Carondelet, December 19, 1837
Monseigneur:
Be kind enough to excuse and pardon the liberty I take in writing to beg you kindly to grant the desire of Miss Dillon [Sister Mary Francis Joseph] and give her the religious habit on January 3, as you promised. She desires it with much ardor. She has the disposition for the religious life. She has edified us during the little while she has lived with us. That is why I do not fear that she be given the habit and admitted to our Congregation. That, Monseigneur, is what my duty urges me to tell you now. I leave all to you as you judge fitting.
There is also Sister Philomene [Vilaine], who has finished her novitiate, that is, has had the habit for two years. She desires very much to make her vows. I can put no obstacle in her way, judging by her conduct during her time of trial. I know well enough her good will, disposition, and great devotion. I leave all to your decision.
We have received the prospectus which you had the kindness to send us. We cannot express our gratitude for all your kindness in our regard. Please receive our thanks and do not forget in your prayers her who has the honor of being, with the highest consideration, Monseigneur,
Your humble servant,
Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne, niece of Mother St. John Fontbonne]
Monseigneur:
Be kind enough to excuse and pardon the liberty I take in writing to beg you kindly to grant the desire of Miss Dillon [Sister Mary Francis Joseph] and give her the religious habit on January 3, as you promised. She desires it with much ardor. She has the disposition for the religious life. She has edified us during the little while she has lived with us. That is why I do not fear that she be given the habit and admitted to our Congregation. That, Monseigneur, is what my duty urges me to tell you now. I leave all to you as you judge fitting.
There is also Sister Philomene [Vilaine], who has finished her novitiate, that is, has had the habit for two years. She desires very much to make her vows. I can put no obstacle in her way, judging by her conduct during her time of trial. I know well enough her good will, disposition, and great devotion. I leave all to your decision.
We have received the prospectus which you had the kindness to send us. We cannot express our gratitude for all your kindness in our regard. Please receive our thanks and do not forget in your prayers her who has the honor of being, with the highest consideration, Monseigneur,
Your humble servant,
Sister Marie Delphine [Fontbonne, niece of Mother St. John Fontbonne]
Letter to Bishop Rosati
Translated from the French
Sister Francis Joseph Dillon received the habit on January 3, 1838. She died on Oct. 30, 1842 at the age of 22.
Sister Philomene Vilaine came to the United States as a novice with the first group of pioneer sisters in 1836, having received the habit the day before the departure.
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