Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-09-24
For the journal
EincatiOn---SiSters Of Mercy.

The securing of q permanent foundation
of Sisters of Mercy for Wilmington, by
Bishop Gibbons, as announced in the Jour-
nal of the 9th instant, is rather singular
event in North Carolina. One, however,
that cannot be looked upon with disfavor
by any class, whilst it must afford sincere
appreciate the benefits which this inattute
has so widely diffused.
The unremittng labola of the good Sis
tors in the promotion of education and
the relief of suffering humanity, are what
chiefly commend them to public regard
and appreciation. But high and undenia-
BILE IA their merits are, in respect to these
points. still higher virtues, on which it is
needless to dwell, might with equal Justice
bA awarded to them.
1t might fairly be inferred that for train
ing effectively the young of their own sex,
and preparing them to act we'll their part
in life, these ladies such of them as fill
the educational department are peculiar
ments and after the strictest probation,
they consecrate their lives to tho delicate
and arduou9 task, deeming it a religious
duty to devote all tu5ir energies to the
pnpils contided to their guardianship.
Happily, III the present case there is no
necessity TO rely on conclusions that may
be Impngned. The excellence of the edu~
cational system pursued by the Sisters is
attested by it's success. Ladies whose
minds and manners have been formed in
foundations of mercy, are to be met with
in many of the States, adornmg the most
refined circles by their intelligence and &C
cOmphshments presenting III their own
persons the best examples Of the social and
domestic virtues and foremost in all of
fees of charity and of kindness.
1t Is not the rich and prosperous only
that benefit by the teachings of the sister
hood. When their circumstances or mum
hers admit, they open schools for the gra-
tnitous instruction of the children belong
ing to the classes less favored by fortune,
and spare no exertiOns to render them use
ful and worthy members of society. Some
times they devote themselves entirely to
the education of the poor, generally with
the most edifying results.
However scowilng the reception some
have been disposed to allOt to the Sisters
on their first entrance into place with the
view of effecting settlement embitterel
lpreiGdice has soon given way to gratitude
and admiration. 1t is quickly seen that
mo unfortunate, of whatever creed, is be-
yond tho pale of their sympathy; that their
charities are limited only by their means
that, if money or property increases in
their hands. it serves not for purposes of
luxury, or to provide themselves with ad-
ditionnl comforts, but to widon the sphere
of their good deeds The Sister of Mercy,
when out Of the precincts of her cloister,
will be found ellerishing the orphan, feed
ing the hungry, visiting the sick, giving
solace to affection in the dreariest haunts
of misery. Who more calmly exposes
herself to death amid the horrors of the
plague stricken city -? Can it be averred
that the dying stranger, homeless and
friendless, was ever left destitute Of
earthly succor, when it was possible for q
Sister of Mercy or of Charity to soothe the
bitter agony of his desolate hour?
What would form the brightest page in
the annals of the Sisterhood will never be
fully disclosed to the world. In many if
not in most cases the foundations of the
order commenced with scanty resources
and under heavy discouragements. Yet.
through toll and priyation, through hu-
millatiOna and suffering, the Sisters marched
steadily onward, never relaxing in their
benevolent efforts, never losing for mo-
ment their confidence in the protection of
God till at length they overcame the diff.
culties that barred their path and happier
days succeeded. The laurel which crowns
such triumphs blooms not on earth.
In her daily ministrations, and in the
exercise of those virtues of self sacrifice
which, in great measure, make up the sum
of her life, the Sister of Mercy or of Char
ity SO far traascends the ideal of woman
presented by poets, that no one, however
qualified, could speak of her as she de-
serves without seeming exaggeratiOn.--
Even these feeble and inadequate remark
may appear liable to q like imputation.
But the writer has never been acquainted
with any member of the order. He has,
however, heard much relative to these
ladies; he has known many who were edu-
Gated by them, more who were relieved by
them, and he has kept far within the mea-
sure of his information.
BY the introduction of the order into
Wilmington Bishop Gibbons will effect O
noble work, the good results of which will
not be restricted to those of his own COM
mnnion. Whilst the beautiful and impress
sive in character, and the beneficent in ac-
ton have influence over the hearts of linen,
Sisters of Mercy will not fail to secure re-
spect and consideration among the COM
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