USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume I, pt2 > Part 34
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The Franciscan Fathers who are not connected with St. Joseph's church attend various asylums and institutions as chap- lains, besides giving occasional needed assistance to parish priests. At present nine Fathers, and six Brothers reside at the monastery-which has been the average number for some years past.
The following Franciscan Fathers have filled the office of Superior of the monastery since its foundation: The Rev. Capi- stran Zwinge, 1868-71; Kilian Schlosser, to 1879, and again from 1882 to 1885; Eustace Brüggemann, from 1879 to 1882; Maxi- milian Neumann, 1885-SS; Theodore Arentz, 1SSS-94, and 1895- 97; Vincent Halbfas, 1894-95 : and since August, 1897, the present Superior, Rev. Bernardine Weis.
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CLEVELAND. CONVENT OF POOR CLARES.
In August, 1877, two members of the Poor Clares' Sister- hood, a contemplative order, established a convent in Cleveland. A short time before their arrival a former public school, with several lots, located at the corner of Broadway and McBride streets, had been bought for their use. The brick school was remodeled to serve its new purpose, and thus became the first convent of Poor Clares in the United States. They took posses- sion of it on the day of its dedication, August 10, 1877. The little community grew steadily, even though its growth was slow, and soon had need of more ample accommodations. The location of the convent also proved unsatisfactory. The Rev. Kilian Schlösser, O. F. M., pastor of St. Joseph's church, had bought the first convent home for the Sisters, and was commissioned by his Provincial, in 1879, to secure another and more desirable location. This he did by the purchase of the present property on Perry street, north of St. Bridget's church, at a cost of $10,500. Plans were drawn for a convent in strict accord with the rules of the Poor Clares, one feature being the cloisture, the observance of which is one of their vows. The building was commenced in the spring of 1SS1, and ready for occupancy in December of the same year. It is a three-story brick structure of severely plain archi- tecture, and cost about $10,000. Although the new convent afforded more room for the Sisters, they had not the means to properly fit it up, and were therefore forced for several years to continue using the old house which stood on the lots. In 1SS5 they made a number of changes in the new building for the better accommodation of the increasing membership of the community. This is now composed of twenty members. Four of the Sisters are not bound by the cloisture, and are therefore charged with the duty of soliciting alms for the support of the community.
The daughters of St. Clare lead a life of prayer and penance. and abstain from the use of meat, even in sickness. Their cloth- ing also, in which poverty and austerity are patent, is for them a continual source of penance. A part of the day and night is employed in singing and reciting the Divine Office, while the rest of the day is spent in meditation, household duties, and in sewing for "outsiders." They always arise at midnight from their hard couch to go to the chapel, where they spend two hours in prayer and meditation. In their daily prayers they intercede for their many known and unknown benefactors.
The Sisters are very grateful to the Catholics of Cleveland for generous support, and for the many acts of kindness shown them, especially during the time they built their convent.
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S CONVENT, LAKEWOOD
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
GLANDORF. CONVENT OF SANGUINIST SISTERS.
This community, whose Motherhouse is at Maria Stein, Mercer county, O., is one of the three Sanguinist Sisterhoods in the diocese, and was established in the hamlet of Glandorf, in 1849. The first convent was built of hewn logs. On July 2, of that year, twenty Sisters took possession of their new home. This was replaced some years later by the present large brick structure, embracing two wings, one of which contains the handsome com- munity chapel. The convent lands comprise about 120 acres and afford support to the Sisterhood.
Ever since the foundation the community has been steadily increasing and at present numbers 4S Sisters. Some of these have charge of the parish school nearby, whilst others, dividing their time between prayer and work, take turns in the Perpetual Adoration in their convent chapel, as prescribed by their rule.
LAKEWOOD. THE SISTERS OF CHARITY, OF ST. AUGUSTINE.
In 1851 Bishop Rappe established a Sisterhood in Cleveland for the care of orphan boys and eventually to take charge of a hospital for the sick. He named the community "Sisters of Charity, of St. Augustine." St. Vincent's Asylum, on Monroe street was its home and mother house for thirty-eight years- until 1889. Within the asylum walls were housed the Sisters and their orphaned wards, and the novitiate of the community. Mother M. Ursula (known in the world as Catharine Bisonette*), was the first Superioress, from 1851 until her death, September 11, 1863. Of her it may be truly said that "she was a valiant woman." She was also a model Religious and left her impress for good on her Sisterhood. In the course of time the community as well as the orphans increased in numbers, so that the asylum became too crowded for the convenience and comfort of its two distinct classes of inmates. Bishop Gilmour saw this condition of things and felt that the Sisters should have a separate building for those first entering' the religious life and in need of proper training ; as also for those of the community who had spent their best years in the discharge of the arduous duties of their holy vocation and now deserving of merited rest in their declining years; that there should be a quiet retreat for them where they might be the better
*See page 60, this volume.
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able to commune with their Divine Spouse preparatory to the final call. At first his well-meant plan was opposed, as the Sisters felt satisfied with the place that had been their convent home for so many years, and did not object to the noise and bustle of more than two hundred lusty-lunged orphan boys. Finally, however, better counsel prevailed, with the result that a place away from the busy scenes of city life was discussed, and finally secured by the purchase, in June, 1885, of an admirably located ten-acre tract of land, in the hamlet of Lakewood, about five miles from the Public Square in Cleveland. It borders on the southern shore of Lake Erie and fronts on Lake avenue. The property was the country villa of Mr. Alexander Gunn, who had not spared either money or labor to make it a veritable Eden-like garden spot. It had been leased for three years at the time the Sisters purchased it. On the expiration of the lease in April, 1888, they took pos- session of the property, a few members of the community occupy- ing temporarily the large two-story frame cottage on the grounds.
In September, 1890, the foundation of the present convent was begun, the building permit being among the last granted by Bishop Gilmour. Early in the spring of 1891 work was resumed, and the building was brought to completion in August of the following year. In the meantime Bishop Gilmour, tenderly cared for by two members of the community, during his last illness in distant Florida, passed to his eternal reward. As he had approved the plans for the new convent he had hoped to see it finished and to bless it. But God had ordained otherwise. Another hand was to bless it; another voice was to intone the Te Deum for the · completion of that work which he had begun.
Bishop Horstmann blessed the convent and chapel on the feast of St. Augustine, patron of the community, August 28, 1892. The Sisters, however, took formal possession of the new convent only on December 1 following, on which day the novitiate was transferred to it from St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum.
The handsome building is a three-story structure, with attic and basement. It is built of pressed brick, and is fitted up with all the modern conveniences. Natural gas supplies light and heat. The chapel is an architectural gem and devotion-inspiring. It is beautifully frescoed and has artistic stained glass windows.
The following flourishing diocesan institutions are in charge of the community: The Charity Hospital, St. Vincent's Asylum and St. Ann's Asylum, in Cleveland, and St. Louis' Asylum, in Louisville, Stark county. Each of these institutions has its local Superioress, and all are under the supervision of the Mother Superior, subject to the direction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The Sisters merit and enjoy the good will of the clergy and laity for
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CONVENT OF THE SANGUINIST SISTERS, NEW . RIEGEL, SENECA COUNTY.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
their charitable work in behalf of the sick, the orphan and the waif. That has been their history for fifty years. Many have gone to receive the reward from Him whose devoted and faithful spouses they were in life. Their remains are interred in the little cemetery near St. Vincent's Asylum.
NEW RIEGEL. CONVENT OF SANGUINIST SISTERS.
In 1834 the Very Rev. Francis S. Brunner, with the assistance of his saintly mother, established at Castle Löwenburg, in the Canton of Graubündten, Switzerland, a Sisterhood of Sanguinists, of which his mother, in her advanced age, became a member. The community Rule was a modification of that framed by the Ven. Dom Caspar De Bufalo, founder of the Sanguinist Society of Missionary Fathers .* The two principal features of the modified Rule were: The Perpetual Adoration of the Most Precious Blood in the Blessed Eucharist, and the instruction of children. A branch of this community was established in 1844, at New Riegel (Wolf's Creek), by Father Brunner, at that time Provincial of the Sanguinist Society. The Sisters arrived at New Riegel shortly after the Sanguinist Fathers took charge of the parish in the same place. Their first convent (also the first of that flourish- ing community in the United States) was a log house, which was furnished most primitively. It stood on a 60 acre tract of land which Father Brunner had secured for them. It is part of the extensive property now owned and used by the Sisterhood. Adjoining the convent was also a small log chapel. As soon as it was ready for use, in December, 1844, Mass was said in it for the first time on Christmas eve. On that occasion the Sisters began the Perpetual Adoration, which they have continued without interruption to the present day.
As there was then great want of Catholic teachers, some of the Sisters devoted themselves to the instruction of the children in the local parish school. In their convent they opened a day school, and an asylum for orphan girls, the latter being supported by the community. They also established a novitiate for young women desirous of becoming members of their community. Thus the Sisters have quietly continued their works of charity, praying and teaching, in accordance with the above mentioned two-fold object of their institution. Withal they are very industriously engaged with various occupations in their convent, and out of doors as well. It is a common sight for the people of New Riegel
*See Page 14, this volume.
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to witness Sisters busily working in the well-tilled fields of their 200 acre farm. In 1844 the community numbered six members ; in December, 1900, it had increased to sixty Sisters.
The log convent and chapel were replaced by the present stately brick structures, the former in 1860, and the latter in 1894. The beautiful chapel was dedicated by the V. Rev. H. Drees, at that time Provincial of the Sanguinists. The convent is one of the largest in the diocese, and is admirably arranged for the con- venience of the Sisters.
PARMA.
ST. STANISLAS' NOVITIATE OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS.
This institution was established by the Jesuit Fathers in 1897. In that year they bought a tract of land, located in Parma town- ship, Cuyahoga county, about seven miles from the Public Square, in Cleveland. A two-story frame house, built by the Jesuits on the land, shortly after its purchase, served as a tem- porary home for the Fathers and Scholastics of the Society, the latter having been transferred from the Novitiate at Prairie du Chien, Wis. The building was called St. Berchmans' Hall. An additional tract of land was bought in 1899; both purchases cover a little over 54 acres. The location is beautiful, even romantic. and retired from the bustle of a busy world it is in every respect adapted to a religious and studious life. The Jesuit Fathers had the ground platted and graded. Roads and culverts were built, . serpentine walks were laid out, trees and vines were planted; in a word what was an uncultivated piece of ground was soon trans- formed into a beautiful country seat. These improvements were followed by a very substantial three-story brick structure, with a beautiful chapel of Gothic architecture; both were dedicated by Bishop Horstmann on May 31, 1900.
Besides affording accommodations for the novices and junior scholastics of the Society, the secular clergy, as also laymen, who wish to spend a few days in Retreat, find a cordial welcome at the above named Institution.
The present Rector and Master of Novices, the Rev. Theodore Van Rossum, S. J., received his appointment in August, 1898.
THOMPSON. CONVENT OF SANGUINIST SISTERS.
The second community of Sanguinist Sisters established in the diocese of Cleveland is that located at Thompson in Seneca county. Its history dates back to 1845. In that year the V. Rev.
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CONVENT OF SANGUINIST SISTERS, THOMPSON, SENECA COUNTY.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
Provincial of the Sanguinists, Father Brunner, bought 80 acres of land near St. Michael's church. About half of the land was cleared of timber. An old log house was on the premises, and was made . the temporary abode of a few Sisters who had come in September, 1845, from their convent which had been established at New Riegel a year previous. A chapel for the use of the Sisters was commenced in May, 1845, and was completed the following September. Three months later their new convent, a log struc- ture, was ready for occupancy. The Perpetual Adoration was then commenced by the Sisters, and has been continued ever since, without interruption.
The Sisters observe their community Rule in the same manner as has been mentioned in the preceding historical sketches of the same Sisterhood at Glandorf and New Riegel. They unite manual labor with prayer, perform household duties, till the land, train orphan girls-whom they support at their own expense; they also teach in the local and neighboring parochial schools.
Their log convent was replaced in 1870 by the present large brick building, which is conveniently arranged for the use of the community, now numbering 65 Sisters.
Nearly one mile from the convent, in the midst of a dense forest, is the beautiful and now quite noted pilgrimage chapel, known as "Maria Steig." The Sisters devote a great deal of care to its adornment. For many years back large numbers of pilgrims have visited it annually on the feasts of the Assumption and of the Dolors of our Lady. The first chapel, a wooden structure, was built in 1850; the present, a brick edifice of Gothic architecture, replaced it in 1870. The interior is appropriately decorated, the colors harmonizing with the soft mellow light that is shed over all. Above the main altar a few tapers burn before the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, to whose patronage this little house of prayer is dedicated. Through her intercession many sorrows have been soothed here; many cares and troubles have been dispelled from mind and heart; many deep wounds of the soul have been here healed too. And even bodily infirmities have been cured in a mir- aculous manner, as is attested by the crutches, emblems and mem- orial tablets displayed within the sacred precincts of the chapel- mementos manifesting the gratitude of fortunate souls who have experienced the power and bounty of Mary. Even here, hidden "in the forest primeval," her glory is made manifest, and her inspired words are fulfilled: "Behold ! from henceforth all genera- tions shall call me blessed."
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
VILLA MARIA, PA.
CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF THE HUMILITY OF MARY.
(Attached to the diocese of Cleveland, by special agreement made in 1864, between the Bishops of Pittsburg and Cleveland.)
In the spring of 1855, William Murrin, a devout Catholic, deeded to Bishop O'Connor of Pittsburg, for the benefit of reli- gion and charity, 250 acres of land, near New Bedford, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where the grantor himself had lived for many years. The Bishop erected on the farm a two-story brick building, 45 by 45 feet, which he intended for a diocesan seminary. That project failing, a few Franciscan Brothers opened a college in the building, and took charge of the farm. Owing to its out- of-the-way location the college also failed and was closed in 1859. Bishop O'Connor then deeded the farm for the sum of $3,000 (which sum covered the cost of the building) to Bishop Rappe, whose object in making the purchase was to establish there an orphan asylum for the older orphan boys, then in St. Vincent's Asylum, at Cleveland. The Sisters of Charity took charge of the place, but they, too, disheartened no doubt by the cheerless pros- pect presented by an uncultivated farm and its unattractive sur- roundings, gladly returned to Cleveland with their orphans, in 1863, after a stay of about four years.
About this time the Rev. Louis Hoffer, pastor of Louisville, visited his native France. One of the objects of his visit was to engage Sisters to take charge of his school. In his search for Sisters he learned of a teaching community that had been estab- lished by the Rev. John J. Begel, in 1854, at Dummartin, in the diocese of Nancy, under the title of "Sisters of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary."
Before agreeing to accept Father Hoffer's proposition, their founder and Superior. Father Begel, wrote to Bishop Rappe, who at once invited the community to come to this country. The invitation was accepted, and with Father Begel the entire Sister- hood, then numbering twenty members, landed at New York, June 18, 1864. A few days later they arrived at New Bedford, their new home, under the most adverse circumstances. The farm and its buildings were in a lamentable condition, and the surround- ings were not more inviting. And yet the farm which was given to them by the Bishop, was to be the only means of subsistence for those who had hitherto been occupied in teaching and with needlework, and who, consequently, were unfamiliar with farm work. Dismayed by the gloomy prospect before them, the Sisters hesitated before choosing such an abode, but finally, in obedience
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
to Bishop Rappe's will, they accepted what they felt would be, at least for some years, a life of privation and hardship. Tlie difficulties with which they had to struggle greatly impeded for a time the educational progress and the development of the com- munity, for, having no means, they were obliged to support them- selves by farm labor and needle-work. Kind friends among the clergy, Sisterhoods and laity, who learned of their poverty, gave them financial support, and by degrees the material condition of the community steadily improved, and its membership also rapidly increased. The land yielded better crops, thus enabling the Sisters to support not only themselves but also a number of orphans who had become their wards. To provide accommoda- tions for the increased membership of the community the original brick building was doubled in size in 1869. It was again enlarged. in 1878.
In 1880 a very neat brick chapel, 36 by 72 feet in size, was erected adjoining the convent. It is adorned with ten stained glass windows and has three marble altars. The chapel was dedi- cated by Bishop Gilmour on July 13, 1881.
In 1881 an affliction was sent to the community in the utter prostation, by paralysis, of Mother M. Anna, who was the first Superioress, and had held that office for 19 years. Since then she has been a helpless but most patient invalid, full of resignation to the will of God, and cheerfully bearing her heaven-sent cross.
Father Begel was called to his eternal reward, on January 23, 1884, after a life spent for God and in the interest of the community he had founded. His death was a severe blow to the Sisterhood whose director and spiritual father he had been for thirty years. His nephew, the Rev. N. J. Franche, succeeded him as chaplain of the institution, a position he has since then filled most faithfully.
The community numbers at present (1900) 130 Sisters, and supports 50 orphans. Many of the Sisters are engaged as teachers of parochial schools, 15 of which are now under their charge, to the full satisfaction of the pastors and people whom they serve. The flourishing Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Cleve- land, is conducted by these Sisters. For upwards of twenty-six years they have also faithfully attended to the domestic affairs of the diocesan seminary.
The days of distress and privation with which the community had to contend in its early history have long since passed. God has signally blessed it and its work in behalf of education and charity.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO. URSULINE CONVENT.
The Ursuline Convent, at Youngstown, Ohio, was founded in September, 1874. Anxious to obtain the blessing of religious education for the children of St. Columba's parish, its pastor, the Rev. Patrick H. Brown, had long been soliciting Bishop Gilmour's permission to obtain a colony of Ursulines, from Cleveland. Now that this ardent desire had been realized, he secured as parish property a small frame house adjoining St. Columba's school. To this he conducted the pioneers of religious education in the Mahon- ing Valley. Mother Teresa was Superioress with six Sisters as her zealous co-workers. Trials and adversities -- the usual marks of Divine benediction, were not wanting in this new foundation. Within a few years its patron, Father Brown, succumbed to paraly- sis, and its founder, Bishop Gilmour, was stricken with a severe illness that necessitated a prolonged absence from the diocese, thus leaving the young community without that assurance of stability which would justify it in receiving subjects. Material aid from the Catholics of Youngstown was impossible, as they were still suffering from the terrible financial panic of 1873. At the close of the first year Mother Teresa was replaced in the office of Supe- rioress by Mother M. Louis, of Cleveland, who labored energetic- ally to keep the struggling community in existence.
The return of Bishop Gilmour to the active duties of his diocese, in 1876, and the appointment of the Rev. Edward Mears, in July, 1877, as pastor of St. Columba's, in Youngstown, mark a new epoch in the history of the community. Many classes in St. Columba's were still in charge of seculars and Father Mears desired Religious as teachers. These could not be supplied by the Cleveland Ursulines, so Bishop Gilmour asked the Toledo Ursulines, as a personal favor, to supply the required number. His request was most generously granted, seven Religious being given. Some arrived at Youngstown, on July 22, 1878, with Mother M. Lawrence as Superioress, which office she has filled since that time. Others followed in the latter part of August, thus satisfying not only the wants of St. Columba's school, but also of St. Joseph's, whose pastor, the Rev. Joseph Eyler, had asked for an
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URSULINE CONVENT, YOUNGSTOWN,
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
Ursuline Sister as teacher. The timely aid thus given by the Toledo community continued for eleven years, the number gradually decreasing as new subjects were able to take their places.
Mother Lawrence's first effort was to purchase the property which had been occupied by the community, thereby saving the monthly rental, which was paid as interest thereafter ; the purchase price was $6,000. Early in February, 1882, the debt had been reduced to $3,200, which sum, with the authorization of Bishop Gilmour, was donated to the community, by Father Mears, in the name of St. Columba's parish. To render the property free from taxation, Mother Lawrence had the community incorporated, in June, 1882, as an academy under the title: "Ursuline Academy of the Holy Name of Jesus." Many gifted and talented young ladies, blest with a divine vocation, were soon attracted to the new institution. The first religious profession took place on July 12, 1881, and since then every recurring year has witnessed in the con- vent chapel the solemn ceremony of fervent souls consecrating their lives to the service of God in the work of religious instruction. To accommodate so many subjects was, for years, a most perplexing problem, solved only by building additions to the original convent, as the means of the community allowed, and circumstances required, until such time as more property could be purchased upon which to erect a suitable convent. At present 48 Sisters belong to the community.
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