Jewels from Jane, Feb. 9

Carondelet, February 9, 1838

Monseigneur:

I present my humble respects and beg Your Lordship please to give me permission to go to St. Louis to have the honor of talking with you. There are many things I would like to talk with you about which I cannot express in a letter and which I think you should know. Yesterday evening I had a difficult interview with Father Saulnier [Pastor of Sts. Mary & Joseph Parish] on the matter of singing because, after having asked advice of my Sisters and heard their reasoning, I had the weakness to give them permission to sing by rote and to respond at Mass. About that they said things that I cannot express. So, Monseigneur. I have great need, in my difficulty, to have the honor of an interview with Your Lordship. Please honor me with a brief reply.

Receive, Monseigneur, the humble respects of her who has the honor of being, of Your Lordship,

Your very humble and respectful servant,

Sister Marie Delphine Fontbonne

Letter to Bishop Rosati
Translated from the French

Jewels from Jane, Feb. 6

Carondelet, 6 February 1838

Monseigneur:

I have the honor of writing to you to inform you of several things connected with our institution. It seems to me that the last time I had the honor of speaking to you, you told me that nothing must be done contrary to our rule. For this reason I beg Your Lordship to let me know if I may permit my Sisters to write to the pastor [Father Saulnier] or if I must say nothing of the matter, for they never ask permission. This happens very often. It seems to me that if they have something to say, they can go to the confessional. I believe you told me that he was not our superior and that, but for confession, we have nothing to do with him. Will Your Lordship permit me to beg you to send us an extraordinary confessor. I believe that would be a great good.

Allow me, Monseigneur, to ask a great favor. This favor is to relieve me of the office of superior. You would give me great pleasure, because I see it is impossible for me to discharge the duties which that office imposes and to satisfy the Sisters. To satisfy them would mean to let them do all that they wish. They complain that I govern them too strictly. Forgive me if I have taken a liberty in telling you all this. I believe it is necessary for my peace of soul. I firmly resolve to address myself to you in whatever may happen and always to do what you wish.

Your Excellency, we have here Monsieur le Brun. He is in a very sad condition. His leg hurts greatly. He fears being a charge to us. He worries a great deal, for he sees we are not rich. Furthermore, Monsieur Saulnier [Pastor of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish] wrote him a letter which hurt him very much, saying that he embarrassed us. Far from that, we would desire to do more for the good old man, who is so easy to please and who will probably be sick the rest of his life. He is preparing to return to St. Louis to finish the winter.

Receive, Monseigneur, the very humble respects of her who is with the highest regard,

Your humble and submissive servant,

Sister Marie Delphine Fontbonne

Letter to Bishop Rosati
Translated from the French

Jewels from Jane, January 6

Carondelet, January 6, 1839

Right Reverend Joseph Rosati

Monseigneur:

Your Lordship will please be kind enough to excuse my tardiness in executing your orders. I come today to acquit myself by giving the number of children whom we have received in your school for the year 1838.

Boarders: nine
Day pupils: thirty-eight
Orphans: two

I profit by this occasion to beg Your Lordship to be so kind as to give the permission for us to go to Cahokia to visit our Sisters and from there we will go to see Mr. Bourginon, who owes us nearly $60.00 for the board of his daughter. We have written him several times but have received no answer. I think that our presence will oblige him to pay us. I leave it all to your decision.

Receive, Your Lordship, the sincere homage of one who has the honor to be

Your obedient daughter

Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne]

Copied from the original in the archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Sister Monica Corrigan June 23, 1890

Jewels from Jane, January 4

"About 1834, Bishop Rosati, the first Bishop of Saint Louis, was in double perplexity. He had neither money nor priests. To obtain both, he wrote to Father Charles Cholleton, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lyons, hoping, through his agency, to obtain help from the original work which a Lyonnaise, Mademoiselle Pauline Jaricot, of the parish of Saint Polycarp, had just founded in that city. The work of distant missions had appealed to this virtuous Christian and she interested the young working-girls in it. Every Saturday, Mademoiselle Jaricot asked them for an alms of one cent for the missions. It was from this humble beginning that the Society for the Propagation of the Faith developed--a work solemnly approved in 1813 by Pius VII. Bishop Rosati came to it as a petitioner through the mediation of the Vicar General. Father Cholleton answered the prelate: 'It is in quality of your vicar that I presented myself to the Society of the Propagation of the Faith and that I hope to obtain abundant help. I do not doubt that Archbishop de Pins will also send you priests.' He might have added that the Superior General of the Sisters of Saint Joseph would find Religious for the schools. Father Cholleton did not then know that someone was thinking of endowing America with communities of that congregation. This person was the Countess de la Rochejaquelein.

"Even at that time, the 'Annals' of the Propagation of the Faith gave an account to the associates of the use of the sums received, of the progress of the work and the requests made. The reading of the 'Annals' had revealed to the countess the great poverty of the mission of the Mississippi. Her heart was touched and at once she thought of the Sisters of Saint Joseph to convert and teach the Indians. She felt that Religious are indispensable wherever missionary labors are to be performed. There are so many works created around a mission which the Sisters alone can efficiently accomplish. After obtaining the promise from Mother Saint John [Fontbonne] that she would give the Sisters for America, if His Lordship desired them, Madame de la Rochejaquelein asked Father Odin to propose them in her name, saying that she would defray the expenses of the first foundation.

"The Bishop of Saint Louis saw at once the increase of burdens which would result from the opening of schools, and delayed his answer. [But after receiving a letter from the Countess he] accepted the offer and even asked that, to the six Sisters proposed, they send two more, specially trained to teach the deaf and dumb. In the meantime, Mother Saint John was preparing her daughters for the uncertain mission that might be confided to them. Instructions and counsels were given to these souls destined for this special apostolate. She reminded them that they would often be without spiritual help, when circumstances required it. The priest, obliged to traverse long distances in the vast forests to carry the consolations of religion to the sick and the dying, would not always be with them in the morning to give them the Eucharistic Bread. It might happen that sometimes he would not be present on Sunday to celebrate Mass. In these days of spiritual poverty they will have to remember that they carry their temple within them and that God has more than one way of giving Himself to souls. In these days, also, when all will seem to be lacking to nourish, enlighten and console them, they must remember that grace is never wanting, and that they have all the necessary means of sanctification in the actual state of things. Deprived of all exterior help, they can, by means of interior assistance, increase in themselves the life of God which will sanctify them and make their own lives fruitful.

"Bishop Rosati's answer settled all doubt and the Sisters of Saint Joseph accepted the invitation to the American missions. As Mother Saint John did not wish to impose this exile on anybody, she made an appeal to her daughters, recommending them to pray, to consult their director, to weigh the matter well and, after that, to follow Divine inspiration. Divine inspiration grouped a goodly number. When the Sisters came to offer themselves to the Superior General, the latter saw, foremost among them, her two nieces, Sister Febronia and Sister Marie Delphine Fontbonne, daughters of her only brother, Claude Fontbonne. This sight afflicted the heart of the venerable Superior, but she generously accepted the sacrifice.

"From this numerous group, seven were chosen. Six were to leave within a short time, Sisters Febronia and Delphine Fontbonne, Sister Febronia Chapellon, Sister Saint Protais Deboille, Sister Philomene Vilaine and Sister Marguerite Boute. The Christian name of the countess was added to that of the last. She was thenceforth called Sister Felicite. The seventh, Sister Celestine Pommerel and Julie Fournier, a postulant, began at once to study the language of the deaf-mutes and would depart for America when they were capable of teaching it.

"Archbishop de Pins asked for volunteers. From them, he chose a priest and two seminarians, as the needs of the diocese would not permit greater sacrifices. The priest chosen was Father James Fontbonne, Mother Saint John's nephew. The immolation was complete.

"At the motherhouse, everybody was edified at the sacrifice and the simple, sublime manner with which it was made. One of the Sisters inspired by the circumstances, dramatized the biblical scene of the father preparing to sacrifice his son. Abraham's sacrifice was represented in the novitiate a few days before the departure. The allusion was too striking not to bring tears; they flowed abundantly, but hearts were comforted by them.

"All was ready. Father Cholleton appointed Sister Febronia Fontbonne Superior of the little colony. Through delicacy and fear of acting from natural inclination, Mother Saint John did not wish to make the choice. She even felt sorrow in signing the new Superior's letter of obedience. Since the Vicar General had decided and regulated everything, the virtuous aunt gave the niece, whom she cherished, counsels full of wisdom and affection.

"The departure was fixed for January 4, 1836. On the eve of this day, the six chosen ones said goodby to the assembled community. There was a scene of touching humility in this last reunion. The six missionaries casting themselves at the feet of their Sisters begged them to bless them and to pardon them for the trouble they had caused them and for any bad example which they had given. With great overflowing of heart, Mother Saint John blessed the six valiant missionaries and the Sisters whom they were about to leave."

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

Jewels from Jane, Dec 21

Carondelet, December 21, 1838

Right Reverend Joseph Rosati

Monseigneur:

I have the honor to write to you to set forth my little worries. I am sending you the letters that Father Saulnier has written to me. You will see by them how things stand. As to the questions asked me, the first concerns the feast of St. Joseph. You know that you said to me that, as we have indulgence that day, you wished it to be the same as in France and that you accorded another indulgence on the 19th of March, St. Joseph's day. The second question regards the dinner. We have always done as in France because I did not see a change necessary and consequently did not ask dispensation.

The third question is why we are not godmothers though our Sisters are. When I was asked if Sister Celestine could be godmother, I answered that it could not be. I did not say that we could get the permission because it was not necessary that people of the world know all that passes between us and our superiors; furthermore, knowing the obligation that a godmother contracts between herself and her godson or daughter, I thought it would be better to refuse than to accept. If we are godmother for one child, soon we would be for several. Now you see what my sentiments are; you will do as you see fit. I shall always be happy to conform to your wishes in all things and everywhere.

The fourth question is about singing. You know you told us that it would be necessary for us to sing when there would be no choir. We have done so up to the present, except this last Sunday, when M. le Cure said to our Sisters that he would say a low Mass. I do not know why he told me such a thing.

The fifth is why is it difficult when it should be easy? I cannot imagine why he tells me these things: I must let our Sisters do all that they wish; for example, write to Him when they please, speak to him alone when they wish, rise, retire, pray, eat, work, when they are ready. Thus we will have no need of rules and we will be seculars and not religious.

The sixth question is why we do not fast. I answered that you had dispensed us and that I believe that it would be failing in obedience if we fasted.

There, Your Lordship, are several things that worry me. Please tell me what I should do. I find myself in a very sad situation, and as long as I shall be with Father Saulnier and the Sisters who are with me, I shall be in the same embarrassment. One would say they have made their vows to obey Father Saulnier and not their bishop, superior, and constitutions. Pardon me, Your Lordship, if I tire you. I am ready to do all that you wish me to do for the glory of God and my salvation. Arrange matters so that all that will end if it is the will of God.

I have written you concerning the profession of Sister St. John. Kindly tell me when you can come to examine her so that she may be put in retreat for several days. Your Lordship, if you can send us an extraordinary confessor, you will give me great pleasure.

Receive, Your Lordship, the humble respects of her who is with the highest consideration of Your Lordship.

The daughter humble and submissive

Sister M. Delphine Fontbonne

Translation from the French

Jewels from Jane, December 20

(To Mother Delphine Fontbonne)

20 Dec. 1838

My Sister in J.C.

I leave my breviary to tell you my sentiments on several matters; I believe that you do not do as I do, which is to loosen the bridle on all the horses that wish to run a little faster than they should run, but that run because they do not know what to do. It is very good, very well, to have the constitutions of your society kept. I approve of you in all that and I will ever and always be on your side. However, there is that which we must all do to all and for greater precaution. We must address ourselves in all things and everywhere to our superiors. Well, your superior is the Bishop; he is the same to me; you must, therefore, ask him exactly and precisely what I am going to say to you.

1st Why? The 3 January is St. Joseph, when it is the 19 March (in this country)
2nd Why? Dinner at 11 o'clock when in Cahokia it is at 12 o'clock?
3rd Why? The Sisters in Cahokia are godmothers when these of here are not?
4th Why? You do not sing when there is no one to sing?
5th Why? You make things difficult when they should be easy?
6th Why? Also in several of your constitutions you do not follow because you are in this country--as fasting and abstinence?

Therefore, Sister, I tell you for your conduct and for mine, since all is at the disposition of the Bishop according to your own constitutions, will you not consult and arrange and fix and determine once for good all these things and many others; the Bishop's answer will leave me in less disquietude. It is he who answers, not I, though I have faculties and powers from him:

Will it be the 19th of March for St. Joseph? Will dinner be at 11 or 12 o"clock? Will the Sisters be permitted to be godmothers? Will they be permitted to sing at High Mass when there is no one else to sing? Will it be permitted for you not to conform to your rules on occasion with good reason, even political, for the good of the house and other circumstances, as feasts of Saints? Will it be permitted on Saturdays and other days of fast to eat breakfast? What must be done? Ask and you will see and you will not confuse me and you will not give me a single worry as to the six whys.

Pray for the one who is your servant,

Edmund Saulnier [Pastor of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish]

Carondelet, Dec. 20, 1838

Copied from the original in the archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Sister Monica Corrigan on June 23, 1890.

Jewels from Jane, December 17

Carondelet, December 17, 1838

Right Reverend Joseph Rosati

Your Lordship:

You will pardon the liberty I take in writing to report to you that I had the votes taken for my dear Sister St. John [Fournier]; she received all of them, which gives me great pleasure. We ardently desire that if Your Lordship judges proper you come to receive her vows on the 27th of this month, which is her feast day.

Please, Your Lordship, honor us with an answer in order that we may prepare the Sister for the day you will designate.

If I am not being indiscreet, I beg Your Lordship to be kind enough to come and examine the Sister.

I have the honor to be with the highest consideration,

Your very humble and obedient daughter in J.C.

Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne]

Copied from the original in the archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Sister Monica Corrigan
Translation from the French

Today is also the day that Jeanne Fontbonne, Mother St. John, received the habit in 1778.

Jewels from Jane, Dec. 2

Carondelet, 2 December 1837

Monseigneur:

I have the honor of writing you to beg you to accept my most respectful homage and to ask if you judge it fitting for us to receive into our house a young person who has presented herself as an orphan, who has offered to do anything, even the most laborious, provided we teach her her catechism. She has not yet received her first Communion. We have let her come to class until I could speak to you, and I forgot about her the day we had the honor of your visit. This young person appears to have good sentiments. She desires even to remain with us entirely and to become a religious. She is still very young. She is only thirteen years old, and she is not instructed; but while waiting, we will examine her if you wish that we receive her.

Please do not forget in your prayers her who has the honor of being with the highest consideration, Monseigneur,

Your very humble and obedient servant,

Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne]

Letter to Bishop Rosati

Jewels from Jane,Oct.30

"On October 30, 1842, we lost our dear Sister Francis Joseph [Anne Eliza Dillon – age 22]. Well do I remember the rough box which the village carpenter made for her last couch, but which was transformed into a beautiful casket by the deft, ingenious hands of the heroic band of which she was a worthy member. I seem still to see the great tears that, silently and unheeded, fell on the black cloth, with each stroke of the hammer, as they prepared that lonely abode for the earthly remains of our beloved teacher. It was on a Sunday afternoon after Vespers that she was borne by the Sisters, followed closely by her white-haired, sorrow-stricken father and her youngest sister, to her last resting place, a sheltered, quiet spot, in the north east corner of the little cemetery near the village church [Sts Mary and Joseph]."

From the diary of Eliza McKenney Brouillet

(Student at St. Joseph's Academy from 1840-1846)

Sister Francis Joseph Dillon was the first American to enter the Congregation.

She was born in St. Charles, MO in 1820.

"She was the daughter of Patrick McAndrews Dillon, a wealthy Irish land-holder of St. Louis. Her mother died when she was a child, and together with a younger sister, she was placed with the Ladies of the Sacred Heart at their Academy in St. Louis, where she received an excellent education and acquired great fluency in French. It was here at school in 1836 that she met Sisters Delphine [Fontbonne] and Felicite [Boute], who during their first few months in America went to the Sacred Heart Convent for English lessons. The young girl was drawn irresistibly to the two Sisters...she was attracted by poverty; and on finishing her education, she gave up everything that she possessed of this world's goods, and with the reluctant consent of her father, went to Carondelet and asked for the poor habit of a Sister of Saint Joseph. This she received on January 3, 1838."

From The Congregation of St. Joseph of Carondelet by Sister Lucida Savage

Jewels from Jane, Oct. 7

"Amazed at the work in Philadelphia, the Bishop of Toronto, Right Reverend Armand Charbonnel, asked for Sisters and obtained them. His Lordship, on his return from Rome in the autumn of 1851, visited Bishop Kenrick in Philadelphia. While there, he met Mother Delphine whose aunt, Reverend Mother Saint John [Fontbonne], was well known to the Charbonnel family. The Bishop, esteeming the young kinswoman as a valiant woman and capable of undertaking a work which he had in mind, begged the good Bishop Kenrick to allow her, with three other Sisters, to come to his aid in Toronto, where they arrived on October 7, 1851.

"In a letter addressed to Father Denavit, director of the Grand Seminary of Lyons, Bishop Charbonnel said, with reference to the Sisters of Saint Joseph:

'I could make use of one hundred of them at once, if I had them. The Sisters are called to do immense good here. They give everything but absolution.' Mother Delphine went from Toronto to establish a mission in Hamilton. Returning to Toronto to assist in caring for the victims of a typhus epidemic, she contracted the disease and died a victim of her devotion on February 7, 1856."

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

Jewels from Jane, Sept. 9

"On September 9, [1837] after five days of heavy rain, as the Sisters [Celestine Pommerel and St. John Fournier who had just arrived from France] were preparing to leave Saint Louis to go to Carondelet, the Bishop said to them: 'I did not wish you to lose your fresh, pink cheeks.' He did not tell them that, if he kept them while the rain lasted, it was because, at Carondelet, he had to enlarge the very small house which at present had no roof.

"'The day of our arrival, the weather was beautiful,' said Sister Saint John. 'Our first care was to open the trunks and distribute the presents from France. Everybody was joyful, when suddenly, a down-pour of rain flooded our heads, our trunks and our books. Our books especially caused us anxiety.'

"'Our good Mother Delphine, having provided for our arrival, of which she now was beginning to despair, [they had been so long on the ocean] had rented near the garden a hut abandoned for three years by the owners. We hastened to go there, but made little progress, as the mud reached to our ankles. Some mattresses stretched on the floor would have permitted us to have a little rest, if we had not had for our companions, rats, mice, and parasites of all kinds, which, without fear if not without reproaches, ran over our beds. At last, the roof was put on the house, the hut was emptied and the plague ended, as does everything here below.'

"The next week, the Bishop brought the first deaf-mute. The poor child became blind a few years later and died insane at the age of twenty."

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

Jewels from Jane, May 5

Carondelet May 5, 1839

Your Blessing

Monsignor

Having learned that you leave tomorrow, I hasten to write you, in order to ask if you judge it appropriate if we would make our retreat which is indicated for our institution from the Ascension to Pentecost, or if you prefer that we delay it until our vacation time that the gentlemen of the corporation will give us from July 15 to August 15, when we will be a little more free. I leave everything to your will and we shall do as you desire. We will appreciate your answer and the honor of a visit from you as soon as possible. We would like, all of us, to see you, and our little dumb girls do not desire it less than we. Everyday they look in the direction of St. Louis hoping to see you coming. Waiting for this honor, I pray you to accept my respect and I am

Your humble and obedient daughter,

Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne]

Letter to Bishop Rosati

Translated from the French

In reference to the "gentlemen of the corporation" Sister Lucida Savage has this to say in her book, The Congregation of St. Joseph of Carondelet:

"The state school [for the deaf] did not become a reality until 1847; but on February 13, 1839, an appropriation of two thousand dollars was granted by the legislature 'for the annual tuition of such deaf and dumb children now or hereafter received in the deaf and dumb asylum at the town of Carondelet in the county of St. Louis.' This fund, which did not become available until the end of 1839, was to be administered pro rata, for such pupils only as were residents of Missouri and after they had spent six months in school. Only three of the mutes who were in the convent at this time belonged to the State, Emily Johnson, and Mary Musdach of St. Louis, and Teresa Bernard of Florisssant. A fourth, Mary Jane Hurley, was an orphan, dependent on the charity of the Sisters.

"Before any part of the appropriation materialized, financial assistance came from another quarter, and with it a practical recognition of the services which the Sisters were rendering to the village. For two years they had been teaching almost gratuitously all the children who came to them. This number did not at any time exceed thirty-eight, exclusive of mutes and orphans. Early in April, the school commissioners, Messers N. Paupe and Joseph Le Blond, called at the convent and made an agreement with the Sisters which was unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees at their meeting on April 23. This agreement stipulated for a salary to be paid the Sisters 'by the Corporation of Carondelet to educate in the ordinary branches of the English and French languages the female children of the town of Carondelet, from six to eighteen years old.'

"The salary so opportunely offered seemed a fortune to the struggling community, as indeed it must have been, with markets providing eggs three for a penny, butter six cents a pound and other commodities in proportion. Besides, their own carefully tended garden was a summer-long source of supply; and an orchard of six pear trees, planted by the pioneers in 1836 and dedicated with mock ceremony to themselves--a tree to each--was beginning to bear the luscious fruit which it continued to produce for over fifty years. [The last of these trees was destroyed by a storm in the summer of 1889.] Had they been worldly wise they would have followed the suggestion of a practical-minded Sister and opened a bank account; but theirs was the wisdom of the Gospel, and their surplus capital was invested in small luxuries for the poor and sick whom they met on their daily rounds of charity."

Jewels from Jane, May 5

Carondelet May 5, 1839

Your Blessing

Monsignor

Having learned that you leave tomorrow, I hasten to write you, in order to ask if you judge it appropriate if we would make our retreat which is indicated for our institutuion from the Ascension to Pentecost, or if you prefer that we delay it until our vacation time that the gentlemen of the corporation will give us from July 15 to August 15, when we will be a little more free. I leave everything to your will and we shall do as you desire. We will appreciate your answer and the honor of a visit from you as soon as possible. We would like, all of us, to see you, and our little dumb girls do not desire it less than we. Everyday they look in the direction of St. Louis hoping to see you coming. Waiting for this honor, I pray you to accept my respect and I am

Your humble and obedient daughter,

Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne]

Letter to Bishop Rosati

Translated from the French

In reference to the "gentlemen of the corporation" Sister Lucida Savage has this to say in her book, The Congregation of St. Joseph of Carondelet:

"The state school [for the deaf] did not become a reality until 1847; but on February 13, 1839, an appropriation of two thousand dollars was granted by the legislature 'for the annual tuition of such deaf and dumb children now or hereafter received in the deaf and dumb asylum at the town of Carondelet in the county of St. Louis.' This fund, which did not become available until the end of 1839, was to be administered pro rata, for such pupils only as were residents of Missouri and after they had spent six months in school. Only three of the mutes who were in the convent at this time belonged to the State, Emily Johnson, and Mary Musdach of St. Louis, and Teresa Bernard of Florissasnt. A fourth, Mary Jane Hurley, was an orphan, dependent on the charity of the Sisters.

"Before any part of the appropriation materialized, financial assistance came from another quarter, and with it a practical recognition of the services which the Sisters were rendering to the village. For two years they had been teaching almost gratuitously all the children who came to them. This number did not at any time exceed thirty-eight, exclusive of mutes and orphans. Early in April, the school commissioners, Messers N. Paupe and Joseph Le Blond, called at the convent and made an agreement with the Sisters which was unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees at their meeting on April 23. This agreement stipulated for a salary to be paid the Sisters 'by the Corporation of Carondelet to educate in the ordinary branches of the English and French languages the female children of the town of Carondelet, from six to eighteen years old.'

"The salary so opportunely offered seemed a fortune to the struggling community, as indeed it must have been, with markets providing eggs three for a penny, butter six cents a pound and other commodities in proportion. Besides, their own carefully tended garden was a summer-long source of supply; and an orchard of six pears trees, planted by the pioneers in 1836 and dedicated with mock ceremony to themselves--a tree to each--was beginning to bear the luscious fruit which it continued to produce for over fifty years. [The last of these trees was destroyed by a storm in the summer of 1889.] Had they been worldly wise they would have followed the suggestion of a practical-minded Sister and opened a bank account; but theirs was the wisdom of the Gospel, and their surplus capital was invested in small luxuries for the poor and sick whom they met on their daily rounds of charity."

Jewels from Jane, Mar. 25

"At last they arrived in St. Louis, the Episcopal City of Bishop Rosati, March 25, 1836.

"When they arrived the Bishop was in hope that he been in time to say Mass but it was too late. They go first to the Cathedral to thank God for their happy voyage. Then the Bishop send them to the Sisters of St. Vincent Hospital. The Sisters put them in little house that they had on Third Street in the end of their garden. Some time Bishop come to say Mass in Sisters Chapel and all the Sisters of St. Joseph went with them. But during the Holy Week the Sisters go to the Cathedral to attend at the ceremonies.

"They had the visit of Father and some priest. They try to see who could pronounce best the English.

"A holy priest, Father Doutreluigne, CM, Parish priest in Cahokia 3 miles [across the river in Illinois] from St. Louis, ardently desire to have Sisters of St. Joseph's instruct the children of this parish, compose in great part of Canadian. During two years this good priest eat only corn bread and often deprive himself of nourishment that he might found an establishment that could assist him in his holy ministry. The Bishop Rosati touch [through] his zeal and charity decide to give him the Sisters.

"Then he select Mother Febronie Fontbonne that was nominate our Superieuress in Lyons was to continue and go to Cahokia. Sister Mary Febronie Chapellon and Sister St. Protais Deboille would go to Cahokia. Sister M. Delphine Fontbonne, Sister Felicity Boute and Sister Philomene Devilaine would remain in St. Louis to learn English.

"The day of the depart had arrived. All started from St. Louis; His Lordship accompany his Dear Daughters in Cahokia. When they had cross the Mississippi they find number of people that had come from Cahokia with their little carts. They were waiting on shore, then every one go on carts and started in woods. They arrived about at noon. Their first visit was in Church [still standing today] to adore Our Lord in blessed Sacrament. When they had their dinner in priest house, the Priest had only two rooms, one for himself, the other his housekeeper and family, and for the cooking they had a little passage between. They had nice corn bread -- some like it very much and some not like it. After dinner the Bishop and Father Fontbonne went to the convent to fix the cooking stove.

"The population of Cahokia speak a kind of French Canadian, less difficult to comprehend and to learn than the English. They were all so glad and happy to receive the Sisters and with joy they prove for what they think they need.

"One day a Lady send to them a large bowl of pottage of rice gombeau [gumbo] and chicken. They put it on Sisters table. But looking at it they said we could not eat for it was Friday. They told it to the Lady, who said that it had no meat, she had only boiled the chicken in it. They had grand laugh at her simplicity.

"Madame Turgon, a rich lady, had built for the Sisters a pretty nice Chapel close to the Convent, and the Sisters could decorate it with the ornaments that they brought from France.

"Immediately they open their School they had great number of children, and [so many] boarders that they were oblige to enlarge the house.

"Those brave Canadiens love that French establishment and the sound of the Convent bell of the little Chapel of the Sisters on the shore of Mississippi, and on the borders of the great forest that surround them had indefinite charm.

"They venerated the Sisters as saints and charitable country women [who] come from the same Mother as their Catholic France to have care of their sick, their poor, their children. For them they think of them as their Mothers.

"But the Father Doutreluingue had not the pleasure to enjoy the fruits of his labor and sacrifice for he had purchased the house and pay for it from his one privation [need] and economy.

"He was commanded by his Superior Father Timan to go home. The Sisters feel it very much and were very much afflicted to be deprived of so good benefactor for he had given them the house and the field.

"Bishop Rosati send them a young French priest Father Condamine in the month of August. He fell sick with bilious fever. He was on point of death. Then it happen that Father Doutreluingue was traveling pass in Cahokia, find the priest so sick, remain with him, had care of him until he die, give him the last sacraments and sing High Mass and perform the funeral service. He is bury in Church yard near the Church.

"The Sisters were very thankful to God to have sent the good Father Doutreluingue to assist Father Condamine. Some of the Sisters had been very sick already, they were [a] little better but they would not let them go to Mass and funeral.

"Madame Jarrot and family were good benefactor to the Sisters. If they had need of some things the Sisters go to them as they would go to their own Father.

"Madame Boismenu and family were also very good to the Sisters. They often bring chickens and other things that they think the Sisters would like to have. For long time they had not need to buy anything to eat.

"Bishop Rosati send Father Loisel to Cahokia. He was from St. Louis. His mother and sisters were living in St. Louis. He remain until the high water of 1844.

"As the Sisters were sick, Sister Philomine had to come from St. Louis to Cahokia to take care of them but one could not be cure[d].”

From the handwritten journal of Sister St. Protais Deboille

She never mastered the English language very well.