1947 Chronicles (5): Blessings & Benedictions

The early days of the foundation were replete with opportunities for practicing heroic virtue; the challenges were met with joy because of the presence of the Eucharistic Lord.

Monstrance in the original monastery choir

“The most menial and repugnant tasks were performed by all, even by our Mother Prioress. Some chores were most offensive, for the plumbing and sewage system seemed to go out of order each Saturday. Sister Mary Amata put a heavy flat iron on the plug of her shining bathtub to try to keep the dirty water from backing up, but it was not successful.

“Everyone, especially sister Mary Joseph, our cook, had many occasions for practicing heroic virtue. Our bones ached from the hard manual labor, and the skin over the joints of our fingers split, forming painful little cuts which refused to heal. But, our hearts sang in spite of all the hardships. We seemed to find humor in everything; even when, to sweep a floor, we had to climb three flights of stairs and search through the house to find a dust-pan and brush.

“On the feast of Saint Margaret of Hungary, January twenty-sixth, we had our first Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the Sacred Host was placed in the tabernacle for the first time. The following day, the dining room adjoining the parlor chapel became the first choir, and a black iron grille was inserted into the large open doorway which connected the two rooms. The old wooden altar was moved in front of the grille, allowing just enough space between to permit Father Moore to give Holy Communion to the Sisters through a little door in the grille.

“The stalls were very simply made by the carpenters and painted by the Sisters. Apart from the stalls the tiny choir would hold just three of us, with two small prie-dieux for Reverend Mother and Mother Sub-Prioress. A small white open cupboard set in the wall behind Reverend Mother’s prie-dieu made a lovely alcove for an exquisite blue and white bisque statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, which had been bequeathed to Reverend Mother by a deceased aunt.

“This first choir became very dear to us, for it afforded us many occasions for practicing virtue...”

“There was just enough room for two vigil lights and a vase of flowers for feast days. In the opposite corner, a shelf was inserted for a small, bronze statue of Saint Joseph, a very dear patron saint of the Sisters – a daily procession was made and special prayers were said in his honor as soon as it was possible to do so. Saint Joseph has revealed his gratitude by sending assistance in many ways.

“In spite of the many inconveniences, lack of fresh air and light – for there was only one window – this first choir became very dear to us, for it afforded us many occasions for practicing virtue. The Sisters fit so snugly on the benches that there was scarcely room for any of us to put on weight; and if one sneezed rather suddenly, she was likely to give the Sister near her a good jolt. Likewise, the daily Salve procession after Compline must have provoked a smile even from the angels. There was so little floor space – four steps brought them up to the front of the choir – that the beginning of the procession met the end, even before the Sisters had started to walk. It was strange that no one got dizzy; at least no one said anything about it if she did.

“We found another proof of God’s providence for us in the way in which we had obtained the grilles for our chapel and parlor. Mother remembered a very kind benefactor who had donated grilles for our Summit monastery. Mother knew he would be pleased to provide the grilles for the new monastery, but there was no way of getting in touch with him, since she had lost his address. Then, one day, out of a clear sky, our friend called Mother on the telephone to ask if we were in need of any more grilles!”

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