1947 Chronicles (6): Saint Joseph, Intercessor

“All the angels looked on in wonder at the procession of nuns hopping through a window....”

The sisters continued to settle into their new home, but they also realized the necessity of a larger chapel and choir. For this, they sought the intercession of Saint Joseph. The sisters participated in a daily procession in honor of Saint Joseph, yet the limited space in the chapel made for a somewhat comical procession route.

The 176-year-old barn that would become the nun’s chapel

“After we were cloistered, the next important thing to be considered was the erection of a larger chapel and choir. Reverend Mother had already received letters of application from young ladies who wanted to enter, and there was scarcely room for even one more in the present choir. At first it was thought that a fully equipped army chapel like those that were being sold by the government would be the best and quickest solution to the problem. Father Moore went to inspect one which was being erected in Danbury. He returned with a glowing account of its beauty and appropriateness, but the price demanded was too much and the Sisters had no wealthy benefactor as yet who would be willing to pay for it.

“Suddenly, Reverend Mother had an idea, inspired by the Holy Ghost, no doubt: She suggested that they move the two barns and place them end to end beside the monastery. The larger one could be used for the chapel and the other, which was two stories high, could be made into a choir for the sisters, with the novitiate quarters above for the novices. According to human prudence, it didn’t seem to be a very good idea, for the barns were one hundred and seventy-six years old and were sagging in many places. A reliable contractor, Mr. Louis Fusco, was consulted. He was rather dubious, but he decided to take the job, warning them that the Sisters had better add fervent prayers to his efforts.

The nun’s farmhouse refectory and its large, low windows…

“The daily procession in honor of Saint Joseph was lengthened. Instead of confining themselves to the community room adjoining the choir, the Sisters went singing his praises through the kitchen, print-shop, and laundry. Sister Mary Joseph, as cross-bearer, headed the procession, with the two postulants, Sister Irene and Sister Elizabeth, as acolytes. Reverend Mother at the rear carried the small bronze statue of Saint Joseph. There was only one doorway which led from the community room to the other parts of the monastery, and that one opened into the choir.

“Out of respect for the Most Blessed Sacrament, Reverend Mother had forbidden the Sisters to pass through the choir when wearing apron and sleeves, so, in order to save time, we would hop through a large open window into the refectory, for the sill was only fifteen inches from the floor. Even Reverend Mother used this unique exit many a time. Now, Sister Joseph walked through the open window and, before anyone could stop her, all two-hundred and eighty pounds of her stepped over the sill with the cross. The acolytes and the Sisters followed, and all the angels looked on in wonder at the procession of nuns hopping through a window. Sister Mary Joseph’s explanation to Reverend Mother afterwards was that, if Saint Joseph wanted his procession to be more dignified, he would give them a door where the window was and help with the barns as well – and that is exactly what happened, as future events proved.”

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