The New York herald., 1870-11-25

Interesting Episode at the Convent Of the
House OF the Good shepherd, ST. Louis-

Particulars oil the Order and Its Objects.
[From the st. Louis Republican Nov 22l
An interesting episode occurred yesterday at the
Convent OF the House OF the Good Shepherd ON
Chestnut street. SIX young ladies' were received
dience being present. The ceremonies took place
In the new chapel of the convent In the Chestnut
the Very Rev. Father Ryan oficiated as celebrant.
assisted by Father Van Hust and other members I
the clergy: The following were the young ladies
sister Mary Of ss: Fhlllp aer,, Miss I0u,f' N.
Miss H. Kelly, OF Cincinnati, Sister Mary OF ST.
Louisa; Miss B. Kennon, OF Cincinnati Sister Mary
of ST. Angehgue; Miss x. Lehman. OF st. Louis. Sis
ter Mary St. McInia; Miss B. Henney or Cincinnati
Sister st. John Chrysostom.
The sermon was proached by Father Ryan, and
solemnity OF the obligation assumed, but also por-
trayea the sacred joys and serenity connected with
life Of voluntary devotion to God ana the service OF
suffering humanity.
The House Of the Good Shepherd is an important
religious institution, and owes Its origin in this CITY
Kenrck. occupies entire block In the heart OF
The city, which was donation for the purpose by
Mrs. ann ~ on,,' nuo' VINO aiso hneraly assisted to-
ticn Is controlled by the convcntual Order OF the
the Good Shepherd, and Its object il the reforma-
tion Of fallen and penitent women The number of
inmates is now 800; The religious numbering 49, in
cluding 80 novices, and The balance being women
rescued from vicious courses, and who are received
into the house without any distinction as to rei.
glous creeds. The only qualification needed M an
applicant IS sincere desire 10 regain the paths OF
virtue and establish purity on q sure foundation
This WORK OF reformation mas much that Is trying
and repulsive to those who conduct it. The women
received into the institution are generally
depraved often from the lowest class OF city cypri.
ans. Vice has not only degraded, but embitfared
their characters, and although anxious in n yagne
passionate way TO get away from evil and seftened
by the patient kindness OF the Sisters they are for
long fime coarse and unruly creatures the
best method TO reform such women is a problem
that has often puzzled philanthropists ana nc
other agency win be as successful this order un til
1t Is inspired by the same energy and purity and
singlen0ss OF purpose The members consecrate
their lives 10 the task, and add to moral teachinr
the efficacy OF patent endurance and selfsacri6ce
practically exeInpl!feu. Paid teachers and attend.
ants can hardly be expected to have the same
moral influence as those who labor only from noble
motives. who have made life purpose of the obiect
tney work for.
The Order OF the Good Shepherd, we believe or,0,.
mated In France, but is represented IN ali large
cities. The 81. Louis institution is provincial one
and controls similar Institutions In other cities and
Stafes that at Chicago is under its supervisory con-
troll. Wltnn the same order s entitled the Order
OF Magdalenes, which Is composed entirely OF fallen
women restored by the influence OF the Sisters and
who, desiring to lead c0nventual life, assume the
vows OF this interior order and they said to form
most pious and patient Sisters OF Mercy .
1t is autho.itatIvcly denied that there Is any
abrdgment or liberty within the walls Of this jnst
tuition. II an inmate expresses serious desire to
leave the doors are open for her departure although
the temptations to return 10 an evil life which some
times beset an inmate are resisted by all the
strength OF entreaty and CHI lstan argument. Apart
altogether from this conventual character there is
every Indication that the institution is accomplish.
ing much practical good In this city. ~ s3