Jewels from Jane, November 5

"After founding the American mission, three years of labor still remained to her [Mother St. John Fontbonne]...

"In 1836, when she saw the names of her nieces on the list of missionaries for Missouri, she felt that a fiber of her heart had snapped and a sweet dream had vanished. Although her soul was young, her body was worn out; and she had decided to free herself from the responsibilities and cares of administration. She intended to spend the remaining years of her life in retreat and prayer. She had already prepared the place of this retreat in her mind. Her authority of Superior General would end in 1838. Before that date, she would appoint one of her nieces Superior in a small house of the Institute. At the assembling of the General Chapter, she would resign and retire to the house governed by her niece--there to live and die in peace.

"That was her plan. It was not God's, however...While waiting for the time of the elections, she continued her noble task. According to the precepts of the Rule she visited her communities and, among them, that of Grand-Lemps, near Grenoble in the Department of l'Isere. This visit, which took place the day after the departure of the missionaries to the New World, brought great consolation.

"After the signing of the Concordat, Father Caillet, Confessor of the Faith and parish priest of Grand-Lemps, had established a little association of pious women who lived in community without taking vows. This association had for its aim to help the priest in his ministry with the sick and with the children. Later, Father Caillet, named Vicar General of Grenoble, left Grand-Lemps. After his departure, those who were called 'Sisters' were dispersed. Seven, however, did not want to be separated. These women were exposed to all kinds of annoyances. They would have succumbed if Divine Providence had not sent Mademoiselle de Virieu to their assistance...

"Touched by the trials of these pious associates, who rendered excellent services in the parish, Mademoiselle de Varieu bought them property not far from the manor, and advised these virtuous women to affiliate themselves with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyons. The steps which were taken toward this end succeeded. Mother Saint John sent two Sisters to teach them the Rule which would govern them henceforth. This new state of affairs brought several recruits and, on November 5, 1836, Father Caillet presided at the first reception of the habit. There were five choir and two lay Sisters. Five of the former associates did not consider themselves able to conform to the Rule of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. They remained in the house as assistants and were the objects, on the part of their companions, of consideration and most affectionate care.

"Mother Saint John came to visit this community toward the end of her life. She would never have her portrait taken despite the entreaties of her daughters. Mademoiselle de Virieu knew of this refusal. She resolved to make this portrait the next time the venerable Mother came to her community; because, on occasions like this, Mother Saint John never failed to visit their benefactress. When the visitor presented herself, the countess received her hospitably and began a long conversation, during which Mademoiselle Stephanie sketched the features of the Mother, without her suspecting that the artist was reproducing her countenance on canvas. When she noticed it, the outline was drawn. She had to pose a few minutes until the portrait was finished.

"It is to this visit to the Manor of Virieu that the Sisters of Saint Joseph owe the consolation of being able to contemplate the features of their venerable Mother. Mother Saint John was seventy-eight years old when she took this journey. It is rather late for a portrait, but let us regret nothing. If age no longer shows the graces of youth, it, by contrast, makes resplendent the traces of sanctity."

From Mother Saint John Fontbonne: A Biography translation adapted from the original French edition by a Sister of Saint Joseph Brentwood, New York