The Irish standard., 1898-09-24
THE SISTERS OF THE POOR.
What They Are Doing at Their Home
for the Aged.

for the Aged.
The following write-up of the Little
Sisters of the Poor and the work they
perform in this city appeared in the
Evening Journal a few days ago:
The Little Sisters of the Poor is a IA
milar name and many recognize readily
the black-covered wagon used by the
Sisters in soliciting help for their work;
but the work itself is unknown to a
large part of the people of the city.
The Little Sisters of the Poor is known
quite generally as one Of the Catholic
charitable orders, but it's peculiar mis-
sen work is to care for the aged poor,
and i'll Minneapolis it is doing larger
work for the aged than any other insti
tuition. The Sisters have been estab-
lished here about 10 years. and had their
first home for the aged in an old resi-
dence. A few years ago, by the assist
ance Of friends. they put up the present
building at 2l5 Broadway northeast, a
four-story cream-colored brick structure
of rectangular shape. and severely plain
both within and without. The wood
work and floors are of hardwood, which
is almost a necessity for cleanliness as
there are no carpets. The only attrac-
tive features are the scrupulous cleanli-
ness and the bright sunshine which
ments used for the aged inmates. The
furniture is restricted to bare necessities
of comfort-iron bedsteads chairs, Ia
bles and dishes. A very few simple pic
lures adorn the walls. The beds are
very comfortable, and With all their
wants supplied, the inmates are rs hap
py as lonely and deserted old people,
with little interest in life, could be ex-
pectcd to be. Some undoubtedly are
really happy, and cling TO life. while
for others death will he a welcome re-
lease from an existence burdcned with
the memories of sorrow or with pain.
Those who are able to do anything
ARE supplied with light work, chiefly
mending and patching quilts for the
women, and shop work. cobbling and
tailor work for the men. Those who are
able to do something seem especially
cheerful and sociable. The infrmary
for those unable to get about much is
~,l,
able to walk are supplied with rolling
| chairs. and move around little In this
| way. The chapel has a gallery on this
| floor, so that scarcely any of the in
mates are deprived of attendance at the
religious services, which are conducted
every day by the priests of st. Anthony
of Padlla. The chapel is the most at
| tractive apartment OF the house, and II
is never empty; for the old people, de-
prived of other consolation. turn more
readily to that of religion, and one
bright old woman, whose vivacity indi-
Gates her naturally active disposition,
| but who has been unable to walk for -
! years, sits and murmurs prayers over
her beads all day long. 1T is all ! can
do now" she explains to the visitor.
| The old men are provided with a smok-
| ing room, and, when it is warm and
| pleasant, quite generally crawl out into
the sunshine of the large, pleasant yard.
Books and papers are provided for those
who are able to read. The general feel
/ ing of the inmates, accepting what comes
to them in a spirit of thankfulness, was
voiced by an old woman who responded
to the Sisters greeting by saying:
Even if the world frowns. the sun
shines on u.s.
The home is supported entirely by the
donations solicited by two OF the SIS
tiers, VINO spend their whole time visit
ing the charitably inclined and collect
ing their contributions. These are near
ly all small, but many give stated
sum every month. Every afternoon the
wagon visits the shops and gat up
the gifts of food. Old clothing and ma
terial for quilts are also asked for. At
times IL Is very difficult to secure the
means FOR caring for the large number
of old people, for the home has accom-
modntions for 100, and is almost always
full. There we now 93 old people and II
Sisters. This summer has been Il hard
one, and the institution Is in especial
need of assistance. GIFTS can be sent to
the home, or if IA notice is sent 70 them,
the Sisters will call for Droifercl gifts,
The mother superior is sister Monica
Joseph, lIut she is now absent IN France
at the mother house.
There is no tost of denomination made
in admitting h"ncii"iarir;. The only re-
ouircment is that the applicant shall be
more than go years of age a:n' give ref
crcnccs to show that he is without re-
sources of his own, and that his family,
if he has any, are unable to support him.