Jewels from Jane, Jan. 19

Wednesday, January 19, 1944

"Our whistle has blown three times. At its first sound we and all our companion ships turned course. 'They say' - 1. that we are to have a sham battle with some American submarine; 2. that we are having maneuvers; 3. that there are American submarines in this area which we must practice avoiding.

"It is now afternoon and we have been having a free show. First of all, we sighted an airplane and two vessels to our right. The latter proved to be corvettes, one of which stayed in the same position, the other cut across and is now protecting our left flank. An airplane dropped a smoke bomb close to one of the other ships, then another far behind us, after which a submarine appeared. According to one of the officers there are three subs in our vicinity. Tonight we will see more bombs, and tomorrow we will see the subs in our midst on surface. Occasionally we hear a shot but know not its source. It is supposed to be definite information that we will be in tomorrow noon."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who was one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944

Jewels from Jane, Jan. 20

Thursday, January 20, 1944

"The decks were swabbed extra early that morning. Sister Raymond and I got out as soon as possible to see everything. There were red and green lights twinkling from all the ships of our convoy - almost like a set of Christmas trees bobbing up and down in the darkness. (I forgot to mention that the evening before, at about 6:00 P.M. the Captain pointed out Hawaii in the distance - the Big Island. He used the usual 'Follow my finger' technique with the result that after ten minutes or more of acute eyestrain, we did make out a vague outline off on the horizon which could just as well have been a cloud - but we figured the Captain knows, so went down to pack. Our suitcase looked like something Macbeth's witches had been stirring around - an unholy mess!)

"So, back to Thursday morning, when it began to get light! Molokai lay alongside us. Looking back we could see the outline of Haleakala on Maui. We cruised along Molokai for some time, but not on the Settlement side. It looked bare and uninhabited in the faint light, and we found out later that it is comparatively so.

"By now the waters were gorgeous - blue, green of various shades and hues. Fishing boats were passing us, and by ten or so, we were in sight of Oahu, heading for Honolulu Harbor. The Island looked so hilly that it was hard to believe there was enough level land for a city. Many of our passengers were coming Home (had been stranded on the coast) and were eagerly pointing out Diamond Head Punchbowl, and as we came nearer, even buildings of the city.

"There seemed to be a lot of ships in the Harbor, several immense troop ships - filled. The G.I.'s on one of them kept chanting, 'You'll be sorry!' as we pulled in. But we never were! (Except to leave)

"Cecil, our cabin boy, had brought our suitcases up from our cabins to the deck, but from there on it was 'carry your own, or the same shall not leave the Permanente.' It must have been at least one o'clock when we finally walked down the gangplank, but not to any welcoming group of Sisters such as everyone else has had, not to be snowed under with leis, but just to plow through mountains of trunks, potatoes, onions, all already unloaded from the hold of the Permanente. We had caught sight of two priests, one wearing a bit of purple, but by the time we navigated a circuitous route through the trunks, potatoes, onions, the Purple had been ordered off the Pier. Yep, even the Bishop didn't rate in war time. So, only Father Gienzer, Superintendent of Schools, was left to greet us - because he had a Port Chaplain card.

"However, once we reached the street, we were all (priests and sisters) whisked off to the Cathedral by the priests of different parishes. There we were met by a large group waiting to take us all to our various missions. Mother Virginia [Becker] had come for us four. The journal which she wrote later will give some of the details. The Te Deum she mentioned was not a success! The Bishop did intone it in Latin. We who say it weekly in Latin had our books packed away and were a bit timid about carrying on a-four. The Maryknolls had their books because they say it daily, but in English! So the Bishop finally had to carry on alone.

"Our greeting at St. Theresa's was grand - at last we each received a lei.

"The most welcome word spoken after the greeting and a cold drink was Bath! After eleven days it was like heaven, and so were the clean clothes.

"In the evening most of the neighboring priests dropped in to meet the 'New Sisters.' In fact, it was quite a while before we stopped feeling like goldfish.

"Mother Virginia's letter can fill in from here.

"I have just one more word to say - I'd go back gladly any day!"

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who was one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944. She wrote this last entry on December 6, 1953 since "There were so many things to do and see the last day that this was put aside and never finished. Thursday, January 20, was landing date, and here is some of it."

Jewels from Jane, January 16

Sunday, January 16, 1944

"Comparable to the pictures we have seen of Mass on the battlefields was the Mass at which we were privileged to assist this morning. With the church pennant flying above Old Glory to announce services, the Maryknoll Fathers made use of a large box (bulkhead) containing life-preservers, for an altar. They had one of their blankets spread beneath the altar cloth. For a background they had tacked up a blue spread against the outer wall of the radio room, and pinned a small crucifix onto it. Father Ziemmba vested for Mass while Father Morgan stood by, holding everything in place on the altar, a necessary duty, due to the high wind. Father Chisholm announced the order of services - Mass, during which it would not be necessary to kneel, except to receive Communion; after Mass, a short sermon, closing with 'Holy God, we Priase Thy Name.' The congregation, approximately a hundred including the Sisters, was attentive, some members devoutly, others curiously so. Many were non-Catholics; even the little Baptist minister was present. None could fail to have been impressed. At the last Gospel Father Chilshom intoned the Veni Creator. He gave his sermon on Marriage, based on the Gospel for the day. Some of us wondered at its appropriateness, but heard later of one soul that it touched in a vulnerable spot.

"Protestant services were held later by the Congregationalist minister, Reverend Mauver. We heard a resume of his sermon from his wife, who sits at table with us, and whom we call Mrs. Minister. She is very friendly. We are sure she'll be calling on us in Honolulu. The day was quiet as befits the Lord's Day. Everyone seemed dressed up except the Sisters.

"Despite the clouds and wind all day long, the evening sky was glorious. We found out that the phosphorus in the water is a species of seaweed."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, on of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, Jan. 17

Monday, January 17, 1944

"Today is the most beautiful day we have had so far. The ocean is deep blue, silver where the sun shines. It is warm at last. The Captain says that in another day we will be seeing flying fish. Father Lima entertained us on the boat deck with a constant flow of jokes, and with some of his experiences in China, to which he hopes to return as soon as the war is over. He comes from a family of New England whaling men. Before lunch the Captain stopped to talk to us again. We may get in Thursday and will probably dock in Pearl Harbor. Our ship is the only one carrying women and children passengers. At one-thirty we had a fire and boat drill. At the present moment, Sister Mary Ellen, Maryknoll, and Sister Gabriel Joseph [Gussin] are struggling with a game of solitaire, moving little red sticks from one hole to another with no success so far."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944

Jewels from Jane, Jan. 18

Tuesday, January 18, 1944

"We are very definitely in the tropics or semi-tropics. Many of the passengers are busily acquiring a sun tan, the upper deck being the favorite place for its acquisition. Some of us saw our first flying-fish. They are small, and in the sun appear to be silver. They suddenly appear, darting out of the water, and fly a foot or two above the waves for perhaps fifty feet or more. There seem to be about forty or fifty in a school.

"A plane flew over during the morning, Hawaii-bound. Sister [Mary] Raymond [Peplinski] identified it as a bomber. We were not in a position to see, but the Maryknoll Sisters told us there was great activity on the bridge at its approach. At lunch the minister's wife told us that the San Francisco-bound Clipper had also flown over. We heard today that we may arrive Thursday noon. By then we will have acquired so many kinks from sitting in odd positions we won't be able to use the chairs at St. Theresa's."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who was one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, Jan. 12

Wednesday, January 12, 1944

"Since there was no Mass today, we rose at seven. It was quite light since we had turned our watches back an hour the night before. We watched the magnificent sunrise before going down to a delicious breakfast. The meals continue to be very good. Rumors are as numerous aboard ship as they were on land. They say we are to be joined by six oil-tankers coming out from San Pedro, though as yet there is no sign of them. It was and is very windy today, so that many of the passengers are carrying their blankets besides their life jackets. The latter are our constant companions by compulsion. We were met at the dining room door with: 'No life jacket, no eat!' Sister Evelyn Joseph promptly dubbed them 'dinner jackets.' During the afternoon, on the boat deck, we met and revised our opinion of our Captain. He proves to be a man of wide experience, genial humor, and contrary to our first impression, is not bigoted. He said it is the first time he has ever carried Sisters on his ship. He spoke to us for at least an hour, telling us many things of interest about his voyages, the war, etc. Our ship is forty-one years old; it now belongs to Henry Kaiser who used it for hauling cement and has now leased it to the Navy for the duration. Captain Baker says he ought to donate it to the Japs for scrap when the war is over.

"It has grown increasingly more windy so that we are anticipating a rough night."


Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She was one of four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, Jan. 13

Thursday, January 13, 1944

"Last night did not disappoint our expectations. We now know all the Permanente can give us in the way of activity - pitch, roll, toss, and then pitch, roll and toss again. At ten o'clock we were awakened by a blast from our own whistle, but since nothing happened, decided one of our convoy members must have come too close and was being warned away. In spite of the strong wind we kept the cabin door open. With six persons in such a very small space we need all the air possible. We dress as quickly as we can so that the door doesn't have to be closed too long for comfort. We still continue to keep well, rough weather notwithstanding. In fact, the other Sisters and some of the secular passengers are commenting on our good health. We attribute it to our activity -- we pace the deck rapidly and vigorously after each meal.

"Our cabin boy, Cecil Uhruh, is very solicitous for our comfort. He confessed today to aspirations to a literary career. He lent us some of his books - Ruskin, Lamb, Popular Science magazines.

"We had a bit of excitement in the middle of the afternoon. The alarm sounded, everyone dashed into a life jacket and out on deck. We were then informed the signal was for gun practice, so we hastened forward to watch the men in the gun turrets. The object of their interest was a ship south of us just visible at the horizon line. Soon word was circulating about that it was an American cruiser, so all relaxed again.

"There was no moon, but there were plenty of stars last night, and phosphorus in the water. Three cheers - the plumbing failed only once today."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger, (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She was one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, January 14

Friday, January 14, 1944

"An artist could find ample material for homely sketches. The passengers are stretched out in every available space on the decks and that means very literally, on deck. Most of them spread out the blankets from their bunks and either sit or lounge with little regard for the passers-by. Comfort is the main object. The main diversions are reading and card-playing. Most of the sea-sick passengers have recovered sufficiently to be out, though the Maryknollers and Franciscans are still carrying food up from the dining cabin. Cecil says we are his best sailors, which statement provokes an argument as to the relative merits of Mothersill's or no Mothersill's pills. We are all sunburning beautifully, since we spend most of our time on the boat deck. There are only two others, A and B. We were rudely interrupted early this afternoon for a drill. We dashed for B deck, lifeboat No. 4, and watched while it was lowered a bit - at least we know it works. The Captain said we would not practice getting into the lifeboats; when we get in, it will be for keeps."


Remembrances of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger [Sister Virginia] of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, one of the four sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, January 15

Saturday, January 15, 1944

"The glorious sunrise gave promise of a beautiful day, but the promise remains unfulfilled for we have been driven into our 2x4 cabin several times by rain. During the downpours our companion ships are almost invisible. No one who has not traveled in a convoy can imagine what a thrill it is to see the other ships around and behind us. The one that is supposed to be delaying our progress flounders along seeming to have difficulty keeping a direct route. The latest report is that we will reach Pearl Harbor next Saturday. Mass is scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow on the boat deck, weather permitting. All the Sisters assembled for choir practice a few minutes ago. Father Chisholm has a sermon prepared, so we hope all will go well. The Congregationalist and Baptist Ministers are planning to have services.

"We are learning about our fellow passengers by degrees. The majority are to be Civil Service and Defense Workers in the Islands. Some of the women are going to join their husbands. Mrs. Johnston, who shares our cabin is a reporter, as is her husband, whose headquarters are in Honolulu. (P.S.- 1953 - Our other cabin member was Miss Alladine Bell, teacher of speech at the University of Hawaii.)

"The four priests are to receive their appointments from Bishop Sweeney. The Senior, Father Chisholm, entertains us with his accordion. He learned to play it during a period in his missionary career when for seven years he was isolated from the company of other white men. He and two of the Maryknoll Sisters in the present group returned from the Orient on the Gripsholm last year. The Baptist minister aboard, Mister Taba, is a Filipino. Sister Ramona Marie knows his family, all Catholics in the Philippines. The Baptists sent him to the United States to be educated. Mr. Foley is an interesting character and certainly an asset to the group. He lent his relic of the True Cross to one of the prostrate Maryknoll Sisters, who immediately went down to her first meal in days. He played his harmonica all evening long, while most of the passengers on B deck sang. Gone with the war are the deck games, nightly movies, etc. that our dear Sisters think we are enjoying. All entertainment on the Permanente is of our own making, with a bit of help from the Maryknoll Sisters' checkers, solitaire, etc."


Remembrances of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger (Sister Virginia) of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who was one of the four Sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944.

Jewels from Jane, January 10

January 10, 1944

"For the benefit of posterity (at the suggestion of Reverend Mother Mary Pius [Neenan])we now propose to set down an accurate account of our Sisters' first trip to Honolulu during war time. We hereby dedicate this journal to our dear Reverend Mother who hastened to San Francisco to bid us farewell. On August eleventh, 1943, Sisters Gabriel Joseph [Gussin] and Aloysia [Dugger] left St. Louis for Los Angeles to join Sisters Raymond and Evelyn Joseph. After a series of inoculations the Sisters set out for San Francisco on September thirteenth. For four months we enjoyed the generous hospitality of Mother Agnes Marie and the Sisters of Star of the Sea Convent. On the third of January we received official notice to report to the Navy Department for sailing instructions. After signing numerous official documents and receiving warnings of the necessity for absolute secrecy in the matter, we took possession of the coveted priority ratings - permission to buy our tickets. With the tickets came the notice to report at 1:30 P.M. on January tenth at Pier 42. At 1:00 P.M. we said a last goodbye to Reverend Mother, Mother William, Mother Killian, Mother Agnes Marie and all Star of the Sea Community. With Father Lenone we then honked down the street. Until Father stopped to fix the offending horn, we sounded like a bridal party. With our arrival at the Pier came our first worry - two trunks were missing! After a diligent search we located the wandering luggage and once more breathed freely. By three-thirty the baggage inspection was finished to our satisfaction - nothing was confiscated. Soon after came the moment for which we have waited with eager anticipation. We walked up the gangplank of the S.S. Permanente! Now, let all who have sailed the ocean in times of peace, or who have any pre-conceived ideas of ocean travel, harken to this. There are about three-hundred fifty passengers aboard this ship - originally a freighter. Among the group are four Maryknoll priests, twenty-one Maryknoll Sisters, three Franciscan Sisters and we four. Six Sisters are assigned to each cabin. We four are disappointed to find two seculars appointed to fill out our number. The young ladies seemed as distressed as we at first, but we are all making the best of it, realizing that in war time such things can't be helped. Our cabin contains six narrow bunks, three deep, or three high, a sink with running water, cold only, and one dim light. There are no chairs, no tables. In fact, the only time we sit comfortably is at meals since there are no deck chairs, and too little space between for one to sit up in, or even on the edge of, the bunks.

We were assigned to the first sitting at table; therefore we will eat (when able) at 7:30, 11:30 and 4:30. Our first dinner was delicious. When we finished we were fortunate enough to find a small bench at the stern of the ship where we watched preparations to cast off. At 6:15 we said, 'Dear native land, farewell!' The joke was on us - at 8:00 P.M. we turned in, anchored in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Getting ready for bed proved very interesting and entertaining. We worked in two's since the floor space is very limited. A 9x12 rug would have to be cut down to fit; that includes the space occupied by the bunks. It took a bit of ingenuity to find a place for all the details of our clothing, but at length we were all tucked in, with the alarm set for five o'clock."

Written by Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger, [Sister Virginia] of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - one of four sisters missioned to Hawaii during the war, 1944

Jewels from Jane, January 11

Tuesday, January 11, 1944

"We began the day in San Francisco Bay with Mass at five-thirty, or rather four Masses. It was an occasion we shall never forget. The Captain was reluctant to grant the permission, but the Chief Steward gladly allowed the use of the men's dining room, provided we were finished shortly after six. It made us think of the catacombs as we hurried through the darkness. The priests had already spread altar cloths over the red checked tablecloths and with the help of the Maryknoll Sisters were setting up the other necessities for Mass. We had to hand over our Missals and prayerbooks to support the altar cards and Missal stand. Two Masses were said simultaneously, Fathers Chisholm and Lima first, while Fathers Zimba and Morgan answered. Everything was done very quietly and quickly. We all received Holy communion. Before the last Masses were finished, the work of the day was beginning in the galley, so that we couldn't tarry a moment too long. We then repaired to the boat deck, where we stood and said all our vocal prayers for the day, in total darkness, watching the lights of San Francisco and Oakland. After a hearty breakfast, we made up our bunks. At nine, the general alarm rang for all to appear on deck dressed in their life jackets. After instructions on how to adjust them, and on what to do with the red light, whistle and knife that accompanied the jackets, an officer informed us that this is not a pleasure trip, that we are to observe complete blackout from dusk to dawn. No one is allowed on the boat deck after sundown, and all decks must be cleared at nine o'clock. There is to be no smoking after sundown since the light of a match can be seen for two miles. He stated further that the dining room is to be used at no other time, nor for any other purpose, except meals.

"Soon we heard we were leaving in a short time. It was 'anchors aweigh' at ten-forty. So far there are in the convoy seven ships and a destroyer. In single file we sailed under the Bay Bridge. From the railing we watched Coit Tower (from which we had so often and so longingly watched the Bay.) Before we reached the Golden Gate, we had to answer the call for lunch. We hurried through it, coming back on deck at the precise moment we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. We watched while mine sweepers went ahead, making sure our way was safe. Two blimps circled around us constantly, while airplanes flew far ahead, then back again. At one o'clock we stopped near a yacht from which a rowboat put out to pick up an officer from our ship. We continued very slowly whle we were getting into convoy formation. We are now in the lead with two cargo ships beside us and four more, two by two, behind us. A destoyer stays ahead to protect us. Before sundown we were entirely out of sight of land. We were disappointed to learn that we may not have Mass during the week because, due to blackout regulations, no one may be on deck before seven in the morning. If the weather permits we may have Mass on deck Sunday. We all went to bed very early, partly to avoid our lay companions, who are now quite friendly. A group of passengers gave an impromptu concert on deck, singing many old favorites to the accompaniment of Mr. Foley's harmonica. All are well - good sailors so far. A few of the Maryknollers have been laid low."

Memories of Sister Mary Aloysia Dugger, Virginia Dugger, of the St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - one of the four Sisters who were missioned to Hawaii during the war in 1944

Jewels from Jane, August 24

"After a five-day voyage in the Pacific Ocean, the nine sister founders [Mary Virginia Becker, Mary Zenaide Belanger, Mary Felix Jochem, Frances Celine Leahy, Alice Josephine Tornovich, Mary Faber Vanderwerf, Adele Marie Lemon, Mary Anne Bahner, Ann Patrice O'Connor] arrived at the port of Honolulu on the morning of August 24, 1938. From the moment of their arrival, the profuse hospitality characteristic of the Islands began to teach them about the culture of the people awaiting them. The sisters said:

Will any of us ever forget our arrival in Honolulu, the strains of "Aloha" and the undercurrent of excitement? Remember the hula girls, the reporters, the exotic flowers, the animated throng on the pier, and especially the diverse group that came to welcome us on that never-to-be-forgotten August twenty-fourth?
There to greet us were the Sacred Heart Fathers, Sacred Heart Sisters, Franciscan and Maryknoll Sisters, and...Father Valentine who represented the Bishop...[who]was over on the Island of Molokai....The Marianist Priests and Brothers were there, and...our future pastor accompanied by a large group of his parishioners. As we stepped ashore, we were greeted warmly with dozens of leis. Will you ever forget that moment?

"While the flowers brightened the black of their habits, the sisters later commented on the stains they left on the guimpe: 'A nun's attire in those days was never designed to be worn with flowers.'

"In addition to teaching in St. Theresa's School, the sisters took charge of catechesis in public schools, on plantations and at the Schofield Army Base. The students at the parish school represented 17 distinct nationalities."


From Mary McGlone's book: Comunidad para el Mundo: The History of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and the Vice Province of Peru

Jewels from Jane, December 7

Today, December 7, is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Here is a selection from the letter of Sister Frances Celine Leahy to
Mother Henry dated St. Valentine's Day.

"On the morning of December 7, three of us were on our way to the
military reservation, Schofield Barracks, when we noticed a very heavy
black cloud hanging in the distance over Wheeler Field which is the Army
Airport connected with the barracks. While looking at it we made several
conjectures as to what it might be and finally decided it was just a
storm cloud since Schofield usually has heavy rains. We were still a
good distance away, but already past Pearl Harbor which has not as yet
been attacked, when we heard planes above and actually all around us. At
first we thought it to be just another Army maneuver although Sunday is
usually a day of little activity for the Army and Navy. The planes,
however, were flying so low as to seem almost ready to land on our car
and there were so many of them that we began to get worried. Many people
in the plantation camps were gathering to see what was going on, but we
kept driving fast away. Hanging from under the plane was the torpedo and
in some instances the bomb that did the deadly damage. We also saw
clearly the Japanese insignia, the Rising Sun, on the wings of the
planes. But at the moment we did not realize all this, as sometimes
happens. It was not until we came close to Schofield that we saw the
many hangers in flames, planes that could be saved being taken to safety
on the fields, and much running about of soldiers and officers. As we
entered the gate we asked the guards what was the trouble, and they told
us that we had been attacked and that Pearl Harbor was also. Officers
were shooting from behind trees and houses, calling to everyone "Air
raid", but we could do nothing but ride on to the chapel. There we found
very few children, crying and frightened. There were also three soldiers
who had not heard of the attack, and a few women. Father began Mass with
the terrific noise of exploding bombs in the distances, planes just
taking off, and countless army trucks setting out for military
objectives under attack, and we heard what we firmly believed to be our
last Holy Mass. God, however, had other designs for us since He had
plenty chances to take us that morning...

"We have our community room windows blacked out so that we can have
light in the evenings. The Brothers of Mary fixed our windows so that we
can have ventilation also. Two of them worked all one afternoon to give
us the comfort of at least one lighted room. We have had no school until
the 26th of January, and even now I have as many as 30 children absent a
day. I do no urging to bring them to school since 65 children are a
responsibility in these times. We have 800 feet of air raid shelters in
our school yard, but they are inadequate, not deep enough and have no
overhead protection. All the civilians have been registered,
finger-printed, and equipped with gas masks. We must carry our
registration card with us at all times for identification, and we are
urged to carry our gas masks also. By the way, we are the only Sisters
here who can get into their gas masks without taking off all the
headgear. Our bands will get a little crushed, but who cares about that
if we escape gas. Later on we will all be given steel helmets to carry
and wear if necessary. I don't think I'm going to like that! Anyway we
can't say that our Government is not protecting us...

"In spite of the times we are all very happy and trying to live from day
to day relying on God's protection and resigning ourselves to His Will.
We did some sewing for the hospital here, and those of us who took the
defense nursing course last year signed up for future emergency work.
While we had no school we kept constant vigil before the Blessed
Sacrament all day and all night. Since School reopened we take turns
every night staying up an hour at a time. Two of us pray together, six
each night, giving us a turn every other night. We are only too glad to
do this much for our soldiers and sailors...

"In case of enemy landings on the island there are certain areas which
have to be evacuated and the civilians have to take to the mountains
with clothing and provisions for four days...

"We feel safe when we know that so many are praying for us. Continue to
pray because we are in a very dangerous place, but it is where God wants
us to be."

Lovingly yours

Sister Frances Celine