The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-12-20
Hospital Visitation.

Hospital Visitation.
In connection with the work at the
club, a group of nurses visit regular
ly the hospitals where the soldiers are
confined. Here the young women pro-
vide dainties, write letters, give read
ings and furnish entertainment which
are heartily enjoyed. Many pleasure
trips are planned for the convalescent
patients, affording them an opportun-
ity to visit some of the interesting
places in Paris and it's environs.
Three Hotels for Army Nurses.
In answer to a real need, three ho-
tells for army nurses and other wom-
en- war-workers have been opened, Ho-
tel Cecilia, II Avenue MacMahon;
Hotel Belfast, 10 Avenue Carrot; and
Hotel Massena, II Rue Bachamont
The rapid Rehabilitation of the army,
and closing of hospitals and canteens
made the housing problem in Paris
very serious one. On account of the
great congestion, there were little or
no accommodations, but at the re-,
quest of United States military author
tiles, Hotel Cecilia was opened as a
hostess house for regular army
nurses, and has provided comfort and
pleasure for hundreds of them since
its opening some months ago. English
girls, employed in the Quartermaster
Department by the United States Gov
eminent, are cared for at the Hotel
Massena, where special rates and
pleasant accommodations are given.
lnnumerable letters received show the
depth of appreciation felt by these
various women, many of whom have
been in service since the beginning of
the war. One very fittingly spoke of
the hotel in which she had stopped as
"a bright spot on the last long mile
home"
Vacation Homes for Widows,
Girls, and Orphans.
Only in June, 1919, was permission
extended to the Council to do work
among the civilian population. Since
that time the progress of this phase
OF the work has been remarkable. Two
vacation homes for French widows,
girls and orphans have been opened
at Lourdes and Bouray. The Villa
Ste. Philomene at Lourdes is a rest
full spot under the management of
several of the young women who di-
rect the vacation program. Situated
on the side of the snow-capped Pyre-
nees, overlooking the historic village
OF Lourdes and the picturesque Gaze,
it is an ideal retreat. Pilgrimages to
the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes are
planned for the guests, as well as 9TH
er outings. Special rates have been
secured from the railway companies,
and only a nominal rate is charged, so
that those of moderate means can af-
ford to enjoy these privileges offered.
La Chapelle Enlargement, the sec
ond vacation home, is situated about
thirty miles southeast of Paris at
Bouray-a rustic spot nesting in the
valley of beautiful hills of heavy green
foliage. Away from the noise and tur-
MOL of Paris life, this charming home
offers an inviting vacation and rest
to the young women and girls, who
have been working increasingly in
stores and factories during the long
period of stress and pressure Accom-
modatiOns are made for those wish
ing to study English, commercial work,
and to avail themselves Of the athletic
exercises offered. Long walks and
riHnc thro,1ob frJ Iz,
are provided for the guests, who enjoy
to the fullest extent the invigorating
air of the country. La Chapelle, with
it's picturesque and sheltering ivy-cov-
cred stone wall, is one of the many
beautiful spots along the road to Fon-
tainebleau
Several recreation centers have been
opened in Paris in the more longest
ed districts. Here five of the young
women devote their time in further
Ing the playground activities as well
as looking after the physical welfare
Of the little ones. 1t is an interesting
sight to see these small French chill
dren put aside their usual games of
warfare and capture for the less siren
uous American ones. ~ They are very
eager to learn the new words of our
language and to hear of the customs
and stories of the children over in
America. At Billancourt, an indus
trial center just outside the gates of
Paris, community house, La Maison
Marie Louise, has recently been open
ed. In this locality there are many
munition and motor factories where
thousands of young women are en-
ployed. A noticeable decrease in
wages since the signing of the arm
istice has changed considerably the
status of these workers, and has had
no small share in causing the deep
unrest prevailing at the present time.
La Maison Marie Louise is designed
to act as constructive social force
in the community and to meliorate, as
far as possible, conditions relevant
to the lives of these young women.
There is great eagerness on their
part to familiarize themselves with
the English language and to &C
quaint themselves with American
ideas and methods. Every day hun
dreds~ of these girls come from the
various factories to the club canteen
where a palatable luncheon is served
at cost price. All during the day and
evening the club rooms are open