The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-02-20
Twenty Fifth Anniversary Of the Sisters OF Mercy
in Little Rock, Ark.

1
On the Sd of February, 1850. Just twenty i've
years ago today, there arrived in this city ter
Sisters of the Order of Mercy, who came upon
the solicitation of Bishop Byrre, the Catholic
Bishop OF this diocese. to plant the in the
wilderness, and to dispense among the scat
| tered few the works of mercy.
When toe Sisters entered upon their new
held in the wilderness of Arkansas they had
great difficulties to meet They, without means
were to establish an institution W hich needed
the aid and cooperation of charita BILE public
to build up and sustain. AT that time the
whole Catholic population of Little Rock con-
| sisted of twelve OF sixteen families, whose
circumstances enabled them to contribute but
very little toward the establishment and sup
port OF u Convent of Mercy. The influences OF
snch an Institution at once attracted the at
tention of the wealthy and liberal Protest ants
of the community, and they lent it their hearty
cooperation, and became it's most stead fast
frjeuds
OF the Sisters who commenced the Convent,
four still live within the institution, and their
names and their works are identified with
Little Rock three others are in the CONVEX
At Fort Smith, and three have been called
away To heir elernni reward. After ten wears
OF toll Bishop Byrne again visited the " G. ceen
Isle tor the purpose of procuring additional
menbeIs, and returned with several young
ladies, some of whoa, in 1900 were received
into this community, and since then have
formed part of it.
To day they celebrate their silver Jubilee
the twenty fifth anniversary of St. Mary's Con-
vent of Mercy, with feelings of gratitude to
God for being made Instruments OF good, and
that they still continue to dffuse around them
His most beautiful attribute of mercy. This
morning the convent bell pealed forth in tones
of joy, and the bright happv faces of it's in
mates gave evidences of that true Happiness
"oontentment (which exists within i to walls
At an early honr the building was thronged
with friends, who came to extend their con
gratulations and Din with them in thanks
giving. Mingling among the Sisters and friends
were the children aud young ladies of the
Academy, who seemed to enjoy their holiday.
Owing to the large number THAT were present
the little chapel was too small to accommodate
hall of the Academy. At o'clock Pontifical
High Mass was sung by the Bishop assisted by
Father Reilly.
At the conclusion of the services these present
retired to the parlor, where q number OF beau.
tiful and costly presents were exhibited
Father Reilly then, upon behalf of the old
Catholic citizens, presented to the Convent q
handsome aud complete set Of crockery. He
alluded in feeling terms to the event which
pleasant memories TO the warm, steadfast CO.
operation of our Catholic citiz sns 10 the Con-
vent from Its infancy to the present time
Father Pat, as he ia famiiiarly known came in
also for share of the rejoicing, for since the
ton udation of the Convent he has been it's
chapan. None seemed happier than himself
beloved by ail-not only by those who have
received from him their. early teachings, bat
by those who came in later years. All share
in that same affection.
. Mother Alphopsus when asked if she did not
feel old in celebrating her silver jubilee laugh
ingly replied, ooh, no, it is only when we See
t he children of those to whom We Taught their
first lessons that we realize that SO many years
have passed."-Little Rock Star.