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.

North America (continued)

In the Western Province, the home for the elderly and sick Sisters, which had been located in Clarenden Hill since the division of the Provinces, became too small and impractical.  The situation was remedied in 1937 by the construction of a new home on the Motherhouse property in Wilmette.  . . . 'With grateful hearts, 32 ill and elderly Sisters moved into the beautiful, very practically and comfortably furnished house.' It was the beginning of Sacred Heart Convent, which today serves the same purpose.  The original house in Clarenden Hill was converted into a retreat house and a home for women.  

. . .

The strong cohesion of the communities and Provinces among each other was especially felt during times of crisis and was manifested by spiritual and material aid.  During the Court Proceedings regarding finances in Germany, the Sisters overseas shared pain, concerns and prayers with their German Sisters.  Involved Sisters in North America wrote hundreds of letters to all possible influential persons and institutions (Senators, Delegates, Judges, large firms, etc.) asking them to write to the German Ambassador in Washington. The Sisters of Christian Charity are widespread in the USA, accomplish much and have very great influence in all possible circles. . . . Mountains of letters of this type and thousands of signatures were sent to the Ambassador and were later forwarded to Berlin in crates.  This certainly did not remain without effect.