The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

The House Of the Good Shepherd was
established in this city January 20.
1889, the object being the reclamation OF
fallen girls and women and the preser-
walton of fallen young girls whose NOR.
als-on account of circumstances or
place or position-are exposed to dan
ger.
Since that time there have been ad-
mitted into that institution, and re-
tained for longer or shorter period or
time. according to necessity, of the for
mer class, 4S6. OF these the greater
number were young girls placed there
by their parents. guardians or other
friends, by the authorities and in many
instances the erring one has herself
sought and obtained admission.
All are received without distinction
of creed or nationality. The peace and
calm that prevails, the kind and en-
couraging interest of the Sisters is a
consoling balm to poor wounded hearts
which soon yield to the gentle intlu-
ence and in a short time are made to
taste that JOY and peace which true
repentance brings and which they had
almost despaired of ever finding In this
world.
All are required to conform strictly
to the rule Of the house by which the
duty or exercise of each hour Is defined
the diversity of which precludes monot-
ony and causes time to pass almost un-
perceived. They have their hour OF
rising, Of prayer of meals. of silence,
of singing, Of recreation and of work.
As n general rule these penitents or
"children" Gas they are a(fectionately
called by the -Sisters) are very happy
while in the institution and seem to APP
preciate the care and kindness shown
them. They do not fail to see that
nothing in the power of the Sisters Is
left undone which would contribute to
their comfort and happiness, these be-
ing the only means used by the sisters
to effect in them a change OF heart and
they find but very few cases where this
is not most effectual at least for the
time they are under their care.
1t Is a great source Of consolation to
the Sisters (being the only earthly
recompense they have for their labors)
to witness the good dispositions of graf
itude that fill the hearts of numbers of
these children when leaving the home
to return to their parents and friends,
strengthened and encouraged to begin
new the battle of life. 1t frequently
happens that these poor children re-
turn of their own accord to remain for
longer period and even for the re-
mainder of their lives under the kind
protection and care of the Sisters, many
among them never have desire nor
can they be induced by their friends
to return to the world but prefer to live
secluded from it. either In the class
where they are or If blessed by God
with q vocation to religious life are ad-
mitted, after'a term of probation, to the
community of Sister Magdalens. This
Is community entirely distinct from
thn Ny,,rrt nf hn Cictn nf n
Good Shepherd by which they are gov
erned. The Magdalen community is
formed of those among the penitents
who desire to give up the world and
its deceitful pleasure and consecrate
themselves to God in a life of solitude
and prayer. They enjoy all the privi-
leges of a religious order. make the
three vows, etc, after having complet-
ed the term of novitiate.
This community which was estab-
lished In 1894 has already received %
members
In the department of younger chill
dren called the preservation Glass"
about 70 have been received. Their
time Is divided between their studies
and other Industrial works as needle
work. embroidery, etc, one half of the
day being given to each branch. They
are also given other useful instructions
to enable them to earn a livelihood
when they leave the institution.
AS the institution Is supported solely
by its industries the inmates, in every
department are always usefully em-
ployed. Sewing and needle work i'm all
Its branches is taught to each one ac-
cording to her capacity. In some this
talent Is developed with marvellous sue
cess as Is shown In beautiful specimens
from their hands