USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Oldenburg > Historical sketch of the Convent and Academy of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana : and of the work of their community in the United States > Part 4
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much lamented artist, John Schmidt, Covington, Kentucky.
"O, twenty-five years full of labor and care, Yet happy and beautiful, gracious and fair ! Now wreathed in the Jubilee's silvery crown, With blessings much greater than wealth and renown!
"The obstacles conquered, the victory won, And yet still the noontide of life scarcely gone. God bless thee, and grant thee a ripe age's gold, With joys and with triumphs thy life to enfold !"
In 1863, the number of pupils at the Oldenburg Academy had increased to such an extent, that a plan long before conceived had to be executed- that of erecting a separate Academy building. Work was begun at once and vigorously prose- cuted; and in October the buikling was ready for occupancy. The Rev. Founder well knew that even this large building would, in a short time, prove too small, but the funds were exhausted, and the needs of other houses counselled wise economy.
The increase of pupils at Holy Trinity's School, St. Louis, made an addition to the grounds impera- tive, and an adjoining lot was purchased for the sum of six hundred dollars.
The Community was now able to hire men for the farm work, therefore an additional tract of land was bought at Oldenburg, comprising forty acres.
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Its cultivation resulted in sufficient produce for the Community.
The years of this decade are almost cloudless. True, the cloud of war then hung over the land, and even the retired Community of Oldenburg heard rumors of dangers and anxieties, but these did not interfere with the regular routine of life in Convent or school. Frequently, visitors called at the rural solitude to assist at Convent celebrations or Academy exercises, and carried away with them impressions which resulted in spreading the Com- munity's reputation.
The professions of this year were: March 25th. Sisters Julia, Mathilda and Bonaventura ; June 27th, Sister Delphina: August 25th, Sister Crescentia ; September 8th, Sister Barbara; December 30th, Sisters Blanche, Lucia and Amata. The novice, Sister Scholastica, died July 26th, same year.
CHAPTER IV.
New Trials .- Acceptance of New Schools .-- Increase of Pupils at St. Mary's School, Indianapolis .- Addition of an Academic Department.
DIE placid course of events was, however, des- tined to be interrupted in 1864. Knowing well that God visits with trials and sufferings more fre- quently those whom He loves best, the Sisters bowed to the visitations of God, accepting them not only in the spirit of resignation. but also as an evidence of His growing love and favor.
In February of this year, the dread scourge of small-pox appeared among the pupils. Three of them, and three Sisters were attacked in the most violent form. Mother Antonia took upon herself the care of the stricken, ministering to them with more than maternal tenderness, and all recovered. As a precaution, the Academy pupils, all but ten who preferred to remain, had been dismissed and classes were discontinued until April.
The commencement exercises took place as usual at the end of June, and the Community's success in the Academic Department was, indeed,
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a source of gratification, but in no wise resulted to the detriment of the parochial schools. On the contrary, applications were constantly made to the Sisters for the acceptance of new schools. About this time, the Right Rev. A. Carrell, Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, urged the Sisters to accept the school at Ashland, Kentucky, but insurmount- able obstacles hindered the progress of the new mission and they were obliged to withdraw to the mutual regret of the Bishop and the Sisters. In their own State of Indiana, however, the Sisters took charge of a number of schools.
In the Fall, 1864, the Rev. S. Sigrist, of Indian- apolis, desired Sisters for the girls' school of his parish, St. Mary's. Two were sent, and opened the classes with sixty-three pupils, which number in a short time increased to one hundred and twenty- five, and a decade later had attained that of four hundred and sixty. Since then, however, a number of new parishes with schools were organized in the city, and a slight decrease in the attendance at St. Mary's school is noticeable.
In the beginning of 1883, the Sisters at Indianap- olis opened an academic class, and the number of its pupils averages between thirty and forty. The commercial branches, drawing, painting, needle- work, etc., are successfully taught, and the depart- ment of music alone, numbers about fifty pupils.
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During the same year, 1864, the Sisters responded to an invitation extended to them by Rev. J. B. Seepe, and took charge of St. Andrew's school at Richmond, Indiana. Two Sisters opened the school there with one hundred and sixty pupils. At present seven teachers are employed, and they have besides a flourishing music class of thirty- seven pupils.
The following Sisters made their profession in the course of this year: Sisters Hildegard and Emerentina, May 3rd, 1864; Sisters Isabella, Dom- inica, Seraphine, Eleonora, Sophia, Philomena, Augustina and Coletta, August 25th; Sisters Teresa and Florentine, December 20th, at St. Louis.
This year was a sad one for the Community. Six of the most promising members were called to their reward-they are: Sisters Rose, Lucy, Brigitta, Regina, Francisca and Delphina.
Up to this period, the Sisters had faithfully continued in the holy exercise of perpetual adora- tion by night and by day, regardless of the inclem- ency of the season. The Right Rev. Bishop, alarmed by the increased number of deaths, prohibited, to the great distress of the Sisters, nightly vigils before the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration was kept up during the day with una- bated fervor.
CHAPTER V.
Extension of the Academy Building .- St. Ann's Oratory .- More Schools Accepted .- A House Built in Indianapolis.
HE reputation of the Oldenburg Convent as a seat of learning, refinement and piety was now established, and with it, confidence in its stability, which an ever increasing number of pupils secured. The foundation of its religious spirit had been laid on the basis of Christian virtues, possessed in no mean degree by those heroic souls who stand as beacon lights in the haze that now envelops its early morning.
In the trials of life, which came to them as they come to all, Mother Antonia had recourse to her usual help in difficulties, prayer, long and fervent. In 1865, the dreaded disease of small-pox again broke out among the pupils. Three of them and two Sisters were attacked, but this time the malady appeared in a milder form. But few of the pupils left at their parents' request, and the classes were continued. The number of pupils had reached one
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ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, INDIANAPOLIS, IND. Donor: Miss M. Miner.
ART ROOM OF ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
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SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS, OLDENBURG, IND.
hundred and seventeen, and the Academy building now proved inadequate for the accommodation of the pupils. In consequence an addition was built, corresponding in size and form with the old build- ing. It was completed in November. One of its rooms was arranged as an Oratory for the pupils. Two of these, both bearing the name of Elizabeth, claimed the privilege of furnishing it. They are still living, and are ladies of distinction. The Oratory was dedicated to St. Ann, the model of Christian teachers.
Sweet happy spot, where holy peace forever Like a pure spirit broods with folded wings, Where virtue's radiant, ever-blooming flowers Are watched by Religion's crystal springs; Thon seemest in thy calm and quiet beauty From earth's wild strifes and sins and sorrows free; Thou reignest throned amid thy broad green woodlands A peaceful island in an emerald sea. And to my heart thon wilt be linked forever.
Apart from all the gay world's gilded pleasures, Brave, patient souls within thy walls abide, Walking in toil and prayer and self-denial The lowly pathway of the Crucified ; And many a young heart nurtured by their kindness, Will think of them and thee when distant far, And look back to thy altar-lamp's pale shining, As once the shepherds looked to Bethlehem's star.
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Some of youth's brightest, happiest days have glided In thy still shades, like streams of sunshine, by : And to the heart thou wilt be linked forever By memories that cannot fade or die. The silent prayers, hopes and consolations,.
The precious lessons, and the words of cheer In hours of trial, when all around seemed dark, Have sanctified this spot and made it dear.
In the fall of 1865, the Sisters took charge of the school at Lanesville, Indiana, at the request of Rev. A. Munschina.
At Indianapolis, the increasing number of pupils necessitated the building of a large house for their and the Sisters' accommodation. The congregation contributed one thousand dollars towards its erection.
In the course of the year, Sisters Melania, Veronica, Balbina, Victoria, Felicitas, Perpetua, Alphonsa, Helena and Clementina, took their vows Angust 12th; Sisters Beatrice and Anastasia, August 25th. Sister Augustina died at Newport, Ky., October 22nd; Sister Maria died as novice in July, at the Mother-house.
CHAPTER VI.
Father Rudolf's Death.
" "Tis hard to break the tender cord, When love has bound the heart; "Tis hard to speak the farewell word, '( Christian soul, depart?' "
BHIE year 1866 was a fatal one for the Com- munity. Its noble Founder, good Father Ru- dolf, had been in ill health since the end of 1865. He was suffering from a severe cold, and his strength was visibly failing. He continued, however, to discharge his duties faithfully, regardless of cir- cumstances. His energetic will power struggled against the frequent fainting spells, induced by extreme debility, but to no avail. "It is better that I prepare for death," he remarked when the Sisters insisted on calling a physician; "for death there is no remedy."
Father Rudolf preached his last sermon on Good Friday, 1866. The following days he spent almost entirely at the foot of the altar. Notwith- standing his great weakness, he repaired to one of his neighboring missions, Morris, for divine service on Easter morning. After this he returned to Oldenburg for solemn High Mass, at the close of
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which he blessed two statues, one of St. Ann, the other, of St. Elizabeth. On the Sunday after Easter he celebrated the early Mass in the parish church. After communion he was heard to pro- nounce thrice the name of Jesus, and, fainting, he sank to the floor. Recovering from the attack, he was extremely weak. Nevertheless. summoning all his courage and strength, he again said Mass in the Convent Chapel, on Wednesday, after which he was taken to Cincinnati, to be placed in the care of the best medical attendants. But all efforts were in vain, his condition continued to grow worse. He returned to Oldenburg to settle his temporalities and prepare for death. Having received the sacraments repeatedly, and for the last time from the hands of his colleague and bosom friend, the late Rev. Wein- zoepfeln, he departed this life on the 29th of May, 1866, aged fifty-three years, one month and six days, in the twenty-second year of his uninterrupted labors at Oldenburg.
The Very Rev. A. Scheideler, another warm friend of the deceased, assisted him to the very last. The dying Pastor, even in this supreme moment, was still solicitous for the spiritual needs of his parishioners. At his request, Father Weinzoepfeln had answered a sick call, and after some time, with his dying voice, inquired: "Has the poor woman received attention?" lle then slept away in the
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Lord, while his assistant, Rev. W. Doyle, was offer- ing for him the Holy Sacrifice.
Thus ended a life of restless activity for the promotion of God's glory and the salvation of souls. ITis burning zeal received its reward, and his mem- ory will remain forever in benediction with his grateful flock and spiritual daughters, for whom he did so much, and to whom he left his earthly posses- signs. Bishop de St. Palais, who visited him during his illness, assisted at the fimeral, as did seventeen priests, some coming from a great distance. Father Rudolf's remains were laid to rest in the parish church, which he built, and which through his untir- ing efforts, had received the distinction and privilege of consecration. His tomb is under the sanctuary, next to the altar of the Blessed Virgin. A marble tablet marks the spot. After the funeral, at which Rev. S. Sigrist, of Indianapolis, preached the sermon, the Right Rev. Bishop remained for a few days, to assist the sorely tried Commmity with his counsel and advice in their deep grief at their irrep- arable loss. One consolation they had, mournful as it was, their revered and sainted Founder had always celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with the great- est religious splendor; and it was on that feast, that his corpse lay in state in their Chapel, before being borne to the parish church for interment. In Father Rudolf, the Sisters lost a generous
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friend and true father, but gained, no doubt, a powerful intercessor at the throne of God. Yet, not a day passes on which the Sisters do not remember him in their prayers, that he may REST IN PEACE!
REST IN PEACE.
Thy peace, O Lord, be with the noble dead. The while his stainless record's page we read ! Byt sad the halls where he no more shall tread, The drooping hearts that miss the generous deed.
Yet, give not way to grieving overmuch, Bereaved Community; for such as he Bring God's great kingdom near enough to touch The living proof of immortality.
CHAPTER VII.
Annual Retreat .- St. Aloysius School, Covington, Kentucky .- St. John's School, in the Same City. -Ret. Nicholas Wachter, O. F. M., Father Rudolf's Successor.
N July, 1866, the Sisters returned from their various missions to the mother-house. The annual retreat was conducted by Rev. Servatius Altmicks, O. F. M., of Teutopolis, Illinois.
As the annual retreat will often be referred to in these pages, we deem it opportune to explain it here, once for all.
But few people in the world understand what a spiritual retreat means. It means to retire, for a time, from the usual avocations and engagements of life into holy solitude, to treat with God on the affairs of eternity, on the world which is to come, on the "one thing necessary." Is it asking too much to lay aside, for a few days, the daily cares to settle the one affair for which alone we are in the world? Religious have, indeed, renounced the world, as far as the one around them is concerned, but there is another world which they must also renounce. It is the world within, in the mind, heart and soul. A
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noble effort of the mind, without any religious aid, such as Faith supplies, may suffice when it is a ques- tion of abandoning parents, friends and companions, whom we loved; but when it comes to dividing on own being as if with a sword-of abandoning for- ever, not the perishing things around us, but the living, active, imperious will within the heart,-who has power, and resolve and fortitude for an achieve- ment like this? Where find chains strong enough to bind down the world and passionate emotions to the dominion of the spiritual? So it is even in the religions state. After years of labor, after sub- duing the will by fast and labor and vigil, even then it may be seduced by errors and fancies most disastrous to its peace. Hence the Apostle says : "The natural man receiveth not the things which are the spirit of God." (I. Cor., II., 11.) Nor is virtue to be depended upon, for nature rebels against it. Just at the moment when we imagine ourselves to be very humble, we may be suddenly overthrown by pride. Even in the most sacred places an idol may be set up in the heart, instead of Christ, the Lord.
The retreat is intended for self-examination on these and kindred points, and the religious, having learned to know herself, will remove the obstacles from the path of perfection. She will take measures and look about for helps, to aid her in the future
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fulfillment of duty. Thus the time of retreat is a season of spiritual renovation, and one of the most powerful means of obtaining that greatest of all graces, perseverance. Hence the importance attached to retreats in religious communities. Having learned the difficult task of self-denial, the religions finds every other duty comparatively easy.
At the opening of the school term, 1866, the Sisters were placed in charge of the school of St. Aloysius parish, recently founded in Covington, Kentucky. They began the classes with one hundred and sixty children. At present the number of pupils amounts to seven hundred and forty and a flourish- ing Kindergarten. Eleven Sisters are now engaged in teaching. A class of thirty pupils receives instruc- tion in music; others are taught plain and fancy sewing, embroidery, etc.
The school of St. John's parish, in the same city, was also placed in the Sisters' charge about the same time.
After Father Rudolf's death, the Bishop of Vin- cenes, Right Rev. M. de St. Palais, invited the Franciscan Fathers of the Cincinnati Province to take charge of the parish and Sisters' Community, at Oldenburg. On August 7th, two Fathers arrived --- Nicholas Wachter and Jacob Menchen, (). F. M. The former was appointed superior and pastor, and became as such, Father Rudolf's suc-
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cessor. After fulfilling the duties of his office with blessed results for nearly three years, he died at Cincinnati, for he had gone there for medical treatment, February 20th, 1869.
He was succeeded by Father Louis Haverbeck, O. F. M., at present Provincial of the Franciscan Province of St. John the Baptist, who was spiritual Director of the Community for many years. Under his wise guidance, the Sisters continued to extend their work, and devoted themselves to it with zeal and perseverance.
There was but one death in this year, Sister Gertrude, March 15th, at whose funeral the Rev. Founder officiated for the last time. A few days later, seven aspirants received the holy habit, the last ones received into the Sisterhood by the sainted Rev. Rector. Amongst the number was Sister Olivia, the present Mother General, to whom he had administered Holy Baptism and first Communion.
ST. LAWRENCE'S SCHOOL, LAWRENCEBURG, IND.
CHAPTER VHL
The Chapel .- Schools at Lawrenceburg and Scottsville, Indiana .- & Sisters' Dwelling in Brookville, indi- ana .-. 1 Lot Bought in Richmond, Indiana.
THE Chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the mystery of her Immaculate Conception, was the favorite spot of the whole Com- munity. There Sisters and pupils assembled in times of distress and rejoicing ; there they assisted at Mass every morning; there the Sisters made their daily meditation and recited the divine office; there, each year, their retreat was made. It was the Com- munity's sanctuary, and cherished as such.
Hence, Mother Antonia was intent on embellish- ing it as much as possible, and every year saw some new article of furniture, or vestments, decorations, etc., added. Now a new silver sanctuary lamp and new stations of the cross were placed in it. The former was donated, the latter cost three hundred and seventy-five dollars. A Communion rail, too, was purchased at a cost of ninety dollars.
During this year the Sisters were called to con- duct the parish school at Lawrenceburg, lidiana. In March, two Sisters went to St. John's, Scottsville,
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Indiana, to make arrangements for the opening of a school in September.
In Brookville, Indiana, the Sisters had hitherto lived in a dilapidated and cheerless old building; now Mother Antonia bought a spacious and com- fortable house for them.
July 27th, 1867, the Right Rev. Bishop himself received the vows of fourteen Sisters. This good Prelate and Father loved to honor his spiritual daughters on these occasions, and to enhance the ceremonies by the additional charm of his lordly presence.
The exterior circumstances attending the conse- cration of a soul to God may be more or less brilli- ant ; the sacrifice is in the interior renouncement of the will in a holy self-denial, in the abandonment of hopes long cherished, in the rejection, in fine, of whatever fascinates the heart. This is the immola- tion, and a most marvelous achievement of grace, which triumphs over nature. This sacrifice is so astonishing, that worldlings do not believe in its sincerity, and invent all kinds of excuses and motives to degrade it. Insinuations of disappointment, pride, self-interest, and other base motives, are constantly alleged, but this attempt of the unbelievers to dis- honor it, only tends to establish the eminent virtue which these holy vows commemorate. The sacrifice is as honorable to the religion which inspires it, as
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SISTERS' RESIDENCE, BROOKVILLE, IND. ST. VINCENT'S SCHOOL, PRESCOTT, IND. ST. ANTHONY'S SCHOOL, EVANSVILLE, IND.
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it is to those whose submission it consecrates. The religion which recommends such sacrifices can alone give to humanity its highest degree of dignity and force. It is the triumph reserved for the Gospel and the Divine Spirit of Truth.
In September, the Sisters who had remained in the mother-honse during vacation, returned to their missions.
The Sisters' dwelling in Richmond, Indiana, was also far from serviceable. Mother Antonia bought the lot on which it stood, with the intention of build- ing as soon as the Community's means should allow.
At the mother-house, the laundry was provided with the latest improvements, in order to lessen the labor of the Sisters, for whose health and general welfare Mother Antonia was at all times most solicitous.
Sisters Emerentina and Catherine died during this year.
CHAPTER IX.
Schools in West Covington, Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana .- Ground Added to the Convent Property .-. 1 House in New Albany.
SHE anmal return of the Sisters to the mother- house is, indeed, a blessing, which they enjoy with grateful sentiments. It fosters mutual charity, recalls memories of trials and joys borne together, and stimulates them to give each other a good exam- ple. Children returning home after a long absence, cannot be gladder than the Sisters are at the prospect of meeting again their dear Mother and their loved co-religions.
As usual, one week of the vacation was devoted to the annual retreat. At its close the Right Rev. Bishop, who had returned from Rome, came to receive the vows of a number of Sisters.
In September, the Sisters opened a school in West Covington, Kentucky, and in St. Mary's parish, New Albany, Indiana, where their old friend, Rev. C. Doebbener, was pastor now. There, the number of pupils was two hundred and eighty in the beginning, whilst now it comprises six classes, with
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ST. MARY'S ACADEMY, NEW ALBANY, IND. Donor: Miss E. Reising.
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three hundred and thirty children and six Sisters. They also conduct an academic course, and a music class of forty pupils, and teach sewing, embroid- ery, etc.
At Oldenburg, Mother Antonia bought two lots adjoining the Convent.
At Lawrenceburg, the Sisters' house was com- pleted.
At New Albany, they purchased the imposing school building to relieve the financial embarrass- ment of the Rev. Pastor, C. Doebbener, to whom they owed a debt of gratitude.
Sister Amelia died on All Soul's, 1868.
CHAPTER X.
A School at Evansville, Indiana .- The Chapel Fres- coed .- New Side Altars and Statues .- Retreat .- L'otive Gift of the Community.
IN January, 1869, the Sisters were called to St. Mary's school, Evansville, Indiana, by Rev. F. Viefhaus.
During this year the Convent Chapel at the mother-house was frescoed at a cost of three hundred dollars. For the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars two new side altars were erected and furnished with statues, one representing the Queen of Heaven, the other, St. Joseph. Each cost sixty dollars.
The annual retreat of this year, held as usual during vacation, when all the Sisters were at home, was preached by Rev. Father Anselm Koch, O. F. M. At its close, the Right Rev. Bishop received the profession of a number of Sisters.
The Right Rev. Bishop had announced his intention of going to Rome to assist at the Vatican Council, then summoned. In his farewell address to the Community he remarked that he knew not whether, or when he should return. Mother
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ST. MARY'S Schoon, EVANSVILLE, IND. Donors: Misses T. and K. Marshall.
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Antonia humbly requested him to remember the Sisters at the sacred shrines in Europe, and besought him to present a votive offering in the name of the Community at the altar of the Blessed Virgin in the Church of our Lady of Victories in Paris, France. This votive gift consisted in a golden heart, natural size, in which was enclosed a list of all the professed Sisters then belonging to the Community. It was intended as a token of gratitude to our Immaculate Mother, for the many signal favors and blessings which the Sisters had received through her intercession.
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