"[In 1939] . . . the most drastic changes in personnel were affected. Overnight, more and more Sisters lost the apostolic activities for which they had been prepared. In some places, it was possible to spontaneously take on another activity, which arose from an emergency. In Soest and Magdeburg, empty rooms in homes for women were made available; later on in other places, lodging for the employed, students, evacuees and refugees. The Sisters in other places gave religious instruction after school hours and also tutored. In the towns nearby they helped children with their homework, served as organists and sacristans, conducted days of recollection for young people, cared for girls and were open to any tasks that arose. Later, they also took on the management of kitchens in various men's monasteries, because the Brothers were often drafted for military service. As far as lay in their power, the Sisters thereby ensured the existence of the convents. They received an introduction to pastoral care and work in the parish by attending courses offered at the Motherhouse. Many received the Missio canonica (certification to teach religion). In all, 87 Sisters left their homeland in 1933 for service in the USA, Chile and Uruguay/Argentina. The last eight Sisters left on May 19, 1939.
There were, however, also new foundations: in March, 1939, the Sisters took over a small Home for the Elderly in Stieldorf and on July 1, they made a foundation in Halle on the Saale River in the Diaspora. Here the Sisters helped in the parish office and with pastoral care and served as organist. Because the Nazis tolerated no religious in Halle, in reply to the appeal of the parish priest, the Provincial sent the Sisters there in modified dress, which they wore until December 8, 1947. During the course of the war, small missions were opened in Scharfenberg, Ottbergen, Winterberg, Altenbüren and Bochum.
The Generalate made a new foundation in Beek, near Nymwegen, Holland, in March, 1939. The house was planned as a refuge for Mother Anselmis, for whom, despite the end of the court proceedings regarding finances, it was not advisable to return to Paderborn even for a brief visit. A home for older women and a sanatorium for persons with eating disorders were also established in Huize St. Elizabeth. Six Sisters from the German Province began work there, one of them a native of Holland.
Despite the hard times, the Sisters celebrated the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation on August 21, 1939 in the firm hope that Mother Pauline's life's work was secure in God's Providence even amid the storms of the present time."
Reflection: What do you find most interesting about this excerpt? Perhaps you could share this with someone today.
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