The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-11-27
Continued from page ~
DEATH OF Mother ANGELA, O. S. B

1889. At first their only home was a
in upon them. Their little money was
all tied up in building funds, and for
many days they did not have the
wherewithal to purchase food. One
night found them actually penniless
and supperless. The next day kind
Providence sent them aid in the shape
of a ten-dollar bill, marked, From a
friend" They were almost ready to
give up and return to Switzerland
Rev. Mother spent most of the night
in prayer, and the next morning the
Right Reverend Bishop Marty arrived
in Sturgis. He helped them make
their plans for building, and also came
to their assistance financially.
On December 8, 1889, the first build
ing was ready for occupancy, though
it was far from finished. AS years
went by, the little foundation grew
and finally separated from Melchthal,
and began taking only American sub
iects. The Community founded by
Rev. Mother Angela and held together
| by her prayers, courage, self-sacriflce,
and perseverance, now numbers seven
| ty-three members. The spirit of faith,
love, and duty, and above all the spirit
of their holy founder, st. Benedict, as
diffused by the example of Mother
Angela among the members of the
Community, has been remarked by
more than one Ecclesiastic.
| Two hospitals, one at Deadwood, the
other at Hot Springs, the substantial
Convent and school buildings at Stur-
gis, bear evidence of Rev. Mother'S
business ability, and her power to sur
mount almost overwhelming obstacles.
She was often heard to say, when
have good home and chapel for the
Sisters my work will be done" Her
words proved prophetic, for in the
summer of 1912, very shortly after the
dedication of the beautiful st. Martin s
Chapel, illness caused her to lay down
the burdens of her Office. She has
been an invalid ever since, but through
all her intense suffering was kind, pa
tient, and loving, with always smile
| for those who went to visit her
Every day saw her present at the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The last
time she was able to attend, was the
day after st. Martins Day, November
/ IL. On the Feast of st. Martin she
celebrated her Golden Jubilee to com
memorate her fifty years and more OF
religious life. On the Feast of all
Benedictine Saints, November Is, her
condition became very serious, and
she received the Holy Viaticum and
Extreme Unction. She lived to re,
ceive her Divine Master on two more
mornings, however. On Monday even.
ing attended by Rev. Father Column
ban, o. s. B., and surrounded by Rev.
Mother De Sales. o. S. B. and all the
Sisters, she said, They are calling
me- then smiling sweetly, she breath.
| ed forth her soul into the hands OF
Him for Whom she had so long been
| signing.
Let us give her into the hands of
her Holy Guardian Angel, who accord
| ing to Cardinal Newmans beautiful
verse will say to her:
Softly and gently, dearly-ransomed
soul,
In my most loving arms. now en-
fold thee,
i And, DER the penal waters, as they
roll,
| l poise thee, and l lower thee, and
hold thee.
And carefully | dip thee in the lake
And thou without a sob or a resist
i ance,
Dost, through the flood thy rapid pas
sage take,
/ Sinking deep, deeper, into the dim
distance.
Angels, to whom the willing task is
given,
i Shall tend, and nurse, and lull thee
i as thou liest;
And Masses on the earth, and prayers
i in heaven,
/ Shall aid thee at the throne of the
i Most Highest.
Farewell. but not forever! Sister
i dear,
i Be brave and patient on thy bed Of
sorrow;
J Swiftly shah pass thy might Of tria
i here,
Il And | will come and wake thee OF
Il the morrow.