July 7, 1892 – To Archbishop Cleary, Archbishop of Kingston ON from General Superior Sr. M. Edward, Holyoke MA

Mt. St. Vincent,
Holyoke, Mass.
July 7, 1892
The Most Rev. J.V. Cleary,
Archbp. of Kingston
My dear Lord Archbishop,

I received the enclosed on Monday the 4th and I was not certain of your Grace’s address; I sent it to Kingston to be directed, that accounts for the K. Post Mark.

I am sorry to disturb Your Grace during your few days of rest at the Springs, but God help me, I have no one else to rely on for advice or direction. I have been very ill for fifteen days and am at present not entirely recovered from the attack of bronchitis that prostrated me. I hope in a few days to be myself again.

There were two Sisters in the Convent in the City who I wished to bring out to the Mount and sent for them to come and spend a few days. According to my wish, they came and at the conclusion of their visit, I informed them that I intended they should remain at the Mount. I sent in for their trunks on Saturday, which action caused a great sensation and on Sunday evening at 8 o’clock amid a deluge of rain, Dr. Beaven arrived breathless at the Mount. He asked the portress if all were here or if I had not sent some on to Kingston.

He told me he had seen the Archbishop of Boston and that he, the Abp., had said to him, perhaps I would be contemplating some changes at this time and that he wished Dr. Beaven to say to me with all courtesy, that as the case was pending, it would be as well not to make any and if I should, that he, the Archbishop, should first be notified. I listened respectfully to him and he glared at me, but not a word did I utter, so he went away with no idea of whether I intended to do or not to do.

Dr. Beaven is evidently determined to watch me and this new feature of bringing up the Archbishop is all he has to threaten me with. I have an idea that all the Sisters are lead to believe that the Archbishop of Boston is their protector.

Hoping that Your Grace will benefit by the sojourn at the Springs and God will continue to bless and direct you is the daily and earnest prayer of
Your ever grateful and obedient Child
Sister M. Edward, Sup. Gen.
Source: 407-409-A, General Secretary Fonds, Annals of the Congregation/Generalate series, Volume 1861-1892, pp. 327-328, 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.

Letters Navigation

⇐ Return to Main Page:
Catherine McKinley Letters