Dec. 22, 1894 – Circular letter to missions from General Superior Sr. M. Edward, Kingston ON

"Gloria in excelsis Deo; et in terra paxhominibus bonae voluntatis."
House of Providence, Kingston
Dec. 22, 1894
My Ever Dear Sisters:

As I have on different occasions made known to you all the various events which have occurred at our dear Mother House, I find myself with little or no news to communicate at this season. Our new Wing is nearly completed and thus we will be enabled to open still more widely the doors of our “Home” to admit, in greater numbers God’s chosen – the poor- to all the privileges of a residence in His own dwelling.

Our Novitiate is a joy to all hearts not only on account of the number, but more especially of the qualities of head and heart possessed by the aspirants. At present we have ten professed Novices, nine Novices and eight postulants. Have we not great reason to thank God for thus increasing in almost a marvelous manner our number of laborers?

A noble work is being done by our little Hospital in Brockville good seed is being sown that will in God’s own time bring forth an abundant harvest.

My dear Sisters often, when the recipient of so much kindness at your hands, I have felt a pang that words only were at my command to prove my appreciation of all your goodness. I at last resolved to do my best to make not an adequate but a slight return to my dear cherished sisters. What I now send you with my greetings will convince you that I have added deeds to my words, and I hope that each one will find as much pleasure in the use of the little Manual, as I have found in preparing, if so, then I shall feel repaid for my effort.

May the dawn of that glorious feast for which all are preparing with reverence and love find each one of you kneeling in silent adoration at the Crib of our New Born King, and may each heart be filled with that peace which he came to bestow upon men of “Good Will”.

My dearly loved sisters, I wish you all this and a happy thrice happy Christmas and remain always your devoted and affectionate
Mother M. Edward, Sup. Gen.
Notes: Another copy of this letter exists as an individual letter. 105.6-C, Mother Mary Edward General Superior sous-fonds, Correspondence series, Letter December 22, 1894.
Source: 105-C, General Superior's fonds, Correspondence series, Copybook, pp. 194A-195, 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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