Nov. 27, 1895 – Mrs. Donnelly from General Superior Sr. M. Edward, Kingston ON

J.M.J.
House of Providence, Kingston
Nov. 27, 1895
My dear Mrs. Donnelly

I received Kate’s letter and should have answered it long ago, but will do so soon.

I was speaking with our Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Kehoe, a few days ago and he mentioned having received a letter from you in which you allude to the list of articles comprising a Sister’s trousseau, which you asked me to send you and which you deem beyond your ability to supply.

I am sorry that the number and quality of these articles have given you so much anxiety and had I been aware that you intended spending the specified amount I would not have sent you the “List” at all, knowing this would be insufficient to procure them. Moreover, I would have advised you to purchase nothing, but simply to give the child whatever money you could and I would see that she expended it to the very best advantage in getting a few articles as she required them.

I never exact of any candidate to fill out the list, no matter how well off the family may be, until the time of Profession, much less would I expect you to do so, as our respected Chaplain has informed me that you have a large family to support and educate, which I understand is not easily accomplished in Ireland.

It may comfort you to know that once the Community agrees to accept a young girl without a dowry or without means of procuring an outfit there is no more about it. Your nearest friend need never know what you gave your child and I can assure you, that if God calls her to this Country and to this Institute, and if she fulfills faithfully the duties of the religious state and becomes a good Sister of Charity she will never be made to feel that she had no fortune.

That God may direct you in the matter of your child’s vocation will be my constant prayer until I hear from you again.

Hoping these few lines will satisfy you as regards Kate’s affairs.

I am sincerely yours,
Mother M. Edward, Sup. Gen.
Source: 105.6-C, Mother Mary Edward General Superior sous-fonds, Correspondence series, Letter November 27, 1895, 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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