The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-03-08

aecond infancy az helpless, and far moro pitiful |
than tho first
Sisters of tho Poor This last word conse- |
crates their mission and stamps it with inc |
seal of divine charity. They see In the inhrm'
and sged, only the images of Coda suffering
Godl Our Lord has said, "The poor ye have
always with you" 1t is not strange, therefore,
that our Holy Church has provided for these
objects, left to her care; and that out from
her maternal bosom should come these Little
sisters who are to minister to them in HIS
name,
It is, indeed, only the Spirit of Love which
can inspire such devotion; and only the Cath
Ollie Church which can foster such holy
inspirations.
This Order is not an old one. It sprang into
existence this century, because this age, moro
than any other, needed to be reminded OF the
legacy left by Christ to his disciples.
Vanity or voluptuousness, the characteristic
of our century, has SO engrossed the thoughts
and desires of all hearts, that life has, at
present, no superfuities with which to enrich
the poor.
The greed of gain-another curse-has
smothered the better feelings of mankind, and
rendered them callous to human sufferiugs and
human helplessness.
Aud lastly science, in drawing the thoughts
of man beyond this earth, too often makes him
forgetful of his duties to his fellow-man-and
too often leads him to ignore the teachings Of
the great Law-giver of the Universe.
For these reasons the Divine Spirit inspired
it's Holy Spouse to bring forth these mothers OF
mercy, these daughters of love, these Sisters Of
the Poor; for we find oombined in their mis-
sion all the attributes which characterize each
particular order in the Church.
The Order originated in France, that country
which seems especially favored by Heaven /;
thence it spread to other countries, and about
five years ago some Of it's members established
themselves in America
Since they have taken up their abode in
this city, they have collected nearly two
hundred old people under their care. They
make no difference in the treatment Of their
charge in regard to religon-the only plea
| required for admission is age, helplessness and
| restitution.
The Sisters have met with much kindness at
people contributing to the necessities of those
for whom the Sisters plead. Still it must be
very difficult for them to meet all demands
/
hundred persons are no small items; and how
such great and varied wants are supplied by 6
few, quiet women, is ono of the miracles of ou1
day and testifes most eloquently to the gener
GUS charity of our people.
No doubt, some special effort must soon b,
made in their behalf, for the unusual dullnes
of the times presses heavily upon them: il
such a case, we hope full and generou
| bod =.
return for the abundance of blessings which
they bestow upon others.
1t is often serious matter of concern will
US whether or not to give to the many object
of charity who beg for help. We fear lest tn
loaf of bread be exchanged for the gill o
rum; or the money bestowed as aims, dissi
pated in crime; or perhaps what is solicited
SO eagerly be only superauity to one unde
serving of any indulgence. 1t is therefore
positive relief to place in the hands of tn
Sisters our mite, which we know will brinl
comfort to the truly deserving; and thus
without any trouble on our part, except tba
of giving, we fulfill the divine precept of help
ing our fellow-beings.
The only commandment of our Heavenl,
Father accompanied by promise is the on
referring to the honor due to parents. Il
! these dear old people nourlsneo ny INC Atei
Sisters, we can behold father or mother
taken from us by death, perhaps, ere we ooul'
, prove eur gratitude and love.
If we shelter their weary forms, if W
brighten their desolate lives, if we bring then
comfort and cheer, may we not feel that W
have done the same to Him who has said, tina
when we give food TO the hungry, drink to til
I thirsty and garments to the naked, He vii
, count it as done unto Himseiff
Little Sisters of the Poor May it be man
long day before our heart grows 80 cold a
to think upon your gentle ministrations will
a out thrill of earnest admiration; or to reca
: the helpless objects of your care without a
' eager desire to cooperate in work 80 pleasin
to God, so advantageous to ourselves, and 6
+ appropriate to the calling of Christian.
= We are glad to know that, by q happ
inspiration, an entertainment is being organ
lied for the benefit of this noble charity, b
some of the most gifted and distinguish