New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-03
N CHINATOWN TO-DAY.
Catholic Workers Open Nursery for
italian Babies.

With nothing assured but the roof over their
heads and their coal and gas. little community
n what might be called lay sisters. headed by
Miss H Nordaun Murphy, VIII open a settlement
house and nursery in Chinatown this after
man. No wealthy patronesses are backing them
end they expect literally do all the work Of
,be mission themselves. even to washing the
aoors and laundering their own and the chill
drens clothes
And We expect to be very happy" said Miss
Murphy yesterday. I'VE have a beautiful house
given TO Us by the salesian Fathers Of the
Church OF the TRANSPORTATION. on whose invita-
ZION We have come here, and we are glad it
has stained floors that won't harm to be
scrubbed Ike the implanted floors at our other
house, St AIMS Nursery. at No. S4S East
2lst-st."
The new mission. II seems. is a branch Of St.
AIMS Nursery. and the women who have charge
If both are sometimes spoken of as the Ladies
Of the Nursery.
But We don't belong to any order" Miss Muir
pbv explained. we dress just like other peo-
ule only that our gowns black. and though
l am the directress I haven't any ecclesiastical
title The children call me Mamma Murphy
and their parents usually do the same. but 1
have no right TO the title of Mother Murphy
which Is sometimes given to me. We have a
slight rule and that is really necessary to. keep
order and hold US together but the rules Of a
religious order would interfere with our work
and so We prefer 10 remain a lay community.
But we have all given our lives to the work. and
We are all perfectly happy. scrubbing and clean
ing and caring for the poor.
yes il was l who started the work. but
really don't know what impelleG me TO do II.
was in business at the time, earning a good sal
airy but that did not satisfy me. and l have
never regretted giving ii up.
The idea OF coming to Chinatown is not new
one I was invited to come here before l started
s.. AIMS Mission two years and half ago, but
! was afraid 70 attempt anything difficult
Chinese. but 10 the Italians. We ready to
help any who needs our services, it is true,
and We never ask any questions about creed but
work is intended primarily for our own peo-
pie. We wish 10 keep them in the fold. not %
make proselytes Of others, and there is treTnen-
oous fi=d for us IN this neighbOrhood"
The new foundation Of the Ladies' of the
Nursery viii he blessed this afternoon by Auxil-
fairy Bishop Cusack, and the children Of the
neighboThood viii bid him welcome. The Rev.
Dr.. y. J. Mcmahon director of the Catholic
Charities Association, will also assist and a
large number Of the clergy from the churches
Of the neighborhood and elsewhere will be in
attendance.
Christians. and IS located at No. 81 Mott-st
next door 10 the Church Of the TRANSPORTATION
u is a large four story building with a beauti-
ful roof garden, which is to be used not only
the netghbOrhood generally Miss Murphy will
devote her time between this mission and ST.
AIMS. and her little staff Of five will have 20 be
divided also.
As no means for the conduct of the work have
yet been supplied beyond the house with the
GLAD TO receive contributions Of money and sup
plies Of all kinds.