The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-06-14

Biermans, of3 the burden of expense
connected with our works, by begging
from our "old folks at home" and by
| working with our hands to maintain
the schools and hospitals for the ma
tives. They have nothing; so we
must provide for these wards of the
Kingdom of Heaven
BY special donations collected and
forwarded by Monsignor j. ]. Dunn,
diocesan director of S. P F., New
York, and Doctor McGlinchey, dioce-
san director of S. P. F. in Boston, we
have been able to build up quite a
good station here. One of our Sisters
has been made Member of the
Order of the British Empire" for her
services to the wounded and sick ma
tive warriors from German East Afri-
Ca Hundreds were sent here by the
Government, and the doctors were so
| well pleased with the organization and
treatment, that they reported their
satisfaction, with the above result.
When all good deeds are made
known, the work of the Fathers and
Sisters, and native helpers in the hos
pital during that particular time, may
reveal the spiritual fruits gathered for
God.
The war has surrounded Africa with
submarines, mines and raiders to such
an extent that mails and donations
have been practically nil, and the Mis-
,,ff Lot
rived safely is miracle of Provi-
dence to us: | left New York with a
young Sister for my second voyage to
Uganda, October %, 1916, and could
only get out of England with my
three young companions, June 90,
1917. We came on troop ship and
were conveyed to South Africa. Then
we had to trans-ship as the troops were
going to Mesopotamia, and in Natal
we had to wait from July Fl to Sep
TENDER 3, and then only two could sail
for Mombasa. One Sister and | we're
detained till December. Ordinarily
there would be semi-week sailings
from Natal to Mombasa. Our ship
made a stay of two days at Dar-as-
Salaam recently taken from the Ger-
mans. 1t bore many evidences of the
naval battles, but happily all church
steeples were untouched. The Catho-
lie Cathedral is small, but solid lit
tie building and very beautiful.
We were not permitted to go ashore
though we succeeded in sending a
message to the poet" Father Peter
Rogan, whom we had the pleasure of
seeing on board before our ship sailed
from that interesting harbor. From
our own experience, we know it is by
the fortunes Cor misfortunes) of war;
that we seem to have dropped off the
map and been left as penniless as We
are. There are some Government Off
Gals here with their wives and chill
dren, who cannot get leave to return
to Europe: we are glad to take in
sewing" from them, and to sew at
night by the one old lamp whose last
chimney is the object of our tenderest
care. Three gallons of kerosene oil
costs 1918 now, SO we are glad to
earn sufficient to keep our lamp in oil,
and the dear, sick natives fed. This
latter is taking every cent we ought
to be using for repairs; it cannot be
helped, as there is a famine. Three
successive paintings have faile
through the prolonged drought, so We
have to buy rice for our people, just
to stave off starvation. Rice is not
their staple food nor does it agree
with them. AS for the blankets and
bedding-all is in rags.
Never mind Old Glory is waving
somewhere on the sea, and though
the stripes only are turned our way
at present, we know the stars are
there and will blow around to our
view before long. Meantime, "our Bit
must be accepted gratefully and hope
fully. If there be anything in a name,
/ expect St. Paul to reach out a friend
ly hand SO that we may put our place
in order and ''go ahead" with Gods
work entrusted to us, as soon as the
war-clouds float away and our brave
men are restored in safety, peace, and
joy to the dear ones at home May
it please God to grant this speedily!
| should love to add a message of
respectful good wishes to Archbishop
Ireland, if I may. Ask His Grace to
send me another special blessing for
this work? | have never forgotten the
kind and encouraging letter written
by him to Norfolk, Virginia, regarding
the work for the Colored. SANITY,
patient, Archbishop Keane is surely
sharing with st. Paul the reward of
the perils he passed through, for the
love and glory of God, during his pill
grimage in this vale of tears. His ex-
ample reached far.
Trusting our Brother st. Anthony
may guard this letter and deliver it
to you,
Believe me, Reverend dear Father,
Your servant in Christ,
MOTHER MARY PAUL, o. S. F.