Jewels from Jane, Oct. 31

St. Joseph Male Orphan Asylum
October 31st 1880 (?)
St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Rev. Mother Agatha [Guthrie],

This is just a mere sketch of what I would like to relate to you about the past years of my religious life.
Sr. M. Aloysius [Fitzsimmons]

"Sister M. Aloysius Fitzsimmons was received by Rev. Mother Celestine [Pommerel] in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Carondelet, Mo. in the first branch of the order in America, March 17th, 1839. The same year July 2nd received the Holy Habit of the order from Rev. Father Ven Bon in the humble log house where I spent so many happy days. My companion, Mary Kelley [Nally?], in religion Sr. M. Francis. There were with me in the novitiate Sr. Mary Joseph Dillon, Sr. Antoinette [Kincaid], Sr. Adel...

"Mother St. John [Founier] was the first superioress in St. Louis, she had charge of the colored school [opened Feb. 5, 1845 on Third and Poplar Streets]. The sisters that were there were Sr. M. Protia [St. Protais Deboille], Sr. M. Joseph, Sr. M. Antoinette, Sr. Teresa [Struckhoff], & Sr. Aloysius had her turn there, we then got the asylum & was paid by the Archbishop. After 4 years hard work, Mother St. John went to Philadelpia."


Handwritten note in Motherhouse file

Jewels from Jane, August 12

"Cahokia, as well as Carondelet, had its joys and consolations. In 1838, a stone chapel was built. The countess had supplied part of the money, a rich woman of the country gave the rest and Mother Saint John [Fontbonne] sent, God knows with what joy, stations of the cross, candlesticks, candelabra, ornaments, flowers and a bell made in Lyons. On August 12 of that year, Bishop Rosati blessed the bell and the chapel. The same day, Sister Saint Protais made her vows.

"The good Canadians were delighted because they loved their 'Abbey,' and the peal of the Catholic bell on the river bank and the edges of the forest had a great charm for them. The Sisters were saints who had come from France to teach their children, to help their poor and to assist their sick. They venerated and loved them as their mothers.

"From Switzerland the countess wrote: 'On what are you living? Is your health good? Answer me quickly because I wish to send you a package. Tell me the things you need. Give me details of your establishments, of the good they do and the resources you have.' She gave them information about the convents of Touraine, Vendee and other cities.

"Mother Saint John, from afar, sustained her dear, generous missionaries by most encouraging exhortations: 'All here recalls to me the memory of my well-loved children; and I still meet you in all the places where I saw you so many times. It seems to me, that it is a century since I have heard from you, and I do not know how you are. The affection I have for you does not permit me to remain waiting any longer; for the distance which separates us, far from lessening my affection, makes it only more intense and tender. If the ocean separates us, eternity will unite us. I cannot express to you perfectly the joy I experience in this thought. Eternity will unite us, gives me consolation. What joy on our first meeting in Heaven. We will then be united, never more to be separated. Write to me at the first chance. Give me details of all you do or suffer. Pour into the heart of a Mother, who loves you tenderly, your sorrow, your cares and your joys, if you have any. I will share all. Do not let me think that America makes you forget your old Mother, who embraces you all in Our Lord Jesus Christ. In whatever part of this world we may be, we are never exiled, never far from the eyes of our Heavenly Father. In Europe, as well as in America, He is everywhere witness of our works and struggles. When I think that you are separated from me in another world, I am consoled by the thought that we are all united in the bosom of God. My entire wish is that you be saints, and that your communities be regular and edifying. I implore God to pour down upon you His choicest blessings and to assist you always with His grace.'

"In the American communities, each word of these precious letters was received with religious respect; and the ocean only apparently separated the Mother from her daughters. Her daughers found the venerable Mother's heart in her letters and in all the little packages she sent them from France--money, pictures, crucifixes, rosaries and medals for the pupils, the novices and their relatives. Since her daughters had left Lyons, in spite of her great age, she multiplied her visits to Fourviere. She used to say: 'I must bring my children's needs to the Blessed Virgin.' The following words express the value the Sisters placed on her motherly interest: 'Her prayers have been a gentle, fruitful rain on our American mustard seed, as her example, virtue and advice have been for us a torch and a rule of perfection.'"

"...the Mississippi was a bad neighbor for the convent of Cahokia and for the inhabitants of the country. Without considering the harm it might do to the people of its vicinity, it suddenly overflowed its banks and flooded the country. Mother Febronia had warnings of this danger on several occasions and was forced to seek refuge with the Sisters in Carondelet. When the waters subsided, the Sisters returned to their plague-stricken neighborhood, which they found ravaged by fever, the aftermath of the flood.

"In 1839, Mother Febronia was so seriously ill that Mother Delphine asked to be relieved from her duties in Carondelet that she might take care of her. She spent almost a year in Cahokia and left it to go to Saint Louis, where His Lordship confided to her the direction of the schools.

"Floods again visited the ill-fated Cahokia, compelling the entire population to flee. The Sisters, entrapped in their convent, saw the waters reach the first floor and continue to rise. Death seemed inevitable when suddenly a boat, sailing over the fields, the palisades and the enclosures, approached the convent. A plank, thrown from the boat to the window, served as a footbridge. The Sisters were saved. Once again Carondelet was a refuge.

"As a result of this flood and of the fevers that followed in its train, Cahokia was completely depopulated and the mission was abandoned. Mother Febronia contracted an illness from which she suffered so intensely that she and her namesake, Sister Febronia, who was also in poor health, were ordered by the doctors to return to France."

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, April 14

Carondelet, April 14, 1836

Monsignor

Since Thursday the fifth I was not able to go to St. Louis despite the desire I had to go there. Last week I would have gone to St. Louis if I had not known that the priests had agreed to come Thursday and Friday, etc., and that week, starting Monday after dinner up to the present date I was affected by a rigidity ...[in] the bottom of the spine, going from left to right so badly that I was not able to sit or stand. However, today, the thirteenth day, I am beginning to move freely. I learned that the Sisters of St. Joseph were in St. Louis, the ones proposed for Carondelet, and I know also that the orphan children will pass the summer here. Would it not be permitted that one or two Sisters of Charity and the three of St. Joseph could be here with the orphan children and the three of St. Joseph could learn the English language with the Sisters of Charity. All of them performing acts of charity for themselves, the people of the village and for the orphans.

You know, Monsignor, that my intention from the beginning of my stay in Carondelet was to have some charitable persons on the ground occupied by the reformed Sisters of St. Vincent and that titles are not important to me, provided that the charity is done, that they be patient, that they are contented with the little that God sends us and they do not indulge in illusions and dreams.

I am with the greatest respect your humble servant,

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

Letter of Fr. Saulnier to Bishop Rosati

Translated from the French

When the Sisters arrived in September to take up residence in the log cabin vacated by the Sisters of Charity

"Beside their personal effects and some bedding, they brought little with them on the long drive from St. Louis to Carondelet, which they reached late in the afternoon. The pastor, Father Edmund Saulnier, shared with them his supper of bread and cheese, spread on a bare table, and conducted them to the convent. It faced the river, and from the front door a passage-way extended between two rooms each fifteen by twenty-four feet. An attic was reached by a ladder from the outside. Two sheds, one containing a single large room which had served as a boys' classroom, and the other used for store-room and kitchen, completed the convent buildings. With the exception of one cot, a table and a few chairs, the rooms were destitute of furniture. Two ticks, which the Sisters filled with straw and laid on the floor, provided them with beds, and the cot they reserved for Sister Saint Protais, who joined them a few days later. Father Saulnier, a good but eccentric man, accustomed to the privations of missionary life, frankly informed them that he was poor, too, and that they must provide for themselves. Kindhearted, however, in spite of his gruffness, he frequently sent them whatever he could spare from his own scanty store."

from Sister Lucida Savage's book: The Congregation of St. Joseph of Carondelet

Jewels from Jane, March 5

The six sisters who left France in 1836 have been on the ocean for 49 days.

Now they will start up the Mississippi River on the George Collier.

March 5-March 24, 1836

"Before they arrived on the Gulf of Mexico the vessel [The Natchez] was taken by violent storm that the ship was must [almost] submerge and after it was so foggy and the mist was so thick that they could see nothing. But in middle of all trials Father Fontbonne encourage and support so well the little community that he was the Director. That the sweet calm resignation and patience of the Sisters, their serene modesty, their faith and their confidence in God and their charity towards the passengers made them [esteemed] and revered by equipage [crew].

"They had to wait until the steamer come to bring the ship on Mississippi. When they had been a day on Mississippi the boiler of the steamer burnt out. They hear the crack and noise; everyone came out to see what it was; everyone was very much frighting [frightened]. There was only a man thrown in Mississippi. They never see him again. He had charge of the fire; few minutes before he was speaking with Father Fontbonne saying to him that it was his last voyage, that his wife all time tell him not go for she not like him to expose himself [to the danger of drowning].

"When they arrived in New Orleans they were so glad, but Father Fontbonne would not let [them] come out until he had see the Bishop. He came back with a carriage to take the Sisters to the Ursuline Nuns where Bishop Blanc and Bishop Rosati come to see them.

"Most Rev. Anthony Blanc, first bishop of New Orleans, was consatrete [consecrated] November 22, 1835 and Bishop Rosati and Father Timen, C.M., Supr., had come for the consecration and had pass the winter. Were waiting for the Sisters -- they remain some days with the Ursulines to take little repose after the fatigue of so long voyage. The Ursulines not like to see the Sisters with their habit as they had been in ship. They said that people would think that some Nuns had escape from the convent. Before they could go in City they had to put on a cape and mourning veil. They had to go on the Mississippi in same way. The Sisters do not like it very much because they had [worn] their habit all the time, only one night in stage they put night cap [on] and they came from the diligence [stage-coach] with it, walk on the streets of Paris to go to the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. It was grand sight to look at them. The Sisters of St. Vincent laugh at them and make them quick to change. They were look like beggars.

"The Sisters were very kindly received by the religious Ursulines. They remain some days with them, visit the Cathedral, The Hospital of the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul.

"And it was very pleasant for the grass was green. They go to take little walk in Sisters field and sit down under the trees, make their lecture, prayers and meditation and their recreation.

"When everything was ready the little caravan conducted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosati, Father Fontbonne and Father Timon, they ascended the Mississippi. They remain [take] eleven days to come to St. Louis. Then good Father Timon come some time bring to them some things new to eat. When the steamer stop, great merry little Nigros [negroes] come on the bank of Mississippi to see us.

"This great and admirable charity that the Sisters received from everyone make us remember the first Christians that, when the Pagans see them, said -- look at these Christians how they love one another.

From the handwritten journal of Sister St. Protais Deboille.

She never mastered the English language very well

Jewels from Jane, January 17

Today, January 17, 1836:

"The little brave company confided themselves without fear to the waves of the ocean January 17, St. Anthony Feast, 1836 in the morning. They all go to Chapel of Our Lady the Star of the Sea. Father Fontbonne celebrate the Holy Mass and all the Sisters go to holy communion. They come back, take breakfast, thank Madame Dodard for her kindness. She give them a big jar of jelly, a bottle of liqueur she had, fraid that we be sick on the ocean.

"The traverse was long, dangerous and painful. They remain 49 days on the ocean. Some were very sick but others were able to wait on the sick.

"We had some nice people on board; some children, three young men that had finished their study in Paris for Doctor were going home. They said to a Seminarist (Seminarian) that was with us that if he would take the medicine that they would give to him he would not be sick. He took it. It made him so sick that he was almost dead. The Sisters had to take care of him. He got better.

"When the weather was good they go on deck, there they say their prayers, lecture and meditation, and also take their recreation.

"Sometimes the sea was magnificent with the billows of waves dashing on the deck as if the vessel [The Natchez] was going down in the abyss. Then during the tempest some big monsters of fishes were swimming around the vessel. Once a Sister say that she could not live without her Mass prayer book. Then the Supr. Say - Why Sister, could you not live without your missal? She answer - No Mother. Then she said - give it to me. It was pretty old. She took it, put fire on, burn the book, throw the ashes in the ocean. The Sister feel pretty bad....The others say to the Sister - now you must use some other books. But when Father Fontbonne heard it he go down and bring a nice prayer book to the Sister - a grand new one. You may think how the Sister was glad to receive it.

"They begin the Lent on the ocean and for some it was the first time they were oblige to fast. They had permission to eat meat but it was no need because they had plenty other things to eat. The Captain was very good to them. When passing near some Island he bring them some bananas, oranges and other fruit, he bring it on the deck for them to eat.”

From Sister St. Protais Deboille's manuscript. She never mastered the English language very well.

Jewels from Jane, January 6

On this date, January 6, 1836:

"The Sisters took the stage-coach to Le Havre from where they were to embark on their voyage to America. The little Colony went to the parish priest and he sent them to a rich lady who was expect them. They remain 11 days with her, waiting for the vessel that had to transport them in America be ready. Madame Dodard gave them hospitality - she was a pious widow and consecrated all her fortune to harbour bishops, priests and religious that dedicated themselves for mission. She received with motherly affection the Daughters of Mother St. John."

Based on Sister St. Protais Deboille's manuscript. She never mastered the English language very well. References to the sisters include herself even though she usually refers to the sisters as "they."

Jewels from Jane, January 4

From the handwritten journal of Sister St. Protais Deboille

(She never mastered the English language very well.)

"On 4 January 1836 early in morning they went at Fourviere before they depart for America. The little brave and valiant Colony [group of sisters] descended the Hill of Chartreux. At some little distance, the last contour or crescent, they turn to take the last glance of the convent.

"From the Hill of the Chartreux the Colony go to the Hill of Fourviere. They wish, as the Colony of Bordeaux, to consacret [consecrate] themselves and to pray her to bless the mission that they go to establish.

"Revd. Mother St. John had preceded her daughters. They find their Mother prostrated at the foot of the altar praying our blessed Lady to give her benediction to the Sisters and to be for them the Star of the Sea.

"Father Fontbonne offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Notre Dame of Fourviere and all the Sisters received the Holy Communion, Mother St. John uniting herself to her dear holy Nephew. The venerable aunt renew her wishes for him and his sisters. Their companions did the same, all hoping to be blessed by our Lady of Fourviere preparing themselves to the last adieu.

"When come down they had a modest breakfast at the Sisters of Apothecary of dispensary on Tupin Street to mitigate Mother St. John sorrow. The Superior of the dispensary procures with dexterity a conversation of a moment with a priest and the Superioress General during this time. The little Caravane [caravan] coming out furtively to take the diligence [stage coach] for Paris. But what was their astonishment to see their Revd. Mother who had come to the diligence to say a last adieu and to have a glance more of her dear children.

"When they were leaving Lyons some turn. Soon the departure was accomplish back, crying and saying "Adieu city, we will see you no more", but one sister told others "Do not cry, we are going to take a little ride." The excellente Mother Josephine present herself alone to Mother St. John and filial and devote [devout] heart knew to pour on the heart of her Superior the sweet and consoling balsam of religion. These two hearts worthy of one of the other they unite themselves to bless the Lord, mixing their tears and their affliction to their maternal and filial compassion. From this day the Revd. Mother redouble her pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fourviere to recommend her beloved children of the new world.

“The Sisters arrived in Paris, remain little time with the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. They visit Our Lady of Victory church, some asylum, Hotel Dieu and Stephen of Grais. They could not enter in the Magdelaine, they were fix[ing] it.”

Jewels from Jane, January 3

On this date, January 3, 1836 the sisters who were to come to America were preparing to leave Lyon. From Sister St. Protais Deboille's handwritten journal we read:

"The third of January we went at Archbishop palace to ask the benediction of Archbishop Monsigneur of Pins who had the administration of the Diocese. Cardinal Fesch, uncle of Napoleon, was exiled in Rome. He gave us feu advice.

"Father Fontbonne was with us and present[ed] us to the Archbishop. After we arrived to the community they [from here the references to the sisters includes herself even though she usually refers to the sisters as 'they'] pay visit to the parish priest and they had supper in Revd. [Reverend] Mother St. John room."