Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-05-19

This part Of my subject | approach with
doubt and dilIidence, ind with feelings which
sensitive minds can fully appreciate Yet con-
scious Of the purity Of my motives, and con-
vinced that the public have right to know the
circumstances and causes which influenced INV
action-at the same time, conscious that il is
due 10 myself and friends to declare it-I shall
endeavor to discharge this unpleasant duty with
truth and candor
entered the institution Of St. Joscph's un-
der the complacent impression and implicit be-
lief that among the "Sisiers Of Charityr |
should find an entire devoledness, an unselfsh.
pure dedication TO the service Of the Almighty.
| had heard and read so much Of their pious
life, their earnest efforts 10 comfort the afflicted
tend the sick and console the dying that en-
tertained the most exalted ideas of their Chris
tian perfection. The short time, too that |
remained at the institution as a visitor. with
the assurances Of the Superior, confirmed the
favorable effect on my mind, and | therefore
became member of the community under the
most propitous auspices 10 view matters in the
most friendly light. But was speedily disap-
pointed. The rose-color tint in which the sis
trehood had appeared to my eager glances, gave
place to the sombre reality when was enabled
to see things Alright My anticpatons were
unrealized, my feelings shocked, and my enthu-
slasm from fever heat cooled down 10 zero
although many were perfectly sincere and con-
scientious in the practice of their deyotions and
discharge Of their duties, yet among these SO
much superstitious reverence prevailed as TO
excite contempt and pity. ! allude especially
/ IN N
which, although the Catholic church says they
are only intended to direct the mind to de-
vout contemplation of the originals, were here
viewed in light that savored Of dolatry. In
the garden Of the Superior, which we were
sometimes permitted to walk, is placed statute
Of st. Vincent, the founder of the order. This
| figure was held in great estimation. No one
passed it without lowly and reyereniial obei-
sance, and have often seen and heard it ad-
dressed as living being. Many of the sis
iers would approach it timidly, with their hands
clasped in the attitude of prayer, and after a
profound salutation, exclaim, in beseeching
tones-"Pray for me faiherl''
The older or "professed sisters" are treated
with much more leniency, and lead more easy
life than the novices. Many of those rather
advanced in age occupy their own rooms, whero
they are served by the younger inmates, and
are not compelled TO attend strictly 10 all the
services. In the community room'' they have
"parties" with music and refreshments, and 10
which the priests are invited but none Of the
younger sisters are admitted, or allowed share
Of the delicacies provided for the occasion,
although for the most part, it is their duty 10
prepare them OF occurrences and acts in tho
'.uo..-..-..,.y .~.,.- vI course | can give no
count, as seminary sisters" are not allowed
to enter there at any time, except when sum
moned to the presence Of the Superior, or sent
with message. But enough passes without
to excite sorrow and digust.
II will be recolected that mentioned the
three vows required to be observed by the Sis
tiers of Charity, in common with the nuns at
tached TO all Catholic convents.-Poveriy,
Chastity, and Obedience. The Interpretation
of the first Of these is sufficiently plain, the in
tenton being to enrich the religious establish
menis with the property--if they should possess
any-of the members Of the community, as it
is more likely they would donate it to the in
stituiion to which they are attached, than dis
pose of it in any other way--being prevented
by their vow from retaining il themselves, even
if il was not, as is the case, placed at the dis
posal of the Father Superior, when they as
sumo the habit.
OF the other two obligations some explana-
tion is necessary, and the peculiar ideas incul-
Gated by the priests in regard 10 their breach
and observance. will, perhaps, prove novel and
startling to the unsophisticated denzens of the
world without, 10 whom Jesui,ica causus,ry
and doctrine arc unknown studies.
A religeuse, or sister, is bound by her ''rule"
not to touch the hand of man, not even Of
her father, brother, confessor, or any priest /;
but-mark the distinction-should one of the
last mentioned class, especially priest of St.
Lazare, take her hand, with whatever intention,
she must not Withdraw it. Her vow Of obcdi-
ence has supremacy over all others.
Again a sister is required BY her vow Of
chastity not 10 look man in the face not TO
raise her eyes when speaking to, or addressed
) by, the Father Superior, her Confessor OF any
- -. -. a. .so-r.,;, l. - .ko,oL,. a. J,oII