“Carrying the Light
of Faith”
A glance at the first eight Sisters of Notre Dame
de Namur who ventured to America in 1840 to
open a school in Cincinnati, OH.
By Virginia Byrne
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Cast of Characters
St. Julie Billiart, founder of the order
Mere Ignace Goethals, Mother General of the Order in 1840
-----------------------------------------------------------Sister Louis de Gonzague Monseu, First Superior of the American
community
Sister Xavier Houba, first infirmarian in the American community
Sister Melanie Hamour, the only member of the community to have
known Julie
Sister Rosine Matagne, the American community’s first cook
Sister Ignatia Walle, worked with adult converts and as an administrator
Sister Marie Pauline Herreboudt, the community’s music teacher
Sister Humbelina de Mantal, the youngest member, an artist and art
teacher
Sister Louise van der Schrieck, first American provincial
Overvoices
Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati Ohio
Fr. Hercule Brassac of Paris Vicar general in Europe of the American
Bishops
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Scenes
Prelude
Saint Julie Billiart inspired to expand her order Feb. 2, 1806
Scene 1
The Chosen
Scene 2
The Voyage
Scene 3
The Arrival in America
Scene 4
The Journey to Cincinnati
Epilogue
Saint Julie and her Expansion of the Order
Anecdotes from :
Mere Ignace Goethals by A member of the Same Order,
B. Herder Book Co. St. Louis, 1934
Sister Louis: American Foundress of the Sisters of Notre
Dame de Namur by Sister Helen Louise SND, Benziger
Bros. 1931
With thanks to: Louanna Orth SND, Ann Morrison
SND, Evelyn McKenna SND and Esther MacCarthy
SND
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Prelude
[On screen photo of Saint Julie]
[Music: “Lumen ad Revelationem Gentium”][3:39]
Overvoice: Saint Julie Billiart, February 2, 1806- the Feast of the
Purification- in her convent at Amiens.
Sister Julie: [enters X to DC slowly, music under]
I see my daughters carrying the light of the faith to many distant races.
To nations as yet seated in darkness and the shadow of death. We are not
meant to remain only in one diocese. We must not limit ourselves to
work in Amiens but extend our efforts to Flanders and even beyond!
If the good God wills it.
[X to DR where she watches][Music fades out]
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The Chosen
[Screen changes to photo of Mere Ignace]
[Music (period /nation appropriate)][Faure? Widor organ music?]
[Enter Mere Ignace, tall, secure and determined]
Mere Ignace: Exactly thirty-four years ago Mere Julie saw that the future
was not to stay in Amiens or even in Namur but to spread her vision
beyond those boundaries. To educate young women everywhere not just
this corner of the world. . .her vision is larger than we know.
I, Mere Ignace, vow to devote myself to reaching the souls of America.
Voiceover:
My dear beloved Sister Ignace,
I believe that Divine providence has led me to extend to you and the
daughters of Mere Julie the invitation of Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati
Ohio, America to establish in his diocese schools to educate the young
women of America who so need your blessed guidance. I am persuaded
that you will procure the glory of God and the salvation of a great
number of people in that vast country. He was indeed so moved by his
visit to Namur.
In Christ
Pere Hercule Brassacq Vicar general in Europe of the American
Bishops
Mere Ignace:
After much prayer and deliberation I have determined that we must
journey to America. Joy has flooded my soul. How good is the good God
to want us to make him known and loved among people still sitting in
the shadow of death many sisters are willing go to America. Ah, would
that I might lead that caravan! But that is not for me.
[She crosses to DL]
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[The eight sisters process onto the stage. As each question is asked, the
sisters answer in unison.]
Mere Ignace:
For how many years have you felt this desire to travel as missionary to
America?
Sisters: [in unison]
All my life, it is my destiny.
Mere Ignace:
What first gave you this desire and how have you persevered?
Sisters:
The love of the Good God and the love of our dear Mere Julie.
Mere Ignace:
Do you understand the difficulties you will encounter?
Sisters:
With the love of the Good God we shall overcome whatever difficulties
we encounter
Mere Ignace:
Will your health sustain you?
Sisters:
We are prepared and understand the fatigue, the labor and the
loneliness. God is good. Good is the good God. He will provide.
Mere Ignace:
Courageous souls are needed for the work of the good God.
Mere Ignace:
Sister Louis de Gonzague…
[Sister Louis de Gonzague comes forward and bows]
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As Superior of the gracious convent of Thuin for the past five years I
know that you are deeply loved by your sisters. But having prayed much
I have decided to associate you with those who have the happiness of
making Jesus known and loved among people who still sit in the
darkness of error…America!
Saint Julie:
All that is undertaken at His Divine Will and marked by the Sign of the
Cross shall succeed.
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Ah ma Mere, you must realize that there are those here in Namur to
whom the word “America” means …savages…but with the help of the
good God and the support of my Sisters, I accept most humbly this
honor.
[Steps forward to audience]
I am Sister Louis de Gonzague born thirty years ago Hortense Monseu
right here in this glorious town of Namur but my eyes have always
looked to the west and I travel to America with great excitement. My
patron after whom I am named is the patron saint of youth and thus I see
my life as dedicated to the education of the young AMERICAN women.
Joining me will be…
[She crosses to DR]
Saint Julie:
In Jesus Christ, we are all one nation though we come from different
countries, different races, different societies.
[Each sister steps forward when her name is called (except for Sister
Humbeline), bows to Sister Louis de Gonzague and addresses the audience]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Xavier…
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Sister Xavier:
From La Roche, in Luxembourg, I was born Françoise Houba but took
the glorious name of Xavier to emulate that great Jesuit missionary. I am
a healer. I wish to care for the bodies as well as the souls of those to
whom I am to meet in America. I will nurse both the souls, the bodies
and I hope the hearts of all. Though considered aged at fifty-one years
young, I am honored to be sent to America. I am strong and healthy. How
good is the good God.
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Xavier
and says:] A simple soul is dependent for everything and leaves all in the
hands of the good God. [Sister Xavier turns towards Mere Ignace, bows,
and returns to her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Melanie…
Sister Melanie:
I too am from the beautiful Namur. Charlotte Hamour was my name
before. I am the only one chosen who knew Mere Julie. I am blessed to
have been one of her pupils. I carry with me the stories of her and the
spirit of our blessed founder. How good is the good God.
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Melanie
and says:] Never refuse God anything that he deems to ask of you.
Courage! Courage! [Sister Melanie turns towards Mere Ignace, bows, and
returns to her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Rosine…
Sister Rosine:
Hemptine is not far from Namur. There was I born and named Heloise
Matagne. I love food. I love to cook. I am 27 years old and food is my
passion. Oh...excuse Mere Ignace...my passion of course after my love of
Julie and my love of God! Excuse again…after my love of God and then
my love of Julie and then my love of my sisters and then my family and
then maybe food…we will eat well though I know not what the
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American’s eat…cheese I hope…it will be exciting to discover new
foods…and of course to convert the savages and spread the word of Julie
to the young women of America...and feed them! I am blessed to be
named after America’s Flower of Sanctity…how good is the good
food…er…GOD!
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Rosine
and says:] A simple soul lives in harmony with everyone. [Sister Rosine
turns towards Mere Ignace, bows, and returns to her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Ignatia…
Sister Ignatia:
I will find it most difficult to speak English… I know that will be a
problem, I just know it. I am a person who loves to organize and oversee.
Perhaps I will not need to speak English… perhaps others can
translate…I was born Julie (How blessed a name!) Antionette Walle in
Poperinge which is very far -- almost in France! I will love
America…Though I am somewhat afraid. I pray that some may speak
French in America. How good is the good God.
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Ignatia
and says:] Our Lord God said, “Go, teach all nations.” And so our zeal
must be wider than the universe. [Sister Ignatia turns towards Mere
Ignace, bows, and returns to her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Louise VanderShrieck…
Sister Louise Vander Shrieck:
I will celebrate 27 years of life when I arrive in America! I am anxious to
speak English. I look forward to providing anything I can to the young
women of America and using my talents in any way that is needed.
Perhaps I can encourage them to join our sisterhood.
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Louise
and says:] Plenty of energy, but no fuss. You can be very active and yet
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go gently. [Sister Louise turns towards Mere Ignace, bows, and returns to
her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Marie Pauline…
Sister Marie Pauline:
Yes! Oui! There will be music in America such as never has been heard!!!!
America here I come! Pauline Herrboudt from Bruges, Belgium comes
with music. I speak English…well… if I must say so and I play the harp,
the piano and the guitar…Music America. How good is the good
SINGING GOD!
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister Marie
Pauline and says:] In schools teach whatever is necessary to equip the
students for life. [Sister Marie Pauline turns towards Mere Ignace, bows,
and returns to her place in line.]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sister Humbelina……[she does not come forward]
Sister Humbelina!
SISTER HUMBELINA!!!!
[Other sisters push her forward...she has been day dreaming]
Sister Humbelina:
I am French…from d’Argenta…I paint…I draw…I see the world in
color...I want so much to bring to America…the love of Art…to see in our
schools…young women painting, drawing looking at the world through
the eyes of an artist…to represent the world from their eyes….it so moves
me..
Mere Ignace:
Thank you Sister Humbelina
Sister Humbelina:
How good is the good God who gave us pens and ink and paint and
brushes and…
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Mere Ignace: [as other sisters bring Sister Humbelina back]
Thank you Sister Humbelina! (Louder)
Sister Humbelina: [continuing with enthusiasm]
Oh...I was born Anne Marie de Mantal…I am the newest to the order.
[Responding to a glare from Mere Ignace]
I... am happy.
Saint Julie: [steps forward with hand raised in blessing over Sister
Humbelina and says:] There is much more merit in living with imperfect
people than in living with the saints.
Mere Ignace:
Sisters, you depart for America on September third from Antwerp on the
sailing vessel Eliza Thornton.
Sister Rosine:
A woman brings us to America. How wonderful!!!!
Sister Louise:
I will visit my dear family once more before we sail. My, dear loved
parents who I think perhaps I shall not see again and my beloved
brother Daniel, my childhood friend and companion who dreamed of
traveling to America… Dear Daniel…well I am going before you! A
woman shall surpass you Do you understand? I go to America….please
send to me my paints…if you can find my brushes…Sister Humbelina
believes she is the only one who understands Art, I must show her that
there are others
Sister Pauline:
That will take us six weeks…can we not travel by this new wondrous
ship…the steam ship?
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
We will wait in Antwerp and embark on the Feast of the Exultation of
the Holy Cross.
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Sister Rosine:
Off to America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mere Ignace:
I present you each with a crucifix [each sister kneels as she is given the
crucifix and remains kneeling] and beg you never to part from it. I will go
with you to Antwerp and board the ship to assure that you will be
comfortable during your long journey and there will I say my goodbye.
[The sisters kneel]
I hope to sing eternally with you the praises of Jesus and Mary. May the
good God bring you safely to America.
[She blesses them with the sign of the cross, and after blessing them she
stands to one side.]
Saint Julie: [walks behind the kneeling sisters with her hand extended over
their heads saying:]
Remember – we exist for the poor, only for the poor, absolutely only for
the poor. Let us look at ourselves as truly poor people, incessantly
holding out our hand.
Sister Louis de Gonzague: [stands and says:]
I must say it is my choice to give up my life, to live a life of poverty so
that others may thrive.
Saint Julie:
Our work must be marked everywhere by the cross. Remember, the
cross is good at all times, even after Easter!
[Mere Ignace exits the stage and Saint Julie walks back across the stage to
be seated.]
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The Voyage
[Music Ferrante #8]
[Sisters center stage swaying as if on a ship]
[1840 marine music]
[On screen picture of typical ocean sailing ship]
Sister Louise:
Captain Fox has erected a tent on the deck for us to use as a chapel.
Sister Humbelina:
And Fr. Rappe is our chaplain!
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Now that we are sea, sisters, I can read to you the letter given to me by
Mother Superior.
[She mimes reading and when finished, sisters go to audience and share]
Sister Pauline:
Always obey the rule
Sister Rosine:
Be simple
Sister Louise:
Love prayer
Sister Xavier:
Fear no pain
Sister Melanie:
Nor work!
Sister Ignatia:
Be always united as one
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Sister Humbelina:
And love Mary.
All:
Amen.
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
I see you listened well. A good start.
Sister Rosine:
But may I be so bold as to ask, what was that food they served us last
night? Beef? Potatoes? Biscuits? What kind of dinner is that?
Sister Ignatia:
English food, sister. Fear no food. We are no longer in Europe!
[Sisters again as a group start to sway with the ship, but this time rather
violently. One by one they leave, falling ill except for Sister Louise and
Sister Marie Pauline]
Sister Louise:
These storms can be horrid.
[Sister Marie Pauline leaves, sick]
Sister Louise:
I must have the stomach and legs of a mariner.
Sister Xavier: [enters frantic]
It is the end of the world!
[She is joined by Sister Rosine]
Sister Rosine:
We are all to perish
Sister Melanie:
We will never reach America. Never EVER. Mon Dieu!
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[Sister Humbelina and Sister Ignatia run in, fall sick again and run out]
[All return and sway to calm seas]
Sister Louise:
Well the storm has passed but though we traversed two miles we were
blown back twenty miles.
Sister Humbelina:
So we saw on Thursday what we had already seen on Tuesday!
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sisters, come look. The Garden of England. The beautiful Isle of Wight.
We are on our way!
[Sister Ignatia and Sister Humbelina again run off ill]
Sister Melanie:
I will go below and tend to them. Poor dears.
[Loud noise offstage, Sister Louise goes to investigate and returns,
laughing]
Sister Louise:
Sister Melanie fell and rolled into a stranger’s cabin. They were both
equally surprised!
[Eight again stand and sway to ship and music]
Sister Humbelina: [runs to edge of stage]
Look, sisters whales! I must sketch them.
[All run to edge and ad lib astonishment]
Saint Julie: [stands and crosses to admire the whales and Sister
Humbelina’s work. She says:]
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The beauties of nature must lift your soul to your Creator. Its beauty will
spread before you like an open book.
Sister Louise: [slowly separating herself and after a moment… pointing,
making sign of cross and kneeling]
Nous voila a banc de Terra Neuve!
[All sisters join her on knees]
[Music: Te Deum]
[Screen: October 19 1840 at bottom of photo of New York harbor c.1840.]
Saint Julie:
Many times the Bishop of Ghent has said to me, “Mere Julie you were
not meant for one diocese! Your vocation is to go all over the world!”
[She falls to her knees in gratitude, then blesses herself. All stand and
exit.]
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AMERICA
[Enter Sister Louise and Sister Rosine to Downstage Right (NY)]
Sister Rosine:
But when and how do we get to Cincinnati, Mother?
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
We are to remain the guests of the dear Sisters of Charity here in New
York for three days. Then on to the city of Philadelphia and then we see
the city of Pittsburgh both in the State of Pennsylvania. From there we
will travel by train and then canal boat to our beloved destination.
Sister Rosine:
Indeed a very large country this America. We would be in Russia by then
if we were at home!
[Enter Sister Humbelina and Sister Xavier]
Sister Xavier:
Pigs. Pigs. Pigs everywhere. Never even on the farms at home I have seen
so many pigs.
Sister Julie: [ Enters, smiling]
Never let the peace of your heart be disturbed by anything in the world.
Sister Humbelina:
Sister they tell me it is to keep the streets clean.
Sister Xavier:
Pink Pigs, Black pigs. Yellow Pigs White pigs. PIGS.
Sister Louise:
But the houses are so beautiful. Like petite cathedrals.
[They move to Stage left and slide changes to Philadelphia.
[Enter rest of sisters and cross to DL Philadelphia]
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Sister Melanie:
I prefer this city. So much cleaner.
Sister Louise:
Was that not strange when the man at the National Hotel thought we
were ‘poor travelers’ and would not admit us?
Sister Marie Pauline:
But we simply changed to humbler clothes so as not to attract too much
attention in this wild country of America. Heaven alone knows what
they would think of our habits!!! So many different people…so
big….there are times I am indeed frightened.
Saint Julie:
In whatever way that God comes to us, he must always be welcome.
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
No need, Sister. Remember we are together. Fear nothing. Be strong.
Pray for courage.
[They all move to Upstage C, Pittsburg scene on screen]
Sister Xavier:
A riverboat! How glorious.
Sister Louise:
Yes but six beds, eight sisters!!!!!
I will sleep on the floor. We must stay together. Remember Mother
Superior’s letter!
[Mere Ignace enters reading the Rules, nodding in approval to the
following]
Sister Pauline:
Always obey the rule.
Sister Rosine:
Be simple.
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Sister Louise:
Love prayer
Sister Xavier:
Fear no pain.
Sister Melanie:
Nor work!
Sister Ignatia:
Be always united as one
Sister Humbelina:
And love Mary!
Mere Ignace:
As one.
Saint Julie:
Friendship in God lasts forever.
Sister Louis de Gonzague: [They sleep and awake when scene changes to
Cincinnati]
Sisters awake we are finally at our new home…
[They all fall to their knees and pray]
How Good is the good God.
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Cincinnati
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sisters, gather around. I have a letter from Bishop Purcell. [She reads:]
Welcome to Cincinnati Blessed Sisters! So you are truly here. May you be
blessed a thousand times. I have two carriages awaiting you and I trust
your journey was not too uncomfortable? You will again be the guests of
the blessed daughters of Mother Seton. They are an American
foundation and I do believe they can acquaint you with the ways of this
country. In Christ, Bishop Purcell.
Sister Humbelina:
Will we be seeing war painted Indians soon?
[Sister Louise glares]
Saint Julie:
Go on living moment to moment. It is the surest way of doing the holy
will of God.
[Sister Julie and Mere Ignace smile and exit]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
No I’m afraid not…yet at any rate. But we will have the new Cincinnati
Academy of Fine Arts and our beautiful Cathedral. You see this city is
much cleaner than Pittsburgh as they use water for power. Tomorrow
they will celebrate mass to honor our arrival and the Feast All the Saints.
Sister Xavier:
[Timidly] Will we always be living with the good Sisters of Charity?
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
No dear Sister. They have found us a house directly across the street
from the cathedral. But I now realize it is not large enough for us and the
requirements I agreed to. They have asked if we would be willing to
move outside the city. They have found a very large house on a large and
beautiful piece of property.
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[Sisters all ad lib excitement until Sister Louis de Gonzague turns and
quiets them with a look]
Sister Louise de Gonzague:
With all due respect, I told the Bishop “No.” We will remain in the city.
One of the directives of our blessed foundress was that we much teach
the poor young women of the city as well as those who can afford an
education. We will remain true to that.
[Sisters are humbled and bow heads]
Sister Xavier:
As you wish.
Sister Louise:
We will find a place.
Sister Rosine:
IN THE CITY!
[All exit]
[Slide change to--------- to indicate passage of time]
[Enter Sister Xavier and Sister Rosine]
Sister Xavier:
My these Americans do cling to the English language. Only Sister Louise
can communicate perfectly with them.
Sister Rosine:
Our garden plot is not as large as my apron. I cannot plant herbs there!
[Enter Sisters Louise and Humbelina]
Sister Louise:
The stores in America are superb and Cincinnati is beautiful like
Philadelphia.
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Sister Humbelina:
Oui, but there are still pigs!
[Enter Sisters Melanie and Marie Pauline with groceries]
Sister Marie Pauline:
The storekeepers would not accept any money from us.
Sister Melanie:
I saw a young black person!!!! He talked to me and asked why we wore
chains on our side. We tried to explain the rosary but he seemed
confused. But he was so beautiful. Do you think we might have black
children in our classes? I could look at them all day.
Sister Humbelina:
I was told that the summer heat here is terrible as are the mosquitoes.
Sister Xavier:
Fear no pain, Sister!
Sister Melanie:
I was told that gifts are exchanged here on Dec 25 not the feast of St.
Nicholas…will we ever learn everything? It s all so new!
[Enter Sister Louis de Gonzague]
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
Sisters...news! Gather round.
We have a new home on Sixth Street. It is very large and still in the city
near the cathedral. There are rooms for classes as well as a chapel.
[Sisters are excited]
Also we have accepted our first postulate in America! Her name is Mary.
Sister Rosine:
Like our Blessed Mother. How perfect.
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Sister Louis de Gonzague:
She is…Irish…but she speaks English very well so she will be able to
help us learn the language. She plays the piano and sings beautifully.
Sister Marie Pauline:
How glorious she can help me with the music classes.
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
And finally and most important:
On January 18 of the New Year, we open our school. Three sections:
Boarders…we have but one but that will grow…Day Students…more
than enough…and yes the Free school for those young women who
cannot afford but who shall receive an education as was the will of our
Blessed Mere Julie.
Boarders will pay $200 per year for room, studies and mending.
Day students $10 per quarter for the same
And of course
Free students will pay nothing and their mending will be included.
Saint Julie:
I pray that the good God to give you patience with your children.
Sister Louis de Gonzague: [Continues]
They will be taught the following
[The Sisters line up and take turns reciting the course of studies]
English, French, Reading, Grammar
Orthography, Composition, Calligraphy
History both Sacred and profane
Bookkeeping, Astronomy, Chronology, Geography
Mythology, Arithmetic, Algebra, The globe
Maps, Botany, Chemistry, Domestic Economy
Drawing and Painting, Sewing, Embroidery
Tapestry, Vocal Instruction, the Harp, the Piano
And the guitar
Sister Louis de Gonzague:
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The Catholic Religion is our professed faith but we will not solicit as we
have students from many different beliefs. They must however attend
Divine Worship with us.
Saint Julie and Mere Ignace:
We are sure that all will go well with time.
[They exit]
[All fall to knees, make the sign of the cross]
[Music: Lumen ad Rev.]
Epilogue
[Slides of various international schools]
[Saint Julie and Mere Ignace stand upstage C as the 8 sisters come and bow
to them, come to the edge of the stage and speak and then stand in middle
aisle]
Sister Xavier:
I went from Cincinnati to help our schools in the city of Toledo. A small
city to begin but it did indeed grow rapidly. Not many Catholics. I was
the first to die in America. Young, only 59.
How good is the good God.
Sister Melanie:
I too went to Toledo to help establish a school. I loved teaching but my
life was cut short by cancer. I lie next to Sister Marie Pauline in
Cincinnati
Sister Marie Pauline:
Cholera took me to my Good God. I pray that none of my beloved sisters
suffer this disease. I believed in obedience and simplicity in life. I know
that perhaps I was not the best beloved of the teachers. But I know that
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they learned from me. I had hoped to teach the Indians in Oregon but
God chose to take me home to him instead.
Sister Louise:
In 1848 I was given the great honor of being made head of all the schools
east of the Rocky Mountains. A job I dearly loved. Administering is the
talent God gave me and I was proud to have shared it. I served 38 years
as Provincial.
Sister Rosine:
I cooked all my life and was the last of our eight to join God and Mere
Julie, I am buried with my dear Sisters.
Sister Ignatia:
I was the first Superior of our Dayton school and then of our school in
Columbus. After working in America for thirty years I chose to return to
my beloved Ghent where I lived out my final years.
Sister Humbelina:
This life was not for me. I always felt the foreigner. Perhaps I was too
young and naïve. I was but a novice when we travelled to America. I
returned to Namur and left the order. Always my love of painting stayed
with me.
Sister Louise de Gonzague:
My twelve years in America gave me some of the happiest days of my
life: in Cincinnati, Toledo and of course the beautiful city of Boston. But
I needed to return to my home. My health was failing and I hoped
Belgium would restore me enough to return to America. It did not. I was
only 56 when I went home to God while in Namur.
Saint Julie and Mere Ignace: [raise their arms to the heavens]
How good is the good God!
[All sing “how Good is the good God’]
Blackout.