Feb. 29, 1892 – To General Superior Sr. M. Edward, House of Providence, Kingston ON from Sr. M. of Providence, Holyoke MA

J.M.J.
House of Providence,
Holyoke, Mass.
Feb. 29, 1892
Sister Mary Edward, S.G.
House of Providence, Kingston

I have heard your command: that I prepare within two hours to return to the Mother House. I understand that this order has been given by you and your General Council and approved by His Grace the Archbp. of Kingston, Ontario, Ecclesiastical Superior of the Sisters of Charity of the House of Providence, Kingston, of which I am a subject.

I have also heard, read and fully understand the Mandamus of His Grace and its ecclesiastical censures with further threat of possible excommunication in case of my refusing to comply with said order, but in view of the fact that the “Status quo” was imposed on the Community at the instance of the Bishop of the diocese of Springfield or his representative, and do refuse to comply with that order, or to withdraw from the house in which I now reside until notified by the Ecclesiastical authorities of this diocese that the “Status quo” has been removed, in other words, that the petition for a Separation has been finally and positively answered by Rome.

I do most emphatically assert my willingness to obey without questioning the authorities of my Community in whatever they may command me, as soon as I have been officially notified by the authorities of the Diocese of Springfield, as well as those of Kingston that the “Status quo”, imposed as we have been informed by the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda, the late Cardinal Simeoni, no longer exists.

I do this in the belief that I am acting under the protection which the Holy Church accords to its children.

I am Rev. Mother, in heart and will, notwithstanding my appeal from your order, the obedient child of Religion and subject of my Community.

Very respectfully,
Sister M. of Providence
Notes: Another two copies of this letter exists as handwritten individual copies. One copy is dated February 29, 1892 and one copy is dated March 2, 1892. 105.6-C, Mother Mary Edward General Superior sous-fonds, Correspondence series, Letter February 29, 1892.
Source: 407-409-A, General Secretary Fonds, Annals of the Congregation/Generalate series, Volume 1861-1892, pp. 257-258, Archives, Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
Catherine McKinley’s Letters

This letter is part of a large database of correspondence written by and to Catherine McKinley, who is considered one of the founders of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. As a Sister of Providence she was known by her religious name Mother Mary Edward.

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