New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-27
A MONASTERY OPEN FOR INSPECTION.
THE NEW BUILDING IN PUTNAM-AvE.. BROOKLYN
FOR THE SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
TO BE OCCUPIED THIS WEEK.

THE NEW III IN E'' DiNCCNi'A-''
FOR THE SISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
TO BE OCCUPIED THIS WEEK
, The Monastery Of the Precious Blood, No. PIP
Putnam-ave Brooklyn which was formally opened
TO the public last Monday and eight days from that
time to be rlgdly clostered, is the seventh insttu-
ton of the kind in this country. The order was
founded in St. Hyacinth. Can. in 1861, and monas-
terles have been located in Ottawa, Toronto. Mon
treal Three Rivers Mount Tabor, Ore. and Brook
lyn The latter was founded In 1882 and occupied what
was known as the "Cobble Stone Cottage" In stump
ter-st In 1890 the Sisters removed from there to the
adjoining convent and in 1892. the old Church OF St.
Francis in the Fields being vacant the sale OF the
property to the Sisters OF the Precious Blood was
effected. and they took possession. The building
was inadequate 10 the requirements Of the COM
munlty" and efforts put forth for the erection
OF a suitable convent which have resulted in the
commOdious structure OF brick and terra-cotta now
occupied by the order.
From the main entrance flight Of steps leads TO
the chapel which, when completed, will he open 10
the public The walls white, with wide dado
OF German mosaic. Only two Of the windows are
hnshed-a large orlel window in the tiny balcony
and one of the side windows having a life-size de-
sign Of st. John the Baptist. The chapel has been
used since the opening for a fair. the proceeds OF
which will so toward the completion Of thc building
Many articles Of value have been contributed, one
of the most valuable being large screen with gilt
frame having natural ferns and butterflies pressed
between two layers Of glass.
The rest of the building. with the exception OF
the paror at the right of the entrance will be
closed by doors or gratlngs. The parlor VIII be
divided by an iron grating and guests will be re-
cetved in one part, while the Sister remains in the
other 1t Is the custom OF the order TO receive
women who desire TO make a retreat for as
long time the retreatant cares to stay. and for
their use three rooms at the left Of the entrance
will be furnished seeping-rooms These rooms
have separate entranceS-corr4dOr and stalrway-and
have no communication with the part OF the monas-
terry used by the Sisters. small room in this
wing will be for the Of the visiting priest his
breakfast will be served there each morning after
he has said mass. This room mas a private en-
trance There two cell floors where the Sisters
sleep; these cells small. but light and airy.
Each one has ordinary sized window, or three
windows The walls throughout the house
windows shattered, and the sun penetrates into
most Of the cells. Each cell contains a single
white spread and with small excelsior pillow,
one wooden chair a stationary washstand. and an
of furniture; ON the outside OF eacn cell door Is
small blackboard surmounted by red cross, and
bearing on one side the occupants name and motto.
and on the other an INSCRIPTION peadinG Illness.
At midnight Of the Sisters goes to each cell 10
awaken the occupant for devOtons, but II any SIS
ter Is unable 10 rise she Is not required TO do so.
The retreatants also assist at this devotion. \
is fitted up for the secretary of the order, who
Is kept constantly employed.
on the basement floor the Kitchen laundry
where each Sister does her part OF the wOrk-linen
and sewng-room, storeroom for the procuratrix.
adjoining; this Is divided by a grating from small
Office for he door, where they may obtain food or
advice There at present seventeen Sisters In
the monastery. Under the direction OF the Rev.
Mother Gertrude. r. P. b. on June q seven more
according to rank. The choir Sisters wear white
serge, red scapuars and black VEIL with tiny red
pqs Just a6ov es Of me Ss sE 0 the
and the tour!ere Sisters wear all black.