Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-19

to assert, as she did in her profession,
that she does it '-of her own free will
and accord" The vows of obligation
are very solemn, and are made before
the altar, crucifix in hand, and a part
of the ceremony in this order consists
OF che novice appearing in complete
wedding outfit and having ring put
upon her finger, and made bride of
Christ" This is before she assumes
the black habit and veil, which involves
funeral service. In some OF the orders
of sisterhood the novice prostrates her
self at the entrance and allows the men,
berS of the order to step over her body
in token of humility.
Miss Drexel appeared with the other
members of the order in the chapel of
the mother house, made her professions
! and went through the customary devo-
tional exercises. During the coming
! six months she will be required to con-
| form to the routine and discipline of
| the order, but her attire will be largely
| optional. She will be put to manv
tests, however, to prove her faithful
| ness, and the conventual life will be
very different from that which she has
| been leading. The habit of the Sisters
! OF Mercy is the most picturesque and
| dignified of all the orders of the Cath
| Ollie slsterhood and religious ladies.
| They wear trains and n deep collar
that entirely covers the breast, and
small, close-fitting caps that come
| under the chin.
Miss Drexel is the young lady who
has shown so much interest in Indian
missions. With Bishop O'Connor, of
| Nebraska, she travelled through the
Indian country and gave $3.50, 900 for the
work of Catholic missions among the
| Indians of the northwest. She is of a
very amiable and beautiful disposition,
and her mind has always had a religious
| turn. Unless at the end of the proba-
tionary period OF SIX months she con-
cludes to change her mind and re-
| nounce her intention and profession
which is within her power to do, Miss
| DreXel, 80 well known as the most at
tractive of the sisters OF her branch of
the family, and one of the greatest
heiresses in America, will hencefOrth
be dead to the world" and the circles
OF Walnut street, where she has been
so familiar, will know her no more. No
incident Of the sort since the beautiful
Miss McTayish, of Baltimore, entered a
convent, will cause so great a social sem
sation, rs it was utterly unexpected
and, until now, has been absolutely un-
known outside of thefamily.
Miss Kate DreXel is one OF three sis
ters who inherited from their father
the enormous fortune, now estimated,
of $2l 100000. This is invested not
only in real estate ali over Philadel-
phia and in securities and bonds of va
rious organizations and industries in
and out of Philadelphia, but in the
great banking house of which her
father was member. The way in
which it was left also has an important
bearing. In case either OF the three
daughters should marcy and have an
heir, the heir inherits the whole for
tune after the daughters. deaths. II
neither should leave an heir, the entire
fortune goes to the Catholic church.
The youngest daughter, now Mrs. T..
De V. Morrell, married a few months
ago. Miss Kate Drexel, who entered
the convent, has quite u large fortune
independently inherited from her
mother, who died before her father, but
should she remain in the order her in
come from her interest in her fathers
estate, and probably her share of the
principal, amounting to $1,000, 900 oi
s7,OOO,OOO, will be relinquished TO the
church.
Miss Lizzie Drexel had not contem
plated going to Europe, but upon the
determination OF Miss Kate Drexel be
coming known, the sister determined
TO go, not desiring TO be left alone a
Ean Michael, near Torresdale. the ex