The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-06-11
The Sister. Of tho Good shepherd.

0A0
Sisters of the Good Shepherd, which was
called forth by several communications in
the Times, which displayed an ignorance of
the subject that was remarkable, is from
the pen of one of our most talented con-
tributors. We make no apology for re-
publishing it at this late day, as we think
that every Catholic should read it, and re-
member, as 8. B. E. 80 we'll expresses it
Z" that no charity can be more acceptable to
God than that which gives employment to
those who are anxious to lead new lives"
For the New Orleans Sunday Tmes
.'But II there . homo for themr
Where can they go-who will receive themf
In Sundays Times, of the 18th inst, there
was an earnest article by Beverley upon
the subject of retaining fallen women.
The same topic was continued in last Sun
days paper, in the course of which the
above quoted questions were asked in an
earnest aud loving spirit.
The writer evidently does not know that
q home such as she desires to see estab-
lished is already in existence in New Or
leans, afford,pg shelter, employment and
consolation to more than hundred erring
women.
speak of the House of the Good Shep-
herd, situated on Bienville, corner of Broad
street, and presided over by an order of
sanity ladies, who, following the example
of their Divine Master, endeavOr to save
souls from sin and death.
In this house are two classes of women
tho penitents and Magdalens-names
fully descriptive of the life of each. A
word in regard to the sisters of the Good
Shepherd themselves. They are all ladies
of refinement, education and high social
standing, whose desire to serve God in
some exclusive manner singularly pleasing
<< hoe ,ts,l Sf,aU, TO ,1onf 50
similar to his own when be said: "Doth
not the Good Shepherd leave the ninety
nine in the desert, and go after the one that
is lost Z"
In our own city the society numbers
among its members q lady we'll known to
that is gentle, refined and accomplished in
womanhood-a sister of one of our most
intelligent and most esteemed citizens !;
another is the daughter of one of our
oldest and most influential citizens-both
of these ladies being at present among the
Order.
About two weeks ago I visited this in
stitution, and while the Impressions then
received are still vivid in my mind, will
detail all saw and heard, feeling sure that
Beverley and those who, like her, are
erring, will, when they really understand
the nature of this House, no longer ex-
claim, Where can they got Who will
receive themi'
The class of penitents numbers about
seventy women, from the tenderest years
Of girlh"od to those of maturer life. The
Sister in charge of this class was, herself,
in the FIRST bloom of womanho0d, with a
face SO full of heavenly peace and kind
ness, that her very presence alone must
| serve as beacon to every thing pure aid
good. / told her candidly that, although l
| admired her devotion and zeal in the cause
| of souls, could not understand how she
! found happiness in such a life.
can never forget the expression of her
| face, Lit up az it was with smiles, and beam
ing with an inner light, as she spoke of her
duties, her daily routine of work, and
seemed to wonder how I could doubt that
she was happy. realized, while listening
to her, the truth of our SaviOur's words,
ga peace that surpasseth all understand
ing" She told me that all who come to
their doors Are admitted, young and old,
new in the way of sin or broken hearted
beneath its accumulated burden.
| Among the patients are many who con-
secrate themselves to life of repentance
and of good works. These are called
" consecrates," and do much good among
their companions, aiding the Sisters most
materially in their work of reform.
So great is the pity, or rather charity, OF
this institution, that these poor sinners re-
| C6lFO d low CuCOAiuS OuO AAOuoVJ
in order that, when any one goes out from
among them, che cannot speak of those
with whom she has been associated and
thus the poor, fepentant sinner feels her
self shielded from the worlds bitter scorn.
Many Of them go from this institution
BUNDLED, but purified and repentant, and
in Christian families lead lives of purity
and industry. Others who dread return Il, RI!
DAYS hidden from all eyes but those OF
God, dedicate themselves to religious
life, and are henceforth known as Mag,
dalens." Imitators of her who, after the
Divine. Injunction, "Go, Gin no more,
went into the hidden places of the desert
and spent her life in prayer.
asked the Sister if, among the Mag
dalens, many we're found entirely changed
"There are many of them who are tr"t!
Saints" she said--and the tender reverence
with which she spoke of these poor prodi
gals made me feel that, in the eyes OF God
; repentance is sister to innocence.
The Sisters have large new edifce
nearly completed, capable of accommodate ii.
ing twice the present number. Ihl