Jewels from Jane, January 1, 1836

January 1, 1836

Monseigneur:

The Abbe Fontbonne, who will have the honor of handing you this letter, is full of zeal for the missions across the sea, for which he has long sighed. He is happy to consecrate himself there under your auspices and direction. I hope that you will soon learn his virtues and merit and that he will render himself worthy of your benevolence in every respect. His vocation has been proved and gives the best hopes. He has with him his two sisters [Febronie and Delphine Fontbonne], religious of St. Joseph, accompanied by four companions of the same order [Sister Marguerite-Felicite Boute, Sister Febronie Chappelon, Sister Saint Protais Deboille, Sister Philomene Vilaine]. They will be excellent catechists, good nurses for the sick, perfect sacristans, zealous teachers, and their services can but second powerfully the work of God in your country.

Permit me, Monseigneur, to recommend this evangelical colony to your charitable solicitude; it will respond to your needs by entire submission and more than ordinary devotion. May it also be your consolation and aid in your pastoral solicitude. That is the end they propose to themselves; and it is in this confidence that I recommend them to you in assuring you of the respect with which I am, Monseigneur,

Your very humble and very obedient servant
+J. C. Gaston, archbishop

"The within is a copy of the letter written by Bishop Pins of Lyons, France, to Bishop Rosati, introducing the first Sisters of St. Joseph that came to America. The original is kept with the Archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis
Sister Monica [Corrigan]
June 23, 1890"