Dec. 24, 1839
Monsignor
Mr. Loisel asked me for a yearly contribution as a parishioner. I was very surprised considering that a similar request has never been made to us in Europe or here. On the contrary most of the pastors are helping and sustaining poor establishments such as ours, while we are obliged to look for work from outside and to work without any relaxation in order to cope with the needs of our community. We find it almost impossible to recruit because the girls do not give any dowry. With our privations and our thrift we saved about a hundred gourdes [20 cents] for repairs to the house, and we lent to him, being embarrassed because we imagine he will think we are wealthy.
We do not refuse to pay this contribution if this is your will, but we are afraid to introduce into our congregation obligations contrary to the customary habits. We will not be the last to help the churches when we can.
Accept, Monsignor, the deep respect and the submission of your very obedient daughters.
On behalf of everyone,
Sister Febronie [Fontbonne]Superior
Cahokias, the 24th of December, 1839
Monsignor
Mr. Loisel asked me for a yearly contribution as a parishioner. I was very surprised considering that a similar request has never been made to us in Europe or here. On the contrary most of the pastors are helping and sustaining poor establishments such as ours, while we are obliged to look for work from outside and to work without any relaxation in order to cope with the needs of our community. We find it almost impossible to recruit because the girls do not give any dowry. With our privations and our thrift we saved about a hundred gourdes [20 cents] for repairs to the house, and we lent to him, being embarrassed because we imagine he will think we are wealthy.
We do not refuse to pay this contribution if this is your will, but we are afraid to introduce into our congregation obligations contrary to the customary habits. We will not be the last to help the churches when we can.
Accept, Monsignor, the deep respect and the submission of your very obedient daughters.
On behalf of everyone,
Sister Febronie [Fontbonne]Superior
Cahokias, the 24th of December, 1839
Letter to Bishop Rosati
Translated from the French
Translated from the French
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