Friday, July 28, 2017

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.

Return to Previous Apostolic Activities - New Foundations

At the same time as they undertook reconstruction and were involved in services called for by the post war period, the Sisters immediately turned their attention to Mother Pauline's original apostolate, which had flourished despite its ups and downs, but which had been made impossible during the Nazi era and the Second World War. . . . Many requests and petitions for Sisters came from parishes, charitable organizations and similar places, and soon also from state authorities.  Due to the circumstances of the times, purposeful planning was at first impossible.  In the beginning, it was much more a search for what could be done and what was needed at that moment.  Many requests had to be declined.

The establishment of small rural missions was characteristic during the time after the war.  In several of the communities where the homeless Sisters had been warmly received after the bombing, the wish for their own foundation was soon expressed.  In the light of the charitable possibilities these requests were often met.  . . .  Thus, in quick succession and in non-bureaucratic ways, ten new foundations came into being, some of short duration, some for several years, others for longer periods.  Everywhere there was beneficial service rendered directly to the persons committed to our care.

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