Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-11-07
DEAD TO THE WORLD
Miss Drexel Takes Her First
 Vows as a Sister of Mercy.
THE RECEPTION IN P1rrsBURG.
The Millionaire Heiress Dons the Holy
 Habit of Religion.

Number of Friends Witness the Im
 pressive Ceremony-No Show or Display
 Made-Archbishop Ryan Breaches the
 sermon-she Will Hereafter be Known
 as Sister Katherine.
 PITTsBURa, Nov. 7.-To-day Miss Kate Drexel, daughter of the late F. A. Drexel, of Philadelphia, was received into the Convent of St. Mary of Mercy as a novice.
 A large number of relatives and friends from Philadelphia wore present. Her spiritual adviser, the Right Rev. James O'Connor, of Omaha, made the journey from Nebraska to this oity to be present at the ceremony, which was conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop Phelan, of Pittsburg.
 Although Miss DreSel at first refused to wear the white gown and orange blossoms of the bride, she finally con- sented to attire herself in a beautiful white satin dress, fashioned most ar- tistically by Philadelphia modiste.
 Miss Drexel entered the chapel dressed in the garb of postulant. This consisted of a plain black dress, lace cap and black lace veil.' This cos Guulo SuO "OIC dU V10 AOSCpGAOA uA tAA the ceremony of blessing her religious habit took place. She was led into the sanctuary where the ceremony was held by the mistress of novices, Mother Inez. They were preceded by one of the younger sisters, who acted as cross bearer and who carried a1oft large gold crucifix, which signified that the postulant's future life must be her own salvation.
 When tho nrocession apneared hefore Bishop Phelan the novice stepped for ward and with her attendants knelt at his feet. They held lighted candles in their hands and the Bishop asked the usual questions about her admission i1l- to the order. The first question was:
 My child, what is it you demand?''
 Miss Drexel replied: ''The holy habit of religion"
 Then followed long list ofquestions and answers, In which the novice re- nounced the world and took up her new life. The nuns habit was then blessed with the cincture beads and veil by the bishop. The novice was then led out and dressed in her new habiliments. She was again led in, robed in the habit. Whom the procession re-entered the chapel choir of trained voices sung anthems of joy.
 The postulant was then blessed, and the ceremony closed with benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament.
 Archbishop Ryan, of Philadelphia, preached the sermon, which was a eu- logy of the aims and objects of the order, and was specially directed to the postulant. After the sermon banquet was tendered the visitors and commu- nifty of sisters by the poStulant After remaining in the convent in this city for two years more the postu- lant will be professed and finally re- ceived. If, in the meantime, she wishes to leave the convent and reioin the out side world she may do so. Tho service of profession is moro solemn and inn pressive than the reception. The pos tuiant prostrateS herself and the bishop spreads a black pail over her, meaning that she is dead to the world. The choir chants mournful hymn and the postu- | lant is given the black veil and silver ring.
 'sSister Katerine," as Miss Drexel was called, will take her departure for | the West when professed. She will To- cate in the convent at O'Connor City, l Neb., near Omaha.
 | Since entering the novitiate of the l convent, six months ago, Miss Drexel l has avoided meeting any person who l was prompted to visit her out of curi- 1 osity. She has had her mind occupied | by teaching select school of small
 children in the convent.
 l There was no display made at the re- | ception. The ceremonies were conducted
 as quietly and unostentatiously as possi-
 ble. The fair novice made special re. l quest that all the pomp and splendor be
 dispensed with. She also wished to be l kept secluded as much as possible, and | asked that none but her near relatives l and friends be permitted to attend the
 exercises.