The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1955-04-15
The Sisters of
Notre Dame de Namur

The one hundred years OF service in the Diocese
of Columbus of the Sisters of Notre Dame is defn.
itely an occasion for giving deep gratitude TO God
on the part of thousands upon thousands who
have been the recipients Of the goodness of these
dedicated religious. Besides, there all those
who have benefited indirectly from their labors for
God and community.
Probably no one other than God Himself and
even the Sisters themselves could tell how much
sacrifice. prayer and worry have gone into the
tury Of effort to God through service to their
neighbors the part Of the Sisters OF Notre Dame
Back in 1885 things not comfortable in
Columbus they are now. Nor the conven-
fences OF modern living to be had. But there was
the work to be done in teaching children and
aiding priests in the saving of souls.
The growth of the Convent of Notre Dame on
Rich Street and the present flourishnP Saint JOS
eph Academy speak the result of long years Of
struggle and planning and prayer But the build
ings in no way tell the story of service that has
gone out to others in that institution. Add to this
the labor of these Sisters in many parish schools of
the city and the record becomes phenomenal. Day
after day the Sisters have gone out from Notre
Dame to their posts of duty in the parish schools.
This has meant early rising in order to assist at Holy
Mass in their beautiful convent Chapel and to recte
their prayers as Religious before leaving by one
means another to get to the children they are
10 teach. These daily trips have involved travelling
IN all kinds of weather, hot and cold, rain and
sunshine
No one but teacher of small children and moth
ers, understand all the little tasks that must be
done in caring for them. And everyone knows The
added thoughtful generosity with which nuns come
to their task this is particularly of the Sisters
of Notre Dame
Even today these Sisters labor just as selflessy
In schools that not convenient and comfort
able, and in some that are modern and beautiful.
old buildings like those al Holy Cross the Cathedral
and St Patrick's are not the most attractive TO
behold but the touch Of the Sisters makes the class
rooms just as f0meke md induciYe to the work
of education as is desired.
Besides the work OF education in Holy Cross,
Cathedral, ST. PatrickS, ST. AioySius, ST. Augustine
and St. Christopher schools the Sisters have estab-
lished Maryhurst pre-novitiate school for girls
who wish to become members of their community.
St Joseph Academy for girls is their largest and
best known work in the city. But there must be
added to this educational work the constant of
the sacrsties at the Cathedral, which is not little
task And the missionary work OF the Tabernacle
Society conducted by these religious is unmeasured
IN its goodness TO needy missions far and wide Many
small parishes in The diocese are indebted to this
society
And the story OF generous service to Church
and their fe0wman goes on IN many new and mod
ern ways The interest of the Sisters of Notre Dame
In our Diocese and their anxiety TO be of aid Will
always be the order Of the day No one can survey
their work of the past one hundred years and
continue to doubt that il is the gift of souls who
have always been first and above all good Religious.
The inspiration, the grace and courage for their
work has always come from their spiritual life and
its source has ever been in the Holy Sacrifice of
The Mass and The presence of Our Lord in the Tab
ernacle. Their Convent Chapel has been the great
spring from which they constantly drink OF the
waters of love, zeal and sacrifice
From the hearts Of untold numbers OF priests
and lay people there wells up this centennial year
sincere God bless and keep for Himself always
the devoted Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur."