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 6
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Under the guidance of the Venerable Bishop Brute, who two years previously had been appointed to the new See of Vincennes, Indiana, and accom- panied by twenty-one other young ecclesiastics, Father de St. Palais reached this country, and immediately entered upon the performance of his Anties. His first stations were at Bogg's Creek and Mount Pleasant, Indiana, where he built two churches and collected around them comparatively large congregations. He was next sent to Chicago, Illinois, then a mere village, where he erected St. Mary's church, which afterwards became the first cathedral. Again we find him in Indiana, at Logansport, which, with its outlying missions and small churches and chapels, remained for several years under his wise and beneficent jurisdiction.
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Madison, Indiana, a growing and prosperous town, was next the scene of his labors, till, on the accession of Bishop Bazin to the See of Vincennes, 1847, he was called to that city and appointed Vicar General and Superior of the Theological Seminary. In both these positions his prudence, energy and judgment were so conspicuous, that, upon the untimely death of Bishop Bazin, he was nominated administrator of the liocese, and acted in that capacity till October 3d, 1848, when he was preconized Bishop of Vincennes. His consecration took place on Jan- uary 14th, 1849.
Diligent and laborious as was his life as a priest, his career as a prelate far surpassed it in zeal, devotion and personal sacrifice. Though circum- scribed in its limits by the creation of other dioceses, that of Vincennes still presented a large field for missionary labor, and Bishop de St. Palais cultivated it to the utmost, from the day of his consecration to almost the very last hour of his life. Scattered, little groups and single Catholic families were collected into orderly and compact congregations ; new missions were founded in the most remote places, and old ones became well defined parishes; churches sprang up rapidly, and priests from every quarter were found to occupy them. Nor were the wants of the ignorant, the poor and the afflicted, neglected. Besides the diocesan seminary
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and the monastery of Benedictines, at St. Meinrad, female Academies were opened at St. Mary's of the Woods, Vincennes, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Washington, Evansville and Oldenburg, while parochial schools were attached to every church and nearly every station in the diocese. The Little Sisters of the Poor, the Sisters of Charity, and Sisters of the Good Shepherd, were introduced and encouraged, two hospitals were opened and two splendid orphan asylums built, one of them erected entirely out of the good Bishop's own means.
It was while thus engaged in the arduous duties of his sacred calling at St. Mary's of the Woods, near Terre Haute, that Bishop de St. Palais was stricken down, on June 28th, 1877.
On July 3d, the last solemn ceremonies were performed over the mortal remains of the lamented prelate, and his body was laid to rest under the high altar of the cathedral at Vincennes, where for more than twenty-eight years he had offered up his prayers for the welfare of his spiritual children.
To the Community of Oldenburg, the charge of eleven schools was offered during the year 1877, but had to be declined for want of a sufficient number of teachers.
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CHAPTER IX.
Memorial Services for His Holiness, Pope Pius IN .- Continued Scarcity of Teachers .- Al Sisters' Dwelling Built in Richmond, Indiana.
H IS holiness, Pope Pius IX., was called to his ¿ternal reward, after a most successful pon- tificate of extraordinary length, on February 7th, 1878. Soon after receiving the announcement of his death, the Community observed a solemn triduum of obsequies. Every morning levitical Iligh Mass was celebrated, at which the Sisters offered up Holy Communion for the repose of his soul. They also recited the Office of the Dead during these three days.
In August, the Right Rev. Bishop Spalding, of Peoria, Illinois, addressed Mother Superior, entreat- ing her to send Sisters to take charge of several schools in his diocese, but the number of Sisters was not large enough to warrant the immediate compliance with his request, and the acceptance of the offer was deferred.
In Richmond, Indiana, the Community this year built a comfortable dwelling, after having long suffered for want of room.
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POPE PIUS IX.
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SISTERS' RESIDENCE, RICHMOND, IND. Donor: Miss A. Moormann.
CHAPTER X.
The Right Rev. Francis S. Chatard, Bishop of L'in- cennes, l'isits the Community.
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N the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8th, 1878, the new Bishop of WVincennes, Right Rev. Francis Silas Chatard, visited the Community for the first time. He inspected the various departments of the Convent and Academy, and expressed himself as well pleased with everything.
The Right Rev. Francis Silas Chatard, fifth Bishop of Vincennes, was born in Baltimore, Mary- land, on December 13th, 1834. He was educated at Mt. St. Mary's College, Maryland, whence he was graduated in 1853. lle then devoted himself to the study of medicine, and attended lectures in the University of Maryland. But Providence had another mission for him, and in 1857, his thoughts and inclinations took a decided direction towards the Church, and he resolved to study for the priesthood. Archbishop Kenrick, of Baltimore, sent him to the Urban College of the Propaganda in Rome. Here he remained six years, was ordained priest and received the title of Doctor of Divinity. In November, 1863. he was appointed
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Vice-Rector of the American College at Rome, and in May, 1868, assumed charge as Rector. He remained at its head for a period of ten years, and brought the Institution to a high state of perfection. In 1878, he undertook a collection tour in the United States to relieve the American College of its debt. On his return to Rome, Pope Pius IX. appointed him Bishop of Vincennes, Indiana.
The consecration of Bishop Chatard by Car- dinal Franchi, prefect of the Propaganda at Rome, occurred on May 12th, 1878. Immediately after his consecration, he issued his first pastoral letter, of which a newspaper of the day remarked: "It is strong in doctrine, sweet in exhortation, loving in memories of the past, and exceedingly admirable in definitions." The Bishop announced his intention of making Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, his residence, though he would retain the title of "Bishop of Vincennes." He reached his diocese in the month of August, and on the 17th he was received in Indianapolis with great demonstrations of joy.
What he has since achieved fills a glorious page in the history of the Church in the United States. It is not within the scope of our little book to dwell on his success, but the evidence thereof is all around LIS. The only drop of bitterness in our cup of joy is, that the Right Rev. Bishop, after a most blessed
RT. REV. FRANCIS S. CHATARD.
POPE LEO XIII.
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career in his high office, feels the effect of his earlier devotion to duty on his constitution. May he be spared to his diocese for many years to come.
In the Spring of 1898, a brief from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII., was received by Bishop Chatard, authorizing him to change the name of the diocese from that of Vincennes to that of Indianapolis.
April 21st, 1879, the Right Rev. Bishop con- ferred the religions habit for the first time on Postulants of the Oldenburg Community. Eight young ladies were received into the novitiate on the occasion. August 2, 1879, twelve novices were admitted to profession.
The spiritual exercises of this year's retreat were conducted by Rev. Father Port, S. J., at the beginning of July.
Since the foundation of the Community, the Sisters, after the completion of the novitiate, had pronounced perpetual vows. From 1879 forward, in compliance with a decree from Rome, the vows are pronounced first for three, then for five years, and thereafter for life. This rule applies to all female religious Communities.
Henceforward, the midnight Mass was cele- brated on Christmas night only for the Community, the doors being closed to seculars by order of the Right Rev. Bishop.
PART FOURTH.
1880 1890.
HTRU0 1 TWAS
0981 -- 088
CHAPTER I.
Progress of the Community .- A New Building .- Con- secration of the New Cemetery .- Acceptance of a School.
HE prosperity of the Community was proved to be very gratifying. The number of members increased to such an extent, that the Sisters were ser- iously inconvenienced by want of room, although building operations had scarcely ever ceased during the last decade. The Right Rev. Bishop now en- coffraged the Community to erect a large, additional building, which was to have the form of an L. It was constructed according to the plan proposed, and is a solid edifice, affording sufficient room for the purposes for which it was intended. In a niche above the entrance is enthroned a beautiful statue of St. Francis, representing him holding the holy Rule in one hand, and with the other blessing his children, whom he regards with an expression of love. The space between this and the old building was laid out as a garden and recreation ground for the Sisters. Any one ever chancing to cast a
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glimpse at this retired spot during recreation hours will be convinced that the words of St. Francis, which he adapted from St. Paul, have come true : "And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy. (Gal. VI., 16.) A turret on the roof of this building contains St. Francis' bell that calls the Sisters to their Community exercises.
At the Commencement Exercises, which were most interesting and of high literary merit, held towards the end of June, the Right Rev. Bishop and twenty-eight priests assisted. As a staunch sup- porter of Catholic education, the Bishop had made it a practice to honor the final exercises of the scholastic year by his presence, thus proving his appreciation of the Sisters' efforts in the cause of elementary and higher education, to which they devote their lives.
The cemetery within the Convent enclosure was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop during vacation. A crucifix, fifteen feet high, with a life-sized corpus, marked this sacred resting place of the deceased Sisters.
Father Louis Haverbeck, O. F. M., who had been the Spiritual Director of the Community dur- ing the last ten years, was now relieved of his office, and succeeded by Rev. Ambrose Sanning, O. F. M., who, after a period of two years, was in turn succeeded by Father Peter Baptist Englert, O.
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F. M., who later became Definitor General of the Franciscan Order in Rome.
In the Spring of this year, the congregation of St. Bridget's at Indianapolis, donated to the Com- munity the site for a school and Sister's house. Building was begun at once, and the school was opened in the following January, 1881.
CHAPTER II.
St. Bridget's School, Indianapolis .- Solemnities in the Chapel .- Other Schools Opened.
YT. BRIDGET'S school at Indianapolis was opened with one hundred and twenty children and two Sisters, much to the satisfaction of the zealous pastor, Rev. D. Curran. To-day it numbers two hundred and fifty pupils, and is divided into five classes, with as many Sisters. Three of its first pupils, passing the examination with great credit for teachers' license, received positions in the public schools, and achieved distinction in their chosen vocation. Other pupils have obtained good positions in prominent business houses. Of the boys of St. Bridget's school, several have attained the priesthood, and a number of girl pupils have joined religious communities. It is obvious that the advanced branches referred to above, are taught in the academic and commercial department. The course in music is especially notable.
For vacation the Sisters returned as usual to the Mother-house. A Jesuit Father conducted the retreat, this year. At its close the Right Rev.
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ST. BRIDGET'S ACADEMY, INDIANAPOLIS, IND. Donors: First Three Graduates-Miss J. McGee, Miss M. McCarthy and Miss A. Green.
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Bishop made the customary canonical visitation, which was preceded by the impressive ceremonies connected with this rite.
For the first time in the history of the Convent, the Forty Hours' Adoration was observed uninter- ruptedly day and night, in the Chapel.
The May devotions were held in the customary manner, and closed with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament every day.
The same privilege was accorded to the Com- munity during the octave of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin, under this title, being the Patroness of the Convent and Academy. Ever since the first days of the Com- munity this feast was observed with great solemnity, and was always preceded by a novena. novena. This year its observance was made more imposing by the presence of the Right Rev. Bishop, who gave the religious habit to twelve postulants.
With the opening of the scholastic term the following new schools in Indiana were accepted : Aurora, at the request of Rev. F. Hundt ; Rushville, at the request of Rev. J. J. Macke: Mount Vernon, at the request of Rev. J. Schoentrup. In Ohio, Rev. H. Brinkmeier called the Sisters to his parish in Carthage, and Rev. S. Ileitmann to Middle- town.
CHAPTER III.
An Addition to the Buildings, Blessed .- Separate Sun- day Services for the Sisters .- Jubilee Mission in Oldenburg .- Death of Rev. Peter Schenkel .- New Schools.
HE extensive addition to the Convent buildings was blessed by the Right Rev. Bishop himself, immediately after the close of the excellent Com- mencement Exercises of 1882. A large number of diocesan priests, Franciscan Fathers and clerics attended.
Up to this year, the Sisters had assisted on Sundays and feasts at the divine services in the parish church. Henceforth, by an order of the Right Rev. Bishop, issued on July 30th, 1882, the Sisters have their own High Mass, sermon, Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on these days in the Convent church.
In October of this year the celebrated missionary, Rev. F. X. Weninger, S. J., preached the Jubilee Mission in the parish church at Oldenburg. The feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Founder of the Seraphic Order, occurring on October 4th, was
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celebrated with extraordinary solemnity, and the entire Community, Sisters and Academy pupils, assisted. This was Father Weninger's last mission at Oldenburg. He had a special predilection for the place, because, as was related in another chapter, he preached there, in 1848, his first mission in America. In remembrance of this Jubilee Mission, a large granite memorial cross was erected in front of the church.
The parish church of Oldenburg is dedicated to the Holy Family, as is indicated by a beautiful statuary group above its main entrance. The con- gregation is mostly composed of farmers, the village numbering about eight hundred inhabitants. To demonstrate the influence of surroundings on the development of vocations to the religious state, we take occasion to mention that up to this time thirty-five young ladies of the Oldenburg parish have devoted their lives to the service of God in religion. Six young men, former pupils of the parish school, became priests.
One of these latter, whom the Sisters had rescued from the dangers of poverty-stricken and neglected surroundings, and who was gifted with remarkable talent, after the completion of his college course, joined the society of Priests of the African Missions. After his ordination he was sent to Africa, where he labored for several years for
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the conversion of the benighted natives, until sick ness, contracted in the fatal climate of that distant country, compelled him to return to Europe. He died at Lyons, France, a victim of his zeal for the propagation of the Faith. Ever grateful to the Sisters of Oldenburg, whose Community had defrayed all the expenses of his course of studies, he remembered them even on his deathbed, and requested that they be informed of his death. Assuredly, he will not forget them in his prayers at the throne of God, a requital which the Sisters esteem as a privilege far more precious than the material aid with which the Community befriended him in the hour of need.
In September, 1882, Father Athanasius Linge -. mann, O. F. M., called the Sisters to take charge of St. Bonaventure's school, Fairmount, Cincinnati, O. The one hundred and twenty children with whom they opened the classes have since increased to six hundred, and instead of two Sisters, eight are now employed in teaching the parochial schools, whilo others devote themselves successfully to the instruc- tion of large classes of music and needlework.
CHAPTER IV.
A Disastrous Flood at Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
HE even tenor of the Sisters' work at Olden- burg was not interrupted by any particularly noteworthy events during the first half of 1883. Smoothly the daily routine went on, each Sister intent on the performance of her special duties.
But the Sisters at the school in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, were exposed to the perils of a flood. In February, the Ohio river rose to a height which it had not attained for many years. The streets in the lower part of the town were flooded, com- munication was interrupted, and great damage was caused to property. St. Lawrence school was in the flooded district, and the angry waters rose to the second story. In consequence, the classes were suspended. The flood caused great suffering amongst the poor, and the Sisters provided for a large number of the needy.
By early Spring the waters had subsided, and the regular routine of duties was resumed.
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CHAPTER V.
An Addition to the Building of Holy Trinity's School, St. Louis .- A School in Bridgeton, Missouri .- . Illness and Death of Venerable Mother Michacla.
T St. Louis, Missouri, the year 18844 saw the completion of a large addition to Holy Trinity's school.
In the same year, Rev. J. Schroeder called the Sisters to take charge of his school at Bridgeton, Missouri. This was the last school accepted under Mother Michaela's administration.
As we know, Venerable Mother Michaela suc- ceeded to the office of Superior General after Mother Antonia's death. She was one of the three postu- lants who awaited the arrival of Mother Teresa to be received into the Community, and therefore one of its foundresses. Humble and retiring, she never- theless devoted herself unreservedly to the welfare of the Community. She often remarked that the greatest pleasure that the Sisters could give her, was to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis. Like her predecessors, she was averse to all vain display. She fulfilled the duties of her office in the most punctual manner, and was a truly affectionate mother to her spiritual daughters. She led in all the Com- munity exercises, and edified the Sisters by her un- obtrusive piety.
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Finally, illness, in the twelfth year of her suc- cessful administration, assumed an alarming char- acter. The physicians whom the Sisters insisted on calling, diagnosed Bright's disease. Their efforts to effect a cure proved unavailing. The Right Rev. Bishop visited Mother Michaela repeatedly during her illness. As in former trials, the Sisters had re- course also in their present visitation to Our Lady of Sorrows, and implored her intercession for the recovery of their dear Mother. But God had or- dained otherwise. The time was at hand when His faithful servant was to be called to her reward. March 2d, she received the Sacraments of the dying with exemplary piety, fully resigned to the rulings of Providence.
As many Sisters as could, came home from the missions to cast a farewell glance at the features of their dying Mother, and to receive her last blessing. For all she had a word of consolation, encourage- ment and advice, and requested them to remember her in their prayers, that she might be admitted more speedily to the beatific vision of God.
Her increasing illness caused her great pain. The attacks returned more frequently, and medical skill no longer afforded relief. She expired peace- fully on April 9th, 1884.
Mother Michaela had filled the office of Superior General twelve years, venerated and beloved by her
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spiritual daughters, who now mourned tearfully at her bier. Her mortal remains were conveyed to the Chapel, where the Right Rev. Bishop F. S. Chatard, assisted by a large number of priests, held the funeral services. In his address to the bereaved Community, the prelate dwelt impressively on the deceased's profound humility, holy simplicity, true piety and religious retirement. The body was in- terred in the Convent cemetery, by the side of Mother Teresa and Mother Antonia.
Mother Michaela was born at Lorup, Hanover, Dec. 29, 1820. At an early age she resolved to devote herself exclusively to the service of God, in the religious state. The sequel shows how well she realized the desire of her youthful heart. Ever cheerful and unassuming, she followed in the foot- steps of her Crucified Love, sharing in all the little joys and sorrows of her Sisters. As stated above, on the demise of her predecessor, Mother Antonia, March 26, 1872, she was chosen provisionally Superior General. July 14th, the feast of the Seraphic St. Bonaventure, the assembled Chapter cast their votes, which resulted in her election. by a large majority.
Dearest Mother, we have laid thee In thy peaceful grave's embrace : Enter into rest eternal,
Find among the Blessed a place!
CHAPTER VI.
Election of a New Superior General .- Statistics of the Community .- New Schools .- Incorporation of the Community.
A FTER Mother Michaela's death, her Assistant. Sister Clotilda, governed the Community as tem- porary Superior until vacation, when the election of a new Superior General took place in presence of the Right Rev. Bishop and the Rev. Peter Englert, Director of the Community. It resulted in the choice of Sister Olivia, then Mistress of Novices. Like her predecessors, she accepted the office only at the command of obedience. Sister Clotilda was re-elected Assistant, and Sisters Veronica, Petrina and Stanislans, counsellors.
On the day after the election, the Community went into retreat. It was conducted by Rev. Father Jerome Kilgenstein, O. F. M.
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At its close, Mother Olivia, with her Council, made the appointments for the various missions, after which the Sisters went on their errands of duty. The Counsellors were Sisters Clotilda, Veronica, Petrina, Stanislaus and Aquilina, the present Mistress of Novices. The latter office had been filled respectively by Sisters Aloysia, Amata, Stanislaus, Scholastica and Olivia.
At the time of Mother Michaela's death, the
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Community numbered two hundred and thirty-four professed Sisters, forty-eight novices and eleven postulants. The parish schools in charge of the Sisters numbered forty-four.
As the Community continued to increase the Chapel became too small. This need was especially felt when the Sisters were at home during vacation. Therefore, in the vacation of 1885, the spacious Auditorium in the Academy building was used as a temporary Chapel, and the services, the retreat, profession and reception were held there.
In September, 1885, Mother Olivia was now able to grant Rt. Rev. Bishop Spalding's former request for Sisters. They took charge of the school of St. Patrick's parish at Minonk, Illinois, which parish is under the direction of Franciscan Fathers of the Cincinnati Province.
About the same time the Sisters were called to St. Michael's school, Cincinnati, by the pastor, Rev. M. Deselaers.
The year 1885 is an important one for the Com- munity also by reason of its incorporation in the States of Indiana and Missouri, under the legal title of "Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, In- diana." The application to the legislatures of these States had been made some years before, but the matter was left in abeyance on account of the illness and death of Mother Michaela.
CHAPTER VII.
Summer Normal, Examinations .- Grading of Teach- ers .- Annual Retreat, Vesting and Profession .--- New Schools .- Kindergarten.
IN the Normal course, which was held regularly during vacation, the teaching Sisters participated with great interest, convinced of the importance of this periodical review of the various departments of pedagogical science, which revision is for active life, what the retreat is for spiritual life-a strength- ening of principles and an adaptation of methods.
After the Normal followed the examination of teachers by the Diocesan School Board. The Sisters employed in the schools of Franklin County, Indiana, were examined also by the County School Board, and received their teachers' license.
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