The precursor, 1 mars 1941, Mars - Avril

v* .il&pi» i}*P; S- P^*r"' ./*; 4ÈS»|V»?i .^ ;.v ^c.“ *%r W^r-'A Vol.XIII, 19th Year Montreal, March-April 1941 No.2 Works of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception IN CANADA MOTHER HOUSE, 2900 St.Catherine Road, Cote des Neiges, Montreal, Que., (Founded in 1902).Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Procure for the Missions.Workroom for making Church Vestments, embroidery, lace and painting, for the support of the Mother House and Novitiate.School for the formation of Chinese catechists.Sewing-circles for ladies and girls.Diffusion of a Missionary Review: The Precursor.Free Missionary Library.NOVITIATE, Pont Viau (near Montreal), Laval Co.OUTREMONT, Que., 314 St.Catherine Road.Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Sewing-circles.Kindergarten.CHINESE HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARY, 112 Lagauchetière St.West, Montreal, Religious instruction for the Chinese.(Founded in 1918).The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception also visit Chinese patients in Catholic or Protestant hospitals, when requested to do so.NOMININGUE, Que., (Bethany) (Founded in 1914).Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.RIMOUSKI, Que-, St.Germain St., (Founded in 1918).Apostolic School for Aspirants to the Missions.Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Workroom for making Church Vestments.Sewing-circles for ladies and girls.Kindergarten.Private lessons in French, English, Music and Painting.JOLIETTE, Que., 750 St.Louis St., (Founded in 1919).Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Workroom for making Church Vestments.Sewing-circles.QUEBEC, 4 Simard St., (Founded in 1919).Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Recollections for girls.Sewing-circles.Private lessons in Painting.VANCOUVER, B.C., 236 Campbell Ave., (Founded in 1921).Oriental Hospital.Home and Dispensary for the Chinese.Private lessons in Language and Catechism for Chinese children and adults.Visits to Chinese families.THREE RIVERS, Que., 466 Bonaventure St., (Founded in 1926.) Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Sewing-circles for ladies and girls.Kindergarten.QUEBEC, 651 St.Cyrille St., (Founded in 1928).Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Sewing-circles.GRANBY, Que., 35 Dufferin St., (Founded in 1930).Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Hostel for young ladies.Sewing-circles.School.Kindergarten.CHICOUTIMI, Que., 61 Jacques Cartier St., (Founded in 1930).Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Sewing-circles.Hostel for young ladies.GRANBY, Que., 279 Main St., (Founded in 1931).The Immaculate Conception Hostel for girls.STE.MARIE, Beauce Co., (Founded in 1932).Apostolic School.RIMOUSKI, Que., St.Jean Baptiste St., (Founded in 1932).Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Kindergarten.ST.JOHNS, Que., 430 Champlain St., (Founded in 1935).Closed Retreats for ladies and girls.Diocesan Office of the Holy Childhood.(Continued on page 3 of the coper.) Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 By Patronizing Our Workroom, You Help Our Missions.Chasuble, damask silk, silk braid.$ “ moire-antique, with beautiful emblem.“ moire-antique, very richly embroidered in gold.“ velvet, gold braid and emblem .fine gold doth, with or without very rich hand-embroidery.Benediction Veil.Cope, damask silk, silk or gold braid.“ moire-antique, very richly embroidered in gold “ gold cloth, with beautiful emblem and raised hand-embroidery in gold.Alb with guipure lace.Linen surplices with lace.5.C0 Felt Altar Covers, green or red.Tabernacle Veil.Ciborium Cover.Breviary Marks, hand-painted.Collar for “ Sacred Heart League ”.A large variety of banners and canopies made in our workroom.Silk flags, hand-painted and hand-embroidered.Staff is of oak and comprises a detachable holder and lance of gold-enamelled brass.Finished with fringe of half-fine gold.$ 17.00 and $ 25.0U 25.00 “ 35.00 75.00 “ 100.00 35.00 40.00 50.00 “ 90.00 7.00 “ upwards 30.00 “ 50.00 70.00 “ 90.00 100.00 “ 150.00 8.00 “ upwards 5.00 “ iMsfters of Hje Smmaculate Conception with the approbation of the Archbishop of Montreal Vol.XIII, 19th Year Montreal, March-April, 1941 No.2 CONTENTS Blessed Saint.A Nun of Tyburn Convent.64 The Home of Joseph and Mary.Rev.Father Perdreau .65 A Good and Faithful Servant.67 Homage and Wishes.68 Encyclical Letter “ Summi Pontificatus ” of His Holiness Pope Pius XII.69 On His Way.73 What a Sea of Tears and Sorrow.76 The Most Beautiful Model after Jesus.Rev.C.Rolland.77 The Greatness of the Cross.79 A Modern Martyr.Very Rev.J.A.Walsh, M.Ap.81 The Care of the Little Ones, Canton, China.Rev.A.Fabre, M.Ap.83 Echoes from Our Missions.85 Novitiate Chronicles.113 The Children’s Page.117 Thanksgivings — Petitions — Necrology.121 ILLUSTRATIONS Chinese Children Praying for Our Benefactors Glorious St.Joseph.64 Very Reverend Canon A.Roch, First Superior of the Foreign Mission Society of Pont Viau.67 Our Lady of Pity.76 His Excellency Most Reverend P.Côté, S.J., Siichow, China.87 Washing in the Pond, Siichow.89 The Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception of Tsungming and Their Superior General .91 A Poor Invalid Sheltered at the Mission.93 Visiting a Poor Chinese Family.97 Little Protégées of Siichow Mission.98 Preparations for a Chinese Burial.102 A Jubilee Celebration at Canton, China.104 Newly-baptized, Whitsunday 1940, Canton, China.107 Pouring the Baptismal Water.108 Four Adults Baptized on August 15, 1940, at Canton.109 First Communicants of the Immaculate Conception Academy, Manila, Philippine Islands.Ill Let Us All Go to Holy Communion.119 9 iw 1 — — ¦ .«i» " ' ' '* » 1Ù~' flessed Saint Blessed Saint with whom the angels spoke ; in you God placed His trust.The Holy Spirit bore His witness high That you were just.You played your part in heavenly mysteries Through wondrous days, And watched the Queen of Angels go upon Sweet household ways.You held your God within your arms ; adored Him with a kiss.His tender voice did lisp your name.What words Could speak your bliss ?Intensest silence better could express Your humble wonder at such blessedness.— A Nun of Tyburn Convent.O o ¦ .- - ¦ ¦ - :c « Œije Home of Sîo^cpf) anb Jïlarp R At.Josiepf) ^Protects; tïje Conberteb ^tnnerô A poor young man who had been a victim of the vice of impurity during a long time, wrote the following lines: “ I had the misfortune of living in the habit of mortal sin.Oppressed with shame and remorse, I took the resolution to come out of this sad state; but, alas! I had not the strength.A thought came to my mind, it was to recite every day one Pater, one Ave Maria and one Ave Joseph, to ask for the strength to confess all my sins.I recited these prayers during three months, thereabout.At the end of that time, I had the happiness of making a retreat.The first day, nothing extraordinary happened.I redoubled my prayers towards evening.The next day when I awoke, I was all changed; my conversion was effected.St.Joseph whom I had invoked with all my heart was acting powerfully.All day, I prepared my confession and that evening, I was at the feet of my Confessor.In order to have nothing to fear of the devil I took a little statue of St.Joseph with me and I did not feel the least fear to tell my sins.After this first interview, I retired to my room, my heart relieved of a heavy burden.The following days, I continued my confession and after having accused all my sins, the priest reconciled me to God by giving me absolution.What joy! What heavenly peace flooded my soul ! This shows of what value the protection of St.Joseph has been to me! Since my conversion, I have been assailed by many temptations against the blessed virtue; however, I have not been vanquished once.At the moment of the combat, I invoke my powerful Protector with confidence and I am victorious in the struggle.Praised be St.Joseph who helped me to purify my heart and protected me from a relapse! — Reverend Father Huguet, S.M. Greatness of tfjc Cross Great is the Cross because God the Son has been pleased to work great things by it.By it, He has redeemed the world and, by it, He continues throughout the centuries His redeeming mission, according to His words: “ And /, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself.” By it, He will come to juge all men on the Last Day.Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty.Great is the Cross under the form of sufferings, because it elevates and ennobles the soul.He who, ascending a high mountain, looks down upon the plain that he has just left, sees it changing in appearance little by little.At the top of the acclivity, the landscape appears altogether different to him; he perceives new horizons and overlooks every thing in the valley that was higher than himself.So is it with a person who is advancing in the way of the Cross, which is nothing but a perpetual ascension towards the summit of holiness.When he enters this luminous path by the practice of virtue, self-denial and the loving acceptance of his daily afflictions, he leaves the vileness of egoism, ambition, jealousy and the other passions.According as he proceeds along this ascending route, he acquires a better knowledge of the nothingness of everything here below and, detaching his heart from perishable goods, he fixes it upon those that are eternal.If, by his constancy, he attains the summit of his ascent, what liberty of mind and heart does he not enjoy!.He is then above all that is passing.and if, like Jesus, he lets himself be nailed to the Cross by the complete sacrifice of himself, he embraces the whole world in his charity and merits efficaciously for its salvation.He can then repeat with St.Paul: “ / fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh for His Body, which is the Church.” Then, too, with perfect confidence, he can expect the Divine consolations and the infinite recompense, according to these other words of the same Apostle: “ As you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation,” “ I would plant on heathen soil the glorious standard of Thy Cross, 0 my Beloved.” 80 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 and these of St.James: “ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life." Christian Friends, in order to attain this happy end, it is necessary to take the road that leads to it: that of the Cross.The trials that God reserves for us are so many invitations to undertake it or means to reach it.Let us not, then, resist grace; but, understanding that our salvation and eternal glory are at stake, let us take the firm resolution to repress our evil inclinations, deprive ourselves of certain superfluities, renounce ourselves on many occasions and, finally, bear our daily crosses patiently and for the love of God.If we persevere in our resolutions, we shall soon become better; our souls, rising above the pettiness of this world, will be ennobled by contact with noble thoughts and generous desires, and their radiance will have a favourable influence upon others.Then, we shall be truly compassionate towards our neighbour; we shall wish him well and do good to him.Friends of the Cross, we shall make him love it.In our charity, we shall not forget the multitude of pagan souls, of whom we do not think enough; we shall pray for their salvation and shall help by our alms the missionaries who go to bring them, with the teaching of the Gospel, the luminous doctrine of the Cross.KK3 :- Kindness adds sweetness to everything.— Father Faber.—— -Ka - “ i>olp CroêS Purge ” for the support of a Missionary Sister A burse is a sum of money the interest of which forms a perpetual income for the support of a missionary.The religious whose upkeep is assured by the foundation of a burse becomes for life the missionary of the donor and his representative among the poor infidels.Founders of burses participate in all the spiritual advantages of the Community.The sum of $1,000.00, given in one or several payments by one or several persons, forms a complete burse.Offerings received for “ Holy Cross Burse ” July-December 1939.$176.60 Year 1940.$406.50 January-Febraary 1941.$96.00 All offerings for this Burse will be received with most sincere gratitude.Address: Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, 2900 St.Catherine Road, Cote des Neiges, Montreal. & Jfeto Eosfcsî ê>catter£îi Pp ttje ILtttle Visiter of itlisfâionatieâ.*' When I shall be in Heaven, Jesus, Thou wilt fill my hands with roses and I will shower them upon earth." Si.Teresa of the Child Jesus.Thanksgiving to the “ Little Flower of Jesus ” for favours received through her intercession.Please remember me in your prayers to this dear Saint, that I may obtain another grace.One who has faith in St.Teresa.Anthony, R.I.— Thanksgiving to the “ Little Flower ” for a favour received.Miss G.A.C., Lewiston, Me.— St.Teresa of the Child Jesus has been very good to me.Please continue praying for me, that I and my family may keep in good health.Mrs.J.L., Indian Orchard, Mass.— Sincere thanks to St.Teresa of the Child Jesus for a position obtained.Mrs.P.D., Montreal.— Lively gratitude to St.Teresa of the Child Jesus for a favour received through her intercession.Mrs.M.C., Kénogami.— Thanksgiving to the dear “ Scatterer of Roses ” for a benefit obtained through her intercession.May she continue assisting me.Mrs.Emery Demers, Woonsocket, R.I.— Heartfelt thanks to St.Teresa of Lisieux for a favour obtained.I request her help for the success of a lawsuit.A Subscriber to The Precursor, St.Laurent.— Lively gratitude to the dear “ Little Flower of Carmel ” for her visible and powerful protection.Mrs.L.M., Montreal.— Sincere thanks to St.Teresa of the Child Jesus for favours received through her intercession.May this dear Saint continue favouring me.Z.Rousseau, St.Monique, Lake St.John Co.— I am acquitting myself of a promise in honour of St.Teresa of the Child Jesus who has protected my family.Anonymous, Richelieu.— My most heartfelt thanks to the Patroness of the Missions, for favours obtained through her intercession.Mrs.A.R., Clair, N.B.H Jtlobern Jfflartpr Blessed Theophane Vénard Revised and annotated by the Very Rev.James A.Walsh, M.Ap.{Continued) LAN IE had long wished to devote herself to God in a religious life, but her brother’s plans had thwarted the accomplishment of her own wishes for a time.She had made the sacrifice generously.Nevertheless, she felt herself strongly urged in the same direction.“ Be comforted, my dearest sister,” writes Theophane.“ We are made to live together; then let us do so in Heaven.Be patient until God opens the way for you to give yourself entirely to Him.Perfection does not lie in one state of life more than in another, but consists in an entire correspondence with grace in the position in which God has placed us.Above all, do not be discouraged, or give way to sadness and despondency.Your holy and hidden life in the bosom of your family is quite as meritorious in the sight of God, and perhaps safer than a more heroic one.” But although Melanie was compelled to wait for a few years to attain the great object of her wishes, she found she could realize a portion of them by consecrating her virginity to our Lord, even while still living in the world; and on this she writes to consult her brother.He replies, — 82 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 “ Your letter has filled me with great joy, for I see how anxious you are to advance in the paths of perfection.I have joined my poor prayers with yours and laid them at the feet of our Lady of Victories.Do nothing hastily.You say you wish to obey your director, and you are quite right, for obedience alone is a sure guide.You are very good to consult me, my dear little sister; and I, who am so far below you in everything, — I thank you with all my heart for this fresh proof of your love.Well! what answer am I to give you ?You would not like me to say ‘ No,’ and I should like it still less.How can I advise you to remain in a world which I detest as you do, and which I have left myself?I know well that for a long time you have entirely detached yourself from its pleasures and its frivolities; but the last act, the act of entire renunciation, you have not yet signed and that is all that is left for you to do.What is there, then, to stop you ?Consult your courage, consult the voice of grace, consult those with whom you live, and if no obstacle presents itself, may your holy desires be fulfilled.May God’s will be done.Celebrate your nuptials, give Him your heart and your life, clothe yourself with the bridal robe, place His ring on your finger, take a new name, enter into a new family.I wish you joy, sister Mary, virgin spouse of Jesus Christ! May the day come when I shall see my much-loved sister in the choir of virgins, of which Mary Immaculate is the Queen, and when you shall count your brother in the ranks of apostles, and perhaps martyrs — who knows ?How joyfully we shall each then sing, ‘ Regina Apostolorum, Regina Virginum, ora pro nobis.’.“ You wish me to guess the new name you have taken.I have puzzled my brains in vain and can find only my own.Perhaps, in the eccentricity of your love, you have chosen that one ?And now you say you want to be a missionary nun — a tertiary, I suppose ?I have a little bit of a doubt as to the reality of this vocation; it seems to me to taste a little too much of fraternal affection.” But the great day came for Mélanie, and on the 15th of July, 1852, her brother wrote again, — “ I received your cake on the Feast of St.John, you naughty, little, spoiling sister, and I thought it very good, though a little salt, which is the fault of your confections.Well, be the salt of the earth! So many souls get insipid and lukewarm.Ah, you did not expect me to preach morality to you on a cake!.It is just like you and your love to remember all the little details of that last day, and how I carried my surplice on my arm.Ah! I am sometimes afraid you care for me too much! Perhaps it is to punish us both that God told me to leave you.I congratulate you with all my heart on the step you have taken, and that you should thus have separated yourself from the world, though still living in it.God has inspired you and given you a great grace.I know you will receive it with gratitude and humility; but do not forget that your first duty is still to your family and for your family.God bless you, sister Mary Theophane.All joy be with you in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.— Your devoted brother, T.V.” {To be continued.) Œlje Cart of tfje little ©neô, Canton, Cliina Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Montreal have the care of the little ones in Canton.Their double Found-fM) ling-Home of Pak Mai Hong and of Our Lady of Providence of Val d’Or is a replica of that of Bethlehem.They repair the affront endured by the Divine Infant when He was born in this world.“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1, 11.) They forced Him to be born in a stable.From two to three thousand children are received each year by the worthy Religious who replace here below, Mary and Joseph caring for the Saviour born in Bethlehem, presented at the Temple, fleeing to Egypt, a boy at Nazareth.The Sisters of Val d’Or have for neighbours, Japanese soldiers of the army of occupation.They have won the favour of these gentlemen, whose hearts were softened after a few visits to the Convent.The Japanese, like the Chinese, are very fond of children.You should see them, even at Shun Tak, stuffing them with barley-sugar or with caramels and emptying their wooden-bowls into those of the children.Some of the soldiers of Val d’Or gave their modest alms.“ You are not married?” asked one of them to the Sisters.“ And how could we?How could we leave our own children to come and assist those who have no longer their father or mother in this world ?” The answer extended a vaster horizon before them.And the comet and veil are for the Sisters the best pass in this outskirt of Canton.Better still, one of the Sisters speaks Japanese wonderfully.This was to open to her many doors and many hearts.If a simple “ arigato" touches the Japanese soldier who is far from his family and country, how much more a faultless conversation in his own tongue! Through the Sister’s eloquent competence the embargo imposed by the Japanese superintendence on the twenty thousand dollars’ worth of rice held at Shek Lung and destined for the Committee of Refugees, was taken off.That which the Protestants of Canton had not been able to obtain of a co-religionist, a Catholic who spoke Japanese obtained it.A conquest more striking still was that of a Japanese captain won over to the Catholic Religion by the Sister’s apostolate.All his family (seven persons) still in the Country of the Rising Sun is studying the Doctrine.The mother was conquered especially by the reading of the life of St.Teresa of the Child Jesus.To the Foundling-Home of Canton, the policemen themselves bring the babies, the little ones picked up on the street.Far gone are the prejudices of former years, the old calumnies stating that the children’s eyes were pulled out, their bones boiled to make medicine.Far, are the massacres of Tientsin of 1870 and, more recently, the riot of Foutcheou.Light cannot remain hidden.The little girls who have grown up are grouped at the house of Canton.They number two hundred and fifty.It has been impossible for the Holy 84 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 Ghost College to re-open yet.The orphans and a few neighbours of the College who remained at their post are actively occupied in the study of the Doctrine.Serious examinations control this study.At the Holy Ghost College and at the Sister’s Orphanage, God remains the God of sciences; fragile would be the science that does not rest on Him: Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum.To remove the foundation of the Catholic Doctrine would be to build the edifice of life on sand.While awaiting to be able to give the complete course of study, the dear Sisters give drawing and piano lessons.The human artist has something of God, the Supreme Artist.He can read and appreciate the tableau of the world painted by God, the book written here below by the Creator: God somewhat puts His soul into it.To read it, appreciate it, imitate it, the artist also makes use of his soul.And what book is more beautiful, what tableau more magnificent than the whole life of a Religious which is according to the exemplar written, depicted by Christ.To say music is to say harmony.Harmony of sounds, harmony of hearts! Music, joy, the same ideograph in Chinese.What a beautiful program for a community! — A.Fabre, Miss.Ap., Canton.{Translated.) Dearest Lord ! make me remember, when the world is cold and dreary and I know not where to turn for comfort, that there is always one spot bright and cheerful — the Sanctuary.Œfte Virtue of gUmôgttring To give alms to a poor person, especially to an old man to honour the poverty of the Patriarch, St.Joseph, is an excellent practice and the source of abundant blessings.A man, indifferent and unbelieving, was about to die; he was about to die with words of blasphemy on his lips and despair in his heart.His wife, an angel of piety, prayed and wept at his side; a priest, a friend of the family, also prayed and wept but God did not seem to hear.However death was imminent.“ Go quickly,” said the minister of the Church to the woman in tears, ‘‘go in search of a poor man and give him an alms in honour of St.Joseph, for the conversion of your husband.” Frantic she set off in the streets, met a man covered with rags, gave him a substantial offering, begging him to pray for the conversion of a poor sinner who was at the point of death.and at that same moment, the patient had taken the priest’s hand, had kissed it with tears and asked pardon for his sins.The conversion was sincere and edifying.A few hours later, this man entered the glory of God, saved by an alms given in the name of St.Joseph and by the prayer of the poor man.His wife, weeping, looked up to Heaven where she hoped to meet this dear soul one day.— Reverend Father Huguet, S.M. Missions *4 / ;æ>-v CHINA Letter from Sister Madeleine Marie, of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, to the Very Reverend Mother Marie du St.Esprit, Foundress of the Institute.Catholic Mission, Tsungming, October 31, 1940.Venerable and beloved Mother, This letter will most probably reach you around our patronal feast; I therefore confide it to our Immaculate Mother so that it may arrive safely and bring you my lively gratitude, my profound affection, and all that my poor heart holds best for the kindest of Mothers.Your dear Daughters of the Missions have your name constantly on their lips; in their hearts is always vivid the remembrance of your kindness, and with what joy do they not recall the beautiful days spent at Outremont, or your charming visits to our Convents in Canada.On seeing our dear Mother General, they cannot help thinking of you.Her loving charity, her incessant kindness, her maternal solicitude for each of them, makes them believe that they are, for the time being, under the very roof where they once enjoyed so much happiness! How good it is to find at divers points of China and Japan a homelike convent, where the customary life as practised at the Mother House, is held in honour, and where the Sisters possess the same religious spirit.You would no doubt be pleased, venerable Mother, to have a few details of our journey from Manchukuo to Siichow, then from Siichow to Tsungming.Here are notes gleaned from our diary.I shall tell you first of all, how touching it is to see good St.Joseph take to heart his titles of pilot, guide, and protector, which our dear Mother gave him; all the difficulties we meet with during our voyage are, thanks to his protection, reduced to nothing.After an encouraging “ au revoir ” to her Daughters of Manchukuo, Mother, on September 25th, directed her steps towards Moukden, accompanied by your humble daughter and Reverend Brother Paquette.The presence of Mother’s brother was for her a sweet consolation and dispelled 86 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 many an anxiety.Obstacles are quickly surmounted with a good interpreter.At Moukden, the Sisters of Providence from Portieux were so kind as to give us hospitality for the night.It is needless to speak of the charity of these excellent Religious, for it is well known to you, they have so often sheltered your Daughters.Around eight o’clock the next morning, we pursued our journey.There is nothing particular about the scenery of this region, which does not vary: small earthen houses, bare mountains, rivers and lakes almost dried up.Around two o’clock, we entered China Proper.Our baggage was examined at the borders, but thanks to a friend of Reverend Brother Paquette, the inspection was soon over.At Tientsin, two Jesuit Fathers, natives of Holland, awaited us.They conducted us to the Convent of the Reverend Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a Community of German missionaries, which has its Mother House in the United States.We were struck by the many analogies existing between this Institute and ours, both being consecrated to the same works in the Eastern Empire.These Religious like us, have had to bear the pain of seeing their Mother Foundress stretched on a bed of suffering, without being able to obtain from Heaven the cure so much desired.One of them who speaks English a little, made us visit the Convent, former residence of an old, rich Chinese.This dwelling is really magnificent with its vast apartments, its superb European and Chinese chandeliers, its large galeries with their tiled floors of divers colours and, lastly, its thousand and one details which denote refined taste.The Sister, confused at such luxury, repeated many times: “ It is much too beautiful for us, we are here only for a time, only till we can build a Convent of our own, which will be more in keeping with our poverty.” After having assisted at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, we left for Tientsin around eight o’clock in the evening, undertaking the last stage of our voyage to Sfichow.The temperature which, at our departure from Manchukuo, was about the same as that of autumn in Canada, grew sensibly warmer as we descended towards the centre.Everywhere the harvest was golden and the farmers busy at work.A few were already beginning to plough their fields for the second sowing, but most of them were peacefully cutting their grain with an ordinary sickle.No agricultural implements facilitate or shorten their work.The Orientals do not try to become more modern, they have the necessary workmen and, especially, much time at their disposal.The immense expanse of ground is not, as in our country, divided by fences; it is one vast plain stretching as far as the eye can reach.The few mountains here and there, so beautifully undulated, look like immense hills of sand where play the winds.Little by little, the small earthen huts have changed: the square houses have disappeared to be replaced by nicely pointed roofs covered with thatch which, although they always announce great poverty, look really pretty.On September 28th, around five o’clock in the afternoon, our train entered Sfichow.It did not take us long to distinguish our dear Sisters Marie de Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 87 la Protection ( i ) and St.Amédée ( 2) who, beaming with joy, were awaiting us.We were fortunate to get through the Customs without much trouble, thanks to the influence of a kind friend, Reverend Father Leo Paul Bourassa, arrangements were made quite easily.You remember, no doubt, beloved Mother, the eleven-year-old student from St.Mary’s College who called you to the parlour one day, to hear speak of the Missions, and who, after that, when there was no school, came to spend the Thursdays at the Mother House to speak with the Sisters of the Holy Childhood and the salvation of pagans?Well, it is that same boy who has now become the Jesuit Father of whom we are speaking.He has not forgotten your kindness.Just as for the other Missions, the presence of our dear Mother brought to our Sisters of Siichow inexpressible happiness.The day following our ¦ * L His Excellency Most Reverend P.Cote, S.J., Reverend Father J.Courchesne, S.J., Superior of Suchow Seminary, Very Reverend Mother Marie de la Providence, Superior General of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Marie de la Protection (Cecile Roberge, Quebec) and Sister Madeleine Marie (Madeleine Loranger, Westmount).arrival, we assisted at Mass at the Cathedral.It was celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Côté on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of his Consecration.All the Christians participated in the joyful event.On that day, Mother had the happiness of christening a dying babe to whom she gave the name of the great St.Michael, begging him to protect from on high all the interests of the Mission.On October 5th, I accompanied our dear Mother and Sister Superior on a visit to Tasukia, an out-station situated at about an hour’s travel by train from Siichow.This Mission has a beautiful church built by Reverend Brother Sauvé, S.J., who was accidentally killed by the Japanese.Reverend Father Laflèche, Rector, after having spoken to us of the different works confided to him, conducted us to the home of an old Christian woman in the village.The latter eagerly wished to receive the “ great visitors ”.Many a time before, your Daughters have described to you a Chinese village; this one is, as one might say, a typical one! On the edge of the river which 1.Cécile Roberge, Quebec.2.Emilienne Vezina, Quebec. 88 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 runs through this region, one can see women washing their clothes and, beside them, others cleaning their rice and vegetables.Not far from there, oxen, asses, mules, pigs, etc., come to quench their thirst.To do so, they go into the water nearly up to their necks.It is said that very good fish are to be found in this river; I do not doubt it, for the food is plentiful!.We were escorted by a crowd of curious folks who, for the majority, were seeing Sisters for the first time.Some children would run ahead of us and then stop to look at us.As wre approached them, they would take to their heels.All the family of the brave Christian mentioned above, was assembled at the gate to greet us.The good grandmother, who wore quite a number of rosaries about her neck and numerous medals pinned to her dress, invited us to enter the house, and offered us Chinese cookies with a cup of hot water.It was really amusing to see this woman who, although we had refused to accept cigarettes, did not herself abstain from smoking.She introduced a cigarette into the extremity of her long pipe which measured two feet at least.While conversing with Sister Superior whom she already knew, she lengthily aspired the precious puffs.It was in the glimmering light of the rickshaw-lanterns and those of the wayside venders, that we regained the Convent.What misery reigns in poor China! Every time I had the occasion of going out, new scenes revealed more of it to me; and yet, it seems that I have but a faint idea of it.A Jesuit Father related to us that, one day, when passing near a graveyard, he perceived a man lying on the ground, half dead and striving with his enfeebled arms to chase the dogs that were preparing to devour his body.He approached the moribund and learnt from him, that be'ng very sick for having taken injections, heartless persons had brought him there and, after stripping him of his clothes, had left him to die of hunger and misery.He had been there a week, struggling against death.The missionary procured him food and had him brought to a neighbouring hut, where he was confided to the care of a charitable Christian.The dying man declared that he had heard of God before and desired to receive Baptism, so Reverend Father had the joy of opening the gates of Heaven to his soul.As time was flying rapidly, on the 17th we had to leave Siichow.The presence of our dear Mother had been a real comfort to the Sisters of that Mission after the cruel trials they had undergone.Their works are yet paralysed, but they are confident that it will soon be possible for them to exercise their apostolic zeal with perfect freedom.At our departure, kind Providence gratified us once more of two guides and devoted interpreters, Reverend Brothers Pesant and Fontaine, S.J.- the latter, brother of Sister Léon Marie ( i ) — who were going to Shanghai on business.We crossed numerous fields inundated by the recent rains, where glided pretty sail-boats; we met immense herds of buffaloes, which are very precious to the peasants even in Southern China.1.Lucille Fontaine, St.Ephrem d’Upton. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 89 From Peking, a ferry took us to Nanking via the Blue Sea, whose waters, strange to say, are of a very dark yellow.We passed the night at the Convent of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who received us with great kindness.The following day, while it was still almost dark, we took the train to Shanghai.Nature is very attractive in this country: everywhere, canals wind through the rice-plantations and the vast fields of wheat.At the sight of the ears waving in the wind, we could not help thinking of the other harvest, that of souls, which is ripening also, and to which the Divine Master invites us.How beautiful is our vocation ! I realize more fully its sublimity, WASHING IN THE POND, SUCHOW, CHINA.since I am in contact with the pagans and ascertain the degradation in which the devil keeps them.Most of them are souls of good-will that are awaiting but the help of friendly arms to break their bonds.At Shanghai, our dear Sisters Marie Bernard tn and Marie de Jésus(2) were at the station.After a short visit to the Procure of the Canadian Jesuit Fathers, we went to the Convent of the Helpers of the Holy Souls, who kindly gave us hospitality.As we had not yet received the permit required to enter Tsungming Island, we profited by that day to organize our coming visit to Hong Kong, which certain circumstances render more difficult.After a visit to the English Consulate, then to the Canadian Pacific Offices, we returned to the Convent, glad to find a little tranquillity.Reverend Mother St.Alice, a Canadian Religious, had us visit the interesting orphanage of over a hundred little girls, that she directs.There are twelve nationalities among these children, but all speak English and can say a few words in French.1.Emma Vanasse, St.Guillaume d’Upton.2.Elmina Mel anson, Rogersville, N.B. 90 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 The following day, Reverend Father G.Brassard, S.J., brother of Reverend Father Albert Brassard, of Jean de Brébeuf College, and Reverend Brother Pierre Laramée, S.J., brother of our Sister Marie Jeanne cd, came to greet our dear Mother and were happy to have news of their families and their dear native land.Provided at last with the famous permit, we embarked for Tsungming about half-past seven in the morning.As the voyage was calm, we were able to land on the Island early in the afternoon; but we had to travel for more than an hour and a half in rickshaw before coming to the end of our journey.Finally, we perceived the pinnacle of the church-steeple, then the native Novitiate, the Orphanage and other buildings of the Mission.Our Sisters’ house is lost to view, but that only increased our desire to reach it.Outside the wall, we found your dear Daughters, Venerable Mother, the Teresians, the orphans, the old women of the Home, in short, the entire personnel of the Mission, singing a song of welcome in French.After a Magnificat in the white chapel, we had to return to the workroom, where the big family of Tsungming, in a cantata on the air of 0 Canada, expressed its joy to receive Tsong Da Momo on its poor Island.The following morning, a man brought to the Foundling-Home two big baskets containing seven babies each.How impressed we were by such a spectacle ! Our Sisters themselves say that they cannot become accustomed to it.Dear little privileged souls that, in a few days, a few hours, after their Baptism, are borne by the Angels to the Heavenly Abode! Almost every day since our arrival here, our dear Mother has had the happiness of baptizing one, two and, even, as many as five, of these little abandoned creatures.One morning, a young lad came to the Mission, carrying a baby in his arms.Giving it to the Sister portress, he said: “ Take it, I’m giving it to you; we have enough of them at our place! ” How many other details I could give you, beloved Mother, but I must bring this long letter to a close.I cannot tell you all the happiness that I am enjoying on Mission, nor can I sufficiently express to you the gratitude that I owe you; for it is thanks to you, after God, that I am a Missionary of the Immaculate Conception.May the Immaculate Virgin grant you all that my heart wishes for you, and be assured, venerable and dear Mother, that the distance only increases my sentiments of filial affection and lively gratitude in your regard.Your unworthy but loving child, Sister Madeleine Marie, (2) M.I.C.¦o-«>-o There is no more powerful means for converting souls than prayer — intimate familiar burning prayer, which moves and bends God’s mercy towards the sinner for whose return you are asking.— Père de Ravignan.1.Jeanne Laramee, Outremont.2.Madeleine Lor anger, Westmount. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 91 Gleanings from the Diary of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Tsungming, China.VERY REVEREND MOTHER MARIE DE LA PROVIDENCE, SUPERIOR GENERAL, VISITS TSUNGMING MISSION.What a memorable day has been the 21st of October, 1940, in the history of our little Community of Tsungming! Early in the morning, the whole personnel of the Mission set to work to decorate the different houses, for we wished to prepare as grand a reception as possible for our dear Mother General who was arriving on our Island that day.The girls of the Orphanage donned the white uniforms they wear on special occasions and how delighted they were!.“ I am so glad,” said Ya Sieu, “ that my legs are trembling! ” Mei Quoe, one of the youngest was very tired.“ It doesn’t matter,” she said, “ I offer all that up for Tsong Da Momo to arrive not too tired to-day.I could die, of happiness!.” Towards a quarter to three in the afternoon, one of the domestics arrived, all out of breath, telling us that four rickshaws were advancing in the direction of the Mission.Our hearts throbbed.What indescribable moments of expectation!.We were not deceived, it was our dear Mother hastening towards her poor children of Tsungming.Tears of joy dimmed all eyes and our lips were silent with emotion.We first of all conducted her to the chapel with her companion, Sister Madeleine Marie cn, then we took her to the reception hall where she was eagerly awaited by the Sisters, Teresians (Native Sisters), and orphans, who wished to welcome her.Although very tired, our dear Visitor said a kind word to everyone, and all dispersed with the hope of seeing her soon again.Who can tell the joy of the eight little Missionaries of Tsungming as they grouped around the Mother they had so much longed to see, they eagerly listened to her wise and precious counsels! How often was evoked the remembrance of the venerable Mother who, although riveted to a bed of pain, thinks of her daughters exiled in a foreign land, whom she was never able to visit! What a consolation it will be for her to hear her faithful substitute speak to her in detail of each one of us and of our works!.In turn, Sisters, Teresians and orphans expressed their filial love and inviolable attachment to our kind Mother, in pretty little plays prepared for the occasion.Even The Missionaries of the Immacu- £ ^ late Conception, Tsungming, China, .and their Superior General.1.Madeleine Loranger, Westmount. 92 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 the tiny tots, metamorphosed into angels, borrowed the language of these heavenly spirits to express their candid affection.Despite her manifold occupations, every day, Tsong Da Momo would go and see these dear little ones and visit the cradles of the Foundling-Home which had won all her compassion.These three weeks spent in the company of our beloved Superior General certainly passed very rapidly, but the remembrance of these days will long remain vivid in our minds, for our fervour has been rekindled in contact with such a kind Mother, and the edifying examples she has given us will even be an encouragement and a stimulant in the accomplishment of our daily duties.RELIGIOUS MANIFESTATIONS AT THE MISSION On Thursday, May 23rd, there was a beautiful religious manifestation at the central Mission of Tsungming: The Corpus Christi Procession.For several years, our Divine Prisoner had not gone beyond the walls of Da Kong Sou, so this was a real triumphal march.The Missionary Fathers had spared nothing to attract the attention of the Christians and even of the pagans, who came numerous to escort the King of Love.Over five hundred children of the neighbouring missions came to join the members of the Eucharistic Congregation of our district.Immediately after Benediction which followed the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, the Vicar General served a delicious lunch to all the assistants, and an amusing and edifying playlet then rejoiced these brave folks.Another touching ceremony was held on the following Sunday, May 26th, in a pagan centre.Ken Tcin, sacristan of the parish who was very anxious to begin this magnificent day of faith, rang the Angelus at four o’clock, so everybody was up and going an hour sooner than usual.At a quarter to six, Communion was followed by Mass and breakfast.At seven o’clock, the whole Christian community of Da Kong Sou began to move onward, and the long file of wheelbarrows advanced towards Blessed Trinity Parish for the pilgrimage of the last Sunday of May.All along the way, the pilgrim’s pious Aves were mingled with the noise of the wheelbarrows and the hen ha of the drivers till the rallying-point where the procession was organized to the sound of the band.The pathways were adorned with flags attached to long poles, and nothing was lacking in the decorations.A splendid arch had been erected at the entrance of the church-wall, where the cortege advanced between two hedges of students wearing their Congregation badges and holding in their hands flags and banners.Reverend Father Yeu, of Da Kong Sou, delivered an eloquent sermon on the Blessed Virgin, then followed a solemn High Mass with deacon and sub-deacon.The statue of Our Immaculate Mother was carried in procession on a rich sedan-chair.On the return, all made the Stations of the Cross, recited the beads and prayers to obtain peace.A Chinese lunch brought the program of this pleasant and pious feast to an end. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 93 AT THE FOUNDLING-HOME AND ORPHANAGE The abandoned children have been brought to us in greater numbers than ever, this year.Most of those who had been put out to nurse returned half clad, dirty and covered with sores.Within two months, two hundred babies were received.Fourteen were brought to us from Paochen, eight of them were almost dead; the next day, twenty-one, the majority of whom just had time to receive their passport for Heaven.Another time, eleven were sent to us from a neighbouring mission.One of them was partly gnawed away by worms, the others were in a pitiful condition.Eight healthy-looking babies were brought to us one morning of April., We were very much rejoiced, for this seldom happens and we were hoping » to rear them, but the dear little souls only awaited the Regenerating Waters to go and sing with the angels the praises of God.Tetanus which prevailed » among the children this year carried them away.The measles also visited the Orphanage.As soon as the disease appeared, the older girls became very anxious for they knew that eight years ago, half of their companions had died during the epidemic.However, as we have more space now, thanks to the charity of our devoted benefactors, it has been easier to isolate those who were affected with the disease.Most of the children were sick, but fortunately, after two weeks, they began to get up although feeble and somewhat shaky.The fine weather, space and comfort, contributed to their perfect recovery.Ai Yin, a three-year-old little tot, died of the worst kind of canker.Her little body exhaled such a noisome odour that the helpers of the Foundling-Home felt much repugnance in taking care of her.“ Come and stay with me,” would she say to the Sister who brought her something to drink.— “ Don’t cry,” Sister answered, “ to-morrow you will go and see the little Jesus and the Blessed Virgin in Heaven.Tell God: ‘‘ I am glad to suffer for You, for I want You to give us peace! “ and that poor little face in which the eyes only were left, tried to smile.After her death, her body was but a mass of corrupted flesh which the worms were gnawing away.The older orphans requested a white dress for her.“In Heaven,” said Lai Yin, “ she will be an angel, so she must be nice to arrive before God!.” Have we already spoken to you of our poor Gnon Sie?.She is certainly twenty-years old, her companions say.A Sister who was returning from an apostolic round brought her to us one evening.She had been so ill-treated by her brother-in-law that she is now a miserable cripple; moreover, she is insane and has a mania for tearing all her clothes, so we must isolate her from .the other orphans.In lucid intervals, she recites the principal prayers and sings all the hymns she hears at the Orphanage.She says to those who tease her: “ In Heaven, I shall be brighter than the brightest of you, because I am crazy.” Sister St.Germain (Imelda Laperriere, Pont Rouge) and poor Gnon Sie,who is sheltered at the Orphanage of Tsung-ming, China. 94 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 Sieu Lang, twelve years old, is very sad.Sold at birth to a poor family, she was brought to us, thanks to the devotedness of the Vicar General who took an interest in her fate; but her future mother and father-in-law opposed to her being baptized.It is a bitter grief for Sieu Lang: “ If I died,” she said one day, “ I could not go to Heaven.” ‘‘You ardently desire to be baptized?” asked Sister, “ well do not fear, if you died, you would go straight to Heaven.God is satisfied with your desire.” The child was consoled but she none the less cherishes the hope of becoming a child of the Church.“ I love you seven times very much,” said Dzai Ming, a little six-year-old tot, to Sister Superior who was entering the Orphanage.And all the others repeated after her: “ We love you very much because you give us biscuits, sugar, and because you also love us very much! ” Our dear orphans made their retreat at the end of April.Before such an important event, the older ones asked for memorandum-books in which they would insert their impressions; Sister Superior was pleased to grant their request.Pink Sie was glad but somewhat embarrassed in thinking of all her big defects of which she would have to speak a little.“ You are very miserable,” said little Ming Tching, six years old, to the Sister in charge of the Orphanage, “ you are alone during the big girls’ retreat.I shall help you.Now you little ones, keep silence during the meals and, especially, take care not to let anything fall under the tables, it is I who shall be doing the cleaning this week!.” “ Why are you sad ?” asked a Sister to Ya Faong, who cries sometimes because she is blind.“ Just think what glory you can give to God by bearing your infirmity with resignation and what an amount of merit you can acquire for yourself! ” — “ It is true,” replied the poor child, “ I shall try to be more generous in the future.” The dear little girl has a charming voice and much talent for music.Under the direction of her teacher, Sister St.Camille de Lellisu), she can already accompany the orphans who, more favoured on other points, are inferior to her in this branch.Ya Faong also spins the cotton which grows in Tsungming and, what is better still, she is the great helper of the teacher of Doctrine at the Orphanage.She also helps to prepare the little ones of the Foundling-Home for their First Communion and this brings sunshine in her life.Vei Heu returned to us after a month’s absence.On arriving he said to Sister : ‘ ‘ I have sores, but it is because I am dirty ; when I shall be clean, I shall be nice like before.” Fong Keu, a little taller, asked him very seriously: “Are you still a Christian?.“ Yes,” answered the little one making the Sign of the Cross with his left hand.GREAT TRIALS Reprisals are continuing in Tsungming.Terror reigned everywhere at the beginning of August; all one heard of was murders, brigandage, etc.A terrible conflagration consumed the greater part of our poor Island and thousands of families have been left without shelter.We heard but weeping 1.Yvonne Jolicoeur, Joliette. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 95 and lamentations everywhere.Hundreds of women and children came to seek a refuge at the Mission.Needless to say, we have given them the little we could, highly appreciating the contents of the cases coming from Canada.Our joiner, his brother and nephew saw their two-century-old house crumble away.An old doctor fell on his knees before those who were setting fire and implored: “ Oh! do not burn my house, see all my grandchildren and their mothers.” He was spared.Another placed a large medal of the Blessed Virgin on the central door of his house which remained untouched.“ That is a holy thing,” said the evil-doers, “ let us pass.” Elsewhere, everything was destroyed and a great number of persons killed in spite of their innocence.Although surrounded by fire during two days, the Catholic Mission remained intact.It must be said that the Sisters, the Teresians and the cherubs of the Foundling-Home and Orphanage multiplied their Aves.Even the cook and his elderly father wept and prayed while they boiled their rice.When the flames were at tv/enty feet only from our walls, a sudden storm arose and the pelting rain forced the evildoers to decamp.In the beginning of October, the somewhat traditional typhoon was followed by an inundation as we had not seen for a long time.At the Mission there was no considerable damage, save the loss of all the winter vegetables the gardeners had sown a few days before.Near the sea, most of the straw huts were carried away by the waves and there was a great number of deaths.Really our poor Chinese are to be pitied.If great trials buy great graces, it is to be hoped that these brave folks will receive exceptional favours from God.MISSIONARY CONSOLATIONS When the danger of conflagration and brigandage is less great, the Sister-Infirmarians set out in search of miseries to relieve and, especially, of souls to save.Sometimes big fishes are caught in their nets.One day, a poor leprous woman of sixty-five came from Posso to beg.Covered with sores and gnawed by worms, she was really a pitiful sight when the Sisters met her.The compassion they showed her, soon touched her aching heart.Having been baptized, she died in the best of dispositions.Her wretched body was rolled in a straw mat and thrown into a hole, but her soul had winged its flight to its Maker and its God.Another time, a poor leper, almost seventy years of age, who had formerly been a noble mandarin, but had since fallen from his rank after losing all he had in transactions, saw his house burn, it was his only shelter for his last years.One of his sons was killed during the fire of August last, another is a doctor in Canton and the third, a prisoner of the enemy.He has had no news of his daughters since the beginning of the war.The unfortunate man was almost in despair but now that the God of peace and of love has made Himself known to this soul, he is happy to suffer to amass merit for Heaven and have a greater resemblance to his Saviour.Happy misfortune which brought him the signal gift of Faith! 96 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 Gleanings from the Diary of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Siichow Monday, April 29, 1940 How consoling it is to bring joy and peace to poor unfortunates! We went to see a sick beggar to-day, and he told us as he restrained his tears, that he had neither family nor shelter, that life had for him very gloomy hours and that if our remedies brought him no relief, he had no longer the strength to suffer so much.We consoled him the best we could, but understanding how powerless are our words, we confided him to our Immaculate Mother.Recently, we came across a poor wretch who has neither legs nor arms and who, to go where he wishes, is obliged to roll himself on the road.There are legions of unfortunates in this poor country of China.How we wish we were able to bring a little bit of sunshine to these miserable outcasts of humanity! Thursday, May 2 —- Feast of the Ascension On this beautiful Solemnity, more than two hundred new Christians were confirmed at the Cathedral.Among them was a pupil of our Apostolic School.The day was one of rejoicing for all the pupils and how touching it was to see the little attentions, surprises, and kindnesses of the girls for the heroine of the day.It is for us a joy ever new to see how they love one another.We try to keep up this family spirit in their midst, for is not charity the key that will open to these future catechists the hearts of the pagans, when Divine Providence will entrust them with the conversion of their fellow-countrymen ?Sunday, May 12 — Pentecost Our generous Christians make great sacrifices to come and share in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.For the greater number, the journey is one of several miles on foot by dangerous roads.The mothers, especially, with their many little tots, arrive tired out; nevertheless, all are cheerful and happy.It is the hour of Divine forgiveness, of spiritual resurrection, of numerous Communions, when the Holy Ghost suffuses the souls with His love and His Grace! In our family circle, a cloud casts a shadow upon the joy of this feast.Sister Superior cd and Sister Imelda de l’Eucharistie, (2) who left us on April 8th, for a few days’ trip to Shanghai, have not yet returned, the authorities of that city refusing to give them their passports.Very fervent are the prayers we address to God to hasten their desired return.As a compensation for our sacrifice, Divine Providence granted us a very sweet joy — the glad news of Mother General’s arrival at the end of September.Our happiness is so great that it can be more easily felt than 1.Sœur Marie de la Protection (Cécile Roberge, Quebec.) 2.Simone Boisclair, Almaville. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 97 expressed! It is at the feet of our All-loving Master that we pour our exuberant happiness and that we form ardent wishes for the success of her visit.Sunday, June 9 Very many are sick with the measles just at present.A few days ago we were visiting a family to give medical care to a little chap, a victim of the epidemic.The mother repeatedly begged us to give him our best remedies for, she added: “ he is a little boy.” Just as she was saying this we perceived in the corner a little girl much more seriously affected with the disease.As we made this remark to the mother, she replied: “Oh! that’s only a girl.” The boy is now enjoying perfect health, but the poor little girl has almost lost her sight.Ah! the boys!.in China they are little gods.for them the greatest sacrifices are made while their little sisters are disdained, despised and, unfortunately, often a-bandoned.SISTER MARIE XAVIER (BERTHE PARADIS, TINGWICK) VISITING A CHINESE MERCHANT, SUCHOW, CHINA.Thursday last, we visited a dying woman.With pleasure, she listened to us speak to her about God and His beautiful Heaven and, soon, the Baptismal Waters flowed upon her brow resplendent with heavenly joy.Beside her a charming baby, a few days old, was sleeping.The father, with contempt, told us that it was a girl and that having two already, he wished for no other.Neighbours confided to us that the day before, the baby had been left all day long without food in a corner of the yard, and exposed to the scorching sun.As night fell and the child was still living, they decided to give it some care.On hearing this we hastened to give this rejected babe the wings that would permit it to take its flight to Heaven.To-day we heard that the mother had left this land of exile.The baby was thrown on a public ground and left at the mercy of famished dogs.The Angels must have stooped with joy to cull this floweret, freshly blossomed in the genial rays of Divine Grace, to carry it into the garden of God.Monday, June 17 Mrs.Tch’en, who lives near the Cathedral, is a fanatic pagan.Very often the native virgins spoke to her of Religion, exhorted her to renounce 98 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 Buddhism and her diabolical superstitions, but without success.A few years ago, when her grandson fell ill, close watch was kept that no one might administer Baptism to him.To-day, one of her granddaughters, seven years of age, is seriously ill, and upon the entreaties of the neighbours, fervent Christians, the grandmother consented to solicit our care.We found the child in agony and we hastened to christen her.She was very pleased to be named Mary for although a pagan, she loved to sing the Ave Maria she had learnt of Christian pupils.It was these Aves, no doubt, that opened to her the doors of the Eternal Country.Saturday, July 13 Reverend Brother L.Tremblay, S.J., arrived from Peking this evening.The apostolic career of this new Missionary was marked at the very outset "f de SKSgS v if - < Hi lit tf« 1 J'-Jt -ii THE PROTEGEES OF THE PATRONAGE OF SUCHOW, CHINA, CLAD IN THE PRETTY DRESSES RECEIVED FROM THEIR BENEFACTRESSES OF CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.by a touching protection of Divine Providence.At half an hour’s distance from Siichow, when passing on an embankment about eight feet high, the train derailed and the first seven coaches made a double turn, killing or seriously wounding more than fifty persons.The eighth coach in which Brother Tremblay happened to be was the first which remained on the rails.These accidents caused by skirmishers are not rare.At the most dangerous spots, the brigands sometimes replace the steel bolts by wooden ones painted black, as it was the case here; sometimes, they dynamite part of the rail or, profiting by a moment when the train is entering a narrow valley, they attack it vigorously.When visiting a sick person, some time ago, we came across a long file of trucks loaded with machine-guns and armed soldiers.The purpose of their incursions is to exterminate the partisans of a pernicious sect who are by thousands at a few li from the city. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 99 In the regions that are not occupied by the Japanese, this sect is spreading so rapidly that its diffusion is quite alarming.Its adherents live up to their convictions which they often impose upon others by violence.The peasants are compelled to give up their portion of land to an authority which sees to a common distribution.At certain places, the rights of the Catholic Mission have been respected so far; elsewhere, hospitality has been exacted and, at Heoukiatchoang, Reverend Father L.Beaulieu, S.J., was summoned to pull down the Mission wall.If our new masters abandoned their conquest, our situation would be far from interesting.A campaign has just been organized to exterminate another kind of enemy: the flies.Each family must bring two hundred of these insects to the Board of Health; this debt acquitted, every person receives ten cents for a surplus of five hundred flies.The regulation will certainly have happy results, for many children look upon it as an amusing game and display much enthusiasm.Tuesday, July 30 At the beginning of the month, we were going to one of the poorest sections of the city to seek recruits for our Patronage.The task was easy, for the aim of our visit being known, a whole crowd gathered round us and every one strove to show us his misery.The children, supposed to arrive at the Convent towards eight o’clock in the morning, take two meals and return home at about three in the afternoon.This work is a great assistance for the families in distress.On July 3rd, a noisy and cheerful crowd was playing in the school-yard : thirty-six little girls were having a grand time.The former pupils, knowing it would please us, chanted their prayers for us and assured us they had recited them every day.These children are pagans but we feel confident that the Blessed Virgin to whom we have confided them will, sooner or later, obtain for them the Gift of Faith.Their number has increased every day; actually, we have ninety of them.The people now know the aim of our visits in the poor sections and they themselves come to meet us.To-day Sister Superior(i) distributed to the little ones, dresses received in the cases recently arrived from Canada.How we wish our generous benefactresses were able to assist at the demonstrations of joy the children make on seeing and receiving such treasures! Really, they would consider themselves rewarded for their charity.The dear little ones ask us to thank the godmothers they love very much and for whom they promise to pray every day.Some time ago, we received an alms which brought much joy to the happy beneficiary, Ma Pai Choui, twelve years old, who will now see his great desire for study realized.Belonging to a very poor family, this gifted 1.Sister Marie de la Protection, (Cécile Roberge, Quebec). 100 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 child saw himself like so many others condemned to a life of poverty and trouble.The outlook is more encouraging now.First of all, he wishes to become a Christian and, when he goes home at night, he teaches his family the principles of Christian Doctrine he himself has learnt during the day.In the near future all will most probably enter the Catholic Church.Is it not a sweet consolation for the generous donor?.Wednesday, September 25 According to a Chinese superstition, the 15th of each month is an unlucky day, especially for the sick.They believe that on this day, the dreaded spectre of death has a more intense craving for victims than in any other time of the year.On the other hand, the twenty-fifth being a happy day, it is chosen for the celebration of weddings.Two of our neighbours are married to-day and for one of them the circumstances have been really typical.The future husband who had gone to Nanking was expected yesterday evening.His parents and friends were at the station to meet him but they waited in vain.This morning, new deception, the fiancé was not on the train.However, everything was ready: apparel, banquet, musicians, etc., and, as the great question of the /ace was at stake, it was decided that the celebration would take place just the same.As the future husband had neither brother nor sister, he being an only child, one of his girl cousins replaced him for the Keteaon (prostration) ceremony before the ancestral tablets, by which the union is officially acknowledged.That was indeed a typical marriage, was it not ?We are wondering what the impression of the young man will be when he returns?His betrothal, according to the custom, was effected by means of intermediate agents, without his being able to be present; according to the custom again, he never saw his fiancée and, to crown all, his marriage took place during his absence!.Very strange are the customs of our good Chinese!.Tuesday, October 15 What happiness is ours! Since September 28th, our dear Mother General has been in our midst.What sweet moments of close intimacy we spend with one who reminds us so much of venerable Mother Foundress! On the feast of St.Teresa of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions, His Excellency Bishop Côté, S.J., did us the honour of celebrating Mass in our humble sanctuary.After a modest breakfast, His Excellency paternally blessed us and left, telling us to fully enjoy the passage of our dear Visitor.Needless to say, the recommendation was faithfully carried out.In the afternoon of that same day, our kind Mother went to the Apostolic School.The pupils and little girls of the Patronage executed a short program, joining to their spiritual bouquet the offering of a few modest gifts and the recitation of an address, which may be translated as follows: Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 101 Very Reverend Mother General, Reverend Sisters, Teachers, and dear Companions, “ What is this beautiful day?I think you all know, Mother General honours Siichow with her visit and it is for us a day long expected, a day of great joy.See the clear blue firmament, the white clouds in the sky, the sun which illumines all things on earth with its bright rays, these bring gladness to all but how much more to us! “ Mother General already loved us very much several years ago, it is why she sent Sisters to Siichow in spite of the thousand mountains and the ten thousand waters, the dangers of the wind and tempests, to spread the Religion, save souls, guide the pagans in the right path, make known to them the Creator of all things, and a year ago to-day, she opened the “ Cheng Mou Yuen ” to receive a group of “ big and little sisters ” who wish to remain virgins and help to spread the Religion.Is it not in the merit of Reverend Mother that this great benefit has its source ?Besides, has not the opening of a Dispensary afforded to many the opportunity of finding the cure or relief of their numerous ills?Moreover, every severe winter, the Sisters gave alms to the poor; it is impossible to enumerate all their good works which however came from you, Reverend Mother.“ Several days ago we heard about your arrival and we were very happy; yet, small as we are, we were wondering how we could receive this condescension.“ So on one hand we were happy and on the other, somewhat confused on thinking that we had nothing that could please you, our learning is limited, what gift could express our joy?We have found it.We shall beg God every day to bless you and grant you health, happiness and many years of life.” It was our turn on the 8th of October, to express the sentiments of the tender and filial affection with which our hearts were overflowing.How happy we were to hear speak of venerable Mother Foundress by one who, for many years has been her faithful companion and her discreet helper.What good it does to receive fresh news of the Mothers and Sisters of our dear country! We could imagine we were again for a moment at that dear home in Outremont, blessed sanctuary so rich in happy memories, or at the new Mother House, whence the white messengers of the Virgin now take their flight.During her trip to the Missions, our dear Sister Madeleine Marie (i), the privileged companion of our Mother, is initiated little by little, to the apostolate; on October 10th, she christened a ninth little child.Yesterday, as Sister Marie Xavier (2) had to go and visit a sick person several li from here, she profited by the occasion to have our beloved Mother visit the city.“ I saw true China, old China! ” said the latter on her return.1.Madeleine Loranger, Westmount.2.Berthe Paradis, Tingwick. 102 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 In fact, Siichow is one of the oldest cities of the Country.It can even boast of having been the capital of China before the Christian era.Except for a few boulevards with their modern buildings, the past centuries have here retained their antique figure.Thursday, October 17 Scarcely had the stars disappeared in the sky when already all were busy in our Convent.A strange atmosphere enveloped us, it was one of indefinable sadness mingled with hope and abandonment, it was the moment 1 ¦ r-' PREPARATIONS FOR A CHINESE BURIAL.of departure which had struck for our dear kind Mother.Putting into practice the strong resolutions which have been inspired to us by her maternal counsels, we tried to be courageous and joyfully accept the painful sacrifice of separation.After an interchange of affectionate feelings, our dear travellers took their leave.We gazed upon them as long as they could be seen; then, when our eyes were tired looking and they had disappeared, we sought strength and consolation at the feet of our loving Master.Sunday, October 20 An Oriental scene excited our curiosity to-day, the burial of a rich widow who had no children and whose fate is very pitiful, it seems, because she has no one to weep over her death.To make up for this, paper miniatures representing persons and animals escorted her mortal remains to the burying ground.The cow is a pledge of happiness for her soul, the paper money and flower banners have the power of appeasing the wrath of the gods.It is in a flowery catafalque to which the men were giving a finishing touch, that the coffin was placed ; it was then surmounted with an immense dragon.With a similar superstitious equipment, the people think that a favourable welcome will be given to this lonely soul. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 103 Wednesday, October 30 We have the pleasure of having in our midst three Sisters of the Precious Blood, one of whom is Reverend Mother Thérèse de Jésus, who has been in China for nine years and has been called back to the Joliette Monastery.We afforded her a real joy on inviting her to open Heaven to a little soul that seemed to be awaiting but its passport to fly away.If such consolations are not often met with by these kind religious, we are sure that in Heaven, the army of little souls owing them their happiness is very beautiful.Is it not their life of prayer and abnegation that ripens the ears of wheat we garner for the Heavenly Granaries?.* * * Gleanings from the Diary of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Canton.Saturday, February 10,1940 The blessed feast of Our Lady’s Smile at Lourdes is for a few of us the anniversary of a very happy day! Twenty-five years ago our dear Sisters Marie Immaculée uj, Marie Célina(2), Marie de l’Espérance (3), St.Via-teur(4), and Marguerite Mariées), gathered around our venerable Mother Foundress, pronounced the formula of their Holy Vows, which made them spouses of the King of kings.Among the elect of this memorable day was also good Sister Marie Eugénie(6) whom obedience retains at the Mother House.She is represented here by dear Sister Marie de la Miséricordes) who is anticipating the celebration of her Silver Jubilee by a few months.What remembrances to be evoked in this first cycle of religious life!.What graces received, what joys experienced during these twenty-five years! February 11th falling, this year, on the first Sunday in Lent, the joyous feast prepared in honour of our jubilarians was celebrated the day before.The chapel, the house, the school, the orphanage had assumed an air of joy and gaiety.As His Excellency Bishop Fourquet was in Hong Kong, Mass was celebrated by Reverend Father Narbais, of the Foreign Missions of Paris, then on a visit in Canton.Before breakfast, our happy Sisters received the crown of silver lilies to the sound of the Veni sponsa Christi.With our dear Sisters Agnes of Jesus(8) and St.François d’Assisew of Shek Lung, St.Etienneuo) and Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésusun of Hong Kong, our Sisters of the Foundling- 1.Alice Vanchestein, St.Michel de Napierville.2.Gracia Blanchet, Drummond ville.3.Auréa Vannard, Montreal.4.Aurore Lapointe, Montreal.5.Marguerite Latour, Montreal.6.Octavie Roberge, Sanford Maine.7.Berthe Dufresne, Ste.Hélène de Bagot.8.Margaret Sherry, Montreal.9.Clara Hebert, Montreal.10.Aurore Plouffe, Montreal.11.Yvonne Gerin, Coaticook. m lf%.¦ w fei m, SpJZaki THE TWENTY MISSIONARIES OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ASSEMBLED AT CANTON, ON THE OCCASION OF THE SILVER JUBILEE OF SIX OF THEM: SISTER MARIE IMMACULEE (ALICE VANCHESTEIN, ST.MICHEL DE NAPIERVILLE), SISTER MARIE CELINA (GRACIA BLANCHET, DRUMMON-VILLE), SISTER MARIE DE L’ESPERANCE (AUREA VANNARD, MONTREAL), SISTER ST.VIATEUR (AURORE LAPOINTE, MONTREAL), SISTER MARGUERITE MARIE (MARGUERITE LATOUR, MONTREAL), SISTER MARIE DE LA MISERICORDE (BERTHE DUFRESNE, STE.HELENE DE BAGOT).THE PERSONNEL OF THE HOUSE: OLD WOMEN OF THE HOME AND ORPHANS. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 105 Home “ Our Lady of Providence ”, and of the Fong Tsun Asylum (insane asylum), we numbered twenty at the modest Silver Jubilee banquet.We all the more enjoyed the sweet family intimacy as we had not been able to be together since the beginning of the war, multiple works requiring our efforts here and there.As at the Mother House on Profession days, the hymn of the wedding at Cana was sung at the end of the dinner.It reminded the elect of the grandeur and sublimity of their mystical union with Jesus and also increased in their souls the holy desire to be eternally faithful.Towards two o’clock, in a little entertainment, we offered to the jubi-larians our wishes for happiness and success in their apostolate, in the poor country of China.As early as four o’clock, dear Sister Marie de l’Annonciationcd had to return to her orphans on the knoll, Sister St.Pierre Apôtre (2) and Sister Joseph de la Ste.Famille (3), to Fong Tsun Asylum, for the last preparations of the feast which is to have its close there to-morrow.Sunday, February 11 We had the privilege of having the Blessed Sacrament exposed all day; this permitted the six jubilarians to pay their court to the Divine King.What thanks have they not to render to God so good Who, during these twenty-five years, gave them many signal tokens of His love! The dinner, to-day, was served in Chinese fashion by our orphans.The dear children did their utmost to prepare it well, to prove their gratitude to their adoptive mothers.After the meal, a procession of tots set out for the riverside to embark for Fong Tsun.What a feast for these little ones! To go and spend the night at Fong Tsun is a real picnic for them! They were one hundred and two, and fifteen Sisters accompanied them; among these were the three jubilarians stationed at the Asylum.The whole personnel lent a helping hand for the decorations; a few patients, even, did their share and embellished the trees of the Compound.After chatting cheerfully at supper, the orphans repeated the little entertainment executed the preceding evening in honour of the elect of the day.The weather was ideal, so the poor patients whose minds are lucid enough to appreciate the ingenuity of the children were looking out the windows.An address was afterwards presented to each of the jubilarians.Saturday, March 16 Last week, we received two new orphans.The first, a blind child of eleven, was brought to us by her grandfather who pretended having found her on the street.The second was a little six-year-old girl with only one arm.She had had the other cut off during a bombardment two years ago.The father of this child being in great distress, thought it would be a good 1.Annonciade'STRASBOURG, Chénéville.2.Léocadie Landry, St.Jean l’Evangéliste.3.Jeannette Delisle, Worcester, Mass. 106 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 idea to throw the little one in the water but, fortunately, she was rescued from this peril.However wretched were the homes of these two newcomers, they regretted it and were heard planning: “ We shall leave at noon.I can see, so I’ll tell you the way; you are strong, so you can carry me on your back.” But the daily bowl of good rice they were given here and which they were not in the habit of getting at home, soon made them feel less lonesome, and they abandoned their projects of flight.Sunday, May 12 Radiant was the dawn of Pentecost for the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception in Canton! The Holy Ghost seemed to be hovering over our humble cenacle; we had the joy of preparing for Him a hundred and fifteen new temples freshly adorned with Baptismal purity.This morning, forty-five of our protégés partook of the Divine Banquet for the first time, and seventy-five received at the Cathedral the Sacrament which makes us soldiers in the Christian militia.It was a charming spectacle to see our little tots walk up the aisle with their long white veils falling over their shoulders and their clasped hands.How Jesus must delight in these innocent souls! With as much fervour, an old sexagenarian also made her First Communion; a labourer of the eleventh hour, she offered her Divine Master her good will.The little ones answered with more assurance to the questions of the catechist, but she believed, she loved, and that was sufficient.Her happiness was all the more intense as she had experienced the hardships of life.As early as four o’clock this morning, our good old women had preceded us to the chapel to prepare for the reception of the great Sacrament of Confirmation.They brought Our Lord the candour of their second childhood and the fervour of the first Christians.A feast-day dinner increased the joy of this beautiful day! As the shadows of night began to envelop the earth, we felt somewhat tired but very happy ! Does not the conquest of one soul largely compensate for the sacrifices and fatigue of the apostolic life?We offered the sheaf of this day to our venerable Mother Foundress whose patronal feast it was.Is not the fruitfulness of our work due to the merit of her sufferings.Poor dear Mother, she has been attached to the cross of immolation for such a long time!.Thursday, August 1 We were awakened this morning by plaintive cries coming from the door.Three babies wrapped up in rags were lying there on the stone steps.Although this scene has been renewed every day, for some time past, we have not become accustomed to it, and our heart shrank on seeing these poor little victims of misery and superstition.We hastened to purify their souls in the Baptismal Waters for most of them soon winged their flight to the Heavenly Abode. Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 107 #r’i?$ f 'f SISTER DE LA NATIVITE DE JESUS (CECILE PAQUETTE, ST.ELZEAR, LAVAL CO.,) SISTER MARIE IMMACULEE (ALICE VANCHESTEIN, ST.MICHEL DE NAPIERVILLE,) MISSIONARIES OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, AND THE SIXTY-THREE BAPTIZED ON WHITSUNDAY, 1940, AT CANTON, CHINA.A few days ago, a person brought us a basin filled with rags containing a baby dressed in a scarlet sweater and bonnet.The unfortunate mother who had abandoned it, hoped by this means to call the attention of the god of happiness upon her child.Poor mother! she did not know that the only true God was watching over her little one and preparing to open to it the gates of Heaven.Thursday, August 15 With unutterable joy we celebrated the triumph of our august Queen.All bade us to be cheerful, the radiant sun which darted its golden rays through our windows, the palms and lilies which adorned the chapel, the azure flambeaux which added a Marian note to this charming decoration! But that which thrilled our souls most was the entrance into the Church of four new Christians: Doctor Wong, the doctor of the Insane Asylum, Mrs.Soung, nurse, and two helpers of this establishment.After the Baptism ceremony at the Cathedral, dinner was served in the large school-hall; then the orphans executed a little play in honour of the neophytes.Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given at three o’clock, that all the guests might be able to assist.At the foot of the golden Ostensorium, the Protestants and pagans like the Christians, inclined their heads to receive the Master’s blessing.We are pleased to think that our dear Saviour looked lovingly at several of these souls of good will and that soon the brilliant light of the Faith will shine for them. 108 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 Friday, September 13 The enlargement of the Orphanage begun in April is about terminated.We hastened to finish preparing the dwelling which was to receive the protégées of the Immaculate Virgin.Beds and tables were symmetrically-placed, and our little ones opened their eyes wide on seeing the white nest awaiting them.During the past year, they have been crowded like sardines in a box.Their health will surely benefit by a sunny building in which each one will find a place that she will not have to share with two or three companions.However, we shall not have too much space in this new building, for misery which is actually prevalent in Canton, brings us a few of its victims every day.It almost seems a daring enterprise to increase the number of our protégées when the supplying of provisions has become so difficult; but it is very hard, impossible even, for missionaries to shut their doors and keep their hearts closed to poor children who will die of hunger.We hope Divine Providence will continue furnishing us the daily ration of each one of these little abandoned children; besides, the past is a guaranty for the future! How often, already, have we not been assisted in the hour of distress or of danger ?.Wednesday, October 9 Famine is making itself felt more and more in our poor city of Canton.Some fifty persons die of hunger every day, it seems.This morning, we •• /< XV' SISTER DE LA NATIVITE DE JESUS (CECILE PAQUETTE, ST.ELZEAR, LAVAL CO.) BAPTIZING A DYING BABY, AT CANTON, CHINA.saw on the side of the street, a beggar preparing to cook a rat which had been thrown into a garbage can.Two bricks were his stove, and dried leaves his fuel ; a little later, this food which the most mortified would have rejected, permitted the poor unfortunate man to prolong his existence until the next Godsend.How we wish we could have a ray of Divine light shine for all these unfortunate people ! Such painful privations would at least be of some value to them for everlasting life! May all Christian hearts understand the urgent need of prayer and sacrifice to hasten the reign of God in pagan lands.Sunday, October 20 At recreation-time, we saw to opening the precious cases recently received from Canada.It is for us a joy ever new to unpack these treasure- Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 109 chests!.Exclamations of surprise are uttered as each piece is taken out.There are religious articles, warm garments, lingerie of all kinds, precious remedies, dainties from our kind parents and even maple sugar.'¦ /* -mm 'M* ; .L REVEREND FATHER F.X.LEU, CHINESE PRIEST, SISTER DE LA NATIVITE DE JESUS (CECILE PAQUETTE, ST.ELZEAR, LAVAL CO.), SISTER MARIE CELINA (GRACIA BLANCHET, DRUMMOND-VILLE) AND THE FOUR BAPTIZED ON AUGUST 15, 1940: DR.WONG, MRS, SOUNG AND TWO HELPERS OF FONG TSUN ASYLUM.If all those who have lent their co-operation for the making or sending of these things witnessed our happiness and the relief and comfort they afford our protégés, they would consider themselves rewarded for the pains they have taken.But as this consolation cannot be granted them, may the Divine Master Himself be their reward! * * * PHILIPPINE ISLANDS Apostolic Activities of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception, Manila, Philippine Islands.A touching conversion rejoiced us a few months ago.An old lady of the Fo tao Co family, was brought to thé light of the Faith after having reared her children and grandchildren as far as the fifth generation in the shadow of paganism.For two years already we had been following this great-grandmother who was exposed to severe assaults on the part of the Prince of Darkness.The Evil One seeing his prey about to escape him, made supreme efforts to reseize it. 110 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 The first explanations of the Catholic Religion were well received, but how was it possible for her to renounce all of a sudden practices which had filled a life of almost a century ?At first, dear old granny tried to liberate her conscience by asking a servant to accomplish the rites which she had been forbidden to observe.Little by little, however, grace triumphed over this rigid nature and the grotesque idols were definitively abandoned.A standing crucifix was given the place of honour in our catechumen’s home, and she very fervently prepared for the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism.Eight days before the end of her long career of ninety-four years, this labourer of the last hour was admitted into the Lord’s vineyard.She did not wait long for her salary, for she soon went to enjoy the infinite happiness of Heaven.March 27th this year brought us another sweet consolation: that of conducting thirty-three pupils of our Catechism courses to the Eucharistic Banquet.Twelve of these had been baptized the preceding day.A good old grandmother was among the First Communicants.Mrs.Uy’s vocation began to germinate two years ago when her little children were preparing for their First Communion.Her study of Religion was often delayed; as mistress of the house, mother and grandmother, she had to answer for children and grandchildren, and devoted more of her time to the others than to herself ; but these difficulties, it seems, were but a benefit, as they gave her time to reflect seriously on the importance of the decision she was to take.The grace of God made of this brave woman a fervent Christian who, by the radiation of her faith and charity, will exercise a beneficent influence over those around her.The second school term, which had begun on January 5th, ended on March 30 th.The distribution of prizes was presided over by Reverend Father Garcia, Pastor of the Parish.Three other Dominican Fathers also honoured us with their presence.Our dear children had prepared a little entertainment for the occasion.It was very much appreciated; the principal number was “ The little sailors’ dance ”.In the evening, diplomas were awarded to the twelve graduates of the Chinese Intermediate Course and to twelve of the English Course.The Missionary priests delivered a short allocution in the Mandarin and Amoy languages to congratulate the pupils on the success obtained, and encourage them to walk in the path traced out for them by their teachers.The vacation afforded us the opportunity of having our old school repaired.The walls were white-washed, the roof mended, new partitions made in certain rooms; finally, the classes looked fresh and attractive.While some of us handled the saw, the plane or the paint-brush, in the school, others strove to increase their store of knowledge by studying the Doctrine or the Tagalog language which is adopted in the Government Schools.In the beginning of June, our pupils returned to us, light-hearted and cheerful.We registered three hundred and fifty; this means that three Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 111 K"sf; * ^ :Jl/ .v '.V * * Î *-1^3- _^ THE FIRST COMMUNICANTS OF THE ACADEMY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS./AI THE CENTRE : REVEREND FATHER GARCIA, O.P., P.P.; SISTER ST.PIERRE CLAVER (ALDEE HEBERT, MONTREAL) AND SISTER MARIE DES VICTOIRES (JOSEPHINE BOLDUC, ST.VICTOR DE TRING), MISSIONARIES OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.hundred and fifty are prepared to receive the seed of truth.On watching these noisy children at play and elsewhere, we can almost tell what they will be to-morrow.Some have a characterized aptitude for war and handle with dexterity pocket-knives or simili-guns.Others more peaceful, command respect and awe their comrades.The latter are for us precious auxiliaries in the maintenance of discipline.The education of all this little crowd is a difficult task which requires much abnegation but which, on the other hand, affords many consolations.Nancy, four-year-old tot, is a very interesting child.Her mother died a month after her birth and her father confided her to us as soon as she was two years old.As she was continually in contact with adults, her intelligence developed rapidly.At the age of three, she already knew that the little white wafer the priest raised for the adoration of the faithful and deposited on the Sisters’ and nurses’ tongues, contained Jesus whole and entire.Ever since, she eagerly longed for the day on which she would have the happiness of receiving her first Host.“ When shall I make my First Communion?” she unceasingly repeated.Despite her beautiful qualities, Nancy gets into many a scrape.One day, after many pranks, she had been put to bed in the middle of the forenoon.When her punishment was over and Sister went to tell her to get up, the child was quite sad and, after listening attentively to the recommendations that were made to her, she asked: “ Sister, what I did, is it a big bad thing or a little bad 112 Montreal THE PRECURSOR March-April 1941 thing?” Her candid face brightened up when Sister told her that little children like her do only little bad things.Two of the boarders, Buenvenida and Mariano, say night prayer in common with their little companions.When comes time for the examination of conscience, these two little men with their head in their hands seem absorbed in profound reflections.but one must not judge according to appearances and here is a proof of this.During the Catechism lesson, their teacher happened to fall on the illustration of a man kneeling down with his head in his hands and entitled: “ The examination of conscience.” “ Give the explanation of this picture,” asked Sister addressing one of the two little tots.No answer.“But, tell me,” continued Sister, “ what do you do at night during the few moments of silence granted you at the beginning of prayer?” — “ We look at the bench, Sister.” With filial joy we celebrated the patronal feast of our beloved Mother General; our prayers rose fervent towards Heaven requesting abundant blessings for her.What happiness it is for us to think that this dear Mother is coming closer to us every day and that, in a short time from now, we shall have the inestimable privilege of welcoming her in our midst! Her visit is the ordinary subject of our conversation during recreation hours and the hope of enjoying her presence, be it only for a limited time, is already a stimulant and a comfort in our work and difficulties.May God in His loving and sweet Providence, continue watching over her, that she may without any obstacle pursue her important trip! -EEEEEEEEEE