June 17, 1895 – To Sr. Rose de Marie, Sisters of Providence Montreal from General Superior Sr. M. Edward, Kingston ON

J.M.J.
House of Providence, Kingston
June 17, 1895
Sister Rose de Marie
My very Dear Sister

I intended day after day since I saw you in Montreal to write to you, but one thing follows another so rapidly in my poor life that I am seldom able to do what my heart prompts me.

I was very sick for three weeks after Easter and after that I had to try and make up for lost time. At the end of May I went to Perth to attend to my little “Visitation” and yesterday returned from Brockville. I can truly tell you, my beloved Sister that not many days pass in which I do not think of you, one of my best and dearest friends on earth.

You were so poorly when I bade you good bye in March, that I really felt anxious about you, but I hope you are yourself again. Oh my dear sister, what would I not give to have you with us for a few days even!!! But it appears God does not will it. I know you would be pleased to see how we live, for you have ever and always manifested a lively interest in us. Well since you cannot see our real stone and mortar, I am sending you with this a picture of our House, which has just been taken. I sent one by Sr. Damien to dear Mother of the Blessed Sacrament; I think she will be pleased to see it.

How is Minnie Jones? I trust that Mrs. Carufel has reason to be better satisfied with her now. I enclose $1.00 that you may purchase a few Street Car tickets and hope you may find time to visit the little one occasionally; a word of advice from you dear Sister, will be very beneficial to the child and save Mrs. Carufel much trouble.

You may remember that I told you we were trying to establish the Tertiaries; well I am pleased to say that we have one; every thing has a beginning you know, and though we are a bit slow we hope to be sure.

Will you in your charity offer one little prayer to the Sacred Heart that a few good girls might be inspired to come to us, for the purpose of aiding in the care of the poor. We have at present 64 men and 71 women with 60 orphan children and not a single one except the sisters to do all the work of the house.

May I hope soon to hear from you? It would be a great comfort to me to know that you are enjoying good health. Kindly do me the favor of presenting my affectionate and respectful regards to your worthy Superior, I hope she is well. My love to all the other sisters that remember me if you please.

With every assurance of gratitude and affection believe me to be in the Divine Heart of Jesus,
Mother M. Edward, Sup. Gen.
Notes: This letter is a typed copy pasted into the copybook.
Source: 105-C, General Superior's fonds, Correspondence series, Copybook, pp. 208A-209, 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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