Als Antwort Auf Gottes Ruf

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

Identity and Community Unity in Changing Times
The external threats, obstacles and limitations in Germany led to a strong awareness of the unity among the Sisters and the convents.  This inner consolidation can be compared with the time during and after the Kulturkampf.  The fact that the unity among provinces did not suffer during the time of National Socialism and the Second World War, but rather grew stronger, cannot be understood in the light of Germany's political threats to other countries, but is rather based upon common roots and goals. . . .
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The celebration of traditional community feasts, which gave inner strength during these difficult times was also important:  Investing, First and Final Profession, jubilees, Founding Day.  April 30, 1933 was of importance as the first such celebration in Paderborn after Hitler seized power.  Eleven Postulants were invested and 19 Novices made First Profession.  . . . Many young women entered during the following years until after September 1940, when the acceptance of new applicants became almost impossible due to a decree by the Reich.

This sad situation found a happy balance in the American Provinces.  During the years from 1941-1945, 17 new members were accepted in Germany, but during that same time, 73 were invested in South America and 126 in North America.