Friday, April 21, 2017

Als Antwort Auf Gottes Ruf

As part of our ongoing observance of the 200th birthday of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt in 2017, we continue to post excerpts of Als Antwort Auf Gottes Ruf (Bonifatius, 2016),  the history of the Congregation of the Sisters of Christian Charity since 1881, by Sister Anna Schwanz, SCC (translated into English by Sister Mary Perpetua Rehle, SCC).

"In September 1944, many refugees came from the occupied areas in the West, as well as evacuees from Aachen, Cologne and the Ruhr area.  Various persons and groups found shelter in the Motherhouse:  three siblings of Mother Anselmis, who had lost their house in Aachen, 13 Sisters of Divine Providence, 16 Cellitines from Düren, 11 Aachen Franciscans, a Benedictine nun from Bonn-Endenich, two Sisters and 23 girls from St. Agnes Stift in Bonn, where the situation was becoming increasingly threatening.  All were happy to help with the great workload in the Motherhouse and the Military Hospital.  Individual missions that were able to also sheltered the homeless.  From August 30, 1944 until April 1945, Wiedenbrück housed the interned Cardinal Augustin Hlond, Archbishop of Posen-Gnesen and his secretary.  Bonn sheltered six caregivers with 39 children from a Home in Füssenich, as well as 38 small children and their caregivers from the Marienheim in Bonn.  Wanzleben hosted 22 children and two Sisters of Our Lady from Geldern.  The Marienschule in Brilon was used as temporary housing for evacuees, who arrived day and night.

During this time of great need, the Sisters also experienced joy-filled days: the Investing of two Postulants on February 11 and the Final Profession of seven Sisters.  Despite her absence, the golden jubilee of other Anselmis Nickes was celebrated in May and in September, that of Sister Carita Becker."

Reflection:  What do you find most interesting about this excerpt?  Perhaps you could share this with someone today.

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