Year: 1872

Noble and Hcroic Work OF the sisters--Neces.


sity Of Larger Building for the Penitcnts-


Word to the CharitabIy Inclined.


The Sisters OF the Good Shepherd belong to an
ancient religious order, approved and confirmed by
Pope Alexander VII, In 1856, and by Pope Benedict
XIV In 174l. The object OF their institute IS to
claim fallen women and make them useful members
OF society-a work which Is neither easy nor plea
SAINT, ana which only they seem capable OF accom-
pshng; for 1t is evident from everyday experience
that those poor creatures are never reformed In our
pubic institutions, where they may have been de-
tanned for time but leave them more hardened
and reckless than tnev entered and for the reasons
that the very fact of being imprisoned In a public
Jail makes them feel that they have sunk low thae
1t Is impossible for them to recover their former
standing in society, or toleration even recogn-
uon IRON the friends when they have disgraced
that they have


NOTHING TO LOSE, EXCEPT LIFE


which Is often burden, and that no greater mis-
fortune can befal them than they have already ex-
perienced With these ideas, which are heightened
by unbridled conversations with companions as de-
graded as themselves, they again enter society but
to sully 1t with the daring with which they resume
their former vicious course. In public instltu
tiOns they cannot get the attention necessary 10
wean their minds and hearts from crime, which
must be effected before any reformation can be
made. The Sisters OF the Good shepherd devote
their time and attention exclusively to this OBJECT.
with the noble and disnterested charity their
only recompense for the privations to which they
subject themselves being the CONSCIOUSNESS OF dong
good, which good Is purchased at the cost OF every
bodily comfort and the most unvarying patience and
sweetness. under the everrecurring trials to which
the sour tempers and Ill humors Of their charge put
them. At this cost they win these poor creatures.
who cannot resist the gentle influence which the
good Sisters gain over them aud which they use TO
soon learn TO o1 love. They allow their charge to call
& e. a.
theirs They exercise all the functions OF mothers.
without permitting the slightest approach to famili
or now long they remain, were 1t for life, as many OF
them do. Speaking OF their past life Is strictly for
versations they have to observe silence at all times
and places, except during recreatlons. They are


FORMED TO HABITS OF INDUSTRY,


and every means Is used to instil into their minds
The degradation OF life OF sin and the happiness or


vrtuoas & No greater ,sres charity EXISTS taa9 s 20
very often are more slnned against than snning-
those who are rejected by all, even their nearest
story dwellings in Henry street, one OF which Is fox
the penitents the other Is used for convent. Here
cuties for nearly tour years and labor antly
In oruer to he able meet current expenses, which.
for their Institute is sef.supportlIg, their principal
requirement being plenty OF work for the inmates.
tasy me pa6c
build a suitable house to carry on their
nestIy ask for, not on their own account, but for
their charge, Notwithstanding that their present
hardships and confinement wOuld soon break down
the strongest constitution, however generously
borne Many might blush hereafter when they
reflect that little of their money would have saved
the lives OF those generous ladies who sacrifice all
for those VINO should be supported ut tne
public expense. In after years what man
deserving the name can feel proud when
showing or describing the charitable institution
OF the Good Shepherd to his friend, when
he must acknowledge to himself, 81 didu't give one
dollar towards building Nr' 1t Is difcult refuse
aid to those who positively mean and do good to
Others irrespective Of country creed there being
no distinction. II Is enough that they are objects
OF charity, be received and cared for. Those VINO
wish to dsabuse themselves OF faise ideas regarding
the Institute can visit IL, wnere they can see at
glance the


POVERTY, ORDER AND CLEANLINESS


which mark everything and the healthy and con-
tented looks OF the pentents and that the Sisters
Will, doubtless, answer any questions which may be
asked regarding the rules OF the house.


They have IL appears, secured piece OF gr0und
somewhere on TnrOop avenue with the hope OF BE-
ing able to build IN the spring q house 1or tneir
penlrents and for girls OF detention Tne latter
the Sisters VIII occupy until sucn time az tney get
means 10 huil1 their convent. The public should
not leave them all to do but contribute something.
ltle win not missed by the rich and 1t VIII oe
great deal to them.