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 5
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Later, the Right Rev. Bishop informed Mother Antonia by letter that he had executed the com- mission, and that he, moreover, offered up the holy sacrifice of Mass on the altar of the Blessed Virgin, in the famous shrine where he had deposited the gift, for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Community, for which act of paternal kindness the Sisters were most grateful.
Sisters Hildegard, Fidelia and Justina died in 1869.
PART THIRD. 1870-1880.
CHIHT TRAS .0881- 0\61
CHAPTER L.
Annual Retreat .- Schools at St. Joseph's Hill, Enochs- burg and Millhousen, Indiana .- Completion of the House at New Albany.
HE annals of 1870 contain little to interest the general reader.
The retreat was this year conducted by Rev. Father Dionysius Abarth, O. F. M. Owing to the Bishop's absence, the profession which usually took place at its close, was postponed.
Vacation passed only too quickly, and the Sisters returned to their duties in the school-room.
Some time before the Sisters had bought a house and lot in the village of St. Joseph's Hill, Indiana, at which place they now opened a school.
The Sisters were this year also called to Enochs- burg and Millhousen, Indiana, and soon the schools there were in successful operation, to the great satis- faction of the respective pastors, Rev. M. Heck and Rev. Dr. Hueser.
The Sisters' house at New Albany was completed this year.
. Sisters Pacifica and Ludovica died in 1870.
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CHAPTER H.
Preparations for Building in Evansville, Indiana .- Rc- ligious Solemnities During Vacation .- A New .Iltar and Oil Painting in the Chapel .- School at St. Peter's, Missouri.
IN the spring of 1871 preparations for the building of a new house were made in Evansville, and work on it was begun. A lot adjoining the house in Indianapolis was also bought.
The retreat was this year again conducted by Father Dionysius Abarth, O. F. M. The Right Rev. Bishop having returned from Rome, he came to receive the profession of twenty-two Sisters. The solemnity occurred on the feast of St. Ann, July 26th.
Until now the Chapel still had the old high altar, which was never intended to remain permanently. A new one, Gothic in style, harmonizing with the architecture of the Chapel building and the side altars, was now erected. It cost eight hundred and fifty dollars. A fine altar-piece, by the noted New York artist, Lamprecht, and representing the
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SHRINE OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. Donor: Mrs. C. Gerdes (née Boffendick).
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SHRINE OF ST. ANN. Donor: Mrs. J. Nurre (nee Niehouse),
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Immaculate Conception, was its chief ornament. It . now occupies a place of honor in the new Academy.
In December, Rev. C. Rotter, formerly in New- port, Kentucky, and now pastor of St. Peter's, Missouri, in the archdiocese of St. Louis, sent an urgent petition for Sisters to take charge of his school. Mother Antonia sent three Sisters.
In 1871, the Death Angel claimed no victim.
CHAPTER III.
Mother Antonia's Last Hlness, Death and Burial.
INCE the establishment of the Community, every decade was marked by severe loss through death. As we have seen, Mother Teresa, foundress and Superior General, departed this life during the first decade. During the second, death claimed Father Rudolf, the Founder and Spiritual Father of the Comnminity.
After his demise, Mother Antonia was the soul, the guiding spirit of the Sisterhood. Her motherly advice, and above all, her shining example, encour- aged her spiritual daughters to persevere in the path of perfection, and her influence was visible in the good results achieved by the Sisters in their parish schools and in the Academy. The latter now num- bered one hundred and thirty-five pupils.
In January, 1872, Mother Antonia accepted the parish school at Batesville, Indiana, in charge of the Franciscan Fathers. Batesville is the railroad station for Oldenburg. Many a time Mother Antonia had there taken the train to visit her distant daugh- ters. A house of theirs at this place she suggested
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would be of great convenience for awaiting the arrival and departure of trains, but when estab- lishing it she never thought, that for her another, farther journey, was near at hand. St. Louis' school at Batesville was the last one she accepted.
March 22nd, in that year, the eve of the feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on the Friday of Passion Week, Mother Antonia was in her usual health. But during the following night she suffered a severe attack of calculons colic. Without disturbing the Sisters, she arose at two o'clock in the morning, to take some medicine, and retired again. At the usual hour next morning she went to the Chapel. At five o'clock she led in the AAngelus prayer, with a clear, distinct voice. Then she whispered to Sister Dorothea, next to her, to lead in the meditation and recitation of the Office, and she left the Chapel. After Mass, the Sisters missed her, and one of them went to her room to look after her. She found her sitting in a chair, her head resting on another placed before her. Such a marked change had come over her features, that the Sister was alarmed, and inquired : "What ails you, dear Mother?" Though evidently suffering very nich, she replied calmly and gently: "O, Sister, this is Dolorous Friday. I have been suffering since one o'clock this morning."
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The Sisters immediately called in the physician. His decision after the diagnosis was, that there was no immediate danger; the Venerable Mother would be better the next day. But, alas, the contrary was the case. The pains increased alarmingly, and all remedies proved unavailing. The physician called several times during the day, and continued hopeful. Two Sisters remained constantly with their dear Mother, but could do little to mitigate her suffering. At midnight they perceived unmistakable symptoms, and knew that their worst fears were about to be realized.
The physician was sent for in haste, and on his arrival he, too, expressed his aların. He remained with her till three o'clock in the morning. The paroxysmis became more frequent and painful, and at five o'clock a paralytic stroke lamed her right side. She remained conscious, but could speak but little because of her sufferings. She prayed silently, contin- ually invoking the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. At six o'clock she received the Sacraments of the dying, with great fervor. She remained in thanks- giving a long time after receiving the Holy Viaticum, in silent commune with God, in whose service she had spent her life. The Sisters departed from the loved presence with the faint hope that the efficacy of the Holy Sacrament might yet raise up the stricken servant of God. But prayer and
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hopes were in vain, heaven had whispered its com- mand, as it had spoken its invitation to her young heart, when, in the beautiful words of the Church it had said to her in her youth, "Veni sponsa mea, veni, coronaberis"-"Come, my Spouse, come, thou shalt be crowned." In holy unselfishness, with no thought of the seemingly unfinished work she was leaving in the Community, for which she had so effectively labored, with no regret in her heart, and naught but peace in her saintly countenance, she joined in the prayers that were murmured in broken accents about her. After a time, the attacks returned, and continued until two o'clock in the afternoon, when she expired peacefully and placidly, her pure soul going forth to meet her Divine Saviour. Her testament to her mourning daughters was the same as that of the sainted Founder: "Pray, be faithful to duty. Trust in God."
The Right Rev. Bishop Maurice de St. Palais, who had been informed of her illness, hastened to her side, but arrived too late to find her among the living.
The solemn obsequies of Mother Antonia took place on Tuesday of Holy Week, March 26th, 1872. The Right Rev. Bishop celebrated Pontifical Requiem, and pronounced the absolution over the corpse. About twenty priests attended the funeral. The sermon was delivered by Rev. F. W. Pepersack,
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in the course of which he carried out the following beautiful simile: As the power of Elias of working miracles descended with his mantle upon Eliseus, in like manner should her beautiful example of every virtue, urge her children to follow faithfully in her footsteps.
Venerable Mother Antonia was born at Flocken- bach, Wuertemberg, Germany, on May 25th, 1825. In 185%, she left Europe with the express intention of joining the Community of Sisters of St. Francis at Oldenburg. Receiving the religious habit on December 8th, that year, she pronounced her vows at the end of her novitiate in 1852. Elected Superior General after Mother Teresa's death, she performed the duties of her onerous office for nearly twelve years, always an example of profound piety, humility and religious reserve. To her grace of person and manner was added the grace of a most devoted servant of God. Her eminent talent and wise prudence promoted the progress and influence of the Community to the greatest extent. God's blessing rested visibly on everything she undertook. Uniting maternal kindness with unwavering firmness, she attracted to her all hearts. She was, in truth, the whole Community's "dear Mother." Poor, strug- gling parishes had in her a firm friend. She often refused the schools of more prosperous outlook, in order to be able to send Sisters to the poorer classes.
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The needy and the orphans always found her ready to help them to the fullest extent of her ability.
Gone, Mother dear, forever ! Our hearts are sad and sore. Some might have prized thee better, But none could love thee more.
We miss thy voice of counsel, Thy ever busy hand, Thy guiding mind unbiased, And broad and free and grand.
Farewell, farewell, O Mother, Rememb'ring thee, we pray At home with God to meet thee In realms of endless day.
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CHAPTER IV.
L'enerable Mother Michaela, Third Superior General .- The Community at the Beginning of Her Term .- New Missions .- A Cemetery.
A FTER Mother Antonia's death, Sister Michael was elected Superior General of the Com munity. She was one of the three first novices tha entered the Convent, and had long ago proven her self one of its most faithful members. Siste Veronica, another niece of the Rev. Founder, wa unanimously elected Assistant and appointed Direct ress of the Academy.
At the time of Sister Michaela's election, th Community numbered one hundred and seventeen professed Sisters, twenty-three novices and tw postulants. After the expiration of Mother Mich aela's first election, she was re-elected by a larg majority. She appointed as her counsellors, Sister Dorothea, Cecilia and Amata.
This year's retreat was held as usual. The Righ Rev. Bishop made his customary canonical visita tion, and admitted seventeen novices to profession
At the close of the vacation, Mother Michael
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sent the Sisters to their various Missions. In Sep- tember, Rev. Father Schnell, at Edinburg, and Rev. Father Missi, at North Vernon, Indiana, had their request for Sisters granted. This year additional ground was bought near the Convent, and a ceme- tery for the Community was laid out. The mortuary chapel that had been built over the old cemetery vault had become unsafe, and was removed. The remains of the Sisters buried there, were re-interred in the new cemetery, and a monument erected over the graves of Mother Teresa and Mother Antonia.
Death's harvest among the Sisters was unusually great this year. Seven Sisters followed Mother Antonia into eternity. Painful losses, indeed! But God's loving hand always pours a healing balm into the wounds it inflicts for our good. Therefore, the Sisters bowed submissively to the ruling's of His all-wise Providence.
CHAPTER V.
New Addition to the Academy .- Profession .- A New School at Shelbyville, Indiana.
THE increasing number of Sisters and pupils again made an addition to the building impera- tive. On a bright morning in September, ground was broken on the east side of the Convent, for a large Academy building. Work was prosecuted as fast as possible, and the walls went up with as much speed as regard for their durability would permit. The Community offered prayers every day that God would vouchsafe to preserve the laborers from all accident. These were graciously heard, and no untoward event interrupted the work. By the fol- lowing spring the building was under roof, and the plasterers and carpenters were busy in the interior, and it was ready for occupancy at the opening of the next scholastic year in September.
The new building, which now forms the east wing of the Academy, one hundred and thirty feet long and fifty wide, was considered a marvel in size and equipment by the people of the surrounding country. For it must be remembered that at this
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early day very few of the fine colleges and academies that now adorn the land, were yet in existence in our Western country.
The first story is occupied entirely by a large auditorium, used for public gatherings, Commence- ments, etc. At present the second story is used exclusively for music rooms, with the exception of one apartment which is fitted up to represent the Grotto of Lourdes.
Off the quiet corridor, where busy feet Pass and repass with noiseless step and fleet, Half hid in silent gloom,
Our spotless Mother's own Retreat
The little Grotto opes invitingly.
There all our gayety is hushed to prayer,
And petty passions fly and every childish care Is smoothed away,
For in that hallowed presence fair The peace of Heaven perfumes all the air.
In the third story is located a large and airy dormitory, with lavatory, bath-rooms, etc. All the modern improvements, as gas, water and heating apparatus, elevator, etc., are features of this build- ing, planned and executed without regard to cost, in order to make the pupils as comfortable as possible.
The scholastic year closed as usual with befitting
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annual Commencement exercises, towards the end of June. The Sisters returned from their missions to spend their vacation and to renew their spirit in the exercises of the retreat.
This annual return to their home is a source of consolation to both the Sisters and their Superiors. Hence we hope the kind reader will pardon its repeated mention in these pages. So highly valued is this privilege, that if a mission were too poor to pay the Sisters' way home, the Mother Superior would provide the means, so as not to deprive them of it. And the Sisters-how they prize this annual holiday season, fraught with so many blessings, spiritual and temporal !
At the close of the retreat, the Right Rev. Bishop received the profession of twelve Sisters.
In this year, 1873, the Sisters accepted the school at Shelbyville, Indiana, at the instance of Rev. J. Rudolf, a worthy nephew of their highly revered Founder.
CHAPTER VI.
A Danger Averted .- Recall of the Sisters from the Covington Schools, One Excepted .- Consecration to the Sacred Heart .- Nero Heating Apparatus in the Chapel .- Blessing of the New Academy.
N the feast of St. Mary Magdalen, July 22nd, 1874, twenty-two Sisters were admitted to the profession of their vows by the Right Rev. Bishop, amid the usual ceremonies.
In the course of this simple narrative, we men- tioned the destruction of the Convent by fire, during the first decade of its existence, and described the sufferings and privations entailed thereby. We noted the sacrifices and self-denials which its rebuilding cost. We saw it prosper and expand to large dimen- sions, and extend its field of usefulness. And now, when it seemed firmly established, tranquilly intent on the fulfillment of its purpose, it was again threat- ened by the fire fiend. The signal intervention of Providence alone averted a disastrous conflagration. A pupil, seemingly urged by an irresistible, natural mania, twice applied the incendiary torch, once in January and again in February, 1875, but each time the fire was discovered before it had made great headway. Nevertheless, the damage done to clotli- 'ing, bedding, valuable embroidery, and sewing and 10
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artists' material, was considerable. The originator -we hope she was irresponsible-was dismissed. This calamity necessitated a hasty removal to the new, but still unfinished building. Under the per- sonal supervision of Rev. Rector P. Louis Haver- beck, the structure was speedily completed. On the 29th of June, 1875, the new Academy was solemnly dedicated by the Right Rev. Maurice de St. Palais. Aftery this impressive ceremony, the annual Com- mencement exercises began, graced for the first time by the presence of the Right Rev. Bishop.
As in the two preceding years, the retreat of this year was conducted by Father Dionysius Abarth, O. F. M. A zealous man of God, he gave his whole soul to this exacting work, and his words of advice, counsel and encouragement left an indelible im- pression upon the minds of his well-disposed hearers. At its close seven novices were professed, and five postulants received the religious habit.
Also in 1874, the Right Rev. Bishop Toebbe, of Covington, Kentucky, gave the schools of his diocese in charge of the Sisters of Our Lady, who had recently arrived from Germany, and whose Superior was his own sister. This arrangement caused some dissatisfaction in St. Aloysius parish, Covington, and to preserve peace, the Oldenburg Sisters retained the charge of that school at the urgent request of the Bishop, who himself visited the Mother Superior to persuade her to do so.
RT. REV. MAURICE DE ST. PALAIS.
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The Chapel was this year adorned with two new statues, representing, respectively, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
By a special invitation of the Holy Father, Pope Pius IX., the churches, religous communities, institutions and congregations throughout the Chris- tian world were solemnly consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in 1875. This invitation was hailed with great joy by the Community of Oldenburg, for their devotion to the Sacred Heart was always practised with great fervor. Love for the Immacu- late Mother had induced them to choose her for the Institution's patroness, and surely love for the Immaculate Mother can flow only from an intense love of the Divine Heart of her Adorable Son. Therefore, this consecration was greeted with joy. and made with due solemnity and fervor by the Sisters and their pupils. It was to perpetuate the memory of this event that the statues were erected. They were placed on suitable pedestals near the side altars.
During the fall, a new heating apparatus was set up in the basement of the Chapel. It was a neces- sary improvement, appreciated by both Sisters and pupils.
On the feast of the Immaculate Conception, titular of the Institution and the Chapel, eight postulants received the religious habit.
CHAPTER VII.
Ground Near St. Mary's Church, Indianapolis, Bought. -Commencement Exercises in the Academy .- Schools Accepted at St. Wendel and Greensburg. Indiana, and at St. Bernard, Ohio.
N the spring of 1876, the Community bought the lots now occupied by the school house and Sisters' dwelling in St. Mary's parish, Indianapolis. The former building was bought by the congregation and transformed into a school for boys. The Sisters had come to Indianapolis as early as 1864, but on account of the war and for want of means, they had to be content until now with cramped quarters in an unsuitable location. The new house was blessed on December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin under that title.
The Commencement Exercises, though annui- ally of a most elevating character, this centennial year proved exceptionally fine. As they occur every year, a repeated description of them would be tedions, but the following account taken from the records of the day may give a general idea of the
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exercises and exhibitions on these occasions, as they are conducted even up to this date.
The Salutatory was well conceived and delivered. At this late date, however, a detailed description would be superfluous. Therefore, we confine our- selves to the statement that the literary skill and elocutionary power exhibited, in the various essays, proved a varied and exceedingly interesting display of the grace, talents and acquirements of the respective young ladies. Many evinced by the correctness of their elocution, the truthfulness of . their tones and the ease and dignity of their man- ners, an unusual degree of cultivation. The devel- opment of talent here shown was certainly the best evidence of the skill and judgment exercised in the training of these successful pupils.
An Allegory of the Thirteen Original States, written especially for the occasion in commemoration of the Centennial, was rendered with consummate skill and excellent discrimination, admirable taste and expression. It manifested, furthermore, the true patriotism which the pupils imbibe with the very atmosphere of the classic halls of the Olden- burg Academy, ever faithful to God, Truth and Country.
The display of skill in the ornamental depart- ment was a revelation to the visitors, as they could hardly expect from pupils, in so short a period, so.
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large and beautiful a variety of finished specimens of difficult art. Beautiful tapestry, pictures of large size, for various uses, all in genuine good taste, were especially a source of admiration to the lady guests.
The needlework was graceful, the execution so fine and regular as to suggest the idea that it looked more the work of machinery than the handiwork of playful,, happy school girls.
The large and tastefully arranged pieces of ornamental and plain penmanship were gratifying proofs of great skill and care on the part of the teachers, as well as of progress of the pupils. Indeed, all the scholars delighted their friends by their success in this very necessary accomplishment.
In the department of vocal music, several young ladies developed, in a most happy manner, the heavenly faculty of a clear, melodious and sympa- thetic voice. In the class of instrumental music, a number of pupils executed pieces of much power and beauty, and some of considerable difficulty, in a manner rarely surpassed by students so young.
In this year, the schools at St. Wendel and Greensburg, in the State of Indiana, and at St. Bernard, in the State of Ohio, were entrusted to the Sisters. The latter place is a suburb of Cincinnati, and was the Sisters' first foundation in that archdiocese. The parish was the first to be
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founded outside of the city by the Franciscan Fathers. From poor beginnings, it slowly rose to its present prominence. The first church, a small frame structure, was erected in 1850, and dedicated to St. Clement, Pope and Martyr. At the time of the Sisters' arrival, the school numbered one hun- dred and twenty-five children, who were taught by two Sisters; now the number has reached four hundred and fifty, and is in charge of seven Sisters.
CHAPTER VIII.
Annual Examination and Commencement .- Death of Bishop Maurice de St. Palais .- Scarcity of Teach- ers in the Community.
TOWARDS the end of June, 1877, when the annual examination and Commencement exer- cises were held at the Academy, the festivities on this occasion were suddenly interrupted by the announcement that the Right Rev. Bishop of Vincennes had suffered an apoplectic stroke, and was dying. This message was soon followed by the still sadder one of his death. Both Sisters and pupils were overwhelmed with sorrow. They loved Bishop de St. Palais as a kind father and dear friend, to whose visits they had always looked for- ward with the greatest delight. The Chapel was draped in mourning, and a solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul. His memory will ever be held in benediction.
Maurice de St. Palais was born at La Savetat, near Tours in France, November 15th, 1811. He was destined to become one of the brightest orna- ments of the Catholic hierarchy in America. The
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STUDENTS' PRIVATE ROOM.
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GRADUATES' STUDY. Donors: Misses N. and G. Averdick.
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scion of a noble family and an ancient house, that had given many illustrious men to the Church and State, the youth was early remarkable for the possession of that elevation of thought and single- ness of purpose, which have distinguished so many of his rank and nationality, at home and abroad. Thoroughly educated at St. Sulpice, Paris, he was ordained priest in May, 1836. Ile cheerfully resigned the comforts and attractions of home, friends and country, for the laborions life of a missionary, in what was then looked upon as the wilds of the United States.
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