declaration that the
hundred years gone, while bringing phenomenal changes
in the world around, have made no change in the desires

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 285

and the purposes of your hearts; that, rising on the crest
of a century's upward movement, you are prepared to
exercise greater heroism if that were possible than they.
They gave up their all when they took their vows; you
cannot do more. Yet in itself the sacrifice they made was
not so great as that you make. Around them stood the
primeval forest, interrupting the fascinations of the
world, luring the soul to meditation and aspiration to
ward the better, the higher things. Hardship was then
the common lot: there was no shocking transition from
the comforts of an elegant home to the privations of the
convent. Many of the homes in those pioneer days were
conventual in their simplicity and religiousness. But
around you lies a world, resplendent with attraction,
promising its votaries more recompense than history has
any record of. Yet you bend your back to the same yoke,
as your Sisters of yore. You reconsecrate yourselves to
poverty, chastity, obedience and charity. It is splendid
for you in this luxurious lawless age, to wear the garb
of the poor, to live the life of the poor, to forego the
ease and intimacies of a happy home, and to obliterate
yourselves by obedience — not that, like Stoics, you may
be rid of incumb ranees, but that you may be free to fol
low Christ, your Lord and your Love, and to serve Him
in the sick, the poor and the orphan, and to expend your
strength in the education of His little ones. You need
not look back wistfully on times past, as though oppor
tunities of heroic self-sacrifice were lacking in the present.
Mother Catherine and her saintly band, Bishop Flaget
and Bishop David, give you welcome to this sanctuary as
worthy heirs of the spirit here enshrined. Our Euchar-
istic Lord, abiding on the altar there, Who has been
waiting from day to day through these hundred years
for the delight of this visit, gives you welcome as faith
ful exponents of the first vows your community offered

286 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Him here one hundred years ago. Be renewed here in
the spirit of your mind. Strike deeper root into this your
native soil. The ground on which you tread is Holy
Ground. This is no other than the House of God and
the Gate of Heaven. Here Bishop David, fleeing like
another Jacob from the fury of his God-hating country
men, found refuge and repose. Here he dreamed his
dream of the angels ascending and descending; and he
awoke to erect a memorial. That memorial is your Com
munity. Your Community is the ladder that standing
on earth touches Heaven. The Providence of God leans
on it with pleasure. It is the means by which women are
transformed into angels, and ascend to hold converse in
Heaven, and then at the call of needy suffering human
ity descend and minister on earth."

After Mass the happy bands of Sisters passed over the
threshold of their ancestral home, truly the "Cradle of
Nazareth," and wandered from room to room of the
humble log cabin, breathing prayers for the sainted ones
who had immortalized these scenes, marvelling at the
greatness of their accomplishment, so far transcending
the lowliness of their habitation. The Sisters partook
of their luncheon in the largest of the rooms, and never
was feast more relished than this where Mother Cath
erine and the early Sisterhood had known such privations.
After the repast the company strayed over the historic
scenes, the ruins of the old seminary, the Sisters' spring,
the "hermit's cave" down the slope of the still thickly
wooded hillside. How dear Mother Rose's cheeks glowed
like a girl's, her heart so justly filled to overflowing with
the joy and thanksgiving for this happy day! All the
scenes sacred to the early community having been ten
derly revisited, again the bell of St. Thomas's called the
Sisters to the church. There Father Davis, chaplain of
the new and stately Nazareth of to-day, gave benediction.

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 287

Then once more with mellow hearts, with spirits re
joiced and replenished, the happy cortege wended its
way back to its own Nazareth, the heir of the lowly
primitive Nazareth left behind in the quiet of its wood
lands, now more than ever a shrine of memory and piety,
surely a haunt of blessed spirits.

Rich in elevated joys as was this day of devout pil
grimage, the day which followed was particularly char
acteristic of the Sisters' spirit of hospitality and good
will. This Saturday, October 19, was reserved for the
"faithful colored servants of Nazareth, their children
and their grandchildren." At nine o'clock these guests
arrived, clean and well-dressed, eager to do as much
honor as possible to their hostesses. Nearly every one
bore in his or her hand the centennial postal card sent as
invitation. Old men and women with gray hair, their
children and grandchildren, little pickaninnies and babes
in arms, the pupils of St. Monica's school for colored
children in Bardstown, sodality girls and young men,
all these, two hundred in number, responded to Nazareth's
cordial invitation. On their arrival they were shown
the grounds, the Museum — a place of special delight,
and other scenes of particular interest. At noon a ban
quet was served to them by the Sisters, — the spacious
laundry being converted into a refectory, decorated in
national and papal colors, flowers and banners in abun
dance. For their further entertainment the centennial
pageant was then presented and throughout the week it
had no more attentive or appreciative audience. At its
conclusion the guests entered the church where Mgr.
Teeling gave benediction and Father Davis made a brief
address, congratulating them on being children of Naz
areth and exhorting them to prove themselves worthy
of the Sisters' fondness and care. For the entire as
semblage one of the most exhilarating moments was

288 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

that when the photographer took their picture. After
this august ceremony the happy-hearted groups gathered
again in the banquet hall where, with singing and danc
ing, they concluded their joyous day. Among them
were several who remembered Mother Catherine and
Bishop Flaget. These octogenarians and their com
panions agreed that their centennial day at Nazareth
would be forgotten "nevah, nevah, in dis' woiT."

One more festal occasion was to conclude this week of
joy and thanksgiving. Wednesday, October 23, was
"Religious Day," the members of other congregations
having been invited to share in the final hours of thanks
giving to God for all the blessing, spiritual and temporal
which had crowned Nazareth's first century. Among the
guests were the Lorettines, the sister community of Ken
tucky, who had recently celebrated their own centenary ;
the white robed Dominicans, another early community,
the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Sisters of Mercy,
Ursulines, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Little
Sisters of the Poor. It was, declares an earlier chron
icler and participant, a "feast of the Brides of Christ
united in Charity." Addressing them on this solemn
occasion of reunion, Father Kuhlnan, S. J., appropriately
said: "From an area of some hundreds of miles, there
have been gathered here to-day members of religious con
gregations to congratulate those who have continued
the work of Nazareth to the centennial year, and to unite
with them in giving thanks to God for all favors shown.
It is, first of all, the triumph of the soul that is bound by
religious vows and given over entirely to the service
of God. It is the triumph of this institution that Mother
Church has within a few years publicly set her seal of
approbation upon that work done through the spirit
which reigned within the hearts of the Sisters of Charity
of Nazareth. We rejoice with you as we tender our con-

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 289

gratulations and give thanks to our good God who has
united you to that glorious band of soldiers within the
Church, Christ's fold."

While these and similar words of felicitation were
being offered to the order, the venerable community was
receiving testimonials and congratulations from press
and pulpit. Such periodicals as America, the New World
of Chicago, the Catholic Universe of Cleveland, The
Columbian (Columbus, Ohio), and the ever loyal Record
of Louisville, in generous paragraphs set the seal of
sympathy and deep interest upon the growth of the
century-plant, Nazareth. Marvelling at the work which
these "trustees of God," as he termed the Sisters, had
accomplished in circumstances seemingly so unpropitious,
with materials apparently so meagre, Rev. Thomas J.
Campbell, then editor-in-chief of America, discovered
the secrets of the community's success: "They have a
limitless and unfailing confidence in Him who feeds
the birds and clothes the lilies and they are never dis
appointed, never discouraged or even disturbed. .
These excellent religious who have labored so faithfully
and achieved so much for the advancement of the Church
in this country, deserve all the congratulations and hap
piness they can receive."

Simultaneously with these days of jubilation at the
mother house, the various branch institutions also com
memorated the order's hundredth birthday. In Massa
chusetts, in eastern Ohio, in Maryland, southward to
Mississippi and Tennessee, westward to Little Rock,
Helena and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and in the various
Kentucky schools and other homes of the Sisters,
paeans of gratitude were ringing, Masses of thanks
giving were being said, pupils and friends were partici
pating in the feast-day of Nazareth.

Many were the handsome gifts presented to the ven-

290 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

erable community during its festival days. The sister
community of Loretto, also crowned by a hundred years
of noble labors, sent a number of beautiful sacred ves
sels and precious vestments of the pioneer days. Another
neighboring religious order, the Dominicans of St. Cath
erine's, Springfield, presented handsome gifts, including
a much prized vestment of Bishop David. The Sisters
of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas, sent one hundred
gold dollars. An especially prized remembrance was
Bishop Flaget's ring which he had given Archbishop
Martin John Spalding, who, in turn, had bestowed it
upon Archbishop McCloskey of New York. This prel
ate gave it to Archbishop John Lancaster Spalding, of
Peoria, who, through his sister, Mrs. Kate Spalding,
presented it to Nazareth. Other gifts were received
from friends too numerous to mention.

It was the high privilege of the alumnae to tender to the
Alma Mater as a centennial gift the new Columba
Reading Room which has since become one of the most
admired apartments of the academy. Mrs. Kate Spald
ing, sister of the Archbishop of Peoria, and Sister Mar
ietta, two prominent alumnae, initiated the building of
thfs spacious beautiful room, which is at once an orna
ment to Nazareth and a creditable expression of her
children's love. Just beyond the threshold hang two
bronze tablets commemorating the gift of the Alumnae;
one memorializes the general contributions and bears the
inscription :

Memory Obeys the Heart;

Where there is Love
There is no Forgetfulness.

The other tablet records the names of those whose part
in the work is represented by sums of $500 : Mrs. Mar
garet Haydon Queen, Miss Mary Susan Miller, Mrs.

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 291

Mollie Fitzpatrick Galvin, Mrs. Lizzie Graves O'Brien,
Mrs. Florence Burkley Nugent, Mrs. Florence Byrne
Buschmeyer, Mrs. Jennie Legg Henderson. Other names
are to be added to this filial memorial. The room is a joy
and inspiration to the student ; its long broad spaces give
a deep artistic satisfaction ; the subdued tones of wall and
furnishings induce that quiet mood propitious for thought
and study. The shelves contain over five thousand
volumes, nearly two thousand of which were sent in re
sponse to a suggestion made to the N/azareth Alumnae
Association and the branch associations by Miss Columba
Spalding of St. Louis, daughter of a scholarly alumna,
Mrs. Julia Sloan Spalding.

By the happiest coincidence, at the time of receiving
this gift, the community was fortunate in having a mem
ber particularly fitted to be the presiding spirit of the
reading room, Sister Adelaide Pendleton, an ardent lover
and discriminating judge of books, a former pupil of
Nazareth. This dearly loved religious now added the
duties of librarian to those of hospitality which, as guest-
sister, she has long fulfilled with the efficiency needed in
a large institution where visitors are constantly arriving,
and with unfailing kindliness and grace, the flower of
her native spirituality and gentleness.

In accepting the gift of the reading room and its treas
ures, Mother Rose said, on her own behalf and that of
the community: "Dear daughters of Nazareth, You are
co-operating with us like faithful children, and we have
experienced the beneficial results of your devoted interest
for the welfare of Alma Mater. Nazareth accepts with
grateful appreciation the loving thought and generous
efforts which find fruition to-day in the Columba Reading
Room, with its handsome equipment of books and furn
ishings.

"The Alumnae acted wisely in deciding to supply as a

292 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Centennial gift, a special Reading Room with the means
of higher study and research for the advanced students,
thus enlarging their facilities for independent work.

"Its dedication to our revered Mother Columba is a
well-deserved tribute to her who for half a century de
voted her noble intellect and queenly gifts to the promo
tion of knowledge and piety and to the formation of true
Christian character in the young girls confided to Naz
areth's care and influence.

"Your sweetest recompense, beloved Daughters of
Nazareth, will arise from the certainty that you are as
sisting in the diffusion of learning and piety, and fur
nishing to young minds a continuous intellectual feast of
good reading — one of the greatest needs of our times, as
an antidote to evil literature now so widespread.

"May then, dear daughters, your children and your
children's children for many a generation, enjoy the fruits
of your generous devotion to the cause of Education, and
of your love for Nazareth."

Thus with old friends and new filling the cup of her
happiness, Nazareth concluded her first century of in
dustrious successful existence. Cheered by fervent "God
speeds" from innumerable loyal hearts, she entered upon
her second century of piety and usefulness. Now that
the papal decree of approbation has exalted her commun
ity to new rank as a religious order, none can foretell
the range of her future good works; but her most de
voted well-wishers may hope for her no more glorious
destiny than a continuation of her devout and edifying
career, a persevering observance of duties near at hand,
a prudent extension of her benevolence in God's and
humanity's service.

CHAPTER XV.
NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY.

WITH spirits replenished by the graces of the Cen
tennial season, the Sisters entered upon their new
century of service to God. To Mother Rose and her
community the work of the day was calling as insistently
as the needs of the pioneer epoch had clamored to Moth
er Catherine and her associates. Therefore, emulating
their predecessors, the bands of Nazareth's second cen
tury buckled on the armor of charity, sacrifice, piety,
fortitude.

They were soon to bear a sharp personal sorrow in
the death of Mother Alphonsa (March, 1913). One of
the last labors of this dearly loved and able religious
was that of teaching the Nazareth choir to sing a Mass
composed by Father David, the presentation of which
during Centennial week did honor to her as well as
to the community's founder. Mother Alphonsa's in
fluence in the order was justly summarized by her pane
gyrist, Very Rev. J. P. Cronin: "That part of her life
which did not die is Nazareth's priceless treasure; it will
increase and multiply as years go on, transmitting
through those who knew her and profited by her in
fluence, to many others who may not have known her,
untold blessings and encouragement."

In the autumn following Mother Alphonsa's death,
several new foundations were made. In August, 1913,
a home was begun for the teaching Sisters of Newport,
Kentucky, who had formerly lived at the Immaculata
Academy ; and during the same months St. Anne's, Port-

293

294 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

land Avenue, Louisville, was opened, providing shelter
for thirty-two Sisters of the parochial schools. In Sep
tember was started St. Agnes Sanatorium in the suburbs
of Louisville, a restful place for those mentally ailing.
Another foundation under St. Agnes's patronage, a
parochial school, was established at Buechel, Kentucky,
near Louisville. One of the most important works of
the same year was the opening of St. Helena's Com
mercial College in the handsome building north of St.
Joseph's Infirmary. At one time the Sisters shared this
home with business women ; a separate portion served
as convent for religious teaching in parochial schools;
in course of time the number of the latter left no room
for externs. Later a new home in Portland (Louisville)
was arranged for some of the Sisters and the space thus
left free in St. Helena's was utilized as a commercial
college where young girls and boys are taught type
writing, stenography, and bookkeeping. Classes are held
in the evening as well as during the day; classes in phys
ical training being also provided for young women who
are employed through the day, for whom a club has
been organized. Lectures and other entertainments are
arranged for the members.

Composed chiefly of what was originally the Kenton
Club House, St. Helena's is admirably adapted to the
needs of its large household and the commercial school.
The spacious front room, formerly the ball-room of the
club, has been converted into a beautiful chapel. An
other large apartment serves as community room. The
well-lighted third floor is used for the school, among
whose most important activities are those of the banking
department, all the more systematically conducted, no
doubt, because much of its furniture once belonged to the
German Bank of Louisville. When that institution erected
a new building, the President, Mr. Harry Angermeier,

NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY. 295

presented to St. Helena's several good solid pieces such
as the cashier's desk, counter, and similar handsome
and valuable acquisitions. All other departments of St.
Helena's are suitably arranged. The superior, Sister Con
stance Davis, who inaugurated the school, spares no
pains for the comfort and convenience of her pupils. Par
ticularly to be commended is that airy glass-enclosed
space, the "roof garden," high above the city's noise and
smoke, where the pupils have their noonday luncheon
and recreation. Still another place of interest in this well-
conducted institution is a grotto in honor of the Blessed
Virgin, situated across the driveway from the neighboring
St. Joseph's Infirmary and the scene of many pilgrimages.
Pedestrians and motorists frequently turn aside from the
hurrying throng of the street for a few moments' vener
ation of Our Lady, who, as in Old World wayside sta
tions of piety, stands here surrounded by the flowers and
ferns for whose successful fostering the Sisters have a
magical gift.

The Spring of 1914 brought to the Community a
poignant grief — the death of Sister Marie Menard, for
half a century one of the order's most gifted members.
Sister Marie received her early education at St. Vincent's
Academy, Union County, and at St. Mary's Academy,
Paducah, whose first graduate she was, in 1859. Later
she pursued her studies at Nantes, France. On her return
to America, she entered the Nazareth novitiate, after a
brief sojourn with her parents, 1863. On April 25, 1914,
she would have been wearing the habit of a Sister of Char
ity for fifty years. From the beginning of her religious
life she was entrusted by her superiors with important
projects, in the accomplishment of which she proved
laborious and successful. She possessed a rare combina
tion of gifts, a skilful hand, penetrating judgment, a
mind enriched by travel, study and experience. For

296 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Nazareth she diligently exercised her various talents,
serving at different times as teacher of French, painting
and other subjects at the academy, as instructress and
directress in the normal school of the mother house. At
the time of her death she was one of the assistant Mothers
and secretary general. The grounds, the floral con
servatory and the museum at Nazareth are testimonies
to her skill, taste, and knowledge. None of Nazareth's
many guests, were he chemist, horticulturist, historian,
geologist, educator, failed to find in this versatile woman
abundant information and intelligent co-operation, if it
were desired. Her conversational powers left a stimu
lating memory. Vigorous in intellect and learned as she
was, her simplicity was characteristic of the order's best
traditions ; her honesty of mind was perhaps no respecter
of persons, yet if it sometimes ruffled the sensitive, her
generous appreciations were ready to acknowledge merit
where she could not unreservedly admire. Exact in her
own observance of "holy poverty," she could plan en
terprises of great moment for Nazareth; her devotion
to her sisterhood's welfare knew no bounds save the
impossible. Her maxims might well have been: Labor
omnia vincit and Laborare est orare.

In June, 1914, the hearts of the community were to
be lightened by an occasion of rejoicing, the golden jubi
lee of two alumnae, Sister Marietta Murphy and Mrs.
Mary Finn Phillips of Nashville, Tennessee. The latter
had been sent to Nazareth as a little girl, remaining till
her graduation. Also as a young girl, Sister Marietta
had been entered at Nazareth, whose novitiate she joined
shortly after graduation. One of the special influences
of her school life was Mother Columba Carroll, whom she
succeeded in 1879 as directress of studies. During
thirty-four years in this office and as teacher of the ad
vanced classes, her days and a goodly portion of her

NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY. 297

lamp-lit hours were an incessant routine of thought and
activity for the academy. Possessing rare intellectual
acumen and spirituality she has been one of the most
valuable members of the community and an endeared
teacher. The festal day of these two alumnae was made
still more memorable by an address in honor of their
former schoolmate, Mrs. Carra Spalding Boldrick, read
by her young granddaughter, also a pupil of the Sisters,
Miss Mary Phillips Boldrick, daughter of Judge Samuel
Boldrick of Louisville.

In the autumn following this season of commemoration
a parochial school was opened at old St. Thomas's Farm,
thus giving educational opportunities to the children of
the locality where one hundred and two years earlier
Nazareth's own career had begun. Despite the early
colonizations in this part of Kentucky, the region still
remains a rural one. Straying across its fields, glimps
ing between ancient trees the quiet waters of Beechfork
River, the visitor feels the spell of an almost virgin wood
land; his imagination transports him to a time so prim
itive that he scarcely expects any human presence to dis
turb the scene, save perhaps some adventurous com
panion of Daniel Boone or one of the aborigines. With
its charm of quietness and sequestration from the larger,
noisier currents of life, the region is a shrine of vener
able memories. Yet, though thus seemingly isolated, it
is not an absolute solitude, for descendants of the pioneer
settlers still make their home in the vicinity, and there
are also new-comers, whose children profit by the educa
tional opportunities offered by the Sisters. A gratifying
enrollment promptly rewarded the community for resum
ing its good works on this site of its earliest labors.

While St. Thomas's parochial school has been thus so
auspiciously opened at Old Nazareth, the Society's other
recent foundations have been prospering. In the autumn

298 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

of 1915 a new parochial school was begun in St. Peter's
parish, Lexington. During the same season a noteworthy
innovation was made at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hos
pital, Louisville — the establishment of a training school
for nurses. The Sisters are in charge of this work, the
lectures being given by prominent physicians.

The other benevolent institutions of Louisville, have
expanded in a manner fulfilling Mother Catherine's
most ardent hopes. Modern equipments have super
seded old furnishings ; new wings and buildings
have been added, facilitating the Sisters' efforts for
the amelioration of suffering and need. That dearest
solicitude of Mother Catherine's heart, the care of
orphans, has gone on apace. The large residence on
Jefferson and Wenzel Streets, purchased by the Sisters
from Thomas Kelly in 1836, was used as shelter for
orphan girls until 1892. For many years the Very Rev.
Michael Bouchet edited in behalf of these children the
diocesan paper, The Record; and many are the families
of Louisville who have handed from generation to gener
ation the tradition of extending assistance to the self-
devoting religious in charge. Fairs and annual picnics
were held; but the main burden of the institution was
borne by the Sisters themselves, Nazareth often sending
clothing and food, while the resident Sisters fairly
drudged for their charges. In July, 1892, the asylum
was transferred to Preston Park, near Louisville, which,
since 1870, had been the site of the diocesan seminary,
formerly St. Thomas's. This offered to Sisters and chil
dren the advantages of a large country place ; but in 1902
another rural home was chosen, and here the Sisters
now have a household of 130 orphan girls. Many are
the generous and able religious who have directed St.
Vincent's Orphanage since Mother Catherine and her
associates began this noble work of mothering the moth-

NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY. 299

erless, in their own little dwelling nearly ninety years
ago. In this self-abnegating but rewarding work have
toiled Sister Clare Gardiner, Sisters Eulalia Gaynor,
Alice Drury, Julia Hobbs, Francis Xavier, Madeleine,
Charlesetta, Geraldine, Mary Martha, Mary John, Mary
Cyrilla.

When in 1850 an asylum for boys had been estab
lished on the farm of St. Thomas's Seminary, Nelson
County, Mother Catherine visited this scene of early
Nazareth, where the brick walls of the house she had
erected were still standing. She directed Father Cham-
bige to use the brick in building his home for orphan
boys, with whom Nazareth's maternal care was thus
from the beginning also shared. This refuge was
established in connection with the seminary, and Mother
Catherine, at Father Chambige's request, sent a company
of Sisters to take care of the household affairs and the
infirmary. In 1860 the Brothers of Christian Instruc
tion of the Sacred Heart were brought to the diocese by
Bishop Spalding and charged with the direction of the
orphan boys. In 1868 these Brothers were replaced by
secular priests. Soon afterward, the boys were entrusted
to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. On May 22, 1889,
St. Thomas's Orphanage was destroyed by fire, but not a
life was lost; however, the disaster necessitated the re
moval of the boys to Preston Park, Louisville, where
they remained until their return to Bardstown in 1891.
In September, 1910, they were again taken to Preston
Park, their present home, a large house on a spacious
estate in one of Louisville's most attractive rural sections.

Since January, 1915, the orphanages have been under
the direction of trustees who have effectively lightened
the Sisters' burdens. Many improvements have been
made in both buildings. School is conducted in each
orphanage with the regularity prevailing in the Sisters'

300 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

other schools, an effort is made to prepare the children
for self-supporting work in after life, scrupulous atten
tion is paid to neatness, order and such habits of diligence
and good behavior as will prove valuable assets for their
later careers. The boys remain with the Sisters till about
their fourteenth year, when they are sent to St. Law
rence's Home for Boys, Louisville, under the care of the
Xaverian Brothers. Many features of the boys' orphan
age raise it to a high level among institutions of the
kind. For instance, a certain amount of vocational train
ing is begun, the lads have their own branch library, to
which every six months the Louisville Free Public Li
brary sends out one hundred volumes which are vora
ciously read and then replaced by one hundred new ones.
It is a testimony to the value of good books that they
have proved the most successful means of pacifying un
ruly spirits; these volumes supplement the Sisters' teach
ing and, place in the hands of these children the keys
to the world of knowledge and opportunity whose ac
quisition by less fortunate youths of yore was more a
matter of chance. With the improvement in buildings
and equipment the Sisters are able to care for more boys
than formerly. In 1910 the number was 76, it is now
152. Untiring in his zeal for the orphans is Rev. Louis
G. Deppen, who succeeded Father Bouchet as editor of
The Record, in a sense the orphans' paper.

That other benevolent institution, St. Joseph's Infirm
ary, begun by Mother Catherine in a few rooms of the
original St. Vincent's Orphanage and afterward trans
ferred to its present location on Fourth Avenue, Louis
ville, has steadily assumed larger proportions till it is now
one of the most valuable of the Sisters' foundations, one
of the best patronized infirmaries of the city. Devout
and efficient superiors and laborious nurses have helped
to win this prestige. Here in earlier days toiled Sister

m *

i

NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY. 301

Appolonia McGill, Sister Mary Agnes McDermott, Sis
ter Ann Matilda Flanigan, Sister Martha Drury, all of
blessed memory. Thiry-one years ago Sister Martha,
that marvel of piety and capability, was succeeded by
Sister Aurea O'Brien, a native of Cork, Ireland, who in
1870 made her profession at Nazareth. During her
administration, a notable expansion of the infirmary and
its equipment with modern improvements was accom
plished. A generous factor in this development was Mr.
Gillespie of Richmond, Kentucky, who with his wife
had been nursed through long illnesses under the care of
Sister Aurea and her tender band of nurses. Several
years after the death of his wife, when Mr. Gillespie real
ized that his own death was approaching, he left by
proper legal process a handsome donation for the benefit
of St. Joseph's, where he had witnessed so much charity
and kindness, rendered to indigent and wealthy, without
distinction of creed. Mr. Gillespie was not a Catholic,
and till after his death the Sisters knew nothing of his
benevolent intentions toward St. Joseph's Infirmary. As
not infrequently happens, his will was contested by
several relatives, but through the influence and interest
of an able lawyer, Mr. Jerry A. Sullivan, a compromsie
was effected and the best feelings were established among
all concerned. The legacy was faithfully applied to the
purposes designated by the donor, and the result is seen
in the present spacious structure of the infirmary. St.
Joseph's is not a charitable institution in the strict sense
of the term, but its earnings are directed to charitable
ends.

In July, 1916, capable, beloved Sister Aurea passed
to her reward, her death being a source of profound sor
row throughout the city, where her piety and her faith
ful labors had forged many bonds of affection. As her
almost life-long friend, Rev. Louis G. Deppen, described

302 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

her in the columns of The Record: "She was the joy
of her associate Sisters, the cheer and consolation of the
sick, the ready, silent helper of the poor and needy, the
wise counsellor, the dear friend, the brave woman, the
accomplished lady, revered, honored appreciated by God
and man." Louisville's most eminent physicians and
other professional men served as her pall-bearers and es
cort to her last, indeed almost her only, resting place, the
Nazareth cemetery. In reverent procession to the Naz
areth church, and thence to God's Acre, followed repre
sentatives of nearly all the religious communities of the
Louisville diocese ; twenty-five of the clergy sang the
Requiem Mass, whose celebrant was Very Rev. Vicar-
General James P. Cronin — the whole impressive cere
monial being one that "would have befitted and honored
any prelate," yet none too august was it for Sister
Aurea, the humble, generous soul whose golden virtues
fulfilled so completely the signification of her name. She
was succeeded by Sister Basilla who for many years had
been her associate in the long hours of nursing and the
manifold other duties required in so large an institution.
In August, 1916, Nazareth was once more to increase
her educational activities, when a colony of six Sisters
went from the mother house to open a new school in
Roanoke, Virginia, where in the latter part of the nine
teenth century the Community had entered upon so suc
cessful a career. For some time it had been evident that
the growing parish of St. Andrew's, Roanoke, must soon
be divided; hence in January 1914, the Rt. Rev. Bishop
sent Rev. James Gilsenan to purchase additional property
in the city and to lay the foundation for a new parish.
With wise foresight the geography of the city was
studied and an advantageous site for school and church
was bought in March, 1915. Homelike and architectur
ally pleasing are the Sisters' residence and the school with

NAZARETH'S NEW CENTURY. 303

their lovely surrounding lawns. When the classes as
sembled, September, 1916, the enrollment of two hun
dred children immediately necessitated the addition of
another Sister to the teaching corps. Thus with hap
piest auguries was begun this new Virginia foundation,
bearing the name of the mother house, the Nazareth
School.

Still another appeal to the missionary spirit of the
order was made in 1916 when a request for a founda
tion was made by the Rt. Rev. Charles J. O'Reilly, first
Bishop of Baker City, Oregon. In response to his in
vitation Mother Rose and a few companions during
October, 1916, made the long journey to the remote
Western settlement of magnificent scenery, auspicious
prospects, but as yet undeveloped conditions. Here
Nazareth may soon found a pioneer colony for the salva
tion of souls and the honor of God. As one of the
order has observed : "A hundred years from now the
future historian may have a glorious record of our
Kentucky Nazareth in Oregon."

In the foregoing pages an attempt has been made to
gather as many data as possible to make this history
complete, to do justice to all who have so nobly toiled
for the honor of God, their community, and humanity's
welfare. In some instances it has been impossible to
secure adequate records of many an interesting and sig
nificant labor ; this is partly because of the humility of the
rank and file of the Sisters who, when some important ac-
j complishment is mentioned, are wont to say : "But is
I that worth recording? Our vocation is to toil, to sacrifice
I — surely we have done no more than we should have
j done." With this tendency to minimize labors difficult
j if not impossible to many others, details of deeds and
I circumstances are occasionally lacking, which might have
j added luminous pages to this volume. However, if some-

304 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

times earthly records are absent, the names of those who
so faithfully strove and are still striving in their Divine
Master's service, are gloriously inscribed in the Book
of Life. This is the supreme recompense desired by their
spirit of consecration and humility. Meanwhile, if their
daily round of diligence, devotion, and sacrifice fail to be
chronicled, eloquent testimony thereunto is rendered by
flourishing schools and benevolent institutions. The chap
ters immediately following endeavor to define the edu
cational ideals and the spirit of the order, to which may
be largely ascribed whatever success the sisterhood has
attained.

CHAPTER XVI.
EDUCATIONAL IDEALS.

THE educational ideals and curricula of the Sisters
of Charity of Nazareth bear witness to a respect
for tested traditions and a disposition toward what the
English essayist, Walter Bagehot, terms ' 'conservative in
novation." Advantage has been taken of new ideas and
methods, yet during a century of rapid and manifold
change, often consisting merely of experimentation so
far as educational work is concerned, the Sisters have re
tained certain definite principles and permanent ideals.
The present chapter aims to recapitulate those principles
which from the beginning have given a firm thread of
consistency to the Sisters' teaching, and to outline such
additions and alterations as distinguish the curricula of
today.

The Sisters' endeavors as educators have been devoted
mainly to academies and parochial schools, two fields
requiring respectively somewhat different courses of
study. However, Nazareth Academy's curriculum, meth
ods of teaching and characteristic spirit have served as
model and inspiration for all the community's pedagogic
activities. The branch academies in particular have
closely followed the mother house's plan of study, but
an effort has been made to shape the parochial school
work in conformity with equally high standards. Nat
urally the studies vary according to the needs of local
ities, for instance, the children of certain mining or in
dustrial districts, where the population is partly foreign,
demand a program of study somewhat different from that

305

306 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

followed in long established foundations whose human
elements are more homogeneous. Allowing for this
desirable and almost inevitable elasticity, an attempt is
made to standardize the schools. That this is often suc-
cessfuly accomplished is proved by the fact that in com
petitive examinations the Sisters' pupils stand shoulder
to shoulder with the public school children, sometimes
surpassing them. In 1913 Nazareth Academy was af
filiated with the Kentucky State University, and in 1914
with the Catholic University of America, Washington,
D. C. St. Vincent's Academy, Union County, Kentucky,
is also affiliated with the Kentucky State University.
Similar connections are being made with other higher in
stitutions of learning. From some of the branch acad
emies in towns or cities where the Sisters' schools have
been long and creditably established, the pupils have
passed with ease into neighboring colleges and univer
sities, sometimes taking the B.A. degree in one year less
than that usually necessary for the graduate of academy
and preparatory school.

From the beginning, the Sisters' ideal of education has
been that classical or general course of study which after
much argument seems to stand the test, at Nazareth as
elsewhere, as promising best results for the majority of
pupils, exerting a liberalizing influence upon mind and
heart, following a normal line of development and equip
ping the pupil with most reliable resources for wisely
shaping his later life. This ideal coincides with the sagest
contemporary judgment, expressed for example in a re
cent thoughtful editorial21: 'The best intellectual prep
aration which schools afford is not a special training
but general culture. It consists in a thorough ground
ing of the pupil in those principles of knowledge which
are fundamental to all professions and occupations and

" North American Review (February, 1917).

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 307

mental activities." Meanwhile this ideal harmonizes with
the principles of historic teaching bodies, of one21 for in
stance which has the distinction of several hundred years
of pedagogical experience : "All through the system the
field of pedagogical activity is that of a general culture,
and therefore properly an education. The result aimed
at is a general one, that of developing in the young mind
all fundamental qualities, of adjusting it, by the early
development of all natural fitnesses, to any special work
of thought and labor in the mature life of the future.
It would lay a solid substructure in the whole mind
and character for any superstructure of science, profes
sional and special; also for the entire upbuilding of
moral life, civil and religious."

In some measure Nazareth's curriculum was formed
to meet the needs of its early patrons, the representative
families of Kentucky and the South, but primarily it was
shaped by the wisdom of the academy's first faculty, ad
vised by its eminent guides in intellectual as well as spirit
ual matters, the Sulpicians and Jesuits who brought to
the Kentucky academy and colleges the ripe fruit of Old
World mental cultivation. In this connection may be
quoted the words of a historian23 of Catholic education
in America: "If the Catholics in even the backwoods
settlements of the west were able successfully to solve
the problem of providing trained teachers for their
schools a quarter of a century before the establishment
of the first public normal school in the east, it was owing
to the fact that, even in the west, the Catholics were in
closer touch with European educational movements than
were non-Catholic educators throughout the country gen
erally. The priests who were driven to America by the
French Revolution must be chiefly given the credit for

a Rev. Thomas Hughes, "Loyola and The Educational System of the Jesuits";
in the Great Educators Series, ed. Nicholas Murray Butler, (New York).
"Burns, "The Catholic School System in the United States," New York.

308 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

bringing to American Catholics this important ad
vantage."

As preceding chapters have reiterated, daily drills,
recurrent reviews, examinations, written and oral,
throughout the intermediate and academic grades helped
to secure a thorough discipline on such fundamentals as
reading, spelling, grammar, writing, mathematics, his
tory. Gradually the courses in history and science were
strengthened ; charts, maps, apparatus for laboratory work
in physics and chemistry were acquired. In the higher
grades intensive work in English was done — not only with
the idea of developing appreciation of literary values,
but also for the sake of equipping the pupils with
an instrument for the acquisition of knowledge, pro
viding a medium for intelligent, enriching and ennobling
intercourse with their fellow-creatures, and acquainting
them with the significant thoughts and emotions of the
race. The teaching of modern languages, especially
French, likewise subserved more than a single purpose.
Due place was given in the week's routine to the fine
arts, and to such practical arts as sewing, which ranged
from the homely tasks of darning and mending to the
most skilled needlework. As has been stated, the Cath
olic girls were well trained in their religion, this being
accomplished by the study of catechism, Christian doc
trine, Bible history, by annual retreats, weekly sodality
meetings, and frequent lectures. While the non-Cath
olic children had no part in these courses of study,
they were constantly under the influence of the distinc
tively moral atmosphere of the academy.

Continuous and scrupulous as was the attention given
to the mental and moral training of the pupils, the solici
tude was equally vigilant for those outer observances
rooted in virtues — self-control, consideration for others,
gentleness and courtesy of manner and demeanor. B>

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 309

various means good conduct was maintained, precept
constantly receiving authority from the example of the
Sisters, the younger ones deferring to the older, all
showing respect to superiors, and maintaining a rela
tion of dignity and courtesy toward one another. The
prevailing note of simplicity and affection secured con
fidence, sincerity, loyalty.

The merits of the Sisters' methods and ideals were
tested as generation after generation of pupils went forth
from academies and parochial schools, to take their places
in a life larger and maturer than that of the school-room.
A particular test was made after the Civil War, when
many of the former pupils of Nazareth and the com
munity's other academies received a most exacting chal
lenge to prove the worth of their mental and moral train
ing; as a daughter of a convent-bred woman of those
days has said: "The mothers who presided over fam
ilies sometimes greatly reduced in finances, often over
large and elaborate households and plantations with a
retinue of domestics, were a cultured, dutiful, capable,
self-sacrificing set of women, unsurpassed by those of
today." Ujpon many of these women, whose men rela
tives were dead or hopelessly incapacitated for resuming
their share of duty, devolved not only the burden of ad
ministering the business and domestic affairs of their
families, but also the task of teaching their own children,
those of the neighborhood, and the negroes ; their hearth
stones were "social centres" before the sociologists in
vented the term. It was they who preserved, guarded,
and transmitted the sacred fires of religion and educa
tion, and to their glory and to the honor of the Sisters
who trained them it may be said that they fulfilled their
exacting and manifold roles with courage, ability,
grace.

A glance at the early plan of studies at Nazareth and

310 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

her branch schools recalls those seven terrestial sciences
painted upon the wall of the Spanish Chapel in Florence's
beautiful church, Santa Maria Novella: Grammar, Rhet
oric, Logic, Music, Astronomy, Geometry, Arithmetic,
which Ruskin names "the sum of the sciences— according
to the Florentine mind — necessary to the secular educa
tion of man and woman," and signifying, of course a far
more enriching system of cultivation than the mere
enumeration suggests. More detailed is the present cur
riculum of the Sisters' schools, although still comprising
the subjects named in the famous frescoes. The courses
of study at Nazareth Academy are graded from the
elementary classes through the high school grades. In
some subjects, study equivalent to that of college work
is done. To those desiring it a special commercial course
is given. There are three distinct departments : the pri
mary, the intermediate, the academic. The following out
line illustrates the distribution of studies : In the primary
grades are taught : Christian doctrine, spelling and read
ing, writing, language lessons, simple exercises in the
fundamental rules of arithmetic, oral grammar and
geography, easy lessons about familiar things, elementary
studies in natural history taught chiefly in the talks and
walks through fields and parks, exercises in physical cul
ture, drawing, letter-writing, memorizing prose and
poetry. Sight-singing and sewing are commenced in the
primary classes and continued throughout the course.

The four intermediate grades follow. In the lowest of
these the subjects are : Christian Doctrine, Bible history,
fifth reader or equivalent in Little Classics, spelling,
writing, elementary grammar, language lessons, element
ary arithmetic, fundamental rules, fractions and reduc
tion of compound numbers, with corresponding lessons
in mental arithmetic, No. 2 geography, Child's United
States history with the use of globes and charts, sen-

m

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 311

tence-building, rules for punctuation, capitalization, etc.,
nature studies.

The next grade proceeds with: Christian doctrine,
Bible history, fifth reader or equivalent, spelling, gram
mar, elementary arithmetic complete, No. 3 geography,
United States history, with the use of globes and charts,
sentence-building, punctuation, capitalization continued,
short stories reproduced, original themes on familiar
subjects, nature studies.

In the next grade : Christian Doctrine, Bible history,
sixth reader or equivalent, spelling, grammar to syn
tax, practical arithmetic, review of common and decimal
fractions, percentage to bank discount, with correspond
ing lessons in mental arithmetic, United States history,
No. 3 geography, with the use of globes and charts,
original themes on familiar subjects, short stories, de
scription, etc., nature studies.

Finally in the Fourth Preparatory class the subjects
are: Christian doctrine, Bible history, arithmetic and
grammar completed, rhetoric and composition continued,
sixth reader or equivalent, civil government, physiology,
illustrated by charts and maps.

The pupil's success in the still higher department of
the academy depends upon the solid foundation laid in
the foregoing preparatory course; a strict system of
promotion prevails, but the pupil is advanced to the senior
department whenever she is found to be sufficiently pre
pared. In the academic department three courses of
study are offered, all embracing four years : the general,
the literary and the special course. The first prepares
the student to enter any college or normal school; the
second does not include Latin or higher mathematics;
the special course is designed for pupils wishing to de
vote the greater portion of their time to music or art.
English and history are obligatory in this course; other

312 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

branches may be elected to make up the requisite num
ber of credits. Pupils deficient in grammar, arithmetic,
reading and spelling are obliged to continue these studies
until the requirements are satisfied. The study of domes
tic art, physical training and vocal music is required
in all the courses.

The subjects studied in the senior department permit
the following classification : religion, English, Latin,
history, mathematics, science, modern language (French,
German, Spanish). These several subjects are continued
throughout the four years of the academic department,
therefore a definite idea of what is accomplished in these
branches may be obtained by an account of their re
spective distributions through the four senior grades.
In the fourth (and lowest) senior, the work in cate
chism is devoted to a study of the hierarchy, the sacra
ments, work of sanctification, instructions on prayer and
private devotions, conduct in church, at Mass and the
reception of the sacraments; Church history is studied
with reference to the progress and struggles of the
early Church, the heresies and schisms, the councils ; im
portant Scriptural texts are memorized; feasts and cere
monies, Gospels and Epistles of every Sunday and the
Acts of the Apostles are explained.

The third senior class studies the origin and develop
ment of the Church, the papacy, the early persecutions,
the earliest religious orders, the expansion of the Church.
Practical instructions on public devotions, the liturgy
and ceremonies of the Church are given. The course in
Church history is devoted to the ten general persecutions,
the rise and conversion of the barbaric nations, the origin
of monasticism, the temporal power of the popes, the
growth of the Church in the New World. The feasts and
ceremonies of the Church, the Gospels and Epistles for
Sundays are explained, as are the four evangelists.

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 313

In the second senior year the program is: The
Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, practical instructions
on prayer, the sacraments, devotions, blessings. The
Church history work comprises study of the early Fath
ers and Doctors, schisms, heresies, the Inquisition, the
Reformation, the oecumenical councils, the popes of the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries ; character and writ
ings of St. John and St. Paul, and of the principal
Epistles of St. Paul, their purpose, plan, place and date
of composition. The memorizing of Scriptural texts
and passages is continued.

In the first senior year lectures on Christian doctrine
are given ; the historical development and mystical mean
ing of the Mass are studied. Some time is devoted to
the fine arts as fostered by the Church; to the Oriental
languages of Sacred Scripture; to the history of the
Latin Vulgate and the English versions, especially the
Douay; to the authorship and form of some books of
the Old Testament ; to the poetry of the Bible — Job, the
Psalms; to the Prophetic Books. In connection with
this study of the Bible, in recent years an effort has been
made to share the literary and ethical treasures of the
Scriptures with the non-Catholic pupils. At the sug
gestion of a former non-Catholic pupil, a course was
devised wherein the non-Catholic girls may participate:
they are permitted to use their own versions of the Bible
and are thus initiated into the historical, literary and
ethical values of the Scriptures which might otherwise
during their school days be closed books. As a final
course in this department, four periods of the last semes
ter are devoted to ethics, studied under such divisions as
these: End or destiny of man; morality of human acts;
conscience ; individual rights and duties to God, ourselves
and others ; rights of ownership ; social rights and duties ;
common law of nations; Church and State. The work

314 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

in catechism and Christian doctrine throughout the
courses is supplemented by weekly catechetical lectures
delivered by the chaplain and an annual retreat; as in
earlier days, frequent instructions are given by visiting
clergy. Five periods a week in Christian doctrine are
required throughout the senior department.

The study of English, always so important at Naza
reth, is pursued throughout the four years, according to
the following divisions : rhetoric and composition ; liter
ature; critical study; required reading. In the fourth
senior, rhetoric and composition with reference to ele
mentary principles are begun, the theme work consisting
largely of narration and description. Special work is
done in the history and development of American liter
ature. Critical study and required reading secure ac
quaintance with masterpieces of American and English
literature. In the third senior year more advanced work
in rhetoric and composition is required; the history and
development of English literature from the age of Milton
to the Victorian period are followed, in order to equip
the pupil with general information. Critical study and
required reading familiarize the students with concrete
examples of the periods studied — Shakespeare, Milton
("II Penseroso" and "L' Allegro"). Scott, Newman,
Dickens, with additional readings from Father Tabb,
Imogen Guiney and other contemporaries. Longer
themes than in the preceding years are demanded from
the pupils of the second senior class, whose attention is
focussed upon the development of the English novel, the
laws of versification and the nature of poetry. The study
of literature becomes more intensive, dealing with the
age of Chaucer and Spenser, and the development of the
drama — with particular analysis of Shakespeare, to
whom much of the critical study is also devoted. The
poetry of Tennyson and Wordsworth forms part of the

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 315

critical study and required reading for this class, which
reads also some Dickens, Hawthorne, Carlyle's "Essay on
Burns," and several typical examples of English and
American poetry and essays. The English work of the
first seniors (the graduates) comprises a review of pre
ceding years ; emphasis is laid on training in right reason
ing and critical judgment. Studies of various forms of
prose composition and of the principles of literary crit
icism are made. The work in the divisions of literature,
critical study, and required reading is planned primarily
with the idea of developing taste for good literature and
standards of criticism. Masterpieces of English and
American literature in the field of drama, essay, novel,
poetry are carefully studied. Throughout the four years
course, much memorizing of poetry is done and special
attention is given to the vocal interpretation of literature.
One of the notable features of the work in the English
department is the annual presentation of two plays by
Shakespeare. These are given by members of the Senior
classes, assisted when necessary by pupils of the other
grades ; they are presented in the auditorium whose seat
ing capacity of 1,500 is usually taxed to its utmost by
the assembly of pupils, faculty, other members of the
community, and guests.

Believing that one of the best aids to the cultivation
of a taste for good literature is a well stocked library of
wisely chosen books, the faculty give every opportunity
to the pupils to profit by the volumes of the Reading
Room ; perhaps no aspect of life at Nazareth is more
interesting and auspicious than a group of students
gathered in the beautiful quiet library, with the world's
best thought around them and a judicious guide to en
courage and suggest their browsing or more serious
study. Finally the English work in all the grades is
supplemented by lectures throughout the year from noted

316 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

men and women. Every department of the academy has
its own literary society, whose meetings are devoted to
discussion of current events of historical and literary
significance, to readings from and reviews of approved
authors. Five periods a week are required from all
students of the Senior grades for their English work,
whether they are taking the general, the special or the lit
erary course.

The four years' program of Latin parallels the typical
high school plan, five periods a week being required in the
general course. The study of authors is thus distributed :
in the fourth senior class, Bennett's "First Year Book,"
reading: Nepos, "Lives of Miltiades and Hannibal." The
third seniors begin Bennett's Grammar and read the
first four books of Caesar. In the second senior class,
grammar is continued ; five Orations of Cicero are read ;
studies are made of Roman life, civil and political.
Final work in grammar and considerable reviewing are
accomplished in the first senior year. Four books of
Virgil's "yEneid," one of the "Georgics," two of the
"Eclogues" are read; collateral study of geography and
mythology is pursued. Those equipped for additional
\vork read some Horace and Livy.

Elementary algebra and reviews in arithmetic compose
the schedule for the fourth seniors' mathematics. The
third seniors pass to higher algebra and plane geometry,
books I, II, III; a review of arithmetic being also re
quired. The second seniors' work embraces higher
algebra, plane geometry. This four years course of four
periods a week, is completed by the first seniors, study
ing books VII and VIII of solid geometry during the
first semester, and trigonometry in the second semester.

Four periods a week are allotted also to the four years'
study of history, distributed as follows: ancient history,
fourth senior class; medieval European history, third

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 317

senior; modern European history, with special study of
the history of England, collateral reading, weekly dis
cussion of research work, compose the program for the
second seniors. The first seniors have a review of gen
eral history, with intensive study of England, France,
other modern European countries and the United States.

With the development of Nazareth's laboratory, pro
nounced by authorities one of the best in any private in
stitution of the State, it has been possible to make the
work in science more thorough and practical from year
to year. It is designed to meet requirements for en
trance into any college. The fourth seniors' study is
devoted to physical geography, to which four periods a
week are allotted. The work of the third seniors in
physics consists of recitations, demonstrations and ex
periments, filling five periods a week ; laboratory work in
cluding forty experiments and requiring the time of
thirty double periods is demanded of individual pupils;
records of work and drawings of apparatus are also re
quired. This class likewise devotes some time to botany,
for whose study the Nazareth estate offers abundant op
portunity. As was stated in a preceding chapter, the col
lection of flora sent from the academy to the St. Louis
Purchase Exposition was at the time the largest collec
tion of the kind made in Kentucky. Pupils and young
Sisters at the mother house long had the advantage of
having among them a specialist in botanical lore, the
late Sister Marie Menard, whose learning elicited re
spect and admiration at home and abroad. Acknowl
edged as one of the most scholarly women in Kentucky,
she won prestige for Nazareth, whose development was
her constant care.

Chemistry is the principal subject in the scientific pro
gram for the second seniors. Five periods a week, forty
experiments, individual laboratory work demanding at

318 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

least thirty double periods, are required. In the first
senior class four periods a week are given to astronomy,
the study of which is facilitated by a good telescope and
other apparatus, and the "wide and starry sky" above
Nazareth's thousand acres.

The four years' course in French and German and a
three years' course in Spanish are designed to give cor
rect pronunciation, thorough knowledge of grammar,
skill in translation, familiarity with older and later mas
terpieces. Conversations, recitations from memory, com
position and letter writing help to secure facility in speak
ing and writing the language studied. A preceding chap
ter has emphasized the importance which the study of
French has always maintained at Nazareth; an incident
which older pupils are fond of recalling illustrates the
good work accomplished in this Branch. A former
Nazareth girl, Mary Eliza Breckenridge, who became
the wife of Wiliam Shakespeare Caldwell of New York,
when travelling in Europe took lessons in French, as
did her husband, from an eminent master in Paris. Re
marking Mrs. Caldwell's proficiency in French grammar,
the teacher asked his pupil where she had attained it : "At
Nazareth Academy, in the backwoods of Kentucky,"
laughingly interposed Mr. Caldwell, to whom the teach
er retorted : "It is a pity that you did not learn French
grammar there, too!" In the present curriculum four
periods a week are allotted to the modern languages.

Particularly in the music department of Nazareth
Academy is an expansion of the former courses of study
to be noted. Teachers' certificates as well as diplomas
are given ; every student must pass a test outlined by an
examining committee before being assigned to any special
division in the instrumental or vocal departments. Study
of theory, harmony, and the history of music, is obliga
tory throughout the entire course. Weekly rehearsals of

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 319

orchestral works broaden the pupils' knowledge and ap
preciation of music; and clubs, such as the Beethoven,
the Macdowell, the St. Cecilia, and recitals by pupils and
visiting artists sustain a lively interest in the melodious
art. An endeavor is made to keep skilled and gifted
teachers in the departments of drawing, painting and
allied arts — teachers' certificates being given in this de
partment. Nor has the academy forfeited its time-
honored traditions for fine needle-work. One more tra
dition of the earliest times is faithfully followed, the
training of voices that may be clear and agreeable in
conversation and equal to the interpretation of good liter
ature. That important feature of a rounded education,
physical training, is not neglected; twice a week an in
structor goes from Louisville to lead the pupils in grace
ful and health-giving exercises. All other courses in the
academy, as is true of the community's other schools,
are taught by the Sisters themselves.

The curricula of some of the branch academies include
less advanced work in Latin, mathematics, science than
is required by Nazareth's program of studies : otherwise
the mother academy and the branches prescribe almost
identical courses of study. Those which are successful
in keeping their pupils long enough give diplomas as
branch academies of Nazareth and have formal or in
formal affiliation with normal schools and universities.
Exertions as zealous as those devoted to bringing the
work of the academies up to a high standard are ex
pended upon the Sisters' parochial schools, flourishing in
several dioceses. A sketch of the activities in some of
these institutions will indicate the range and character
of the Sisters' work in this important field of education.
In Louisville, Kentucky, the Sisters have been teaching
in the parochial schools for over eighty years, the first
having been taught in the basement of old St. Louis

320

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

Church in 1828 ; below is a list of their parochial schools
in the city, with their dates of foundation and enrollments :

SCHOOL

DATE OF FOUNDATION

PUPILS ENROLLED

St. John
St. Michael

1859

1866

253
110

St. Augustine (Col.)
St. Cecilia

1871

1877

140
501

Sacred Heart

1877

402

St. Brigid
St. Frances of Rome

1887
1887

165
142

St. Philip Neri
Holy Name
St. Patrick

1889
1891
1911

186
428
338

St. Agnes

1914

85

For the 2,750 children annually registered in these
schools, a uniform curriculum has been adopted, that
devised for the primary and grammar grades of the
parish schools in the archdiocese of Philadelphia. In
these Louisville schools an attempt is made to take the
children as far in the grammar grades as possible. Three
times a week, according to the custom in the parochial
schools elsewhere, the assistant pastor is required to
address the pupils on Christian doctrine. In nearly all
instances there are two sessions a day, beginning at 8 in
the morning and continuing till 12 m., with a short
recreation period in the morning, and a half hour or an
hour for luncheon and recreation at noon.

Everything possible is done to develop the standards of
these schools, to give to the pupils a course of study
that parallels what is done in the public schools, mean
time supplementing the program in the latter by in
structions in religion. An earnest effort is made to se
cure the highest efficiency among the teaching bands.

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 321

They are comfortably housed at St. Helena's, St. Anne's
or some other home reasonably convenient to their re
spective schools. Several times a year teachers' meetings
are held for the faculties of the eleven parochial schools
of the city : these occasions prove an admirable means for
obtaining a profitable interchange of ideas and mutual
encouragement. Those teachers who reside at St.
Helena's are permitted to attend the lectures given by
Louisville's chief physicians in St. Joseph's Infirmary,
next door.

The parochial schools of Memphis, Tennessee, may be
cited as typical of successful work in this field, one
school being chosen for illustration. It was graded for
a twelve year course, thus divided : Three years for the
primary department, five for the grammar grades, four
for a high school course. From the very beginning
thorough work was demanded, with the result that the
entire course was completed by the pupils at an early
age, yet with a mental development so satisfactory that
university work could be undertaken by those who had
passed through the curriculum. It was from this school
that a student won a B.A. degree in three years.

The parish schools of the Ohio diocese have made
a gratifying record, signally witnessed to by a remark
made by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley of Columbus several
years ago, to the effect that if the Nazareth community
had to its credit no work save that done in the Ohio
diocese, it would have generously merited Heaven's best
blessings. In the early eighties Bishop Watterson es
tablished a curriculum which did good service. Bishop
Hartley has been most zealous in all that appertains to
the schools, presiding at the regular meeting of the
diocesan school board. The standardization of the grad
ed curriculum in use throughout the diocese and the uni
formity of text-books facilitate the Sisters' and pupils'

322 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

efforts. When children move from parish to parish,
from town to town, as often happens, there is no difficulty
in promptly grading them, in maintaining a logical se
quence of study. Stimulating and suggestive are the
annual conferences of teachers and pastors of the dio
cese, the bishop presiding. These meetings establish a
spirit of unity and co-operation productive of many ex
cellent results.

To the success of the parochial schools in the diocese
of Richmond, space has elsewhere been devoted — in par
agraphs about the Cathedral school, Richmond Virginia,
for girls and boys, the Ryan School, St. Anthony's
School, and the Nazareth School, Roanoke, Virginia. A
foremost educator of today has sounded the slogan which
spurs onward the faculties of these Virginia schools and
sets a standard for their conscientious and zealous
labors: "A teacher may be a professional worker; but
he who puts himself in the professional class must know
accurately what he is to do, have the requisite skill for
doing it, and do his work under the guidance of high
ethical principles. The teacher who is ignorant of his
subject is a quack; the teacher who lacks professional
skill is a bungler; the teacher who is not inspired by
high ideals is a charlatan."

Perhaps nowhere have the teachers in the Catholic
parochial schools been challenged to a higher degree
of efficiency than in the archdiocese of Boston. The de
velopment of these schools began shortly after the Third
Plenary Council of Baltimore; in appearance and equip
ment of school buildings, in quality of the teaching staffs,
many are now equal to, and sometimes superior to, the
public schools, a creditable record considering the dis
tinction which Massachusetts has long held in literary
and educational work.

Shortly after the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 323

opened their schools in what was then the diocese of
Boston, the A. P. A. Society became a disturbing factor.
From 1888 to 1892 a committee of one hundred of this
secret organization flooded the press and Legislature with
invectives against "Romanists" in general and parochial
schools in particular. The schools of the Sisters from
Nazareth safely passed through this crisis, soon, indeed,
gaining signal recognition for their good practical teach
ing. When the A. P. A. attack subsided, teachers, prin
cipals and supervisors from the public schools began
making visits of study and investigation to the Sisters'
schools. Such visitors appeared not only from Massa
chusetts but also from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine,
New Hampshire and even New York. The visitors'
registers of those days contain such remarks as the
following: "Best work in reading, I have ever seen;'
"Results, excellent;" "Spelling and reading excellent;"
"Deportment excellent, too;" "Results surprising." That
other work achieved an equally high standard is indicated
by the fact that when the first competitive examinations
of the graduates of all the parish schools of the diocese
were held, the pupils of the Sisters of Charity of Naz
areth were notably successful, winning three scholarships
out of eight. A similar high standard was manifested
while these examinations continued. In contests with
public school children, for scholarships, medals, or other
rewards, a similar record has been made, for example,
when in 1915 the children of the Sisters' schools were
invited by the superintendent of public schools to take
the examination with the public school pupils for certain
scholarships, the Sisters' pupils won ten of the eighteen
offered, the highest average of all being won by a boy
trained by the Sisters. These data are set down in no
spirit of invidiousness, but as concretely illustrating the
ideals and accomplishment of the Sisters in a region

324 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

where the standards of popular education are particularly
high. Throughout these schools, stress is laid on funda
mentals; this is exemplified by the fact that when some
of the Sisters' schools (Hyde Park and Newburyport,
Mass.), became so crowded that it was difficult to do
justice to all the pupils, the high school grades were
dropped and the energy and interest of the teachers con
centrated upon the elementary and grammar grades, lest
the children of these departments might be deprived of
the opportunity for Christian education.

A special advantage accrues to these schools from the
assistance and encouragement provided by a good sys
tem of supervisors. In addition to the archdiocesan sup
ervisor, there is a Sister supervisor for every commun
ity, whose function it is to give the institutions under her
care the benefits of her knowledge and experience, sug
gesting improvements and changes where wisdom dic
tates. Under her direction, tests are made which result
in the raising of standards when deemed advisable. At
a notice from the diocesan supervisor, these Sister sup
ervisors meet for council, interchange of ideas, mutual
encouragement. The climax to this method of supervision
and co-operation occurs during vacation, when the an
nual Teachers' Institute is held in Boston College Hall,
the meetings of which are attended by the Sisters from
the parochial schools, the lectures being given by dis
tinguished educators, experts in modern pedagogy, psy
chology, and similar sciences which are constantly throw
ing new light on methods and principles of education.
The test of the work done by the Sisters in the schools of
the archdiocese of Boston is the success of their pupils
when they pass to public higher institutions of learn
ing whence so often comes a cry against the inadequate
preparation done in elementary and secondary schools,
conducted less strictly than are those of the Sisters.

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 325

Needless to say, the moral standard of these parochial
schools, north and south, is as vigilantly sustained as is
the intellectual discipline. Supererogatory may seem any
further emphasis of moral training as corner-stone of the
Sisters' educational work; yet omission of such reference
from a summary like the present were singular in a day
when, on one hand, forces are in play to make education
materialistic and utilitarian in the less admirable sense of
the latter term; and when, on the other hand, leading
secular educators are emphasizing the necessity for
counteracting this tendency. One of them" has saga
ciously remarked : "The one thing needful is to recognize
that moral principles are real in the same sense in which
other forces are real; that they are inherent in the com
munity life and in the running machinery of the individ
ual. If we can secure a genuine faith in this fact, we
shall have secured the only condition which is finally
necessary to get from our educational system all the ef
fectiveness there is in it. ... The common sepa
ration between the intellectual and moral training is one
expression of the failure of the school as a social in
stitution. . . . What we need in education more
than anything else is a genuine, not merely nominal faith
in the existence of moral principles, capable of effective
application." Observing the growth of such a conviction,
a noted Catholic educator25 has said : "The value set on
character, even if the appreciation goes no further than
words, has increased very markedly within the last few
years; and in reaction against an exclusively mental
training, we hear louder and louder the plea for the
formation and training of character." Thus holding that
pupils are candidates for spiritual as well as mental de
velopment, with judgments to be formed, wills to be

24 John Dewey, "Ethical Principles Underlying Education," The Chicago Uni
versity Press.

28 Janet Erskine Stuart, "The Education of Catholic Girls," (London and
New York).

326 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

strengthened, hearts to be made responsive to noble im
pulses, generous emotions, the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth are in agreement with the most eminent secu
lar guides of youth, while at the same time bearing for
ward the time-honored traditions of Catholic education.
However lofty the aims and aspirations of the order's
teaching bands, doubtless it would be far from their
wish to proclaim that perfect success always and in every
place crowns their efforts; but at least they may freely
claim that their schools offer particularly propitious con
ditions for the training of character and that higher of
fice, the development of spiritual powers. Granting to
teachers in the world, as the phrase goes, a liberal equip
ment of lofty idealism and abundant opportunity for that
\vide experience so salutary for educators, certain ad
vantages may meanwhile be ascribed to a society of
teaching religious whose attention and enthusiasm are
focussed upon the life of the spirit, upon moral im
peratives, their lives consecrated to the things of good
report, their minds free from the distractions that beset
secular teachers, their tenure of office less dependent on
the will or caprice of various influences, political or other
wise. Among the numerous teaching groups of the
day, the Sisters have another advantage in a certain field
of much importance and interest — in the work of de
veloping among children the "community spirit," so
much emphasized in pedagogical and sociological discus
sion. The life of such a teaching society as that of Naz
areth, its members working together, successfully pre
serving respect for authority and for one another, offers
to pupils an example more precious than many precepts.
One of the interesting and admirable phases of life at
Nazareth Academy and similar foundations has been the
development of a true community spirit among the pupils
brought together from such different sections of the

EDUCATIONAL IDEALS. 327

country, their association rubbing down the angles of
prejudices and provincialism, demanding manifold offices
of courtesy and fellowship, throwing into relief the rights
and needs of many others besides themselves, counter
acting the pettinesses and selfishnesses that are so likely
to crop out in smaller groups of children. Despite all
the natural divisions according to age and class, even the
smallest child soon feels herself part of a larger group.
Constant are the occasions for keeping alive the pupils'
sense of being in a large family, with common interests,
traditions, ideals — a corporate body, as it were, demand
ing from its members loyalty and individual effort. Thus
many opportunities are offered for learning the fine art
of being a satisfactory unit in that still larger family,
human society, a considerate, useful, self -controlled mem
ber, disciplined in the observance of order and system ;
therefore the teaching Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are
at one with other contemporary educators who realize
that education in the strict sense signifies far more than
any formal outline of studies indicates, and that, as a
thoughtful American essayist has said: "The most pre
cious gift of education is not the mastery of sciences but
noble living, generous character which springs from a
familiarity with the loftiest ideals of the human mind,
the spiritual power which saves every generation from
the intoxication of its own success."

In the last analysis the Sisters' success in holding a
lamp to the feet of youth depends largely upon their own
preparatory work in the normal department of the mother
house, where a routine of conscientious study is steadily
pursued. During vacation, summer schools are held at
Nazareth and distant branch houses — those for instance
in the archdiocese of Boston, where competent professors
from universities and colleges give lectures and courses
of study in the sciences, the arts, and subjects of gen-

328 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

eral pedagogic interest. These summer schools are at
tended by hundreds from the older as well as the younger
ranks of teaching religious, all eager to refresh their
minds and acquire whatever may advance the reputation
of the order in the educational field. For the most part
such study is pursued in their own convents ; though from
time to time Sisters are sent elsewhere for special courses
of study. Thus the order is endeavoring to preserve the
ideals of the early faculties for self-improvement and
for the maintenance of Nazareth's prestige. Far greater
in a certain sense is the task of the present community
than that of preceding days ; the Sisterhood's early work
bears somewhat the same relation to that of the present
as the care of a small garden bears to the tillage of a vast
field. As never before, all educational systems and in
stitutions are on trial, relentless trial ; none, however re
spected of yore, may survive upon past glories ; the strik
ing hour sounds its own stern and distinctive challenge.
Alert attention to inevitable changes in the world, rigor
ous avoidance of fads yet plastic response to the best new
methods, strict fidelity to bed-rock principles — these are
among the demands made of all instructors of the pres
ent, whether religious or secular. The teaching bands of
Nazareth and its branch houses have heard the summons
of the new crusade against ignorance. Watching and
praying, they are striving to take places in the vanguard,
their energies for their high cause ever renewed by the
prophet Daniel's words, which should be the inspiration
of Christian teachers of today, as to those of yore : 'They
that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firma
ment: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for
all eternity."

CHAPTER XVII.
THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER.

IN an earlier epoch, perhaps more than at present, it
sufficed to say of individuals and organizations: "By
their fruits you shall know them." To-day the analytical
mood of modern psychology presses beyond the deed to
the motive, to the informing spirit responsible for con
duct; hence the pages of historian and philosopher, as
well as psychologist, abound in such terms as "racial
spirit," "national characteristics," and similar phrases
employed even to extremes as interpretation of the past
and as prophecy of the future. Partly because of this
tendency, the histories of religious orders are more and
more inspiring a quest for principles which give such
societies their identity and their points of differentiation
from others. Such analysis has its special interest for
Catholic students, but non-Catholic students have also
been diligent in seeking the spirit of the Franciscans, the
Benedictines, the Jesuits and others whose societies offer
many points of suggestion and emulation for the large
organizations, benevolent and educational, so typical of
the epoch. Therefore, such a volume as the present,
chronicling incident and development, sketching note
worthy figures, calling attention to this or that virtue
illumining some chapter of the community's story, would
be inadequate did it fail to indicate more comprehensively
the order's distinguishing traits, those features which es
tablish a family likeness among the members.

Doubtless the simplest, most direct, clue to the spirit of
a religious body is offered by its rule, its written law.

329

330 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

The rules and constitutions of the Sisterhood of Nazar
eth are in substance identical with those adopted through
out the world for the government of the Sisters of
Charity since they were founded by St. Vincent de Paul.
Only such alterations have been made as were required
by the special demands of the age or country wherein
the Society's offices have been exercised; "the spirit
of all who are daughters of St. Vincent is one and the
same." It has been interpreted as charity and perfect
service ; the constitutions pronounce it humility, charity,
simplicity: "The members shall perform all their ex
ercises, both spiritual and temporal in a spirit of humil
ity, simplicity, charity, and in union with those which
our Lord Jesus performed on earth, remembering that
these three virtues must, like the three faculties of the
soul, animate the whole body, and that they constitute
the proper spirit of the whole body. . . . The
principal end for which God has called and assembled
the Sisters of Charity is to honor Jesus Christ our Lord,
the source and model of all charity, by rendering Him
every temporal and spiritual service in their power, in
the persons of the poor — either sick, invalid, prisoners,
insane, or those who, through shame, would conceal their
necessity. . . A secondary but not less important

end is to honor the sacred childhood of Jesus Christ in
the persons of their own sex, whose hearts they are
called to form to virtue and the knowledge of religion,
while they sow in their tender minds the seeds of useful
knowledge."

This quotation from the constitutions gives a keynote
to the spirit which inspired the first Sisters of Charity
of Nazareth, infusing into their hearts lofty idealism,
generous sympathies. With the old English philosopher,
they might claim to hold "not so narrow a conceit of this
virtue as to conceive that to give alms is only to be

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 331

charitable. . . . There are infirmities not only of
body but of soul and fortunes which do require the
merciful hand of our abilities ;" hence when Bishop Flaget
and Father David made the first appeal for their good
offices, for the instruction of the young and the servants
in their neighborhood, they responded with the zealous
alacrity which has marked their later ministrations to
the sick, the needy, the afflicted. In no sense a cloistered
order, but organized to work in and for the world, the
Sisterhood begun in the Kentucky countryside has fol
lowed St. Vincent's counsel to have "no grate but fear of
God, no enclosure but obedience, no veil but that of
holy modesty;" its monasteries have been the homes of
the sick and the indigent, the wards of hospitals, and in
firmaries, the class-rooms where with perseverance and
consecration the members have striven to fulfill Heaven's

will.

To recapitulate the system of administration: The
society was under the guidance of an ecclesiastical
superior until the papal approbation was obtained ; since
gaining that sanction, it is directly subject to papal juris
diction, with a cardinal protector. The governing body
within the community consists of a mother-general and
five assistants, one of whom, is treasurer general, another
being secretary general. Elections occur every six years ;
they are conducted by ballot, votes being cast by delegates
sent from branch houses and by those at the mother
house, where the election takes place.

There are three dates of entrance for postulants : Jan
uary, June, and September. Six months' postulantship
is required, followed by one year in the novitiate. At
the end of this term, annual vows are made for three
successive years; these vows are followed by triennial
vows ; if the candidate is accepted and she so desires, she
is then permitted to make perpetual vows. In the recep-

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tion of candidates for postulantship due care is exer
cised; among the special requirements being a "sound
mind in a sound body," aptitude for the works of the
community, and a note of recommendation from the can
didate's parish priest or any other clergyman in a position
to give such a note. Perhaps the training is not so severe
as that of other orders, but it is careful; its effects have
been pronounced "nothing less than a miracle." The
day's routine for all the community begins with early
rising, followed by prayer, meditation, and Mass. Var
ious other spiritual exercises alternate with the day's
tasks. No regular office is said, though constantly in
mind is St. Vincent's motto: "Charity is your office."
Another motto of the community is that immortal phrase :
Laborare est orarc. With their vocation to manifold
good works, the Sisters have "diversities of ministries,"
even as "diversities of grace;" but there is no distinction
among them corresponding for instance to the choir and
lay Sisters of other congregations. They represent, so
to speak, a democracy of aspiration and dedicated ser

vice.

The above paragraphs summarize the main points of
the rule which with surprisingly few changes has been
followed through a century, linking thousands of de
vout women in an alliance of piety and benevolence. But
though so effective and enduring a bond of union, the
rule thus quoted does not render a complete account of
the spirit and characteristics of the order, which perhaps
even more clearly than in written principles are to be
discerned in certain traditions transmitted from genera
tion to generation, forming the very breath of the com
munity's being. Other religious organizations, one is
tempted to say all, offer an analogy. The case is stated
exactly in that excellent little book, "The Society of the
Sacred Heart," by Rev. Mother Janet Erskine Stuart :

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 333

"The Constitutions are to us as Scripture is to Doctrine ;
we have beside them the living tradition which makes
the rule of life." The author adds that sometimes the
constitutions were asked for, to furnish a basis for some
other religious rule, but "nothing came of it." The mere
rule was not sufficient: "Some vital spirit quickening the
Rule, had been infused from the beginning, and had
been in its first flower before the Rule was written.
There is a letter and a spirit, and the spirit takes pre
cedence. . . . By the living tradition and the
written law the Institute has come to its full growth with
a marked personality of its own which belongs chiefly
to the tradition, and some essential principles of con
struction which are found in the written Rule." So the
written letter of the constitutions of the Sisters of Charity
"teaches the virtues that should be the distinctive guiding
principles of all the daughters of St. Vincent de Paul;
the unwritten word, the traditions and customs of each
separate society, and the living example of those mem
bers who, carying out in their lives both the letter and
the spirit of the written Rule and unwritten tradition, are
worthy to be called types or models, teach them the dis
tinctive manner in which they are to fulfill the designs of
their holy patron and their respective founders."

So interwoven with the life of the community are many
of these traditions, they have become to the Sisterhood
what instinct or habit is to the individual. The impera
tives of this unwritten code prescribe such admirable
virtues as "Faith, simplicity, loyalty which should char
acterize every Sister of Charity and the element of rev
erence for authority which is at the base of countless little
courtesies that receive so much attention in the Acad
emies." Into the fibre of the community are knit earn
estness of purpose, fidelity to duty, love of hard work,
self-sacrifice. These are the ideals whose compelling

334 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

potency has sustained the Sisters through the daily
routine of teaching, often in localities where the scarcity
of resources and conveniences has demanded vigorous
physical as well as mental exertions, through the harrow
ing experiences of war and plagues, through occasional
persecutions by the bigoted and prejudiced, through of
fices to the needy and afflicted which placed on the rack
their own delicate sensibilities and sympathies. One of
the order traces this heritage of ideals to the early
group, who "bequeathed a beautiful spirit to those who
came after them. Theirs was a joyous eager service,
done purely for love of God in imitation of Jesus Christ.
Their holy protector, St. Vincent, had taught them
through his conferences : 'You are daughters of Charity,
which means the daughters of God, for God is charity;
it is He who has begotten you, in communicating His
spirit to you; for whosoever will consider the life of
Jesus Christ on earth will see that He did what a good
daughter of Charity does.' The spirit of the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth is then the spirit of love of our
Lord; they must, if they would be good types of the
order have both an affective and effective love. They
should love our Lord tenderly and affectionately, not
bearing to be separated from Him, and keeping them
selves as closely united to Him as possible. This af
fectionate love of our Lord shines forth in works of
charity, by serving God in serving others, with courage,
joy, constancy and love. These two loves — namely, af
fective and effective — form as it were the life of the Sister
of Charity ; and though she must, like Martha, be busied
about many things in God's service, she is also like Mary
formed to the spirit of recollection and to the imitation
of Jesus Christ. Her Rules and Constitutions safeguard
her so that she may comport herself in all her inter
course with the world, with as much recollection, purity

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 335

of heart and body, and detachment from creatures as a
cloistered nun in the retirement of her monastery. The
true Sister of Charity of Nazareth should practice the
virtues of all the other religious orders. She will have
the recollection of the Carmelite, the humility and joyous
springtime spirit of the Franciscan, the zeal and obedience
of the Jesuit, the self-abnegation of the Little Sister of
the Poor, with the charity of Jesus Christ as her constant
and transcendent model."

The last sentence casts a light on one distinctive trait
of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth — their aspiration
toward several virtues, respectively accorded what may
be termed .intensive cultivation among other congre
gations. Assuredly with no hint of derogation from the
quality of their Sister religious is such statement made;
it is merely as though others endeavored to keep alight
one clear flame, while they strive to keep several tapers
aglow — the lamp of sacrifice, the lamp of faith, of com
passion, of hope, of humility and obedience.

Particular emphasis may be laid on the community's
kinship with the missionary orders, for apostolic has its
career been since the days when the first fervent coura
geous group set forth through the forest to open schools
in Kentucky and Indiana, later bands making long and
tedious journeys southward, still later companies ex
tending benevolence to humble rural districts, unde
veloped mining towns, large and bustling cities of the
Middle West and the East. Now once more, with no
diminution of their primitive ardor, they are about to
cross the continent, miles away from their mother house,
to labor in the promising but still undeveloped mission of
Oregon. In their zealous bearing forth of the seeds of
piety and education, they have at once made a creditable
record of their own and have followed in the footsteps of
their early guides, the Sulpicians and the Jesuits; even

336 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

as those noble missionaries to America, they have been
fellow-laborers for the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps none of the characteristics of the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth makes a more persistent impression
than does their simplicity, a quality entirely different
from mere ingenuousness. Like the Society's great com
mon denominator, charity, it "is not ambitious, seeketh
not its own." Among the outward signs of this sim
plicity are unpretentiousness and concentration upon the
vocation. Thomas a Kempis has given a formula for
the simplicity of the religious: "Simplicity aims at God."
This is the key to the virtue as found among many of the
Sisters of Charity; it bears a close resemblance to a
similar quality noted in intellectual geniuses of high
order whose attention is concentrated on some engrossing
subject. This characteristic of the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth is not incompatible with an acute judgment, a
mellow wisdom about people and affairs, of course not
manifest in all the members, yet patently distinguishing
those who may be termed typical. Among the effects of
this simplicity are spiritual and mental poise, repose of
manner, steadfastness in the accomplishment of purpose.
In the early days of the Society, the distinctively spirit
ual elements in this trait were reinforced by the native
temperaments of such women as Mother Catherine, so
notable for straightforwardness, integrity, clarity of
vision, singleness of aim. Another influence was the
dignified simplicity of such directors as Bishop Flaget
and Bishop David, in whose own order this virtue was a
principle and a venerated tradition. It bore fruit in an
other characteristic of the Sisterhood of Nazareth, a
certain sturdy practicality in handling problems, in mak
ing the best of conditions, in not being dismayed by
temporary failure, in avoiding fretfulness and futile
temporizing. A case in point is Mother Helena's prompt

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 337

departure from Nazareth for Lexington one day with
five thousand dollars tied up in a napkin, to settle definite
ly some legal quibble over property.

A guest at the mother house once said to one of the
religious : "I like three things about your Society ; I like
your simplicity, your cheerfulness, and your cap." To
the first some justice has been done; the second has been
recorded in preceding chapters as a special and valuable
possession of the Sisterhood. It has sustained the mem
bers in their trials and has stamped them as zealous for
that quickening virtue — hope — which with faith and
charity forms the trinity of supreme Christian virtues.
Hope may be said to spring from faith, to be nourished
by charity, by a love for God and humanity so great as
to keep alive trust in Providence and a confidence in
the triumph of all things excellent and of good report.
Like their simplicity, the Sisters' cheerfulness has the
quality of tempered metal; its source lies deeper than
mere childish ingenuous mood, often shining at its bright
est among those who have had most to endure, endear
ing its possessors and inspiring those associated with
them. It detracts not in the slightest from the spirit of
recollection and proper religious detachment, on the con
trary supplementing these austere virtues with a finer
grace, casting into high relief all that is winning in the
Christian ideal. How beneficial is its influence may be
judged from the words of a clergyman at the death of
a member blessed with a happy heart, Sister Emily Elder :
"Do not let her spirit of cheerfulness die out of the Com
munity." The noted Jesuit missionary, Father Smarius,
said of that cheerfulness: "Such a disposition is a God
send in a religious Community." Thus the Sisters, while
holding St. Vincent as their model, have also imitated
the sunny spirit of "Everybody's St. Francis." Many
indeed are the members of the community who by their

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

own experience or their sympathy with the sufferings
of others, have realized to the utmost the sombre signifi
cance of the DC Profundis, but the majority keep in their
hearts those other words of the Psalmist: "Be glad in
the Lord." The result is that, for their general minis
trations to humanity, they have an asset greater than any
possessed by communities more austere in mood and
countenance. Assuredly for such works as teaching the
young, consoling the sick and the needy, it is a prime ad
vantage "to rejoice in the Lord."

A tribute to simplicity is the tribute to their cap, a
simple and neat head-gear. For a while, in the early
days of the society, a black cap was worn, but this was
soon permanently changed for a white one; over this a
shapely black bonnet of nuns' veiling is worn on the
street. The habit of black serge consists of a plaited
skirt and cape worn over black waist and sleeves; a neat
white collar completes the habit.

This characterization of the Sisterhood has thus far
been based largely on their external life, on such traits
and features as the observer may note. What is ad
mirable in that life is still further illustrated within the
community, its home sphere, so to speak. This was a
matter of prime importance to Mother Catherine, recog
nizing as she did that the strength of the organization
depends so much on the inner harmony. To the mem
bers' spirit of loyalty, constant evidence is borne by count
less kindly offices, by a wide range of courtesies, words
and acts of consideration, encouragement and sympathy,
offering a rare example of Christian fellowship. Such
offices may be noted among the teachers co-operating in
large academies and in humble parochial schools; among
the beneficent bands of hospital and infirmary. Typical
are the affectionate relations existing between those en
gaged chiefly in manual work and those busy in the more

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 339

intellectual pursuits of teaching; and between the older
members and the younger ones — the former maternally
solicitous for the welfare of the latter who, on their part,
entertain a filial regard for their seniors. A distinguish
ing feature of the community is the personal attendance
given to the sick and aged. It is the custom to call
"home" to the mother house those whose years and
energies are at ebb-tide, that their latter days may be
spent in the peaceful and religious atmosphere where
their lives as religious began. Well has some one said :
"It may be that there are other places than Nazareth
where it is desirable to live ; but there is no place where
it seems more blessed to die." Thus Nazareth, with its
wise and tender regard for the individual, whether young
or venerable, its wholesome, productive, community spirit,
fulfills its hallowed name and offers to the world the
example of an ideal family.

To those already initiated into the Catholic tradition
of conventual life, much of the foregoing may seem
platitudinous ; yet there may be justification for such re-
affirmations in a day when non-Catholic circles and often
those non-religious are recognizing the values of the
community spirit and ideal. Neighborhood houses, set
tlement houses, community works of various kinds, illus
trate this tendency. The co-operative and manifold ac
tivities of the Sisters, the extension of their offices for
the spiritual, mental, temporal welfare of others, repre
sent a system which might and indeed does serve as
model for secular groups benevolent in purpose. To con
sider a moment such institutions as Nazareth and several
large branch houses, particularly those in rural districts :
these have been centres of culture — spiritual, intellectual,
social — radiating beneficent influences over a wide ter
ritory. This was notably the case in an earlier day when,
because of limited facilities of transportation, all educa-

340 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tional and cultural opportunities were less accessible than
at present : but likewise to-day guests from the neighbor
hoods of the convent, and even from the cities, seldom
visit such places as Nazareth without bearing away a
fruitful memory of the Sisters' spiritual quality, their
gentleness and efficiency, their order, neatness, faithful
industry. Likewise fruitful beyond the threshold of the
school room are the influences of the academies and
parochial schools in cities, industrial towns and villages
whose population needs far more education than that
purveyed from a teacher's chair. The very presence of
the Sisters in some of these localities is an inestimable
factor not only of Christian education but actually of
civilization. Hence the sociologists cannot too highly
value their beneficent endeavors.

In relation to one more field of contemporary activity
and discussion, the Nazareth society may for a moment
be considered. As an organization of women, nine hun
dred members strong, the Sisterhood may be studied in
connection with the much emphasized role women in
general are playing in world where, after all, feminine
industry has not been lacking since the first sisters, wives,
mothers of the Aryan race labored on the Asiatic plains.
Granting, however, due credit to the increasing activity
of women in numerous departments of busy modern life,
it is perhaps not supererogatory in a volume of this kind
to comment upon the notable part societies of religious
women are taking in this activity. The point is all the
more eagerly made because in some quarters, for instance
occasionally in magazine articles and lectures, the con
vent as a productive and otherwise significant centre of
energy is treated as a thing of the past, or is esteemed
negligible. Such an attitude is singular in a day, when
men of science and men of letters alike are so profoundly
interested in "group activities" manifested elsewhere, in

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 341

the life of bees, ants and other small toilers, as well as
in the largest and most important organizations of hu
man creatures. It is true that some writers and speakers
make much of the great historic convents of yore, often
finding, however, their impressive personalities the fore
runners, not of the noble and efficient religious of to-day,
but of secular workers in sociological and similar fields.
Thus the direct line of descent is not strictly followed;
all too often it is ignored. To those familiar with the
multifarious and progressive occupations now followed
within convent walls and significantly radiating there
from, it is somewhat surprising (to put it gently) to hear
that the great works formerly done by the nuns, especi
ally benevolent offices of various kinds, are now per
formed by women other than Sisters, zealous for right
eousness and justice, by workers in settlement houses,
community centres and similar worthy institutions. The
Sisters' labors are not denied, but they are not sufficiently
recognized. Not for a moment should be minimized the
endeavors, often self-sacrificing endeavors, of secular
idealists ; but among thinkers of broad vision their
achievement should not obscure the accomplishment of
contemporary Catholic sisterhoods, whose members — by
their zeal, diligence, skill, efficiency and, above all, spirit
uality — are the direct descendants of the Teresas and
Catherines, the good and great abbesses and their as
sociates of an earlier epoch. Fortunate indeed are the
secular organizations so harmoniously and steadfastly de
voted to occupations as significant and as efficiently ful
filled as are those of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
To summarize their activities : here are nine hundred and
thirty women, divided into bands, according to their
talents, annually teaching 20,000 children, nursing every
year about 10,000 patients, in many other ways expend
ing benevolent energies, and conducting the business and

342 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

domestic affairs of large households — that of Nazareth,
for instance, where the Sisters manage an estate of a
thousand acres, farming it successfully, directing a corps
of men who perform the heavier manual tasks of field,
garden, orchard, dairy and similar departments. In the
administrative offices of the mother house, the duties and
the welfare of the nine hundred and thirty members of
the community, and some affairs of the branch houses,
receive attention, an executive work accomplished with
a high degree of efficiency. Similarly the superiors of the
branch houses prove equal to directing their often large
households. Thus, as other capable women of to-day,
the members of the order are ably handling problems of
finance, economics, domestic efficiency, while not for
feiting their reputation for educational and benevolent
activities.

In the judgments of secular minds, religious sister
hoods and the individual members thereof are at a dis
advantage in educational and benevolent work because of
their aloofness from the life of affairs. The contention
has its logic, but it is scarcely applicable to an order
so active in and for the world as the Sisters of Charity
of Nazareth. Paradoxical as the statement may seem,
their particular form of detachment leaves them all the
freer to give whole-hearted attention and energy to the
task which calls, nor does it necessarily blind their eyes to
currents of progress. On the contrary, their partial with
drawal from the distracting and complicating turmoil
of existence often gives them a clearer perspective than
may be achieved by those in the whirl of circumstance.
Their systematized periods of meditation and prayer
give them opportunities for replenishing their spiritual
strength and inspiration — opportunities prized by philos
ophers of all time, and well to be envied by secular ideal
ists harried from one occupation to another. Whatever

THE SPIRIT OF THE ORDER 343

their restrictions or limitations, the Sisters may claim
an immense advantage in having a mode of life propi
tious for the cultivation and preservation of what Tenny
son so happily terms "a quiet mind in a noisy world."
Certain other advantages, patent to the psychologist, do
they possess — for instance that confidence which springs
from their sense of their Society's solidarity and perman
ence. Such union as theirs guarantees strength and en
courages large undertakings, perhaps not to be accom
plished by the individual who initiates them but who
knows that they may be safely entrusted to her succes
sors. In a world of much superficial and temporary
building, such women as Mother Catherine, blessed with
large vision and constructive force, may carefully lay
stone upon stone, and trust "the long results of time" to
complete the noble structure. Still another advantage
accrues to the society from its already emphasized tradi
tions, similar to those so readily claimed by worthy old
families wherein individual idealism is nourished and
reinforced by the spirit of the clan, the younger mem
bers coming into a heritage of good principles, exemplary
conduct, challenging their emulation. Thus after spend
ing years of probation in the mother house's hallowed at
mosphere of piety, industry, peace, beauty, wherein
generations of capable and devout women have begun
careers now historic in the community, the companies of
young religious go forth with a keen sense of noblesse
oblige, zealous to do all in their power to prove worthy
of the spiritual family to which it is their privilege to
belong, eager to bear afar its spirit of charity, humility,
simplicity. All discussions of the order must ultimately
return to these virtues, the three unquenched lamps by
whose light for a century the members have climbed the
upward path, to lay at Heaven's door the fruits of their
dedicated service:

344 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

"All Thou hast given, we give again to Thee ;
Strength, Lord, to labor ; light, Lord, to see ;
Love, Lord, abiding all through the years,
Love ever patient, stilling our fears.
Take and receive, we give it all to Thee,
Let, Lord, Thy grace forever with us be."w

M Written for the Centennial Pageant by Sister Mary Eunice.

CHAPTER XVIII.
NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH.

Let there be prayer and praise

On these worn stones and on these trodden ways;

For all around is holy ground —

Ground that departed years
Have hallowed with high dreams.

TRULY do the poet's lines describe Nazareth, where
to pass from one scene to another is to make a gen
uine pilgrimage of the heart and spirit. Even upon the
stranger, bound by no ties of memory or affection, the
beauty of the convent and its surroundings seldom fails
to exert a spell. Moreover, added to the charm of ex
terior loveliness, ever active seems the influence of what
Alice Meynell felicitously terms "the spirit of place," that
subtle essence, so eloquent of the noble presence forever
associated with the scenes of their lives. Of the academy
may be said what was observed of a great college — it is
"a visible embodiment of certain invisible influences,
which are as much a part of its educational equipment as
its libraries, laboratories, teachers and courses of study."
Even as Oxford, so Nazareth, because of its beauty,
"searches, inspires, often re-creates the spirit of the
sensitive student."

As the arriving guest passes up the main avenue, his
attention is arrested by a handsome statue of Carrara
marble depicting the Seat of Wisdom, the Infant Jesus
in His Mother's arms. The statue is placed upon a pedes
tal twenty feet high, made of cobble-stones and Portland

345

346 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

cement. Erected to the memory of Mother Catherine, it
fittingly symbolizes reverence for Divine Wisdom, goal
of the Sisters' intellectual and spiritual quests.

If by the happiest chance a first visit to Nazareth is
made in mid-June, an enchanting picture will allure the
gaze to the left where the rose-arbor extends long arches
of profuse blossoming, leading to the shrine of St. Ann.
Here stands a beautiful group of the Blessed Virgin and
St. Ann, bearing the inscription "Thy law in my heart."
At the other end of the arbor is "Lourdes," an embowered
grotto, arranged April, 1902, at the wish of Mother
Cleophas Mills; at the base of this shrine of new Naz
areth rests an old stone, the threshold of ancient Nazareth
on St. Thomas's Farm.

A group of the Holy Family marks the entrance to the
home of religion which bears the name of the Divine hab
itation. Elsewhere over the grounds, groups or single
figures of attractive statuary represent the gift of friends
or the piety of the community. The first of these given
to Nazareth was the beautiful figure of the Sacred Heart.
In 1895 Mrs. Margaret Whitehead Robertson presented
this "token of gratitude to her teachers, the Sisters of
Nazareth."

On either side of the main walk marble representations
of the founders, Bishop David and Mother Catherine,
welcome the approaching visitor. Effectively placed on
the lawn among the ancient trees, themselves among the
most beautiful objects at Nazareth, are statues of St.
Vincent, St. Anthony, and the Guardian Angel. Above
the colonial porch, St. Vincent de Paul in Carrara marble
blesses all who with friendly spirit cross Nazareth's
threshold.

From the spacious colonial hall wide corridors lead
to the large airy class rooms. Ever a delight to transient
guest and ambitious student is the Reading Room, with

NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH. 347

its well-filled shelves, its windows opening upon one of
Nazareth's most serene and lovely landscapes, sloping
hillsides and wide fields, refreshing to the reader's eyes
as they are lifted from the printed page. Besides the
valuable collection of what Charles Lamb termed the
"fair and pleasant pasturage" of books, two of the most
admired objects in the room are the busts of Mother
Columba and Jeanne d'Arc. The latter, presented by
the class of 1914, is a beautiful piece of workmanship.
The noble countenance of Mother Columba is a perennial
influence to the young readers in the room dedicated to
her revered memory.

To many visitors, one of Nazareth's most interesting
scenes is the Museum. This repository of valuable
treasures occupies the first floor of the auditorium, built
by Mother Columba in 1871. It is well furnished with
book-shelves, revolving charts, and cases for specimens.
Examination of the numerous collections might well
prove a good course of object lessons in the sciences.
Several years ago Sister Marie Menard and Sister Ade
laide Pendleton visited Washington, D. C, and studied
the exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other
museums, with a view to making the most effective ar
rangement of Nazareth's treasures. This is now achieved
in the cabinets containing hundreds of botanical, zoolog
ical, mineralogical and geological specimens. Among
these are corals, shells, and other rare things from
Florida, Jamaica, and the Indian Ocean, curios from the
Samoan Isles, Indian relics, and memorials of the
pioneer clays. Rare coins, mounted birds and animals,
objects of beauty and singular interest, beguile the visitor
form one collection to another. These represent sou
venirs from friends who in far away lands have remem
bered Nazareth, and those near-by who have generously
shared their treasures. Of special attraction is the care-

348 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

fully classified collection of over a hundred varieties of
wood growing in the vicinity of Nazareth, showing the
graining and capability of polish, the contribution of the
revered Father David Russell. Those who prize objects
quaint and hallowed by association will linger before
primitive vestments worn by Bishops Flaget and David,
sacred vessels used by other sainted hands, or perhaps
some antique volume brought to America by early
scholars. Subject of much interest are the paintings in
the art gallery section of the museum, some of which are
supposed to have come to this country during the days
of the French missionaries. One canvas has been at
tributed to Rubens; it is at least of his school. Another
noteworthy painting is a large and excellent copy of
Raphael's "Transfiguration," made by Siirget, and origin
ally purchased by Mr. J. T. Moore of New Orleans for
his home in that city. His granddaughter, Mrs. Anna
Moore Roger, sent it to Nazareth in 1915 on the death of
her grandmother. Among other recent gifts are a few
souvenirs of papal R'ome, presented by a former pupil of
Nazareth Academy, Countess Spottiswood-Mackin.

The variety of the collections in the Museum is at once
an evidence of the generosity of friends and also a proof
of the academy's traditional interest in all that pertains to
a broad deep culture. Nearly every country of the globe
is represented ; hence an attentive pilgrimage from case
to case amounts almost to an excursion in the realms of
universal knowledge. Here are precious souvenirs from
the Holy Land and the Catacombs ; and, in contrast with
these memorials of the Christian Faith, is a cunningly
carved statuette of the goddess of mercy from a Bud
dhist temple of northern China. Another case holds a
letter on rice paper from a Japanese nun ; elsewhere are
mementoes of those ancient people, the Ainos ; nearby is a
string of Mohammedan beads. Across the room is a

NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH. 349

beautiful rosary presented by Leo XIII to the actor, Sal-
vini, who in turn gave them to Paul Kester; this author
and dramatist presented them to Nazareth. Those to
whom the personal has special value will note Benjamin
Franklin's snuff-box, very different in associations, if
not for practical purposes, from another snuff-box which
once belonged to a Zulu maiden, whose earrings and
necklace further exemplify her people's ideas of feminine
adornment. Of somewhat similar interest is a pair of
richly embroidered slippers which one of Nazareth's
friends received from a physician to the King of Sardinia.
An ostrich egg and a monkey fish from South Africa,
shells and coral from remote Pacific Isles, South America
and other distant shores, introduce an exotic note here
and there. Pompeii and the Colosseum give a classic
touch to certain cases; while variously illustrated else
where are the arts and crafts of ancient and modern peo
ples. Japan is represented by a cross of rare cloisonne, a
dainty rice dish, skilfully done lacquer and beautiful em
broideries. Carved bamboo and an artistically wrought
silver dragon cup were brought from China, and from
Honduras a well carved piece of ivory and a deftly em
broidered book mark. The native art of the Mexicans,
the Filipinos, the Samoans may be studied in such typ
ical articles as baskets, tapa cloths, carved wooden bowls
and potteries. Of singular interest and unique design is
a firebag of the American Indians. Visitors \vith a taste
for history will linger over several memorials of import
ant events or periods such as the Revolutionary War, the
Civil War and the Spanish-American conflict.

Days of genuine pleasure and profit might be spent by
the bibliophile in examining the shelves of precious books,
volumes of quaint and profoundly interesting lore, which
form one of the most valuable of the Museum's collec
tions. Here are rows upon rows of learned tomes, edi-

350 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH.

tions rare and excellent. To open some of these is to
find the imprint of eighteenth century European presses,
of Paris, London, Venice and other Italian cities. Erudite
dissertations on philosophical and theological themes,
doubtless brought to this country by distinguished exiles
from France, offer a feast to scholarly intellects. Those
interested in Americana may well envy Nazareth its
volumes of early State papers ; while other students and
guests, according to their predilections, will find among
these books material for many gratifying hours.

A walk through these treasure rooms of the institution,
be the pilgrim a casual guest or a familiar friend of the
community, must increase an appreciation for the vig
orous and versatile mind, the admirable taste of her who
expended so much thought and work in enriching and
arranging the Museum — Sister Marie Menarcl. To her
scholarly intellect, her zeal for Mother Nazareth and her
order, the place is a memorial. So noteworthy a part of
Nazareth of to-day, it is an eloquent challenge to her
successors still further to develop this repository of things
interesting, instructive and otherwise valuable.

Above the museum is the auditorium, with a seating
capacity of fifteen hundred and an excellent stage. This
hall is used throughout the year for pupil recitals, plays,
lectures, and other entertainments. All these move to a
climax at the close of the school term, the commence
ment exercises. The supreme moment of this occasion
is that impressive one when the graduates receive the
white crowns immemorially bestowed by Alma Mater;
from this idyllic and beautiful ceremony, a happy legion
has passed to the larger life of the world. Since the first
formal commencement in 1825, augustly termed the Ex
amination, this entertainment has been a cultural influence
of the highest importance to the surrounding country.
In the old days, and it is still true of the present, Naz-

NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH. 351

areth's closing exercises have been witnessed by a con
course of guests from Kentucky, neighboring States and
the far South. During many years a notable feature
was the "Operetta." Founded on themes of religious or
classical significance, this form of entertainment and in
struction always had a high spiritual and literary tone.
It summarized the pupils' work of the year and illus
trated their proficiency in composition, music, recitation.
Dignified and graceful in demeanor, the young ladies of
Nazareth Academy offered genuine pleasure to the audi
ence assembled from such distances. The esteem in which
these entertainments were held may be judged from a
report in the Louisville Courier- Journal of 1876. The
writer first complimented "the grandeur of these classic
precincts of science and letters," and then described the
eager arrival of the audience :

"Well-to-do farmer, village merchant, lawyer, doctor,
student, lovely misses and gallant gentlemen, at five
o'clock in the morning were driving in from all direc
tions." For this particular occasion the theme of the
"Festival Opera," as the reporter termed it, was "The
Genii of the Water." As its predecessors and successors
among Nazareth's operettas, this program was in some
measure a forerunner of the pageants now so much in
vogue, if perhaps a little more literary in character than
those consisting chiefly of scenes without words. Such
learned and interested friends as Archbishop Spalding
often suggested the themes for Nazareth's operettas; but
as the modern age, with its less leisurely spirit, gradually
demanded a less elaborate form of closing exercises, the
operettas were superseded by a program of music and
salutatory and valedictory essays. But though the form
of the Nazareth commencement has changed, the spirit
remains — that of womanly dignity and Christian ideal
ism, year after year exemplified as the white-crowned

352 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

graduates go forth from their Alma Mater, cheered by
the time-honored song: "Return, fair girls, to friends and
homes." The words of this dear familiar strain were
composed by Father McGill, late Bishop of Richmond,
and the music was written by Mr. W. C. Peters of Louis
ville for the class of 1842, the song being rendered on
that first occasion with an accompaniment of the piano,
harp and guitar, to-day being supported by a richer or
chestral accompaniment as the hundreds of school girls
and alumnae sing it at the close of the annual commence
ment exercises.

Since the erection of the Gothic church, St. Vincent's,
in 1854, this beautiful building constructed of light brick
in pleasing proportions, has been much admired. Over
the main altar glows the memorial window of richly
toned glass, presented by the Alumnae in Nazareth's
diamond jubilee year, 1897. On each side of the main
altar rest teak-wood statues, brought from Belgium,
representing the order's cherished patrons: the Blessed
Virgin, St. Joseph, St. Vincent, St. Teresa, St Francis
de Sales, St. Rose of Lima. The windows of the right
transept, depicting the Annunciation and the Nativity, are
the gift of the community's faithful friend, Rev. Michael
Ronan of Lowell, Mass.

Few are the vestiges of the Nazareth first built upon
the present site ; among the chief survivals of the earlier
times are the old spring-house and the beautiful trees.
Mother Frances planted the avenue of cherry trees lead
ing to the cemetery ; throughout the ground are other
memorials of her industrious planting and that of the
other early Sisters. The graceful feathery tamarisks
which stand sentinel on each side of the main walk, the
luxurious Chinese Koelreuteria which unfurls its green
foliage and unusual flowers outside the chaplain's resi
dence, the ancient oaks and sycamores, the arbor vitae

OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM

NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH. 353

and other evergreens, the thriving orchard trees, all en
hance Nazareth's beauty. The well-kept lawns charm
the eye ; here and there some especially lovely indigenous
or exotic plant engages attention. Nazareth's green
house allures numerous guests, delighting them with a
vision of carefully fostered familiar flowers or some
blossom from far away, which Sister Marie's or Sister
Marguerite's skilful gardening has made at home in
Kentucky soil.

It is fitting that the last scene visited in the pilgrimages
of the spirit made throughout this chapter should be that
final resting-place of the community, Nazareth's little
cemetery. In this hallowed spot, so truly God's acre, an
atmosphere of peace and sanctity is all pervasive ; but no
funeral spirit here hangs a pall upon the heart; no sad
willows droop above the tomb of these truly happy dead ;
no mournful cypress shadows these holy sepulchres. On
the contrary, even in autumnal hours and bleak winter,
there is a fresh, open-air quality about this little plot of
serene sleep. Truly blessed seem to rest these dead,
who died as they had lived, in the Lord. In the hearts
of many, a responsive chord is struck by the tribute of a
former pupil, now a valued religious (Sister Adelaide
Pendleton) : "One of the most beautiful spots at Naz
areth ... the silent city where sleep the pure
and holy souls who, after life's warfare, have laid down
their arms. When treading the well-kept walks that lead
through this lovely home of the dead, a feeling of peace
such as comes nowhere else, steals over one." At the
end of the central walk has recently been erected the
beautiful statuary group, "Calvary," presented in 1910
by Rev. Dominic Crane, a devoted friend of the com
munity. Hither day by day pilgrimages of the living are
made. In the sanctifying presence of this memorial rest
the mortal remains of those members and friends of the

354 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Nazareth Society, whose earthly footsteps followed "the
Way of the Cross, which leads unto the Truth and the
Life." Here reposes the saintly dust of Bishop David;
upon his tombstone is carved a Latin inscription express
ing the affection of his mourning daughters. Here
among her children and at the feet of her preceptor,
Mother Catherine's mortal vesture mingles with the earth
of her beloved Nazareth. Thus interred in the soil of the
noble estate whose prosperity is due primarily to them,
"Father" David and Mother Catherine seem ever near
their children.

Brought hither by their own request, here lie Father
Hazeltine, Father Chambige, Father Bouchet, Father
Coghlan, ecclesiastical superiors of Nazareth, Bishop
William McCloskey and his brother, Rev. George Mc-
Closkey, Rev. G. Elder, Rev. Wiliam Clark, Father Dis
ney and Father Hugh Brady. Many are the other clergy
who loved Nazareth so well that they were fain to have
their dust here consigned ; among these are several
Jesuits who in the early days taught in St. Joseph's or St.
Mary's College. The following is a list of their names
with the dates of their burial: Rev. Francis Hoop,
(1835) ; Mr. Henry Gossens, (1856) ; Brother Edmund
Barry, (1857) ; Mr. Nicholas Meyer, (1858) ; Mr. Chris
tian Zealand, (1859); Brother James Morris, (1859);
Brother Samuel O'Connel, (1851) ; Rev. Francis
O'Loughlin, (1862).

But generous as Nazareth has been in thus sharing her
quiet plot with devoted friends, after all this garden of
sleep and hallowed peace is particularly sacred to those
members of the order now resting with folded hands a
little apart from their Sister religious who are still toiling
upward while it is yet day. Young religious called in
the first fervor of their consecrated lives ; mature women
summoned in the moment of richly fruitful endeavors;

NOTABLE SCENES AND SHRINES AT NAZARETH. 355

venerable sisters sanctified by long dedication to God and
humanity's welfare, here in the blessed fellowship of
religion their dust reposes. Surely to their spirits apply
the words of the Book of Wisdom : "Behold how they are
numbered among the children of God, and their lot is
among the saints."

CHAPTER XIX.
ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS.

NO blessing of Nazareth's hundred years surpasses
the benefits received from those first guides and
friends, the distinguished ecclesiastics trained in European
colleges and universities, those Old World scholars whose
wont it was to salute one another with Latin odes, to
indite Latin epistles to one another from their respective
stations in the American colonies of the early nineteenth
century. Such was the mental calibre and training of
those prized friends, eminent also for their native and
cultivated spirituality.

To two of the "pilgrim fathers of the Kentucky wil
derness," Bishops Flaget and David, a final tribute may
now be paid. They brought to their adopted country the
influence of their individual piety and intellect, and the
century and a half old traditions of their own Society of
teachers, "learned and unpretentious gentlemen," of
whom it has so excellently been said:" "They went
forth to preach the Gospel not among savages where the
missionary must combine self-denial and enthusiasm with
something of the spirit of adventure, but among people
whose civilization differed but little from their own.
. It was a great advantage to the budding
Church of the United States that Dubourg, Dubois,
Marechal, Flaget, Brute and David were men . . .
who in learning, scholarship and culture were vastly
superior to the average American minister of the Gospel.
They were well equipped to mingle in the foremost ranks

" Herbermann, "History of the Sulpicians in the United States," Encyclo
pedia Press, New York."

356

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 357

of society, as we may see from the impression produced
by the Abbe Dubois on the best men of Virginia. They
combined fervent zeal for the Catholic faith with polished
and agreeable manners, great tact and the absence of all
aggressiveness." Thus we find Henry Clay pronoun
cing Bishop Flaget "the best representative of royalty off
a throne," doubtless a better representative of true royalty
than was many a potentate. The Kentucky historian, Col
onel Stoddard Johnston, refers to him as "the princely
prelate, whose name is still honored in Kentucky, whose
memory is a benediction." This "man of God, filled with
the spirit of prayer," was tall and majestic in appear
ance; dignity and mildness marked his demeanor. No
necessity of his diocese appealed to him in vain ; a strik
ing proof was given during the cholera epidemic in
Bardstown (1833) when he bestowed upon the stricken
the same compassion with which he had ministered to the
small-pox victims of Philadelphia during his early sojourn
in America. Hearing of their desertion by others he
hastened from house to house, rendering all possible aid
until the Sisters from Nazareth arrived as nurses. Fi
nally he himself fell a victim to the pestilence, going to
France ofter his recovery to regain his strength. He
was then in his seventy-fifth year, yet he undertook the
valiant task of journeying through his native country in
behalf of the Propagation of the Faith, winning thou
sands to the cause. On this visit occurred the incident
which quaint Mgr. Bouchet of Louisville, was wont to
describe as the occasion when Bishop Flaget "blessed the
Pope." Far in advance of the Kentucky missionary
bishop had gone the tidings of his good works; hence,
when he arrived in the presence of the Pontiff and had
made the customary obeisance, the Holy Father bent and
embraced his guest t\vice, assuring him that he was a
worthy successor of the Apostles.

358 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Though less closely associated than Father David with
the Nazareth community, Bishop Flaget always held
dear the dedicated women who so early in his episcopate
had ably seconded his endeavors. Typical of his paternal
affection is this epistle to Mother Catherine following
his illness at the orphan asylum in Louisville, where he
had recovered : "Thanks to the care and prayers of your
daughters who are also mine. Toward the end of the
week I shall go to my new Episcopal lodgings. There
I shall have nothing else to do but to pray for my dear
Kentuckians, Catholics and Protestants. I bear them
all in my heart ; and in the thirty years that have elapsed
since I came to Kentucky, I have never offered the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass without thinking of them. My
very dear Catherine, may God pour upon you continually
and in abundance the spirit of St. Vincent."

Only a few years after this did the august prelate sur
vive. His biographer reverently observes, "he died as he
had lived — a saint;" he had been termed "the saintly
Flaget." Beneath the main altar of the cathedral of the
Assumption, Louisville, which his successor, Archbishop
Spalding, erected as his memorial, rest the mortal re
mains of this son of France, "one of the most remark
able of the apostolic men who were heaven-directed to
plant the Church in the United States."

When in 1817 Fathere David was appointed coadjutor
to Bishop Flaget, the honor but added fresh labors to the
innumerable burdens which the appointee had borne from
the moment of Bishop Flaget's own consecration. It is
difficult to summarize the encouragement, spiritual co
operation and practical aid which Bishop Flaget received
from Father David. Each shared the burden of the epis
copate, the seminary, the spiritual welfare of the vast
diocese. Father David was the first to organize in
America the lay retreats now so widespread. He visited

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 359

the sick, gave spiritual instruction, rode to distant mis
sions, took part in controversies, led choirs, played the
organ in Bardstown, directed St. Thomas's seminary and
acted as spiritual superior of Nazareth. Admirably fitted
for this office, which he held for twenty-two years, was
this past master of piety, learning, spiritual discipline.
Before coming to Kentucky he had occupied other posi
tions which equipped him with experience, later profit
able to Nazareth ; notably he had been vice-president and
professor at Georgetown College, and ecclesiastical
superior of the Sisters of Charity at Emmitsburg, Mary
land. Possessing a rare combination of inspired vision
and patience for details, he industriously strove to keep
in mind the general welfare of the community and every
individual member's growth in grace. Almost the only
complaining note in his correspondence is occasional
regret over the lack of opportunity to do all he was fain
to do for the interior life of his many spiritual children.

Several letters from his revered hand are Nazareth's
most precious tangible legacy from its holy founder.
Counsels of perfection, memorials of paternal affection,
mirrors of the writer's own piety, are these documents
which time has yellowed, but whose worth is unimpaired.
His words, which quickened the community of yore, to
day enrich and sustain the spiritual life of the daughters.
Characteristic is the sturdy spiritual discipline advocated
in these letters, combined with delicate sympathy for the
heart alternately swayed by hope and trepidation. For
instance these words: 'The interior consolation that at
some time overflows your heart, my beloved daughter,
is a great favor from God, for which you ought to be
very grateful. But it is well to think ourselves un
worthy and improve it as sailors do a favorable gale, to
advance in the way of perfection."

Stern fortitude was a recurrent note in his counsels : "A

360 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Christian, and much more a religious, ought never to
get out of heart . . . but as a brave follower of
Jesus Christ, he should generously take up His Cross
and daily follow Him in the way of His poverty, humil
ity, meekness, patience and charity." And again, "All
the difficulties and troubles which accompany your em
ployments are ordained by the will of God. They are in
tended by Him for your sanctification and are for you
the best way to perfection and happiness. Let these suf
ferings, contradictions, disappointments crowd upon you
—only saying: ' Of myself I can do nothing, but I can do
all things in Him Who strengthens me.' A skilful pilot
turns the very storms to advantage to hasten his way to
port. The continual round of distracting employments,
solicitudes, anxieties, etc., in which you are inevitably
engaged, can no doubt be an acceptable penance and a
fruitful source of merit instead of being a hindrance
to its progress — provided, however, that you accept them
in that vein, make a careful offering of them to God in
that intention and go through them with courage, con
fidence, patience, with humility, and above all with love
for your Blessed Spouse, who by all these things wishes to
perfect His image in you, and effect a union of His will
with Himself. After all, my dear daughter, all the saints
have gone that way ; and St. Paul, in his Epistle to the
Thessalonians, after commemorating their sufferings, ex
horts them that none shall be moved in tribulations. You
know that we are appointed thereunto. Do thou perse
vere ; courage, my dear child ; often raise your mind to
God, and make an offering of what you suffer."

The learned director was fond of supplementing his
own instruction with counsels drawn from others dis
ciplined in the spiritual life. He delighted to share with
his daughters of Nazareth such words as St. Basil's : "It is
not sufficient to show courage at first ; the reward is given

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 361

at the end of the race. ... Be meek and peaceful ;
speak not inconsiderately; do not contend; suffer not
yourself to be possessed by vain glory. Love candor and
sincerity. Be much addicted to spiritual reading, espe
cially of the New Testament. Manage gently and with
regard to the minds of those with whom you are obliged
to live; and take care not to scandalize them." Even
more touching are such personal messages as these sent
to Sister Appolonia McGill, who toiled so successfully
and so long at the infirmary and the orphan asylum in
Louisville : "Give her my love and assure her that I will
earnestly pray for her. Tell her that her old father says
that she must be resigned ; that God has so ordained for
her own good — that she may be entirely disengaged from
the love of creatures and learn by degrees to be content
with Jesus alone."

When in 1832 Bishop Flaget, worn by his faithful
labors, offered his resignation the second time, it was
accepted and Bishop David was named his successor.
This appointment Bishop David in turn declined; a note
then written reveals at once his affection for Nazareth
and his reluctance to assume in his seventy-second year
any additional burden : "I shall remain Bishop of Mauris-
cast ro, with no other title than that of Superior of Naz
areth ; this is too dear to my heart to lay aside. I shall
remain with my daughters and live among them and take
care of them and be taken care of by them as long as I
live." This missive assumes a pathetic interest when it
is realized that, some months later, its writer ceased to
be ecclesiastical superior of the Nazareth community.
At the time, Providence had permitted one of the seasons
of disquietude described in an early chapter. Whatever
the cause of the misunderstandings, they evidently preyed
upon Bishop David's heart till he deemed it best to resign
from his office. February, 1833, is the date of the last

362 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

council over which he presided. September of the same
year is the first date recording the incumbency of his
successor, Father Ignatius A. Reynolds. Neither Bishop
Flaget nor Bishop David seems to have desired this change
of superiors. From Bishop David's letters of this period,
it is evident that his heart was sore and his own spirit
afflicted. To one of the Sisters he wrote: "Assure my
dear daughters that I cherish them as much as ever in our
Lord. I wish them to be bright models of a religious
life. Join with them and walk before them in that glo
rious career." And later in the same vein : "Tell the Sis
ters, that I have ceased to be their Superior and to have
the awful responsibility of their souls. I have not ceased
to be their Father and to entertain for them that love
which will unite me to them in the Eternal Kingdom of
God." Again, "I may truly say with St. John: 'I have
no greater grace, no greater satisfaction, than to hear
that my children walk in truth.' Let them remember that
their Father is old and infirm and, of course, approaching
the end of his career. Let them redouble their prayers
for him, that he may be ready to go to the place prepared
for him by our Divine Lord, that he may there pray also
for his dear children to come and join in perfect bliss
never to part again."

But despite the heart-ache in these notes, it must not
be assumed that this master of the spiritual life was
spending his days in repining and regret. On the con
trary, in his retirement he devoted himself to writing and
translating. Among other activities of his three score
and more years was his translation of Bellarmine on the
"Felicity of the Saints." Other works from his pen are
St. Alphonsus Liguori's "Treatise on Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin," a "Book of Retreats," and a "Manual
of True Piety," an excellent volume of devotion. He
himself was gifted in an eminent degree with the spin*

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 363

of prayer. This is evidenced by his "Treatise on the Re
ligious Life," addressed to his dear daughters, the Naz
areth community. Of this work only the first part has
been found; it was put into print by the Rt. Rev. M. J.
Spalding.

Contemporary activity, accustomed to a narrower spe
cializing of labor, may well reflect with wonder upon the
variety and excellence of Bishop David's work. The
secret of it was methodical living. The discipline of his
youth availed to make his mature years richly profitable
to his own growth in learning and holiness, and made
him able to share that enrichment with his spiritual chil
dren, the seminarians of St. Thomas's and the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth.

No better testimony to the love he bore the latter may
be found than the fact that, when age and infirmities
began to lessen his tenure upon life, he wished to be taken
to Nazareth to end his days. Sadly enough, the request
of his failing years could not immediately be granted.
Mother Catherine was away at the time, as was Father
Hazeltine, then ecclesiastical superior. The Sisters did
not know what to do. But as soon as Mother Catherine
returned and heard of "Father" David's longing to be at
Nazareth, she herself went immediately to his bedside to
have preparations made for fulfilling his wishes. At
once a litter was made and covered with a good canopy.
Ten negro men neatly dressed in uniform, black coats and
white trousers, went from Nazareth the following day
and, with fitting reverence and dignity, conveyed "the
dying saint" to his chosen resting-place, the home of his
beloved daughters in Christ. As he was borne along
the road from Bardstown to Nazareth, two Sisters who
had been his nurses walked beside him, followed by a
throng of faithful friends in reverent mournful proces
sion. As the beloved prelate and his escort arrived within

364 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

sight of Nazareth, Mother Catherine at the head of the
whole community, went forth to meet their cherished
father. Bishop David's trembling hands extended in
blessing as his children knelt on the ground around him.
Profound gratification illumined his venerable counte
nance, as he clasped his hands and said : 'Thank God, I
have come to die among my daughters !"

From that time forward, his devoted children emulated
one another in every tender office of affection and care.
Two by two the whole community shared the privilege of
keeping faithful guard at his bedside. In his last
moments Mother Catherine sent for all the Sisters. Their
presence rejoiced his heart. He had asked for Bishop
Flaget ; but so depressed was that venerable friend by the
imminent passing of his faithful co-laborer, that it was
only after the third appeal that he could persuade him
self to appear. The measure of his loss is indicated by
his oft-repeated words: "I had hoped to go first!" In
the little Nazareth cemetery this great ecclesiastic and
tenclerest of spiritual fathers, truly "Father" David,
sleeps, according to the desire of his heart, surrounded
by his loving and beloved daughters.

Father Ignatius Aloysius Reynolds, afterward Bishop
of Charlestown, S. C, who, in 1833, succeeded "Father"
David as ecclesiastical superior of Nazareth, did not re
main long in office. He was Kentuckian by birth and
was at various times pastor in Bardstown, professor in
St. Joseph's College, vicar general of the diocese of
Louisville. Of his incumbency at Nazareth, there are
but scanty memorials. One of his first acts was to re
move St. Catherine's Academy from Scott County to
Lexington, a wise move, though at first the Sisters' tribu
lations there were manifold. In 1835 Father Reynolds
was sent to Louisville as pastor of St. Louis' Church; in
1844 he was appointed Bishop of Charlestown.

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 365

His successor, at Nazareth, Father Joseph Hazeltine,
occupies foremost rank among the guides and friends of
the community. This devout priest was born in Concord,
New Hampshire, in 1788. He belonged to a non-Catholic
family of Puritan stock. At twenty- five he crossed the
United States border to seek his fortunes in Canada.
For some time he made his home in Montreal, and it was
in this city of Catholic Canada that he began to lose his
original antipathy toward Catholics. His life among the
pious, charitable people gradually disarmed him of all
prejudices. One by one his antagonisms were replaced
by new sympathies. Finally in 1818, on Christmas Day,
this descendant of the Puritans was received into the
Church. Shortly afterward his piety was to bind him
still more closely to the Church of his former prejudices ;
he became eager to be a priest. Before this desire was
accomplished, Bishop Flaget had made a visit to Mon
treal and had besought the Sulpicians with whom Mr.
Hazeltine was associated to send missionaries to the far
away Kentucky. Though still but a neophyte, Mr. Hazel-
tine offered himself and was cordially accepted. His
ordination did not occur until sixteen years later. Mean
while his time was most profitably employed in study,
in equipping himself with a knowledge of commercial
matters which was to prove advantageous in promoting
spiritual progress in the new distant mission. Shortly
after his arrival in Bardstown, he devoted his energies
to the foundation of St. Joseph's College, whose agent
and disciplinarian he was for twelve or fifteen years.

Finally, after his long probation, he was ordained
priest in the Bardstown cathedral, being the last recipient
of sacerdotal orders from the saintly hand of Bishop
David. A biographical sketch states: "He was a man
after the Bishop's own heart." Exactness and regularity
were the golden virtues of each ; this was doubtless one

366 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

of the chief reasons for the appointment of Father Hazel-
tine to the office which "Father" David had so long held,
ecclesiastical superior of Nazareth. The appointment was
made shortly after Father Hazeltine's ordination; he
held the office till his death a quarter of a century later.

It has been said that this much valued superior gave
almost his whole time to the welfare, temporal and
spiritual, of the community. His own life was a model
for religious. He rose at four, meditated and prayed
until six o'clock, when he offered the community Mass.
His day was devoted to thought and work for his Master
and his spiritual children of Nazareth. He taught the
Sisters, he counseled and encouraged them. Many are
the traditions of his dignity, his systematic life, his piety.
Further testimony to his integrity of character and
trained intellect is contributed by the many letters to
friends of his non-Catholic days. These letters give com
fort or advice ; at times they chide with the firm though
gentle kindness of a parent, and with the courtly polite
ness of a true gentleman. The interests of the com
munity were ever his interests. He sustained and con
soled Mother Catherine and Mother Frances in every
trial during nearly thirty years. As an illustration of
his intimate interest in the community may be mentioned
his early endeavor to tabulate the names of all the Sis
ters, the dates of their entrance into the order, their re
ception of the habit, their making of vows. A similar
systematic account was kept of the pupils, whose careers
were ever a source of lively interest to this amiable and
distinguished superior. His administrative abilities were
invaluable to the sisterhood. Truly providential seems his
appointment as superior at a time (1835) when the con
tinued existence of Nazareth as a separate community
was precarious. In 1837 he took up his residence at
Nazareth as chaplain. There he remained until his death

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 367

in his seventy-fourth year (1862). A touching instance
of the affection he inspired is offered by the effect which
the news of his demise had upon his dear friend and
comrade in Christ, Father Chambige, his successor as
Nazareth's ecclesiastical superior. On hearing of Father
Hazeltine's death, Father Chambige "was so overcome
by emotion, he could not speak."

Father Hazeltine's ashes rest in Nazareth's cemetery,
where his tomb is a shrine of faithful piety. All the
written memories, all the traditions of this beloved
ecclesiastic, testify to his dignity, his zeal, his clear judg
ment, his firmness of character blended with suavity. He
had a genius for order, method, discipline. It was typ
ical of his active systematic life that, on the morning
of his death, he had arisen as usual to the day's duties,
and that his death occurred while he was in a kneeling
posture. His fervent interest in the community is elo
quently witnessed by a testimony from Father Chambige
— that he "had the heart of a father for every member
of the Community." He was evidently blessed in an
eminent degree by that grace of nature, which endears
others to its possessor ; this trait won for him the esteem
of his intellectual and social peers ; it likewise engaged the
filial affection of the Nazareth pupils as \vell as that of the
Sisters. As a final, not entirely negligible tribute, it
may be said that he discredited the proverb, "No man
is a hero to his valet." Father Hazeltine's devoted negro
servitor, Henry Hazeltine — as he was always called—
added the office of acolyte to that of valet ; and his loyalty
may justly be cited as proof of the respect and love which
his master inspired.

Father Chambige, who succeeded Father Hazeltine as
ecclesiastical superior was a relative of Bishop Flaget
and, like that prelate, a native of France. His missionary
labors in Kentucky were similar to those of his revered

368 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

kinsman. He fulfilled to the letter the difficult role of
pioneer priest. Like Father Badin, Father Nerinckx,
and the early bishops of Bardstown, he knew what it was
to ride forth at midnight and travel miles to make a
sick call, to journey over rough roads to celebrate Mass,
administer the Sacraments, or give instruction. A famil
iar routine was his setting forth at morn to some dis
tant station, arriving in time to confer baptism, and hear
confessions before Mass, then to preach and give private
instructions, to baptize or perhaps bless new made graves
before riding back to his lodgings.

Besides these laborious offices of a pioneer priest,
Father Chambige was at one time a member of the fac
ulty of St. Joseph's College. At another period, he had
charge of the seminary at St. Thomas and again of the
orphans. He had been confessor extraordinary at Naz
areth. Hence his appointment as superior merely in
creased his duties in a place where he was already known
and loved and where his own esteem and affection were
genuinely engaged. Most impressive was the occasion
of his presentation to the Sisters as Father Hazeltine's
successor. The Rt. Rev. M. J. Spalding, standing with
him in the community room, introduced him with these
words : "This nomination is the result of a mature
thought on my part and earnest prayer on the part of us
all. I hope it is guided by the spirit of God." Sister
Mary Louis and others to-day recall his earnest paternal
presence, and his saying that he had asked God to give
him a father's heart for every Sister. That Providence
granted his prayer was proved by his persevering affec
tion, especially during a time when trials beset the com
munity ; he was then a father in thought and deed. Some
of these trials had been precipitated by certain diocesan
difficulties. While they were pending (in 1876) Father
Chambige went to Rome ; his letters from the papal city

Rx. REV. MGR. MICHAEL BOUCHET, V.G.

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 369

are fraught with solicitude for the community. The fol
lowing year he returned, dying several months later at
Nazareth, surrounded by the Sisters who held him in
reverential affection. To-day his mortal remains rest
in Nazareth's cemetery, near those of Bishop David and
Father Hazeltine.

During Father Chambige's absence in Rome, Father
Coghlan acted as ecclesiastical superior of Nazareth, al
though he was never thus formally presented to the coun
cil. But in 1877 the office was definitely assigned to one
who, until his death twenty-six years later, was ever
among Nazareth's loyal friends and advisers — Mgr.
Michael Bouchet. This gifted ecclesiastic who, because
of his powers and his saintliness, may well be called great,
was born in France in the same town which was Bishop
Flaget's birthplace, a fact of which Father Bouchet was
very proud, though he and his revered fellow-towns
man never met. Simple as a child, quaint to a degree
sometimes almost amusing — and not the least to his
own sense of humor, this much loved clergyman con
tinued the traditions of scholarship which had stamped
so many of Nazareth's other superiors. He was a re
markable scientist, a linguist proficient in six languages,
a skilful inventor — a planetarium which he made is still
used at Nazareth. Father Bouchet crowned his intel
lectual gifts with a perfect charity and unusual piety.
His devotion to the Blessed Virgin was that of a trusting
child. His fondness for the orphans almost rivalled that
of Mother Catherine. In their behalf he started the of
ficial organ of the diocese of Louisville, The Record.
Father Bouchet bought his own type, hired a printer
and himself learned the art of typesetting. To make a
success of this paper, he spared himself no labors. At
first he was editor-in-chief, news-gatherer, foreman,
galley-boy, mailing clerk and business manager. When

370 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

news was scarce, Father Bouchet followed the usual
reportorial custom — he made news, in a more creditable
manner, however, than is sometimes the case. Among
his contributions of this order was a highly fanciful, yet
somewhat scientific, serial story entitled : "The Story of
a Trip to the Moon." This was translated into French,
and it is said to have given Jules Verne a fillip of in
spiration. When Father Bouchet was asked to verify
this statement, he laughed and characteristically ans
wered : "O surely, I do not know ! If he has got his
idea from me it is well. He had more time to write than
I had. He certainly improved on what little I had writ
ten. He has made money. I hope he remembers the
orphans, God's children."

Visiting Nazareth whenever possible, Father Bouchet
was always a welcome guest. Fitting it was that his
final resting place should be the little cemetery of that
Nazareth which he had loved so well.

After Father Bouchet's death, the Very Rev. James
Cronin of Louisville, became the ecclesiastical superior
of Nazareth, retaining this office until 1910. Roman
approbation having been granted, making the Order sub
ject to Rome, and according it a cardinal protector,
Father Cronin is at present the moderator of the board —
an office in which he has proved efficient and kind. He
is a true friend whose interest and fidelity have been
tested and proved. Through seasons of difficulty, he has
genuinely befriended the Sisters, always showing cordial
pleasure in their success.

The society's records include the names of many other
distinguished clerics who from time to time have found
Nazareth a retreat of peace and refreshment and who, on
their part, have given encouraging and enriching friend
ship to the community. Especially was this true in the
early days when the members of the learned faculty of

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 371

St. Joseph's and St. Mary's College were frequent guests
at Nazareth, lecturing often at the academy, sharing with
the community the fruits of their own study and spiritual
discipline. Among those was the Rev. G. A. M. Elder, a
scholarly and saintly man, first president of St. Mary's
college, Marion County, Kentucky. Another prized friend
was Rev. William Clark, a kinsman of Mother Catherine
Spalding, a gifted and amiable priest; the "most lovable
character among the Kentucky clerics of his day." An
other eulogy applied to him is ; "The most accomplished
scholar of his day in all Kentucky." During seven years
Father Clark was spiritual director of the Sisters. His
counsels were supplemented with frequent mental exer
cises. He was as skilful in imparting knowledge as in
acquiring it; he gave the teaching corps of Nazareth
valuable assistance in their class work and discipline.
He was one of the learned professors in St. Joseph's
College and St. Mary's College, Kentucky.

In 1820, fearing that Bishop David was overburdened
by his many charges, Bishop Flaget wrote to the prefect
of the Propaganda College in Rome, asking for a priest
capable of filling the chairs of theology and sacred
history at St. Thomas's Seminary. In response to this
request appeared a young cleric who was to figure prom
inently in the history of the American Church and to be
revered among Nazareth's most esteemed friends and
spiritual advisers. This young ecclesiastic, Dr. Francis
P. Kenrick, subsequently became coadjutor and bishop
of Philadelphia and, later, archbishop of Baltimore.
During his career, at St. Thomas's Seminary he was also
confessor extraordinary at Nazareth. Dr. Kenrick was
a preacher of note, being one of the chief orators of the
Jubilee of 1826-27. His counsels were long cherished
at Nazareth; among those which have been transmitted
down the generations are these particularly edifying

372 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

words, addressed to the Sisters during one of his special
visits: "Meditation is the soul of the religious life.
Never lay it aside nor neglect it; for then you would
become in the supernatural order what in the natural
order is a body deprived of the spirit that animates it.''
Archbishop ICenrick ever held the Nazareth community
in paternal regard ; after a long absence he wrote : "The
souls once entrusted to my charge will challenge my af
fection."

Since the days of Mother Catherine, many bearers
of her excellent Kentucky name, Spalding, have been as
sociated with the Nazareth community as sisters, pupils,
friends, and patrons. One of the most distinguished of
the name was Rt. Rev. Martin John Spalding — author,
teacher, president of St. John's College, distinguished
prelate. A Kentuckian by birth and early education, he
completed his studies in the famous Roman College of
the Propaganda. After his ordination in the papal city,
1834, he returned to his native State. During his thirty
years' residence in Kentucky, previous to his appointment
to the archbishopric of Baltimore (1864), he was a
frequent visitor at Nazareth. How intimate and profit
able was his association with the academy may be de
duced from the fact that every spring he paid a special
visit to the senior classes and gave them their themes
for commencement. After his elevation to the arch
bishopric, he wrote whenever possible to his many friends
among the Sisters. Typical of his paternal feeling for the
community is a letter written to Mother Frances in his
declining years, thanking her for her prayers and those
of the Sisters:

"I am so much obliged to you for your kind and sis
terly letter. My children in Baltimore and Kentucky
will not, it seems, let me die at all ; and if I wish to enjoy
that luxury and go to Heaven, I must go elsewhere and

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 373

depart unknown to my children. . . . My love
for my children of Nazareth increases with distance of
space and time. I pray for you and for you all every day.
My most abundant blessing to Mother Columba and all
the Sisters. I give no names, else I should have to write
a litany."

Archbishop Spalding often said that the first place he
would fix in Heaven would be one for Mother Frances.
He was a true prince of the Church, learned and amiable,
the peer of contemporary intellectual, social and spiritual
lights. His nephew, the late gifted Rt. Rev. John Lan
caster Spalding of Peoria, Illinois, was ever zealous for
Nazareth, the Alma Mater of his sisters.

Particularly near and dear as were many of these Ken
tucky or Maryland priests to Nazareth, many have been
the friends and advisers who, like the first bishops, came
to Kentucky from foreign shores. Among those was
Father De Fraine of Belgium. Preparatory to his Ken
tucky apostolate, this venerated clergyman learned his
English in the American College of Louvain. He was
chaplain at Nazareth for several years. Though some
what austere and rigid, he was much beloved. One of
his special services to Nazareth was the introduction of
High Mass, the singing of Vespers, and the more elab
orate celebration of the Holy Week.

Another alien yet genuinely adopted son of the Ken
tucky Church was one whose name has a particularly
foreign flavor, Rev. Charles Hippolyte De Luynes.
Though bearing a Gallic name and born in France,
Father De Luynes was of Irish parentage. His father
was one of the United Irishmen of 1798, exiled to France.
His clerical son was educated in the famous seminary of
St. Sulpice, where he had as classmate the renowned
Lacordaire. At Bishop Flaget's request, Father De
Luynes came to Bardstown, where he held a professor-

374 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

ship in St. Joseph's College, until his affiliation with the
Jesuit order. He was pronounced the most noteworthy
accession to that society from the Kentucky clergy.
Holding a professorship for a while in St. Mary's Col
lege, he afterward went to New York. Later he traveled
extensively, making pilgrimages as far as Mexico and
Chile in the interest of his order. A devoted friend to
the community during his residence in Kentucky, he
maintained a life-long loyalty to its interests. Wher
ever he went after his departure he never failed in
epistolary fidelity to Nazareth.

Reference has already been made to the friendship
which Nazareth has enjoyed with other learned Jesuits,
especially during their sojourns at St. Joseph's College,
Bardstown, (1832-46), and at St. Mary's College,
Marion County, Kentucky (1848-68.) During these
years the Jesuits were confessors ordinary and extraor
dinary at Nazareth. For forty years they gave the
Sisters' annual retreats. Every Sunday while they were
stationed at the colleges, one or more went out to the
academy to give lectures and counsel, both spiritual and
intellectual. They often conducted the examinations;
their influence especially in the teaching of science was
invaluable during Nazareth's first half century. Their
"Book of Meditations for the Religious Life" is in con
stant use. A serious loss to the Sisterhood of Nazareth
was their removal from Kentucky a few years after
the ending of the Civil War.

Among the numerous French clerics, whose loyalty to
Nazareth was immutable, was Rev. Father Montariol.
These words written from Europe are characteristic :
"If I forgot thee, O Nazareth, let my right hand forget
its cunning." Numerous are the letters written during
his absence to the superiors and the Sisters. Among
them is this generous avowal : "I am quite unable to

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 375

acquit myself of the debt of gratitude I have contracted
toward you and your kind daughters, I shall all the days
of my life beseech our merciful Saviour to pour out his
choicest blessing on a house so worthy of His protec
tion." Referring to a season of trial through which the
community was passing he wrote : "Allow me to ex
press to you the warm sympathy with which I and all
pious souls have felt the recent trials with which Prov
idence has visited your community. O very
Reverend dear Mother, soon after the storm the sky
will become bright and serene, for the voices of all
the orphans, the poor, the sick, and the ignorant, of
whom you and your daughters are the devoted mothers,
will speak better than unsympathetic spirits ; and, like the
immortal virtue from which they derive their name, the
Sisters of Charity will never fail, never, never!"

Ireland as well as France has contributed to Kentucky
some of its zealous missionaries. Among these none
was more saintly, more laborious, than Nazareth's good
friend, Father Eugene O'Callaghan. Coming to this coun
try from County Cork in 1821, Father O'Callaghan toiled
in many of the Kentucky missions where the Sisters had
foundations, beginning his acquaintance with the So
ciety's work at St. Frances Academy, Owensboro. He
was ever the community's devoted friend, delighting to
visit Nazareth, where a much prized memorial of his
friendship is the Sisters' new infirmary, built by a gift
from him. A severe loss to the order was his death in
1897 at Loretto, where for several years he had been
ecclesiastical superior. As a true friend and a reverend
benefactor, he is ever remembered in the Nazareth com
munity's prayers.

Of all these learned and loyal ecclesiastical friends
none, with the exception of Bishop David, was more
endeared to the community than Father David Russell,

376 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

from 1871 to 1900, spiritual director and chaplain. This
good and revered priest was born in Marion County,
Kentucky, in 1830. From his parents he received a
heritage of true piety. Obediently laboring for them
during his early years, he began in his boyhood his long
emulation of his Divine Lord. He entered St. Mary's
College as a youth and his industry soon won distinction.
Bishop Martin John Spalding, recognizing his piety and
talents, sent him to Europe for his theological studies,
which were pursued at the famous University of Lou-
vain. In this renowned Belgian city he was consecrated
a priest by Bishop Laurent, titular bishop of Chersonesus
and vicar apostolic of Luxemburg. He came back as
missionary to the land of his birth, but after a few years
he returned to Europe and became vice-rector of the
American College of Louvain. His zealous labors there
endeared him to clerics and students; but so diligently
did he toil, that his health failed and again he sought
his Kentucky home. He taught in St. Thomas's sem
inary until he was called to Louisville as vicar-general of
the diocese. Again his heroic labors proved too much
for him, and by his own ardent wrish he was appointed
director and chaplain of the Sisters of Charity at Naza
reth. At the time of his death one of his most intimate
friends, the Very Rev. C. J. O'Connell, dean of St.
Joseph's Church, Bardstown, paid him the following
tribute :

"Here for nearly nine and twenty years, he directed
and guided by words and example those noble generous
self-sacrificing souls, who gathered beneath Nazareth's
hallowed roof to consecrate themselves to God — in the
ways of faith, hope, and charity, patience and Christian
perfection. How well he succeeded hundreds of holy
women, who were trained in the ways of God by his wise
direction and who now realize the benefit of his whole-

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 377

some counsel, can bear ample testimony. Hundreds of
others have been eternally blessed because of having been
faithful to his words and advice. At Nazareth was the
crowning work of his life. He was devoted to the place
and cherished his spiritual children there. He knew he
was forming characters, training hearts, and guiding
souls who were to work in the vast and fruitful field of
Christian charity, bestowing blessings wherever they
went, spreading the Kingdom of God among men. How
gentle, how kind, how affable, how considerate was he
at all times, to the mature who sought his guidance and
the young who claimed his care. ... To Father
Russell under God may be very largely attributed the
steady growth, solid devotion and spirit of charity at
Nazareth, where his efforts met the responsive zeal of
those for whom he lived and labored."

A typical instance of his ability as a spiritual guide
and father, his kindness, patience and wisdom was his
part in the spiritual life of one of Nazareth's most en
deared religious, Sister Honora Young. Born near
Hopkinsville, this future devout Sister was originally a
Protestant. She had never seen a Catholic Church until
she was a grown young woman. During a short illness
at St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville, she made her first
acquaintance with the Sisters. Some time afterward
she appeared at Nazareth, announcing that she wished to
be a nun.

"Do you bring a letter from any priest?" she was
asked.

"A priest?" she replied, "I never saw a priest in my
life!"

"Then you are not a Catholic?"

"No, but I wish to be a Sister," was the unique an
swer. She was introduced to Father Russell, who spared
himself no pains in instructing and advising her. She

378 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

remained at Nazareth for some time, finally receiving
baptism and making her First Communion. She then
repeated her request to be received into the community,
but she was persuaded to wait a year. Finally she re
turned to Nazareth where she gave faithful and zealous
co-operation as a pious religious till her death in 1892.
The patience, the live interest, and kindness with which
Father Russell led Sister Honora's steps into the fold,
were typical of his goodness toward all who sought his
advice and assistance. Simplicity, sincerity, sympathy,
were among his characteristic qualities; and these
straighway inspired confidence and esteem.

As Father O'Connell continues: —

"Not only the religious but the pupils educated by the
pious and learned Sisters profited by his wide informa
tion and sacerdotal zeal. So identified with the welfare
of illustrious Nazareth was he, that her interests were
his interests; all the faculties of his mind, the affection
of his heart, all the energies of his being were centered
there. I am reminded here of what he spoke in response
to an address made to him upon the occasion of his silver
jubilee as chaplain of Nazareth. 'If, when it shall please
our Heavenly Father to call me, He finds me worthy of
his Kingdom, as I fondly hope He will ; and, if it be per
mitted the inmates of Heaven to return to the place
they loved while sojourning here below, I shall often
revisit Nazareth and say : "This is the spot I loved and
cherished on earth;" and when I sleep in years to come
if you children chance to return to Nazareth, visit my
grave among Nazareth's sainted dead and say a prayer
for Father Russell/ "

Many indeed are the pious pilgrimages made to his last
resting place. When news of his death arrived in Louis
ville, Mrs. Snowden, faithful friend and former pupil of
the Academy wrote to Sister Marie: "You and dear

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 379

Nazareth have lost one of the most devoted friends in
the world ; and the world has lost one of the purest priests
it contained."

After Father Russell's death, a few other chaplains
were successively assigned to Nazareth. The present
incumbent, Rev. Richard Davis, a brother of Bishop
Davis of Davenport, Iowa, is a learned and pious priest.

The interest and loyalty of numerous other clerics have
been a comfort and an encouragement to the order. On
the whole the friendliest of relations have existed be
tween the community and the clergy of the diocese of
Louisville. Bishop William George McCloskey was a
frequent visitor at Nazareth. Though sometimes at vari
ance with the Sisters in regard to the wisdom of certain
undertakings, he could give no better proof of his rooted
attachment to Nazareth than by desiring to be buried
in its hallowed cemetery. There, beside him, rests his
brother, Father George McCloskey. Many fond prayers
mount to Heaven for their eternal repose.

Cordial interest has been manifested toward the Sisters
by the present episcopal head of the diocese of Louisville,
the Rt. Rev. Denis O'Donaghue, appointed Bishop
MfcCloskey's successor in 1910. Diean O'Connell of
Bardstown throughout his long incumbency has been
zealous for Nazareth's welfare. Greatly prized by the
community have been the Rev. William Hogarty of New
Haven and his brother, Rev. Joseph Hogarty of Lebanon,
both of whom have ever bestowed upon Nazareth their
faithful friendship, their counsel, their encouragement.

One more member of the Kentucky priesthood de
serves honored place in the community's history, Rev.
Louis G. Deppen. Succeeding Mgr. Bouchet as editor
of The Record, Father Deppen has been unstinting in
his editorial courtesies to Nazareth and its various branch
houses. During many years he has made his home at

380 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

St. Joseph's Infirmary. A scholar and an able editor,
Father Deppen is all the more prized by the Sisters be
cause of his fervent piety.

Nazareth has been fortunate in other loyal friends
among the clergy of Kentucky, especially in localities
where branch houses are established. To name these
friends were to emulate the length of the Litany of the
Saints, an allusion not unapt, considering their goodness
and piety. The same may be said of the community's
friends in several other dioceses. Attempt at enumera
tion might lead to inadvertent omission of many valued
friends. Especially esteemed, however, are those who
long ago requested the Sisters' aid in their labors, such
as Rev. Michael Ronan of Lowell, Massachusetts, and
Mgr. Teeling of Lynn, Massachusetts, Mgr. Chittick of
Hyde Park, Massachusetts, Rt. Rev. James Hartley of
Columbus, Ohio, and many other clergy of the latter
State. Rev. Elder Mullan, S.J., has particularly won the
gratitude of the society, being ranked among its bene
factors for his zealous efforts in obtaining papal approba
tion for the sisterhood. Among the Southern clergy held
in especially revered memory are Archbishop Elder,
Mgr. Wise of Yazoo City, Mississippi, and Mgr. Lucey
of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

One word more may be devoted to the ideal spirit of
true Christian harmony and friendship prevailing be
tween the Nazareth community and other religious
bodies, especially those of Kentucky. A most cordial
relation with the twin sister of the Kentucky woods,
Loretto (founded 1811), has existed since the early days.
With the Dominicans of St. Catherine's Academy,
Springfield, Kentucky, with the Sisters of Mercy, the
abbots and monks of the famous neighboring monastery,
Gethsemane, an ideal "fellowship in Christ" has been
maintained. With the famous old St. Joseph's College

REVEREND DAVID RUSSELL.

ECCLESIASTICAL FRIENDS AND SUPERIORS. 381

and St. Mary's College, Kentucky, Nazareth and the
other academies for girls — Loretto and St. Catherine's
— formed the nucleus for education in the Middle West ;
it was rapidly to expand, and this partly because of the
early Kentuckians' zeal for education; "they needed no
arguments or urging to be convinced of the importance
of a sound Christian education for their children. The
leaven of the old Jesuit teaching in Maryland was
still strong in them. They gave with a generous hand
all they had to give whether in money, provisions, or
service, for the support of Catholic schools wherever
these were started." The first school of any kind in
Kentucky is said to have been started by a Catholic from
Maryland, Mrs. William Coomes, who came to Ken
tucky in 1775, settling near Harrod's Town. Rev. J. A.
Burns, the historian quoted above, remarks that with
respect to Catholic educational development, Kentucky
soon became to the Middle West what Maryland and
Pennsylvania had been to the East ; moreover, that "the
West became the theatre of Catholic educational move
ments which were not only interesting in themselves,
but which, owing to their reacting influence upon the
movement in the East, greatly contributed to the estab
lishment of a uniform Catholic educational ideal the
whole country over." Thus, aside from the pleasure
and encouragement which the Sisters of Charity of
Nazareth have derived from their friendship with their
neighbors, scholarly ecclesiastics, devout and industrious
sister-religious, they may take some gratification from
the fact that their harmonious co-operation in the early
days has borne excellent fruit, that it has become recog
nized as creditable part of the system of Christian edu
cation in the United States. Meanwhile that friendly
toiling together has left a justification, all too rare, for
the phrase: "See how these Christians love one another."

CHAPTER XX
CONCLUSION

"Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord:
they shall praise Thee for ever and ever."

"IX 7"ITH his gift for significant phrases, St. Vincent
* * once referred to his first Sisterhood as the little
snow-ball which gradually assumed large proportions.
Appropriate is the metaphor for the Nazareth commun
ity of 1812 compared with that of 1917. What a study
in contrasts! The log cabin of 1814 and its nine pupils;
nowr throughout the country twenty thousand names
annually upon the Sisters' school registers. Three little
children, one afternoon eighty-four years ago, received
into Mother Catherine's arms; today numerous mother
less little ones under the order's protection. The com
munity's other beneficences bear similar witness to an
ever-widening range of usefulness. Hence wherever the
society has a foundation, the angels who transport acts
of thanksgiving to the Divine throne are daily mounting
upward with the orisons of grateful hearts. Among the
favors acknowledged with particular gratitude is the
preservation of Nazareth from fire; to the Blessed Vir
gin is ascribed this special care of her children, in thanks
giving for which the Sub Tuum is said several times a
day during the spiritual exercises.

Manifold as having been the Sisters' activities since
they began their career, the work of teaching has ever
been among their chief occupations. For this purpose
Bishop Flaget and Father David first called the society

382

CONCLUSION. 383

into being; hence, in the words of the great modern
apostle of charity, Frederick Ozanam, the Sisters have
always deemed themselves pledged "to serve God by
serving good learning." But though thus faithful to the
purpose for which they were organized, their rule speci
fies that "whatever remains in their hands, after their
necessities have been supplied, is to extend their estab
lishment for the public good, or to be applied to the
relief of the poor/' The records of this volume abun
dantly testify to the fact that whenever the challenge of
suffering or need has sounded, the response has been im
mediate. As St. Vincent's daughters28 of yore went
forth to give their compassionate services during times
of bloodshed and plague, so his daughters of Nazareth
have ever generously given their labors when war and
pestilence have devastated the land.

Fortunately the Sisterhood's traditions of teaching and
benevolence permit the exercise of a variety of talents,
and offer opportunity for many kinds of dedicated ser
vice. Teachers, nurses, tender hearts eager to mother
the motherless, to comfort the friendless; strong meek
spirits aspiring to sanctify their souls by consecrated
domestic labors, such as the Child Jesus and His holy
Mother forever ennobiled in their lowly dwelling on
earth; for all these Nazareth's great scope and zeal have
place. Some of the most edifying work is that of the
ready capable hands, the pious willing spirits, whose
energy and industry help to keep in motion, so to speak,
the large machinery of the numerous foundations.

Notwithstanding all this opportunity for manifold
energies and the general prosperity which has resulted
therefrom, no attempt may justifiably be made to mini
mize or ignore the trials which often afflict the hearts of

88 It has been said that in these present disastrous days of the European
conflict, over three thousand Sisters of Charity have been performing minis
tries of mercy on the battlefields of Europe.

384 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

superiors and Sisters. If their yoke is sweet, by no
means is their burden always light. Serious problems
have frequently to be met. The widely extended mis
sionary life of the community involves difficulties in
numerable. On the part of the superiors and Sisters the
utmost prudence is demanded in order to preserve har
monious relations with those associated in their work,
priests, pupils, parents, guardians and others. The re
sponsibility for the society's several hundred members,
however docile these are and otherwise admirable, is a
most exacting obligation for the mother-general and her
council. However, in seasons of trial, never do the chief
executives and their faithful battalions resign themselves
to despondency. Nor in that other dangerous mood,
complacence, do they rest satisfied through prosperous
clays. Their vocation guards them from merely self-
aggrandising or pedantic ambitions, yet their duty
toward their young charges and toward the sick and
needy pledges them to watch steadfastly the ever-widen
ing horizons of opportunity for dedicated activity, the
improvements in educational methods and facilities, the
increasing means for the amelioration of sickness and
suffering. Persistently do they strive to grow in spirit
ual grace, thereby adding to the heavenly merits which,
for over a hundred years have been accruing to the suc
cessors of Mother Catherine and her associates — "labor
ers together with God," who have helped to make Naza
reth's century of consecrated toil "God's husbandry
. . . God's building."

Yet, thus bringing to a close the record of the society's
noble past and summarizing its present state of pros
perity, the historian may not rest content. In the physi
cal world, when a body is seen to be in motion, the vision
keenly follows its progress, speculating upon its utmost
possible flight ; and similarly, in the spiritual plane, when

CONCLUSION. 885

a benignant influence goes forth, grows in power, attains
a notable height of achievement, the mind irresistibly
anticipates the further exercise of its blessed agencies.
Such a speculation upon the future of the Sisters of
Charity of Nazareth is inevitable to those who have
found their past heroic and who deem their present so
auspicious. Surely their good works will continue to
increase and multiply; upon such foundations as they
have built, still nobler structures will arise.

Irresistible becomes this persuasion to one who today
contemplates Nazareth's spacious grounds and stately
edifices. Thus beholding a scene so fair, so eloquent of
well-ordered living and prosperity, the spectator recalls
that long ago this vicinity was chosen as site for one of
those ideal habitations ever haunting the imagination of
man, challenging his constructive spirit — making a
Plato dream of a flawless Republic, a Sir Thomas More
plan a Utopia, and other philosophers and visionaries
dream of perfect homes for man. In the latter part of
the eighteenth century a group of English speculators
wished to build in Nelson County, Kentucky, "the most
beautiful city in the world." Lystra was to have been
its name. Fifteen thousand acres were to have been
purchased and laid out in artistic manner. The architec
tural specifications might well bring a blush to contem
porary builders of cities ; but alas, the scheme went agley !
And yet, as that loyal friend of Nazareth, Father Deppen,
has suggested — perhaps in a higher sense than the Eng
lish speculators ever dreamed, their chosen territory has
become a domain where ideal living is an accomplished
fact. Within the region where their marvellous city was
to have stood, now climb skyward the hallowed walls
of Nazareth, St. Vincent's School, New Hope, and
Gethsemane Abbey. From early morn till night's
shades enfold their convent homes, the Sisters of Naza-

380 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

reth are offering to God the homage of reverent prayers
and consecrated labors; day and night the monks of
the renowned Trappist monastery, Gethsemane, are send
ing heavenward solemn chants of worship. Nazareth
Academy and Gethsemane Abbey have become places of
pilgrimage, partly because of their beauty and pictur-
esqueness, but still more because of the holy lives passed
within their precincts — lives conforming to high stand
ards of human association and dedicated to Heaven's
designs. Thus where Lystra, an earthly Eden, was to
to have been planted, now thrives a commonwealth of
piety, devout labor, soaring aspiration, a spiritual federa
tion whose members are striving to be " fellow-citizens
with the saints, and the domestics of God." The colonies
founded on merely mundane principles have proved
ephemeral ; the communities "whose builder and maker
is God" have achieved permanence.

Thus, having passed her century mark, Nazareth now
rejoices in the blessings which Shakespeare enumerated
as befitting ripe years: "honor, love, obedience, troops
of friends." Truly does a friendly historian w salute
her: "Stately Nazareth, moving on with queenly grace
and splendor, the crown and joy of the Venerable Patri
arch of the West [Bishop Flaget], her former pupils,
ornaments of Society in almost every State in the Union,
rising up to call her blessed."

Gladdened and sustained by these diligently merited
rewards, yet preserving a characteristic meekness and
reliance upon God, the order faces the future. With the
older members holding fast the traditions which have
ever been the community's strength, with the fresh zeal
of new members replenishing the ranks, what significant
part may not be played hereafter by the Sisters of Char
ity of Nazareth in the religious and educational work of

"Col. Stoddard Johnson, "Hiitory of Louisville," Vol. I.

CONCLUSION. 387

the country, what victories on the side of the angels may
they not contribute to the ceaseless warfare against evil,
ignorance, suffering! Surely, with confidence securely
based, friends and other well-wishers may anticipate a
glorious subsequent history for the order, may indulge
in a vision of battalion after battalion of gentle black-
robed figures advancing to a high and holy destiny, ful
filling St. Vincent's prophecy when, in France of the
seventeenth century, he sent forth the first Sisters of
Charity upon their beneficent careers :

"What rejoicing will there be in Heaven in witnessing
the devoted charity of these good Sisters ! With what
confidence will they appear at the Tribunal of the Sov
ereign Judge, after having performed so many glorious
deeds!"

APPENDIX

PAGE

Mile Le Gras : A Sketch 391

Chronological List of Important Events .... 396

Ecclesiastical Superiors 404

Mothers Superior 405

Centennial Ode . . . 40G

Jubilarians 411

Summary 415

Centennial of the Bardstown Cathedral 416

MLLE LE GRAS, THE FIRST SISTER OF
CHARITY80

Mademoiselle Louise Le Gras, nee de Marillac, the
foundress of the Sisters of Charity, was born August the
twelfth, 1591, in Paris, France. Her father, Louis de
Marillac, a nobleman by birth, was a shining model of
faith and virtue. His wife, Marguerite Le Camus, died
when Louise was only a few days old. Referring to this
early loss, Louise wrote in after years: "God taught me
early to find Him by the Cross. From my birth, at every
stage of my life, I have never been without occasions of
suffering."

Louise, being frail, was entrusted to the care of an
aunt — a religious in the convent of St. Louis, near Paris.
At the age of sixteen, the child was already well-schooled
in the practice of prayer. She held the world in contempt
and desired to consecrate herself to God ; but she could
not determine to what order she was called. She re
turned therefore to her father's house, where a learned
Christian lady was charged with the care of completing
her education. Her father wished that nothing which
could contribute to her mental or physical development
should be neglected. She applied herself to the arts, es
pecially painting, for which she had a decided taste, and
which she never wholly abandoned. She studied philos
ophy and the highest branches of science ; she was a good
Latin scholar. Her conversational powers were so
charming that her father knew no greater pleasure than
to converse with her or to read the result of her reflec
tions. In his will he declared that his daughter had been
his greatest consolation in this world, and a sweet rest
which God had given him in the afflictions of this life.

When she was twenty-one years of age, Louise lost
her devoted father. Urged by circumstances, and guided

89 This account consists chiefly of a sketch prepared by Sister Marie Menard.
An interesting brief biography of Mile Le Gras is contained in the Catholic
Encyclopedia.

391

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

by her confessor, she married Anthony Le Gras, a young
secretary of State under Marie de Medici. The charity
of the Le Gras family was traditional ; and in this quality
of her new kindred Louise saw a pledge of the benevo
lence which she herself would be able to exercise. Ac
cording to the custom of the time, the position of her
husband permitted her to retain her title of Mademoiselle ;
this usage was changed in the eighteenth century, but it
continues in the family of St. Vincent de Paul. The Sis
ters of Charity everywhere still say Mademoiselle when
speaking of their foundress.

M. Le Gras was a God-fearing man, of irreproachable
life. He acquiesced in Louise's wish to live secluded
from worldly society, to devote herself to her infant son,
Anthony, and to works of mercy in behalf of the poor.
But soon her husband's health became undermined, and
the future foundress of the Sisters of Charity was called
upon to act as a nurse. Intelligently and devotedly she
watched by his bedside — praying that, if she were to be
bereaved, she might bear her cross as a child of the Cross.
M. Le Gras died in 1625, fortified by the sacraments of
the Church. Louise wrote of this event : "I was alone to
assist him in that important journey It was night; all he
said to me was : Tray to God for me ; I can do so no
longer' — words that shall ever remain engraved upon my
heart."

After her husband's death, Mile Le Gras was led by
Providence to St. Vincent de Paul, who became her
spiritual director, in turn receiving from her an enlight
ened and faithful co-operation in all his works of char
ity. It was her delight to spend herself in the service of
the poor. Ignorant of the future, she sought only to
honor the hidden life of Jesus of Nazareth. That Life
had always been the object of her special devotion. Her
prudent director permitted her to consecrate herself
wholly to our Lord Jesus Christ in the service of His poor.
Her act of consecration, written by herself, has been pre
served. It ends with the following invocation : "Be
pleased, O my God, to confirm these resolutions and con
secrations, and accept them in the odor of sweetness. As
Thou hast inspired me to make them, give me the grace

APPENDIX. 393

to accomplish them. O my God, Thou art my God and
my all! Thus I acknowledge and adore Thee, one God
in three Persons now and forever. May Thy Love and
the Love of Jesus Crucified live forever."

St. Vincent wrote to her : "I shall keep in my heart the
generous resolutions you have written, to honor the ador
able hidden life of Our Lord, as He has given you this
desire since your childhood. O my dear daughter, that
thought savors of the inspiration of God! How far it
is from flesh and blood ! It is the state of soul necessary
for a child of God." Still he urged her to await in pa
tience the evidence of God's holy Will. He said to her:
"One diamond is worth more than a mountain of stones,
and one act of submission is more valuable than any
number of good works."

This patient waiting was for Mile Le Gras a kind of
novitiate which served to strengthen her courage. Yet
her pious activities were not in abeyance. Among her
commendable deeds during 1628 was the finding of places
for poor girls whom St. Vincent had sent to her from the
country.

Every biographer of St. Vincent has recounted the in
cident which prompted the formation of a confraternity
of Ladies of Charity. When on parish duty at Chatillon,
he recommended a family in extreme distress to the be
nevolence of his congregation. Later he himself went
to see the family, and found that crowds of his parish
ioners had given assistance. "This," said St. Vincent,
"is great charity, but it is not well-ordered. These good
people have too many provisions at once. Part will spoil
or be wasted, and the family will then be left as badly
provided for as before."

In order to prevent such ill-regulated benevolence, St.
Vincent began to devise a better organization of char
itable activities. He formed a Confraternity of Ladies
of Charity, and this served as a model for others. Asso
ciations multiplied. In May, 1629, St. Vincent commis
sioned Mademoiselle to visit them. He wrote to her : "Go
in the name of Our Lord. I pray His Divine Goodness to
accompany you, to be your counsellor on the road, your
shade in the heat, your shelter in rain and cold, your bed

394 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

of rest when weary, your strength in toil. May he bring
you back in perfect health and full of good works."
Obeying with joy, Mile Le Gras received Holy Com
munion the morning of her departure in honor of the
Charity of Our Lord in His journeys, so full of pain,
labor, and fatigue. She prayed for grace to act in the
same spirit in which He had acted. Then she set out at
her own expense, bearing a supply of linen and remedies.
She took with her letters of introduction and written
directions from St. Vincent. She wrote to him from time
to time, giving him an account of her work; she under
took nothing of importance without his advice. She
was always accompanied by another lady or by a faithful
maid. During the winter, she visited the confraternities
in and about Paris; during the rest of the year, she went
to the country towns and villages. She visited the schools
in these places, and gave useful counsels to the teachers
whom she sometimes replaced. She established schools
where there were none, often undertaking the task of
teaching until a suitable person was found to carry on the
good work.

During one of these visits, Mile Le Gras found a young
girl, a poor shepherdess, Margaret Nasseau, whose con
stant dream had been to teach little children. The first
pennies she earned were spent in procuring a primer.
She studied while watching her cows and when any one
who could read passed by, she would try to learn a few
letters or words. With such aid, and her own studious-
ness, she was soon able to read her primer and more
difficult books. Then she gathered children around her
and taught them what she knew. Two or three of her
pupils went to other places to teach. One day this good
girl met St. Vincent, who recognized her vocation.
Others having followed her example, Mile Le Gras
began instructing and training the new recruits. Their
number grew fast. Mademoiselle was to them a teacher
and a model in all things.

Markedly humble and charitable, she consecrated her
self forever by a vow to this work on March 25th, 1634.
Eight years later (March 25th, 1642) the first members
of her Sisterhood made the simple yearly vows of the

APPENDIX. 395

society. On that occasion she, too, renewed her vows —
being unwilling to separate herself from her daughters
in anything.

Mile Le Gras was never strong in health. St. Vincent
declared that, during many years, her life was preserved
by a miracle. Yet she incessantly watched over the works
of the community and found time to give retreats to
ladies, who came now and then to the house for eight
days to receive the benefit of her edifying instructions.

Thus her good works increased. The Sisters of Char
ity had imbibed the spirit of St. Vincent and that of their
beloved first Mother. When the society was permanently
established, God called the founders to Himself. On
March 15th, 1660, Mile Le Gras died. St. Vincent was
too ill to visit her in her last moments, his own death
occurring in the following September ; but he sent one of
his priests to her. Her beautiful soul was prepared to
meet the God for whom she had labored all her life. Her
last words to her daughters were : "I pray Our Lord to
give you the grace to live as true daughters of Charity,
in union and charity with one another as God requires
of you."

According to her will, Mile Le Gras' funeral was very
modest. She had said: "If anything were done for me
different from what has been accorded to the other Sis
ters, it would signify that in death I was not worthy to be
a true Sister of Charity and servant of the poor members
of Jesus Christ."

The anniversary of this noble woman's death is marked
by a Communion for the deceased members of the Com
munity. The good works of her sisterhood, which began
in Paris, have extended through Europe, parts of Asia,
Africa, North and South America. In Rome, at present,
an endeavor is being made for Mile Le Gras' beatifica
tion.

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF IMPORTANT EVENTS

IN
THE SOCIETY'S HISTORY

1808 Episcopal see established in Bardstown.

1810 Rt. Rev. Benedict Joseph Flaget consecrated

Bishop of Bardstown.

1811 Arrival of Bishop Flaget and Father David in

Louisville.

1812 Foundation of Nazareth on St. Thomas's Farm.

1813 First Election; Mother Catherine Superior; pro

visional rule given by Father David.

1814 School begun. First pupil, Cecilia O'Brien, who

later became Sister Cecily.

1815 Rule of St. Vincent de Paul adopted.

1816 Vows pronounced for the first time.

1817 Community and school considerably increased.

1818 Brick house built. First death — that of Sister

Mary Gwynn.

1819 Rt. Rev. John Baptist David consecrated coadju

tor to Bishop Flaget. Bethlehem Academy,
Bardstown, started. Mother Catherine's sec
ond term expires. Mother Agnes Higdon
elected.

1820 School opened at Long Lick, Breckenridge Coun

ty, Kentucky. Establishment of St. Vincent's
Academy, Union County.

1821 Sisters take charge of wardrobe and infirmary at

St. Joseph's College, Bardstown.

1822 Purchase of present site of Nazareth and removal

thither. Re-election of Mother Agnes Higdon.

1823 St. Catherine's Academy founded in Scott County,

near Lexington, Kentucky.

1824 School begun at Vincennes, Indiana. New build

ings started at Nazareth. Sudden death of
Mother Agnes Higdon. Mother Catherine re
turns to office of superior.
396

APPENDIX. 397

1825 First public Examination at Nazareth Academy;

Henry Clay gives diplomas. New academy
completed. First graduate, Margaret Carroll,
afterward Mother Columba. From Bishop
Flaget's report of this year: ''Sisterhood of
Nazareth, sixty Sisters. Sixty boarders in
Nazareth Academy. Three other schools in
Kentucky and one in Vincennes in charge of
the Sisters. School at Nazareth becoming pop
ular, and patronized throughout the whole
Western country."

1826 Jubilee in honor of the accession of Leo XII to the

Papal Chair. Great revival of religious fervor
throughout Kentucky.

1828 Re-election of Mother Catherine Spalding.

1829 Charter obtained from the Kentucky Legislature

for "the Nazareth Literary and Benevolent In
stitution."

1831 Presentation Academy, Louisville, established.

Mother Angela Spink elected; after a few
months she resigns.

1832 Mother Frances Gardiner elected. Sisters hero

ically nurse cholera patients in Bardstown and
elsewhere. First orphan asylum of the com
munity, St. Vincent's, begun in Louisville.
183f Cholera still raging. Sisters prove themselves as
nurses and martyrs. Bishop David resigns
his office as ecclesiastical superior of Nazareth.
He is replaced by Rev. I. A. Reynolds.

1834 Bishop Chabrat made coadjutor to Bishop Flaget.

1835 Some innovations — in the mode of electing offi

cers, etc. — introduced by the Rt. Rev. Bishop
Chabrat. These innovations afterwards abol
ished. Father Hazeltine becomes ecclesiastical
superior of Nazareth.

1836-40 No records of special importance; the com
munity meanwhile working steadily.

1841 Bishop David's death at Nazareth.

1842 St. Mary's Academy and St. John's Hospital be

gun in Nashville, Tenn.

1843-47 Chronicles chiefly record postulants received,
habits conferred, vows made.

398 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

1848 Reappearance of cholera. Sisters nurse the

plague-stricken in Nashville and elsewhere.

1849 Establishment of St. Frances Academy, Owens-

boro, Kentucky.

1850 Rt. Rev. B. J. Flaget dies. St. Thomas's Orphan

Asylum, Nelson County, established.

1851 Separation of the Nashville colony; five or six

of the Sisters form the nucleus of a diocesan
community, now the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth, Kansas.

1852 St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville, opened on

present site, Fourth Avenue.

1854 Present Gothic chapel, Nazareth, consecrated.

1855 New Academy at Nazareth completed.

1856 La Salette Academy and St. Mary's parochial

school opened in Covington, Kentucky.

1857 Immaculata Academy, Newport, Kentucky,

started.

1858 St. Mary's Academy, Paducah, opened. Mother

Catherine's death.

1859 St. John's parochial school, Louisville, begun.

1860 St. Joseph's Academy, Frankfort, opened.

1861 Brave nursing done by the Sisters in the military

hospitals of the Civil War.

1862 Mother Columba elected Superior. Father Hazel-

tine's death ; Father Chambige becomes his
successor. St. Columba's Academy, Bowling
Green, opened.

1863-65 Noble work of the Sisters as nurses for
soldiers of the Blue and Gray; their services
under the Flag of Humanity.

1866 Notable increase of pupils at Nazareth. Sister

Elizabeth Suttle's golden jubilee, the first in the
Society.

1867 St. Michael's School, Louisville, begun.

1868 Mother Frances re-elected. Bethlehem Academy,

Holly Springs, Mississippi, founded.

1869 Chaplain's new residence at Nazareth built. St.

Teresa's School at Concordia, Kentucky,
started.

1870 Rev. David Russell becomes chaplain at Nazareth.

APPENDIX. 399

St. Joseph's Academy, Frankfort, reopened.
Golden jubilee of Mother Frances and Sister
Clare Gardiner.

1871 New auditorium at Nazareth completed in time

for commencement exercises in June. New
foundations : St. Clara's Academy, Yazoo City.
Mississippi, St. Monica's School for colored
Children, Bardstown; St. Augustine's School
for Colored Children, Louisville.

1872 Twenty-four graduates at Nazareth. New

Foundations : St. Rose's School, Uniontown,
Kentucky; Holy Name School, Henderson,
Kentucky; Sisters in charge of domestic de
partment, St. Joseph's College, Bardstown,
Kentucky ; Sisters in charge of St. John's Erup
tive Hospital, Louisville, during smallpox epi
demic from January to July.

1873 St. Bridget's School, Louisville, Kentucky, St.

Mary's parochial school Paducah, Kentucky,
begun.

1874 Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville,

opened.

1875 Bethlehem Parish School, Holly Springs, Missis

sippi, Holy Redeemer School, Portsmouth,
Ohio, established.

1876 St. Cecilia's Parochial School, Louisville; St.

Romould's School, Hardinsburg, Kentucky;
St. Aloysius School, Clarksville, Tennessee,
founded. Sisters in charge of domestic depart
ment, Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg,
Maryland.

1877 Rev. Michael Bouchet becomes ecclesiastical su

perior of the community. St. Joseph's Hos
pital, Lexington, Kentucky, established. Bles
sed Sacrament parochial school and Sacred
Heart parochial school, Louisville, begun.
Mother Columba's golden jubilee.

1878 Yellow fever epidemic in the South ; Sisters prove

heroic nurses. Mother Frances' death in No
vember, followed by that of Mother Columba
in December. St. Vincent's parochial school,
Louisville, opened.

400 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

1879 Mother Helena Tormey elected superior. New

foundations : St. John's School, Bellaire, Ohio ;
Sacred Heart Academy, Helena, Arkansas;
Parochial schools for boys in Owensboro and
Newport, Kentucky.

1880 Annunciation Academy, Pine Bluff, Arkansas,

and Boys' Parochial School, Frankfort, Ken
tucky, begun.

188*? St. Brigid's School, Memphis, Tennessee, Im
maculate Conception School, Newburyport,
Massachusetts, founded.

1884 Establishment of St. Patrick's School, Memphis,

Tennessee; St. Vincent de Paul's School, Mt.
Vernon, Ohio.

1885 Mother Cleophas Mills elected. Opening of St.

Mary's Academy, Leonardtown, Maryland.

1886 New foundations: St. Joseph's School, Circleville,

Ohio; St. Peter's Orphanage, Memphis, Ten
nessee; St. Raphael's School, West Louisville,
Kentucky.

1887 Opening of St. Patrick's School, Brockton, Mass

achusetts ; St. Peter's Orphanage, Lowell, Mass
achusetts ; St. Mary's Parochial School, Knox-
ville, Tennessee ; St. Paul's Parochial School,
Lexington, Kentucky; St. Frances of Rome
and St. Brigid's Schools, Louisville.

1888 St. Mary's Parochial School, Paris, Kentucky;

St. Bernard's School, Corning, Ohio; St. Ra
phael's School, Hyde Park, Massachusetts ; St.
Peter Claver's Colored School, Lexington, Ken
tucky; St. Vincent's Infirmary, Little Rock,
Arkansas, begun.

1889 St. Philip Neri's School, Louisville; Industrial

School for Colored Children, Pine Bluff, Ar
kansas ; St. Mary's School, Martin's Ferry,
Ohio.

1890 St. Bernard's School, Earlington, Kentucky;

Sisters return to a five years' charge in St.
John's Eruptive Hospital, Louisville, St. Mar
garet's Retreat, Louisville; St. Vincent's Infirm
ary, East Lake, Chattanooga, Tennessee ; St.

APPENDIX. 401

Joseph's School, Memphis, Tennessee; St.
Mary's Infant Asylum, Dorchester, Massa
chusetts.

1891 Mother Helena re-elected. Holy Name School,
Louisville ; Immaculate Conception School,
Dennison, Ohio; St. Mary's School, Shawnee,
Ohio; and St. Patrick's School, Covington,
Kentucky; St. Genevieve's School, Dayton,
Tennessee.

1892- St. Jerome's School, Fancy Farm, Kentucky;
St. Anthony's, Bridgeport, Ohio; Home for
Destitute Children, Newburyport, Massachu
setts, established.

1893 Completion of new Presentation Academy, Louis
ville, Kentucky. New foundations : St. Vincent's
Orphanage, Ryan School ; St. Andrew's School,
Roanoke, Virginia; St. Boniface's School, Lud-
low, Kentucky ; St. Anthony's School, Bellevue,
Kentucky ; St. Augustine's School, New Straits-
ville, Ohio.

1895 Nazareth Alumnae Society formed.

1896 First formal meeting of the Nazareth Alumnae

Society. Mother Helena's golden jubilee. St.
Aloysius' parochial school, East Liverpool,
Ohio, at present site of Nazareth.

1897 Diamond jubilee of the community. Death of

Sister Adelaide Bickett. St. Helena's Home,
Louisville, begun.

1898 St. Stanislaus School, Maynard, Ohio, opened.

Sisters nurse soldiers of the Spanish American
War, in East Lake Hospital, Chattanooga.
Tennessee.

1899 The Sisters' New Infirmary Building at Nazareth.

Foundation of Mt. St. Agnes' parochial school,
Mingo Junction, Ohio. Cardinal Martinelli,
Apostolic Delegate visits Nazareth, June 8th.

1900 Foundations : O'Leary Home, Louisville ; St.

Vincent's School, New Hope ; St. John's School,
Adrian, Kentucky; Sacred Heart School, Mem
phis, Tennessee. Deaths of Father Russell and
Mother Helena.

402 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

1901 Establishment of St. Mary's of the Woods,

Whitesville, Ky ; Sacred Heart Academy, Rich
mond, Virginia.

1902 Mother Cleophas' golden jubilee.

1903 Mother Alphonsa Kerr elected superior. Estab

lishment of St. Vincent de Paul's School at
Newport News, Virginia. New convent at
Nazareth begun. Death of Mgr. Bouchet.
Very Rev. J. P. Cronin becomes ecclesiastical
superior, retaining this office until 1910, when
the sisterhood received the decree of papal ap
probation.

1904 Opening of St. Xavier's School, Raywick, Ken

tucky, and School of Holy Angels, Barton,
Ohio. Nazareth and branch houses send ex
hibits to Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St.
Louis. Alumnae meeting held in St. Louis, in
Kentucky Building.

1905 Death of Mother Cleophas Mills.

1906 New convent completed; many other improve

ments at Nazareth.

1908 Training School for Nurses opened in Little Rock

Infirmary.

1909 Mother Eutropia McMahon elected superior.

Opening of St. Mildred's School, Somerset,
Kentucky. Erection of St. Stanislaus' Convent,
Maynard, Ohio.

1910 Decree of papal approbation received, elevating

the community to the rank of a religious order.

1911 Mother Eutropia becomes mother-general. Sis

ters resume teaching at St. Patrick's parish
school, Louisville. Cardinal Falconio, Apos
tolic Delegate, guest of Nazareth, Sept 13th.

1912 Death of Mother Eutropia. Second general

chapter elects Mother Rose Meagher and offi
cers. Centennial celebration. Completion of
the Columba Reading Room, Nazareth. St.
Joseph's parochial school, Bowling Green,
Kentucky, and the Nazareth School, South
Boston, Massachusetts, and St. Ann's School,
Morganfield, founded.

APPENDIX. 403

1913 Death of Mother Alphonsa. Home built for Sis

ters of St. Anthony's School, Bellevue, Ken
tucky. Opening of St. Ann's Convent, Port
land, Louisville ; St. Agnes Sanatorium, Louis
ville ; St. Agnes parochial school, Buechel, Ken
tucky. St. Helena's Commercial College,
Louisville. Nazareth Academy affiliated with
the Kentucky State University.

1914 Death of Sister Marie Menard. Foundation of

St. Dominic's School, Columbus, Ohio. Re
opening of St. Thomas's parochial school on
the site of Old Nazareth. Jubilee in honor of
the golden anniversary of Sister Marietta's
graduation. Nazareth affiliated with the Cath
olic University of America.

1915 Training school for nurses begun at Sts. Mary

and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville. New pa
rochial school, St. Peter's parish, Lexington,
Kentucky. Cold storage and ice plant erected
at Nazareth.

1916 Death of Sister Aurea O'Brien, at St. Joseph's

Infirmary, Louisville. Opening of the Nazar
eth School, Roanoke, Virginia.

ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERIORS

Rt. Rev. John B. David, Founder and First Superior.
Rev. Ignatius A. Reynolds.
Rev. Joseph Hazeltine.
Rev. Francis Chambige.

Rev. Michael Coghlan (during absence of Rev. F. Cham
bige. )

Very Rev. Michael Bouchet, V.G.
Very Rev. James P. Cronin, V.G.

CARDINAL PROTECTOR
His Eminence, Sebastian Cardinal Martinelli.

VISITS OF APOSTOLIC DELEGATES

Cardinal Martinelli, June 8th, 1899.
Cardinal Falconio, Sept. 13th, 1911.

MOTHERS SUPERIOR

Mother Catherine Spalding
Agnes Higdon
Frances Gardiner
Columba Carroll

" Helena Tormey
Cleophas Mills

" Alphonsa Kerr

Eutropia McMahon

" Rose Meagher

THE PRESENT GENERAL COUNCIL (1917)

Reverend Mother-General, Mother Rose Meagher.
Vicar or First Assistant General, Sister Dula Hogan.
Second Assistant General, Sister Mary Ignatius Fox.
Third Assistant General, Sister Mary Stephen Durbin.
"Fourth Assistant and Secretary General, Sister Marie

Michelle Le Bray.
Treasurer General, Sister Evangelista Malone.

"The members of the present General Council, with the exception of Sister
Marie Michelle, were elected in July 1912. At that election Sister Marie Menard
became Secretary General and Assistant General. After her death, 1914, bister
Marie Michelle succeeded to this office.

CENTENNIAL ODE

Ye encircling hills and flower-enameled vales!
And shimmering lakes that there embosomed lie,

In crystal deeps reflecting changeful sky
Bright sun-kissed rills that sparkle through the dales

Soft murmuring!
Ye stately trees that courtier-like stand reverently by,

As worshipping

The hidden King!

Come, lend your beauty's spell

The anthem grand to swell

That rises to the throne of God on High!

Sweet birds, whose tuneful throats

Pour forth melodious notes,

In joyous lays!

Ye voices all of Nature's choir,

Attuned to myriad-stringed lyre!

Come add your meed of praise

To the homage deep we offer at the shrine

Of Nazareth fair these festal days,

When holiest joy prevails
And souls are thrilled with purest love divine.

Hail! Nazareth, all hail! this golden day,

Our tribute of love we grateful pay,
And greet thee Queen. Enthroned in our hearts,

Thou holdest sovereign sway,

And thy dominion sweetest peace imparts.

Crowned with the glory of thy hundred years,

Adorned with jewels rare of priceless worth,

Gems ne'er found in sordid mines of earth
But delved from hardships, labors, prayers and tears,

Thou reignest supreme,
And to our partial eyes, dost seem

As radiant as a poet's dream.

The golden scepter thou dost wield,

Mankind from sin and strife to shield

406

APPENDIX. 407

Is charity benign.

Her power is greater than the sword,

She conquereth but for the Lord,

And 'neath His saving Sign.

As the eagle, thou dost thy youth renew

In heights sublime,
Soaring afar mid heaven's blue,

Above the grime.

Despite thy hundred years,

On thy calm brow no trace of age appears,

For like old Ocean thou art ever new;

Yea, fresher, lovelier now than in thy prime,

Strong in the strength of youth, and beautiful

With that rare charm bestowed alone by time.

The rainbow hues of other years,

Created by thy smiles and tears,

Thy face illume.

Through hardships, thou hast fairer, stronger grown,
As winter snows make richer summer's bloom,
And oaks strike deeper root when tempest-blown.

A century on rapid wings has flown,

Since God first called thee out of nothingness

And gave thee life, and being, and a name

Which men and angels shall forever bless

With glad acclaim;
The name of that dear home in Galilee,

Which sheltered by divine decree,
The holiest Beings earth has ever known.

As exiled Trojans built a lesser Troy
And called the seats for those their country knew,

So Christ's disciples, to their Master true,

And cherishing the fields His Feet oft pressed,

Soon made the western wild a second Palestine,

A Holy Land where souls find rest

In many a favored shrine,
From Bethlehem's Cave to Calvary's summit blest.

Thou hast thriven, Nazareth, in this sacred soil

And spread thy sheltering branches far and wide,

Beneath whose grateful shade in peace abide

408 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

The Brides of Christ, who, bound by Holy Vows,

Have consecrated to their Heavenly Spouse

Their lives of prayer, and sacrifice and toil

We read on thy enduring scroll,

The story of many a chosen soul,

From land of snow or land of sun,

Enamored of the Peerless One,

With one desire, Him to please,

Who spurns the sweets around her spread,

To drink the bitter draught instead

And leaves the flowery fields of ease

The thorny way to tread,

The path the Blessed Master trod,

That leads unto the Mount of God.

Onward and upward toward the shining goal

Their spirits tend,
God's will to do with strength of soul,

Their aim and end.

Oft as they press the thorn, they find the rose,
Its fragrance doth its hiding place disclose,

The promised hundred-fold,

A foretaste of the bliss that shall be theirs

When they have left this darksome vale of tears,

For joys untold.

Nazareth triumphant, in sweet accord

With Nazareth militant, doth rejoice

And blend in one harmonious voice

In psalms of praise and glory to the Lord.

Among the blessed throng so fair,

Clothed in celestial light,
Our spirit eyes with vision rare,

See aureoled faces bright-
Faces of those we've loved and lost,

Lost for a while,
Smiling amid that glorious host

With love's own smile;

And holy founders great and wise

Who laid the broad foundation stones,

On which thou, Nazareth, wast to rise.

And as we gaze, in dulcet tones
From starry heights, we seem to hear

APPENDIX. 409

Precious words of hope and cheer,

From lips of those long passed away.

Hearken and thou wilt hear them say :

Be true, dear Nazareth, to thy glorious past,

To its traditions true,
Then will thy spirit strong and vigorous last

Whatever may ensue;

Then will the Master's work go on apace,

And with the aid of Heaven's grace

So freely given,

Thou'lt heal and cheer, enlighten as of yore,

Console the sufferer on his bed of pain,

And soothe the dying with the hope of gain

Of life eternal on celestial shore,

And thus with joy as oft before

Lead souls to Heaven.

Thou'lt guide the young in Wisdom's healthful ways,
And train their guileless hearts

Unschooled in worldly arts,

Their thoughts to God to raise,

And make their lives one ceaseless song of praise,

Thou'lt send into a threatened world,

Where Satan's host with flag unfurled,

Would win the day,

Warriors brave, who strive with might

To curb the wrong, defend the right

Armed for the fray,

To drive the clouds of error from the land,

And spread the light of truth on every hand,

Till it shine afar

As a guiding star,

To all who wander on life's dark strand.

Valiant women to do and dare,
To claim their rights and never yield,
Though mighty foes are in the field ;
I The right to guard the home with care,

And be the minist'ring angel there,
To aid and comfort, soothe and bless,

With all a mother's tenderness;

To lure men's minds from greed and gain,

And lift them to a higher plane ;

410 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Protect the helpless and the poor
'Gainst those who gods of gold adore ;

Fashion's galling chain to rend,

And thus her ruthless reign to end ;

To save the young from the poisoned draught

That oft from printed page is quaffed,

And guide their footsteps in the way

That leads unto eternal day;
The right to be noble, good and true,
And do what comes to the hand to do,

The right to love and sacrifice,
And make this world a Paradise.

This thou hast done in the century gone,

And if the zealous work go on,

With undimmed luster thou shalt shine

Through all thy future years,

In all the beauty that is thine,

The grace that now appears.

Yea, thou shalt never die.
Though cycle after cycle course along,

And generations pass away,

Vast empires crumble to decay,

And e'en the world grow old and gray,

Thou still shalt live,

And courage give

To all who struggle 'gainst the wrong,

With 'Truth" their battle cry.

When Earth, a void from pole to pole,

And dark through darker space shall roll,

Lifeless round a lifeless sun,

When stars refuse their cheering light,

And aimless roam through endless night.

Aye, even when their course is run

To Chaos where they first begun,

Thou still shalt live in realms above,

Perfect made by perfect love,

Laurel-crowned, O Nazareth!

A conqueror o'er time and death,

And there for all Eternity,

Enjoy the spoils of victory.

SISTER MARY DE LOURDES,

Nazareth, 1912

GOLDEN JUBILEES IN THE SOCIETY

Name

Professed

Fiftieth
Annivers'y

Death

Sister Elizabeth Suttle

1816

1866

1873

" Clare Gardiner

1820

1870

1878

Mother Frances Gardiner

1820

1870

1878

Sister Cecily O'Brien

1820

1870

1877

" Martha Drury

1823

1873

1890

" Anastasia Lucket

1824

1874

1879

" Eugenia Harkins

1825

1875

1876

" Seraphine Buckman

1825

1875

1891

" Rosalie Huff

1826

1876

1886

Mother Columba Carroll

1827

1877

1878

Sister Claudia Elliott

1827

1877

1893

" Clementia Paine

1828

1878

1892

" Emily Elder

1834

1884

1886

" M. Agnes McDermott

1839

1889

1892

" Generose O' Mealy

1843

1893

1894

" Lucena Gaudy

1845

1895

1913

" Gabriella Todd

1845

1895

1899

" Alexia McKay

1846

1896

1902

Mother Helena Tormey

1846

1896

1900

Sister Genevieve McGinnis

1847

1897

1899

" Regina Drumm

1847

1897

1904

" Benedicta Drury

1849

1899

1899

" Blandina Drury

1849

1899

1908

Mother M. Cleophas Mills

1852

1902

1905

Sister Euphemia Morrisey

1852

1902

1905

" Joanna Lynch

1852

1902

1912

" M. Vincent Hardie

1853

1902

1915

" M. Paul Brennan

1855

1905

1912

" Celeste Halinan

1855

1905

1906

" Agnes Kennedy

1855

1905

1912

" Augustine Callen

1855

1905

1908

" Mildred Travers

1855

1905

" M. Magdalen McMahon

1856

1906

" Justine Lennehen

1857

1907

1912

411

412

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Name

Professed

Fiftieth
Annivers'y

Death

Sister

M. David Wagner

1857

1907

1907

it

Erminilda Kelly

1857

1907

1914

«

M. Louis Hines

1858

1908

u

M. Jerome Fitzpatrick

1859

1909

1909

fl

Guidonia Flaherty

1859

1909

«

Isadore Nevin

1860

1910

1913

((

Patricia Grimes

1860

1910

1915

u

De Chantal Kenney

1861

1911

«

Blanche Traynor

1861

1911

(I

Lauretta Meagher

1862

1912

(«

Berlindes Sheedy

1863

1913

«

Catharine Hanly

1863

1913

«

Lucilla Dvvyer

1863

1913

((

Thomasine Malony

1863

1913

1915

((

Benita Tollman

1863

1913

(I

Kostka Stafford

1864

1914

«

Euphrasia Stafford

1864

1914

«

Josephine Smith

1865

1915

«

Alberta Dunn

1865

1915

it

Aurelia Brown

1865

1915

«

Salesia Elgin

1865

1915

«(

Celestine Morrissey

1866

1916

«

Rosaline McLaughlin

1866

1916

11

Verina Grief

1866

1916

n

Estelle Hasson

1866

1916

THE Community prizes several verses commemorating
these Jubilee occasions. Less because of their literary
merit, than as expressing the thoughts of cherished Sis
ter Martha Drury, these lines to Mother Columba have
been preserved :

THERE are many to-day, dear Mother,

Who are crowning your head with gold,
And writing fine things of the record

Your fifty long years have told.
And I too should come, with the others,

My offering before you to cast ;
But I am old, and my thoughts, dear Mother,

Somehow will fain run on the past ;

APPENDIX. 413

On the days when our Naz'reth, dear Naz'reth,

Was not like what Naz'reth is now;
When we lived like the ravens and sparrows,

Our dear Lord only knew how.
Then we spun, and we wove, and we labored

Like men in the fields; and our fare
Was scanty enough, and our garments

Were coarse, and our feet often bare.

We had then no fine, stately convent ;

No church-towers reaching the skies;
Our home was a low-roofed log-cabin,

Which a servant now would despise;
But we had, in that humblest shelter,

What the costliest palace might grace,
And fill with glory and honor —

Mother Catherine's angelic face.

She told how the path we had chosen

Christ honored by choosing the same,
And taught us how we should be sisters

In heart and in deed as in name.
And there was our dear Mother Frances;

God had blessed her and spared her to see
The mustard-seed sown in the forest

Grow up to the wide-spreading tree.

And you were among our first pupils ;

'Tis true God has wonderful ways:
How little we thought what the future

Would bring in those first early days!
I remember how gladly we hailed you

(God's wise plans always fit in and suit),
And 'tis fitting that He should have placed you

To gather the blossoms and fruit !

Forgive if too long I have prated

Of bygones on this your own day;
But we're going so fast, we old sisters,

And with us are passing away
So many traditions and memories

That precious and sacred we hold,
I feel that their beauty and radiance

Would make all the brighter your gold.

414: SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

The following lines for the same occasion were writ
ten by one of the first children whom Mother Catherine
took into her maternal care in 1832, a Mrs. M. E. Jen
kins McGill", a graduate of Nazareth, a gifted woman
who made her home in Texas :

To MOTHER COLUMBA.

Mother, while great and small their tribute bring

To greet this hallowed day;
Among the least this simple offering
From one whose brightest memories cling

To scenes now far away.

Beautiful Nazareth, thy shadow falls

Above thy sainted band;
And from the emerald soil, thy stately halls
Arise, sheltering alike, within their walls,

Children of every land.

The present vanishes — I see thy past

Pictured as in a dream;
A stately bark upon the ocean's breast;
Guiding its many fleets and hardly pressed
By storms, yet safely piloting to rest

In port of bliss supreme.

Now little children in their robes of white

With angel guards around,
Make vocal all thy haunts and with the light
Of innocence brightening where all was bright,
While peaceful day succeeds to peaceful night,

Blessing thy hallowed ground.

Ah thou ! devoted guardian of their youth and mine,

Evangel of the West!
The heat and labor of the day are past.
Thy heaven-bound bark, with colors at the mast,
And wafted by thy children's prayers, at last
Will anchor in that port wherein the Lord Divine

Gives to His beloved — rest!

"The present author may not claim kinship, nor with Sister Apollonia and
Bishop McGill.

SUMMARY

The Society numbers 930 members.

Novices , 47

Postulants 41

Branch Houses 60

Academies 15

Parochial Schools 34

Orphanages and Homes 6

Hospitals and Infirmaries 5

Yearly Attendance of Pupils in Sisters'

Schools 20,000

Annual Number of Patients cared for. 10,000

From 1814 to 1916 Nazareth Academy at the Mother
House has registered 7036 pupils.

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, BARDSTOWN

DURING the week, July 16-20, 1916, was commemor
ated the hundredth anniversary of the laying of this
venerable edifice's corner stone. An editorial writer in
the Louisville Courier-Journal fittingly reports the cele
bration : "A jubilee marked by touching and inspiring
ceremonies, the presence of learned and good men, the
delivery of masterful addresses, but, most memorable of
all, the coming together in a common fellowship of men
and women of all religious faiths. The Protestant peo
ple of Bardstown and Nelson county united unanimously
with their Catholic brethren to celebrate an event which
meant the spread of Christianity and civilization, not
merely throughout Kentucky, but the whole of the great
Northwest Territory.

"It is a significant and satisfying fact that the early
Catholic settlers of Kentucky — the men who raised that
beautiful temple in the then virgin forest — were descen
dants of those Catholics of Maryland who, fleeing reli
gious persecution in their native land, proclaimed and
practised that dearest of all American principles, religious
toleration. All Kentuckians should love the old cathe
dral, if for no other reason than that it was builded by
children of the noble men and women who sailed the
'Ark' and the 'Dove.'

"But the Cathedral of St. Joseph is venerable for other
reasons. Within its history-imbued walls there is housed
a priceless collection of the world's greatest paintings,
the works of such immortals as Rubens, Murillo, Van
Eyck and Van Dyke. More than a million dollars gladly
would be paid by collectors for this treasury of art."

These paintings were bestowed by Louis Philippe and
his family. Another gift from the French King was a
bell, bearing the royal coat-of-arms and the inscription:
"At Lyons, 1821. Audite vcrbum Domini, gentes; et
annunciate in insults qucc procul sunt" To the summons

416

APPENDIX. 417

of that venerable bell, now recast, a long procession of
acolytes, religious, priests and prelates marched from
Bishop Flaget's episcopal residence to St. Joseph's dur
ing the Centennial Exercises.

Distinguished clerics and laymen honored the celebra
tion by their presence and eloquence. Their addresses
contained frequent reference to Nazareth, whither dur
ing the week many pilgrimages were made. One day
was set apart to honor Nazareth's founder, "Father'
David. The orator of the occasion, Rev. R. J. Meany,
made glowing allusions to the Sisters' work, emphasiz
ing their invaluable aid to Father David and St.
Thomas's Seminary in the early days.

Because of Nazareth's close and long association with
St. Joseph's, it was fitting that the Sisters should share
in the impressive season of prayer and thanksgiving.
At the request of Dean O'Connell, a member of the
order paid the following lyric tribute to the venerable
Church whose founders and those of Nazareth were
identical :

CENTENNIAL ODE
1816 BARDSTOWN CATHEDRAL 1916

Triumphant music heavenward flows,
Flows upward to the Great White Throne,

Melodious notes

From myriad throats

A swelling wave of praise and prayer,

From hearts in which love warmly glows;

With organ peal sublime,

And bell's sonorous chime,

Blending in one harmonious tone,

Is joyous borne

This glorious morn

Upon the vibrant ambient air;

A psalm of love

To God above,

418 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Thanksgiving for the graces given

That make this earth a type of Heaven

Given through thee, O sacred Fane,

Fair temple of the Lord of Hosts,

The radiant center of His grace,

His chosen home, His holy place,

Through all thy hundred years

Of storms and sunshine, smiles and tears.

The world takes up the glad refrain
And sounds thy name to farthest coasts.

We gather here

From far and near,

To do thee homage on thy natal day,

And feast upon thy comeliness and grace

Thou'rt fairer now than at thy birth,

A gem upon the brow of earth,

The smile of God reflected in thy face.

Thou hast a beauty all thy own

From spire to foundation stone,

A simple beauty that enthralls the heart

Far more than all the tricks of art.

Thy massive columns grand,

As those in classic land,

In silent majesty before thee stand,

And from their niches as in temples old,

The images of saints look calmly down

Upon the worshippers of saintly mold

Who daily throng thy portals fair,
At sound of bell that calls to prayer.

That grand old bell,

The royal gift of royal hand,

Whose golden notes

O'er hill and dell,

Oft rise and swell,

As the music floats

Away through all this favored land,

Bearing to souls the message clear,

Bright and clear as the morning star,

"AUDITE VERBUM DOMINI,"

APPENDIX. 419

Let it sound from sea to sea,

"Hear the word of the Lord, ye nations, hear,

And announce it in islands afar."

Within thy walls, O temple fair, we gaze

In wonder and amaze
On the vision bright of loveliness we see ;

It seems as thou wouldst vie

With summer's star-gemmed sky,

And mingle sunset colors gloriously

With soothing azure hue

Borrowed from welkin blue,

And deck thyself in jewels rich and rare,

In honor of the Presence there,

The Prisoner of Love

Who leaves His home above,

Among the sons of men to dwell.

Could thy walls speak, what wondrous tales

Of past and present they would tell,

Of sins forgiven, hearts consoled,

Of souls uplifted to the light
That once had groped in darkest night !

What histories they could unfold

Of priests and prelates, heroes brave,

Heroes whose courage never fails

While battl;ng humankind to save!

Priests who offered at thy holy shrine

The Spotless Victim for the sins of men

Restoring them to grace and health again,

And feeding them with Bread of Life divine!

Shepherds who faithful to their flock,

Unwavering as the solid rock,

Sought unwearied far and wide

Sheep that from the fold had strayed,

And led them back to sunny glade.

The living streams beside,
Sowers that sowed the seed divine

Which fell on fertile soil,
Blessed with the saving sign,
And brought forth fruit a hundred fold

420 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

Among the sturdy sons of toil,

Who broke the glebe and blazed the woodlands wild,

Who built them huts of logs fresh hewn —

The virgin forests' priceless boon,

Homes where love as pure as gold

And peace and sweet content untold

Reigned in dominion mild;

Where God was loved and His commands obeyed,
Where virtue, wealth and fame outweighed.

Men of brawn and men of brain,

From early dawn to evening's wane,

Toiling in the fields of grain

Or in the garden of the soul,

As the seasons ceaseless roll,

Until the wilderness they found,

Blossomed like the rose,
Whose beauteous leaves unclose

In sun and rain,
And faith and hope and love abound.

Within this sacred pile their children kneel to-day,
Heirs of their faith, their courage and their zeal,

Ready like them to perish in the fray
For truth and justice and the Church's weal.

They sing in worthy words of praise

Their noble forbears and their noble deeds,

And that long line of leaders true and brave,

\Vho guided them in all their ways,

Through persecution's thorns and weeds,

And taught them how their precious souls to save.

The saintly Flaget leads the glorious line,

The primal Prelate of this Western See,

Who ruled with gentle sway of charity;

While David fed his flock in this new Palestine,

The humble shepherd, who with sling and lance

Of zeal and learning, soon laid low

The great Goliath Ignorance,
Truth's bitterest, deadliest foe.

Behold a Kenrick and a Spalding great,
And brave Loyola's warrior sons,

APPENDIX. 421

And all the holy faithful ones,

Who would have died for thy estate —

A line of God-like men,

The Army of the Lord.

Whose only aim has been

New glory for their King to win,

By the Spirit's two-edged sword.

The last to-day before us stands,

And lifts his consecrated hands

To draw God's blessing down,

As he has done for years,
Years that have placed their silver crown

Upon his honored brow,
Faithful he through hopes and fears

Ever as we see him now.

Need I breathe his cherished name

When thousands rise and call him blest?

Ah ! no, the very hills proclaim

The great O'Connell of the West

Who like the Liberator strong

Upholds the right, condemns the wrong,

And stands for all that's good and true,

As thou dost stand, O Church of God,

Who treads the path his Master trod,

And keeps his Master's ends in view.

He loves thee, old Cathedral, with a love

That will outlast the ravages of time,

His tender care and watchfulness to prove

He keeps thee ever fresh as in thy prime

To make thee pleasing to the eye;

He keeps thy spirit pure unstained

To make thee pleasing to the soul,

To lift man's thoughts to God on High

And lead him to his goal.

Ah! dear St. Joseph's, thou art blest,

And hast been, and we pray

That thou shalt be in years to come

Till time has passed away.

422 SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH

And all thy children are at rest

In their eternal home,

With that vast throng of beings bright,

Whose voices with our own unite

On this thy Jubilee,
In the glorious anthems that arise
And fervent prayers that pierce the skies
For thee, for thee ;
That happy band,
Who by thy hand

Were led from earth to realms of light,

And who through all the eternal days,

Will sing thy glory and thy praise.

SISTER MARY DE LOURDES,
Nazareth, Kentucky, July, 1916.

INDEX

Abbott, Capt. Jack 185

Abell, Rev. Robert 29; 53; 54;
55

Adrian, Ky., Nazareth founda
tion 401

Aime, Sister 229

Albina, Sister 171

Alumnae Association 246; 248
401

Anderson, Robert, General 148-
149

"Angels of the Battlefield" 148

Angermeier, Mr. Harry 294

Anine, Sister 188; 189

Annunciation Academy, Pine
Bluff, Ark. 194-195; 400

Anselma, Sister 220

Antonia, Sister 170

A. P. A., in Boston 323

"Aunt Agnes" 105

Badin, Stephen, and Flaget 4,
missionary labors 6 sqq., and
Nazareth 59 ; 61-63 ; 69

Bamber, Sister Hilaria 53 ; 93

Bamber, Sister Margaret 53; 93

Bamber, Sister Patricia 93 ; 138 ;
155

Bardstown, cathedral conse
crated 28 ; cholera epidemic
101 ; 138 ; civil war period 150 ;
Flaget's episcopate 6; Naza
reth 100; 224; see erected 5;
396

Barry, Bro. Edmund 354

Barry, Rev. Richard 216

Barton, Ohio, Nazareth founda
tion 209 ; 212 ; 256 ; 402

Basilla, Sister 252 ; 302

Beatrice, Sister 114 ; 252

Beatricia, Sister 167

Beaven, Ellen 277

Beaven, Sister Martine 53

Beaven, Mary (Sister Polly) 20;

26; 27; 39; 101
Beckham, Governor of Kentucky

258

Bellaire, Ohio, Nazareth founda
tion 206-207
Bellevue, Ky., Nazareth school

234; 401; 403
Bethlehem Academy, Bardstown

27; 90; 224; 396
Bethlehem Academy, Holly

Springs 177-178 ; 187 ; 191 ; 398
Bethlehem School, Holly Springs

399
Bickett, Sister Adelaide 162;

177; 401

Blaque, Madame 125
Blessed Sacrament School

Louisville 399

Boetzkes, Rev. John M. 193
Boldrick, Mrs. Carra Spalding

297

Boldrick, Mary Phillips 297
Bonaventure, Sister 173
Boniface, Sister 246
Bonzano, Mgr., and Nazareth

centennial 280
Boston, Nazareth foundations

212-218; 322-324
Bouchet, Rev. Michael 224 ; 298 ;

354 ; 357 ; 369 ; 399 ; 402
Bowling, Rev. B. J. 265
Bowling Green, Ky., Nazareth

foundation 164; 398; 402
Boyer, Madame 125
Bradford, Anna 130; 131
Bradford, Elizabeth 130; 131
Bradford, Mary 130; 131
Brady, Rev. Hugh 354
Bragg, General 161
Breintner, Father 284
Brennan, Sister M. Paul 411
Brice, Sister Mary

423

424

INDEX

Bridgeport, O., Nazareth found
ation 209 ; 211 ; 401

Brockton, Mass., Nazareth
foundation 214-215 ; 400

Brooks, Sister Angela 230

Brossart, Rt. Rev. Ferdinand
229 ; 230

Brown, Sister Aurelia 412

Brown, Col. 160

Brownson, O. A. 124, 124n

Brute, Bishop, and Nazareth 110

Buckman, Sister Seraphine 411

Buckman, Sister Victoria 71 ;
255

Buckner, General 161

Buechel, Ky., Nazareth school
294; 403

Bullitt, Alexander 133

Buschmeyer, Mrs. Florence
Byrne 291

Byrne, Sister Anatolia 235

Caldwell, Eliza Mary Brecken-
ridge 172; 318

Caldwell, William Shakespeare
172; 318

Calhoun, Ky., civil war period
154

Callen, Sister Augustine 222 ; 411

Camilla, Sister 231

Campbell, Mrs. Given 260

Campbell, Rev. Thomas J., SJ.
289

Carney, Sister Serena 110

Carrico, Sister Teresa 19; 26;
85-88

Carrell, Rt. Rev. G. A., and Na
zareth Sisters 112

Carroll, Mother Columba (Mar
garet) 41; 95; 121; 130; 136-
147; 153; 157; 159; 180-181;
188; 248; 296; 347; 396; 398;
399; 411; 414

Carroll, Sister Sophia (Esther)
122; 137

Carton, Sister Sophia 110; 114;
137; 221; 234

Catholic University, Nazareth
affiliation 303

Chabrat, Rt. Rev. G. I., and Na
zareth 21 ; 58 ; 59 ; 397

Chambige, Rev. Francis 71 ; 160 ;
244-245; 354; 367-369; 398

Charity, Sisters of, of Emmits-
burg, and Nazareth 16 ; 25 ; 58 ;
181

Charity, Sisters of, of Leaven-
worth 116 ; 397 ; and Nazareth
centennial 290

Charity, Sisters of, of Loretto
101 ; 380

Charity, Sisters of, of Nazareth,
Bardstown foundation 27 ; 100 ;
Barton, Ohio 209; Bellaire
206 ; Bellevue, Ky. 234 ; Boston
foundations 212; and Father
Bouchet 224; Bowling Green
164; Bridgeport, Ohio 209;
Brockton, Mass. 214; Buechel,
Ky. 294; Carroll, Mother Col
umba 136-147; centennial 276-
292; changes suggested 59-69;
chapel, first 36; Circleville
208; Civil War 140-143; 148-
163 ; and Father Coghlan 369 ;
Corning, Ohio 209; Coving-
ton, Ky. 112 ; 191 ; and Father
Cronin 227-230 ; curricula 305-
328; and Father Davis 287;
Dennison, Ohio 209; Earling-
ton 235; East Liverpool, O.
212; election, first 20; Fancy
Farm 235 ; foundation 16 ; and
Mother Frances 81 ; Frankfort,
Ky. 235; habit 25-26; 63; 69;
338 ; and Father Hazeltine 365-
366; Helena, Ark. 192-194;
Holly Springs 177-178; Hyde
Park, Mass. 215 ; and Dr. Ken-
rick 371-372 ; Leonardtown

INDEX

425

200; Little Rock 196-197;
Long Lick 29 ; Louisville 110 ;
Lowell, Mass. 217; Martin's
Ferry, Ohio 209; Maynard,
Ohio 209; Memphis, Tenn.
197 ; Morganfield 274 ; Mount
Vernon, Ohio 207; Mingo
Junction, O. 212; Nashville
114; Newburyport, Mass. 213;
New Hope, Ky. 236 ; Newport,
Kjy. 112; Newport News 205;
New Straitsville, O. 212 ; nurs
ing activities 138; 144; 383;
166-171 ; Father O'Callaghan
375; orphanages 52; Owens-
boro 112; Paducah 113; papal
approbation 265 ; Paris, Ky.
235; Pine Bluff 194; Ports
mouth, Ohio 206 ; Roanoke
203; rule 25; and Father
Russell 375-379; and St.
Joseph's College 31 ; Shaw-
nee 209; Somerset, Ky. 265;
Spalding, Mother Catherine
45-78 ; spirit of the order 329-
344 ; superior, ecclesiastical 59 ;
statistics 415; Uniontown, Ky.
235; Vincennes 109-110;
Whitesville 237; Yazoo City
178 ; see also Nazareth

Charity, Sisters of, of St. Vin
cent de Paul 393-395

Charlesetta, Sister 299

Chase, Madame 125

Chazelle, Father 133

Chenowith, Sofia 174

Cheverus, Bishop 276

Chiles, Miss Ophelia 249

Chittick, Mgr. James J. 217;
380

Christian Instruction of the
Sacred Heart, Brothers of,
orphanage, Louisville 299

Circleville, Ohio, Nazareth
foundation 208; 400

Clark, George Rogers, and Fla-
get 5

Clark, Rev. William 354; 371

Clark, Rev. W. E. 46

Clarksville, Tenn., Nazareth
foundation 198 ; 399

Clay, Henry, and Flaget 357;
and Nazareth 42

Coghlan, Father 354; 369

Columba Reading Room, Nazar
eth 290 ; 346-347

Columbus, Ohio, Nazareth
schools 321 ; 403

Concordia, Ky., Nazareth found
ation 398

Constantia, Sister 167

Cook, Polly 277

Coomes, Mrs. William, school
380

Cooper, Sister Agatha 27 ; 39

Corcoran, Jeremiah 77n

Corning, Ohio, Nazareth founda
tion 209

Corona, Sister 181

Corriganville, Mass, school 217

Courier-Journal 220

Covington, Ky., La Salette Aca
demy 82; 112; 191; 227-230;
398

Covington, Edward 168

Crane, Rev. Dominic 353

Craney, Rev. Robert 274

Cronin, Very Rev. James, and
Nazareth 271; 293; 302; 370;
402

Crothers, Austin L., Governor
of Maryland 201

Cull, Rev. D. B. 206

Cyrilla, Sister 181

Daily, Mr. and Mrs. M. V. 232

David, John Baptist, biograph
ical details 11-16; death 70;
397 ; episcopal consecration 28 ;
and Flaget 7; grave 353; and
Nazareth 1; 35; 36; 59; 64;

426

INDEX

119; 121; 298; 358-364; 396;
statue 346

"David's Tower" 113; 231
Davis, Sister Constance 231-

232; 274; 295
Davis, Mrs. Marcella O'Reilly

247

Davis, Mrs. Richard 178
Davis, Rev. Richard 231; 286;

287; 379

Dayton, Tenn., Nazareth founda
tion 198; 401
De Chantal, Sister 164
De Fraine, Father, and Nazar
eth 373

Dennison, Ohio, Nazareth foun
dation 209; 401
Deppen, Rev. Louis G. 272 ; 300 ;

301; 379

De Sales, Sister 114
Devota, Mrs. Susie Malone 189
De Vries, Rev. Joseph 164; 168
Dewey, John, quoted 325
Disney, Father 354
Doherty, Mrs. P. M. 178
Dorchester, Mass., Nazareth

foundation 400
Downing, Sister Berenice 250
Drumm, Sister Regina 411
Drury, Sister Alice 299
Drury, Sister Benedicta 411
Drury, Sister Blandina 411
Drury, Sister Isabella 97; 104;

105; 106; 231

Drury, Sister Martha (Cath
erine) 34; 53; 96-97; 101;
114; 150-151; 234; 301; 411;
412

Dufour, Mile 125
Dunn, Sister Alberta 412
Duprez, Sister Mary Elizabeth

238
Durbin, Rev. E. J. 33 ; 102 ; 225-

226
Durbin, Sister Mary Stephen 405

Dutto, Father 184
Dwyer, Sister Lucilla 412

Earlington, Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 235 ; 400
East Lake, Tenn., Nazareth

foundation 198; 400
East Liverpool, O. 212 ; 401
Elder, Archbishop 183; 188; 380
Elder, Sister Emily 162; 337; 411
Elder, Rev. G. 37; 354; 371
Elder, Thomas 46
Elgin, Sister Salesia 412
Elliott, Sister Claudia 411
Emerentia, Sister 181 ; 188
Emerson, Sister Harriet 238
Etienne, Sister 263

Fairfield, Ky., Nazareth founda
tion 96

Falconio, Cardinal 271 ; 281 ; 402

Fancy Farm, Graves Co.., Ky.,
Nazareth foundation 235-236;
401

Farley, Cardinal, and Nazareth
centenary 281

Felton, Father 262

Fenwick, Sister Scholastica 238

Filley, Mrs. 260

Fitzgerald, Rt. Rev. Edward S.
192; 196; 227

Fitzgerald, Sister Stella 184

Fitzpatrick, Sister M. Jerome 412

Flaget, Benedict Joseph, bio
graphical details 2-11; conse
cration 396; death 398; and
Mother Frances 81 ; and Naz
areth 21; 49; 53; 58; 59; 60;
63 ; 278 ; 356-358 ; ring 290

Flaget, Sister Eulalia 40; 101;
117-118

Flaherty, Sister Guidonia 114;

226; 412
Flanigan, Sister Ann Matilda 301

Florentine, Sister 164
Florida, Sister 173

INDEX

427

Ford, Dr. 168

Forest, General 151

Fossick, Mrs. Mary Ellis
O'Reilly 247

Fossick, Margaret 247

Fouche, Rev. Simon 34-35 ; 119 ;
134

Fox, Sister Columba 229; 230

Fox, Sister Mary Ignatius 216;
405

Francis Xavier, Sister 299

Frankfort, Ky., Nazareth foun
dations 235 ; 398 ; 399 ; 400

Gallitzen, Prince Demetrius 46
Galvin, Mrs. Mollie Fitzpatrick

291

Gambon, Mgr. 227
Gardiner, Sister Clare 27 ; 42-43 ;

91-92 ; 110 ; 112 ; 299 ; 399 ; 411
Gardiner, Mother Frances 27-28 ;

30; 43; 79-85; 109; 112; 145;

397; 399; 411
Gardiner, Sister Harriet 20 ; 21 ;

26; 27; 34; 42; 43; 89-92; 101
Gardiner, Henrietta Boone 79;

80

Gardiner, Joseph 79
Gardiner, Winfield Hamilton 79
Gaudy, Sister Lucena 411
Gaynor, Sister Eulalia 231 ; 299
"Genii of the Water" 351
Georgetown College, David at

13; Flaget at 5
Geraldine, Sister 299
Gibbons, Cardinal 200 ; 201 ; 202 ;

262; 280

Gilles, Rev. Vital 134
Gillespie, Mr. 301
Gilsenan, Rev. James 302
Glynn, Father 215
Gonzaga, Sister 173
Gossens, Henry 354
Gough, James 34
Grace, Sister Pelagia 197

Grandeville, Monsieur de 125
Greenwell, James 201
Grief, Sister Verina 412
Grimes, Sister Patricia 166 ; 167-

168; 412

Guilfoyle, Sister Hortense 196
Guthrie, Hon. James 157
Gwynn, Sister Mary 20 ; 396
Gyles, Rev. Mr. 199

Faeseley, Rev. C. A. 235
Hager, Mr. 196
Haissart, Rev. Evremond 134
Halinan, Sister Celeste 411
Hanly, Sister Catharine
Hardie, Sister Mary Vincent

197; 204; 226; 253; 411
Hardin, Ben 50
Harkins, Sister Eugenia 411
Hardinsburg, Ky., Nazareth

foundation 399
Harrison, Sister Laurentia 183 ;

234
Hartley, Rt. Rev. James J. 271;

278; 321; 380
Hasson, Sister Estelle 192 ; 225 ;

412

Haughran, Rev. John 208
Haydon, Ann 277
Haydon, Julia 277
Haydon, Polly 277
Hayes, Rev. Thomas D. 168
Hazeltine, Henry 123
Hazeltine, Rev. Joseph 59; 114;

122; 130-131; 354; 365-366;

397; 398
Helena, Arkansas, Nazareth

foundation 192-194
Henderson, Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 399
Henderson, Mrs. Jennie Legg

291
Herbermann, Charles G., quoted

357-358
Heslin, Rt. Rev. T. 270

428

INDEX

Hewit, Dr. 150

Higdon, Mother Agnes 27; 29;

39; 40; 396

Hines, Sister M. Louis 412
H'obbs, Sister Julia 299
Hogan, Sister Dula 164 ; 208 ; 405
Hogarty, Rev. Joseph 253 ; 280 ;

379
Hogarty, Rev. William 249 ; 284 ;

379
Holly Springs, Miss., Nazareth

foundation 178 ; 183 ; 184 ; 185 ;

398
Holy Angels School, Barton, O.

211-212; 402
Holy Family statue, Nazareth

346
Holy Name School, Henderson

399
Holy Name School, Louisville

223; 320; 401

Holy Redeemer School, Ports
mouth, O. 399
"Home Manual," by Mrs. Logan

108

Hood, General 161
Hoop, Rev. Francis D' 134; 354
Hopkins, Miss Lula 260
Howard Society 181
Huber, Father 182
Hughes, Rev. Thomas, quoted 307
Huff, Sister Rosalie 411
Hyde Park, Mass., Nazareth

foundation 215-217 ; 258 ; 324

Imelda, Sister 226

Immaculata Academy, Newport,

Ky., 82; 112; 113; 191; 230-

234; 398
Immaculate Conception School

Dennison, O. 209 ; 401
Immaculate Conception School,

Newburyport, Mass. 400
Isadora, Sister 181
"Jacko the Great" 123

Jacob, Charles, mayor of Louis
ville 168; 170-171

Jane Frances. Sister 114

Janssens, Bishop 188

Jenkins, Rev. C. K. 201

Jesuits, St. Joseph's College 71;
133 ; 134 ; and Nazareth 170

Johnston, Col. Stoddard, quoted
357

Jovita, Sister 173

Kehoe, Rev. Frank 234
Kellenaers, Rev. T. 235
Kelly, Mrs. E. H. 189
Kelly, Sister Erminilda 412
Kelly, Sister Margaret 184
Kennedy, Sister Agnes 411
Kenney, Sister De Chantal 412
Kenrick, Rt. Rev. F. P. 371-372
Kentucky, first school 380
Kentucky University, Nazareth

affiliation 303
Kerr, Mother Alphonsa 211 ;

254-257 ; 260 ; 293 ; 402 ; 403
Kester, Paul 349
Keyes, Sister Uberta 172
Kirwin, Very Rev. James M. 208
Knoxville, Tenn., Nazareth

foundation 198; 400
Kostka, Sister 254
Kuhlnan, Father 288

Ladies of Charity 393
Lampton, Sister Lucy 107 ; 109
Lamy, Father 184
Lancaster, Ann 24; 277
Lancaster, Rev. James Madison

114;122
La Salette Academy, Covington,

Ky. 82 ; 112 ; 191 ; 227-230 ; 397
Le Bray, Sister Marie Michelle

405

Lebreton, Rev. Peter 134
Le Corre, Rev. P., and Nazareth

178; 179; 187
Legounais, Rev. Thomas 134

INDEX

429

Le Gras, Anthony 392
Le Gras, Mile 29 ; 391-395
Lennehan, Sister Justine 411
Leonardtown, Md., Nazareth

foundation 200-202; 400
Lewis, Sister Joanna 118
Lexington, Ky., Civil War peri
od 153; Nazareth foundation
108; 109; 226; 298; 399
Lincoln, Abraham 141; 156
Little Rock, Arkansas, Nazareth

foundation 196-197
Logan, Mrs. John A. 103-106
Long Lick, Ky., school 29 ; 396
Loretto Sisters, Fairfield, Ky.

288 ; 290

Louis Philippe, and Flaget 5
Louisiana Purchase Exposition

257-259; 402

Louisville, city council, and Sis
ters of Charity 53; 54; civil
war 148-150; Nazareth foun
dations 71 ; 110 ; 168 ; 221-224 ;
293-294; 319-320; see trans
ferred to 71; tornado (1890)
219-221

Lourdes grotto, Nazareth 346
Lowell, Mass., Nazareth founda
tion 217

Lubberman, Father 225
Lucey, Rev. J. M. 194; 195-196;

380

Luckett, Sister Anastasia 411
Ludlow, Ky., Nazareth founda
tion 401
Luynes, Rev. Charles Hippolyte

De 134; 373-374
Lynch, Rev. J. W. 204
Lynch, Sister Johanna (Nancy)

27; 101; 253; 411
Lystra, projected settlement 385-
386

Mariana, Sister 171
McCabe, Mr. 211

McCloskey, Bishop 290 ; 354 ; 379
McCloskey, Rev. George 354 ; 379
McClure, Father 215
McCormick, Dr. 189
McDermott, Gertrude 185; 185n
McDermott, Sister Mary Agnes

301 ; 411

McDermott, Robert 185n
McEachen, Rev. R. 211-212; 256
McGill, Sister Apollonia 110;

117; 301; 361
McGill, Rt. Rev. John 125; 133;

352
McGill, Mrs. M. E. Jenkins,

verses 414

McGinnis, Sister Genevieve 411
Mcllvain, Charlotte 126
Mclntyre, Sister Anna 238
McKay, Sister Alexia, golden

jubilee 248; 411
McKenna, Mrs. James 278
McLoughlin, Sister Rosaline 412
McMahon, Mother Eutropia 222 ;

260; 264-265; 272-273; 402
McMahon, Sister Mary Mag
dalen 230; 411
McNerney, Rev. James 233
Madeleine, Sister 265; 299
Maes, Rt. Rev. Camillus Paul

269; 279
Mageveny, Mother Mary Agnes,

O.S.D. 197

Mahony, Sister Cointha 184
Malone, Sister Evangelista 190;

405
Malone, Sister Mary Catherine

190

Malony, Sister Thomasine 412
Mapother, Wible 222
Marcella, Sister 231
Marillac, Louise de. See Le Gras
Martinelli, Cardinal, and Nazar
eth 280 ; 401
Martin's Ferry, Ohio, Nazareth

foundation 209; 400

430

INDEX

Mary Ann, Sister 159

Mary Anthony, Sister 260; 261-

262

Mary Cyrilla, Sister 299
Mary de Lourdes, Sister, verses

406-410 ; 417

Mary Eunice, Sister, verses 344
Mary George, Sister 170
Mary Ignatius, Sister 229
Mary John, Sister 299
Mary Josephine, Sister 171
Mary Leander, Sister 261-262
Mary Louis, Sister 114; 151-153
Mary Martha, Sister 299
Mary Pius, Sister, death 219-220
Mary Regina, Sister 234-235
Mary Xavier, Sister
Matignon, Rev. Francis 276
Maynard, Ohio, Nazareth foun
dation 209; 210; 401
Meagher, Mr. 165
Meagher, Sister Gonzales 232;

274
Meagher, Sister Lauretta 227-

229; 412
Meagher, Mother Rose 207 ; 232 ;

274 ; 291 ; 303 ; 402
Meara, Rev. M. M. 208
Memphis, Tenn., Nazareth foun
dations 197-198; 321; 400;

401

Menard, family 151
Menard, Sister Marie 295-296;

317; 347; 391n; 403; 405
Meyer, Mr. Nicholas 354
Miles, Mrs. Edward (Anna

Bradford) 236; 247; 254
Miles, Gen. William R. 188
Miles, Bishop, and Nazareth

114; 116

Miles, Eleanor 277
Miller, Miss Mary Susan 241-

343 ; 241 n ; 244 ; 290
Mills, Mother Cleophas 191;

207; 210; 216; 226; 236; 252-

254; 260-261; 346; 400; 402;
411
Mingo Junction, Ohio, Nazareth

school 212

Mitchell, Mrs. J. S. 248
Montariol, Father 374-375
Morgan, Mr. 22
Morganfield, Ky., Nazareth

foundation 274; 402
Morris, Brother James 354
Morris, Rt. Rev. J. B. 197
Morrissey, Sister Celestine 412
Morrissey, Sister Euphemia

253 ; 411

Morrissey, Sister Stanislaus 184
Mount St. Agnes School, Mingo

Junction, O. 401
Mount St. Mary's College, Em-

mitsburg 399
Mount Vernon, Ohio, Nazareth

foundation 207-208
Mouton, Father 179; 182
Mudd, Sister Euphrasia 170;

175-176; 230

Mulhane, Rev. L. W. 207
Mullan, Rev. Elder, S.J. 266 ; 380
Murphy, Sister Marietta 161 ;

162; 260; 290; 296; 403
Murray, John 156

\

Nasseau, Margaret 394
Nashville, Tenn., Nazareth foun
dation 114-116; 397
Navarro, Mary Anderson De

110-111

Nazareth, art collection 348 ; au
ditorium 238; 299; buildings
72 ; 256 ; 262-264 ; 396 ; Calvary
353; cemetery 353; centennial
ode 406-410; charter 50; 51;
397; church 36; 72; 254; 352;
curriculum 128-133; 239-246;
305-328 ; and David 1 ; 35 ; 36 ;
119; and Father De Luynes
373-374; and Father Deppen

INDEX

431

300 ; 301 ; discipline 37 ; exam
ination, public 41-42; 39.7; 48;
120; and Flaget 21; 49; and
122; Holy Family group 346;
Lourdes grotto 346; and
Father Montariol 374-375 ; mu
seum 346-350 ; name 22 ; oper
etta 351 ; reading room 290 ;
346-347; and Father Reynolds
362-364; Sacred Heart Statue
346; St. Ann shrine 346; and
St. Joseph's 120; 129; 133;
Seat of Wisdom statue 345-
346; university affiliation 306;
Mrs. Wilkinson's recollections
117
Nazareth School, Boston 274-

276; 402
Nazareth School, Roanoke 302-

303

Nevin, Sister Isadore 412
Newburyport, Mass., Nazareth
foundations 213-214 ; 217 ; 324 ;
400; 401

New Hope, Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 236; 401

Newport, Ky., Nazareth founda
tion 82; 112; 113; 191; 230-
234; 398
Newport News, Va., Nazareth

foundation 205; 402
New Straitsville, Ohio, Nazareth

school 212; 401
Nilan, Rt. Rev. John 214
Nugent, Mrs. Florence Burkley
291

j

Oberti, Father 184; 185
O'Brien, Sister Aurea 301 ; 302 ;

403

O'Brien, Sister Bernardine 71
O'Brien, Sister Cecily 24; 30;

260; 277; 396; 411
O'Brien, Mrs. Lizzie Graves 291

O'Brien, Sister Mary Rose 162;

246

O'Brien, Sister Silvia 194; 215
O'Callaghan, Rev. Eugene 227;

250 ; 375

O'Connel, Bro. Samuel 354
O'Connell, Very Rev. C. J. 224;

283, 284, 376, 379
O'Connell, Sister Ellen 23; 24;

27; 35; 37; 38; 94; 95; 118;

119; 137
O'Connor, Sister Scholastica 32 ;

38-39; 263
O'Donaghue, Rt. Rev. Dennis,

and Nazareth 267 ; 278 ; 379
O'Dwyer, Sister Angelica 166-

167

O'Dwyer, Rev. Joseph 235
Ohio, Nazareth schools 321
"Old Nazareth Day" 283-287
"Old St. Mary's," Paducah 113
O'Leary Home, Louisville 401
O'Loughlin, Rev. Francis, grave

354

O'Mealy, Sister Generose 411
Oregon, Nazareth project 303
O'Reilly, Rt. Rev. Charles J.,

bishop of Baker City 303
O'Reilly, Rev. J. B. 205
O'Shaughnessy, Mr. .and Mrs.

Peter 232-233
O'Shea, Rev. A. 236
O'Sullivan, Rev. Hugh 237
Our Lady of the Angels School

Barton, O. 256

Owensboro, Ky. Civil War peri
od 154; Nazareth foundation
112; 226-227; 397

Paducah, Civil War period 150;

Nazareth foundation 113 ; 234-

235; 398

Paine, Sister dementia 411
Paris, Ky., Nazareth foundation

235

432

INDEX

"Part Taken by Women in
American History" 108

Pendleton, Sister Adelaide 291;
347; 353

Perry, Sister Mary Lawrence
178; 181; 188

Peters, W. C. 352

Petit, Rev. Nicholas 133

Phillips, Mrs. Mary Finn, golden
jubilee 296

Pike, Sister Mary Agnes 237

Pine Bluff, Ark., Nazareth foun
dations 194; 400

Portsmouth, Ohio, Nazareth
foundation 206 ; 212 ; 399

Powell, L. W. 133 ; 157

Powers, Major S. E. 185

Presentation Academy, Louis
ville 52; 53; 110; 221-224;
264; 397; 401

Preston Park, Ky., orphanage
298; 299

Queen, Mrs. Margaret Haydon
290

Raffo, Rev. Charles P. 221

Rahm, Rev. Charles 274

Raywick, Va., Nazareth founda
tion 402

Readville, Mass., school 217

Record, The 224 ; 298 ; 300 ; 302 ;
369

Regina, Sister 52

"Religious Day," Nazareth cen
tennial 288

"Reminiscences of a Soldier's
Wife" 103

"Return, fair girls" 352

Revolution, French, and Amer
ican mission 2

Reynolds, Rt. Rev. Ignatius A.
119; 362; 364

Richmond, Va., Nazareth foun
dation 205

Riordan, P. E., archbishop 283

Roanoke, Va., Nazareth founda
tion 203-204; 302-303

Roberts, family 101

Robertson, Mrs. Margaret
Whitehead, gift 346

Robinson, Sister Constantia 164

Roger, Mrs. Anna Moore, gift
348

Romania, Sister 171

Ronan, Rev. Michael 254, 352;
380

Russell, Rev. David 251; 248;
375-379; 398; 401

Ryan, Mrs. Thomas 204-205

Ryan School, Roanoke, Va. 204;
401

Sacred Heart Academy, Helena,

Ark. 192-194; 400
Sacred Heart School, Louisville

219-221; 223; 320; 399
Sacred Heart School, Memphis

198; 401
Sacred Heart statue, Nazareth

346
St. Agnes Sanatorium, Louisville

294; 403
St. Agnes School, Buechel, Ky.

403

St. Agnes School, Louisville 320
St. Agnes School, Uniontown,

Ky. 235

St. Aloysius School, East Liver
pool, O. 401
St. Aloysius School, Clarksville,

Tenn. 399
St. Andrew's School, Roanoke

302-303; 401

St. Ann's, Louisville 293; 403
St. Ann's School, Morganfield,

Ky. 274; 402

St. Ann's shrine, Nazareth 346
St. Anthony's mission, Ohio 210

INDEX

433

St. Anthony's School, Bellevue
234; 401

St. Anthony's School, Bridge
port, O. 401

"St. Anthony's Monthly Visitor"
211

St. Augustine's School, Louis
ville 223 ; 320 ; 399

St. Augustine's School, New
Straitsville, O. 401

St. Bernard's School, Corning,
O. 209; 400

St. Bernard's School, Earling-
ton, Ky. 235 ; 400

St. Boniface's School, Ludlow,
Ky. 401

St. Brigid's School, Louisville
223; 320; 399; 400

St. Brigid's School, Memphis
197; 400

St. Catherine's Academy (Scott
County), Lexington 34; 47;
108-109 ; 191 ; 226 ; 396

St. Cecilia's School, Louisville
223; 320; 399

St. Clara's Academy, Yazoo City
82; 179; 180; 187; 188; 189;
190; 399

St. Columba's Academy, Bowl
ing Green 164-168; 398

St. Dominic's School, Columbus,
O. 403

St. Frances Academy, Owens-
boro; 82; 112; 191; 226-227;
398

St. Frances of Rome School,
Louisville, 223; 320; 400

St. Genevieve's School, Dayton,
Tenn. 401

St. Helena's Commercial Col
lege, Louisville 294-295 ; 403

St. Helena's Home, Louisville
191; 401

St. James School, Ludlow, Ky.
229

St. Jerome's School, Fancy
Farm, Ky. 235-236; 401

St. John's School, Bellaire, O.
400

St. John's Eruptive Hospital,
Louisville, 168 ; 399 ; 400

St. John's Hospital, Nashville
114; 397

St. John's School, Adrian, Ky.
401

St. John's School, Louisville
223; 320; 398

St. Johns' Academy, Frankfort,
Ky. 235; 398; 399

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Bards-
town 5 ; 416-422

St. Joseph's College, Bardstown
31; 71; 120; 129; 133-134;
380; 396

St. Joseph's Hospital, Lexington
172-176; 399

St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louis
ville 55; 110; 111; 223; 300-
301; 397

St. Joseph's School, Bowling
Green 168 ; 402

St. Joseph's School, Circleville,
Ohio, 208; 400

St. Joseph's School, Memphis,
Tenn. 198; 400

St. Lawrence's Home for Boys,
Louisville 300

St. Louis, Mo., Exposition, 1904
257-259

St. Margaret's Retreat, Louis
ville 400

St. Mary's Academy, Leonard-
town, Md. 200-202; 400

St. Mary's Academy, Nashville
114; 397

St. Mary's Academy, Paducah
82; 234-235; 295; 598

St. Mary's College, Lebanon 133

St. Mary's School, Paducah 399

St. Mary's School, Paris, Ky. 400

434

INDEX

St. Mary's of the Woods,

Whitesville 237 ; 402
St. Mary's School, Covington

112; 229; 398
St. Mary's School, Knoxville,

Tenn. 400
St. Mary's School, Martin's

Ferry 209 ; 400
St. Mary's School, Paris, Ky.

235
St. Mary's School, Shawnee, O.

209; 401
St. Michael's School, Louisville

223; 320; 398
St. Mildred's School, Somerset,

Ky. 265; 412
St. Monica's School, Bardstown

399
St. Patrick's School, Brockton,

Mass. 214-215; 400
St. Patrick's School, Covington

229; 401
St. Patrick's School, Louisville

271; 320; 402
St. Patrick's School, Memphis,

Tenn. 197 ; 400

St. Paul's School, Lexington 400
St. Peter Claver's School, Lex
ington 400
St. Peter's Orphanage, Lowell,

Mass. 217; 400
St. Peter's Orphanage, Memphis,

Tenn. 107; 400
St. Peter's School, Lexington,

Ky. 298; 403
St. Philip Xeri School, Louisville

223; 320; 400
St. Raphael's School, Hyde Park,

Mass. 215-217
St. Raphael's School, West

Louisville 400
St. Romould's School, Hardins-

burg, Ky. 399
St. Rose's Academy, Uniontown,

Ky. 235; 399

Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital
143; 172; 191; 223; 298; 399;
403

St. Stanislaus School, Maynard,
Ohio 210; 401; 402

St. Stephen's Farm 9

St. Teresa's School, Concordia,
Ky. 398

St. Thomas's Farm 297 ; 396 ; 403

St. Thomas's Orphanage 223 ;
299-300

St. Thomas's Seminary, Bards-
town 14; 20; 71; 160

St. Vincent's Academy, Union
Co., Ky. 30 ; 93 ; 102-108 ; 191 ;
224-226; 303; 396

St. Vincent's Church, Nazareth
254; 352

St. Vincent's Infirmary, East
Lake, Tenn. 198-200; 400

St. Vincent's Infirmary, Little
Rock, Ark. 196; 400

St. Vincent's Infirmary, Louis
ville 55; 111

St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum,
Louisville 52; 55; 110; 111;
223; 298-299; 397

St. Vincent's Orphanage, Roan-
oke 401

St. Vincent's School, Mount
Vernon, Ohio 207-208; 400

St. Vincent's School, New Hope,
Ky. 236 ; 401

St. Vincent's School, Louisville
399

St. Vincent's School, Newport
News, Va. 402

St. Xavier's School, Raywick,
Ky. 402

Seat of Wisdom statue, Naza
reth 345-346

Sharkey, Sister Madeline 200;
265; 299

Shawnee, Ohio, Nazareth foun
dation 209

INDEX

435

Sheedy, Sister Berlindes 412

Sherer, Mr. 155

Sister servants 69; 69n

Srnarius, Father 337

Smith, Addison 222

Smith, General 150

Smith, Sister Josephine 412

Smith, Sister Xavier 205

Snowden, Mrs. Emily Tarleton

126; 278; 378

Somerset, Ky., Nazareth founda
tion 265; 402
Spalding, Sister Ann 29; 92;

108 ; 109

Spalding, Sister Barbara 29
Spalding, Mother Catherine 20;

21 ; 24 ; 26 ; 27 ; 29 ; 32 ; 34 ; 39-

40; 44; 45-78; 108; 109; 110;

119; 278; 363-364; 396; 397;

398; grave 354; statue 346
Spalding, Miss Columba 291
Spalding, Most Rev. John Lan
caster 290 ; 373
Spalding, Mrs. Julia Sloane 122;

247; 260; 291

Spalding, Mrs. Kate 260 ; 290
Spalding, Most Rev. Martin

John 46; 71; 77; 124; 126;

148; 149; 223; 290; 351; 363;

368; 372-373
Spalding, Ralph 46
Spanish-American War, and

Nazareth nurses 198-200
Speed, Hon. James 133
Spink, Mother Angela 30; 31;

397
Spottiswood-Mackin, Countess

348

Stafford, Sister Euphrasia 412
Stafford, Sister Kostka 412
Stafford, Sister Victoria 184
Strain, Sister Angela 121
Strain, Mrs. Wallace 121
Stuart, Rev. Mother Janet Er-

skine, quoted 325; 332

Sullivan, Mr. Jerry A. 301
Suttle, Sister Elizabeth (Har
riet) 26; 98; 118; 398; 411
Swearingen, Dr. R. M. 186

Tarleton, Sister Columba 40-41 ;

47; 137

Tatu, Mile 125
Teachers' Meetings 321
Teeling, Mgr. 213; 214; 279;

287; 380
Thebaud, Rev. Augustus 126-

127; 134
'Thirty Years in Washington,"

by Mrs. Logan 108
Thomas, Delia 277
Thomas, Rev. Frank 166 ; 166n
Todd, Sister Gabriella 109; 411
Tollman, Sister Benita 412
Tormey, Mother Helena 173 ;

191-192; 200; 201; 222; 231;

248 ; 251 ; 400 ; 401 ; 411
Townsend, Sister Bernardine 222
Transylvania College, Lexington

153

Travers, Sister Mildred 411
Traynor, Sister Blanche 154;

231; 412
"Trinity College," Louisville

221-222

Truyens, Rev. Charles 134
Tucker, Mrs. Mary Logan 108
Twelmeyer, Rev. F. X. 190
Twomey, Rev. Mortimer E. 213 :

274-275

"Uncle Harry," 105

Union Co., Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 30

Uniontown, Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 235; 399

Ursula, Sister 234

Valentine, Sister 170

436

INDEX

Van de Vyver, Rt. Rev. A. 203 ;
269

Veale, Rev. John 197

Verhaegen, Rev. Peter 134

Verne, Jules, and Fr. Bouchet
370

Vincennes, Indiana, Nazareth
foundation 90; 109-110; 396

Vincent de Paul, St.., and Mile
Le Gras 392-395; and Nazar
eth rule 25; spiritual admon
itions 334; statue, Nazareth
346

Virginia, Nazareth foundation
schools 202 ; 321

Von Lintel, Rev. O. H. 211

Wagner, Sister Mary David 112 ;

231 ; 412

Walsh, Sister Mary 231
Walsh, Rev. William 197; 198
Walters, Col. H. W., and Naz
areth

Waltrude, Sister 171
Watterson, Bishop 321

Wayne, General, and Flaget 4-5

Webb, Hon. B. F. 79; 80-81;
97; 121; 146

Webb, Nehemiah 100

Weigand, Rev. J. A. 210

Wells, Elizabeth (Sister Betsy)
19; 21; 89

Wesley, Mr. 22

Whitesville, Ky., Nazareth foun
dation 237; 402

Wilkinson, Mrs. Eliza Crozier
117

Williams, Archbishop 214

Wise, Mgr. 189; 380

Wood, General Th. J. 157 ; 158

Xaverian Brothers 300

Yandell, Dr. 172
Yazoo City, Nazareth founda
tion 178-182; 187; 189; 399
Young, Sister Honora 377-378

Zealand, Christian, grave 354
Zenobia, Sister 181

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