1 Loreto Archives International December 2012

Fifty years since Founding in Vatican 11

A Bit of M.Borgia Magic O Shaughnessy

Archives Moving House 2 Loreto Archives International

December 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Welcome Readers, We are delighted to present you with the first magazine drawn from Loreto Province Archive Collections Designing an around the world. It is hoped that it will interest ‘Loreto’ readers Archives 2 from every walk of life and that it will introduce new readers to the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, affectionately known as Loreto. Cross Cultural The name Loreto came from a conversation between Missioning in the 4 the first three Sisters who took possession of Loreto Abbey, early 20th Century Rathfarnham, Dublin on 4 October, 1822. One of the Sisters East Africa referred to the fact that there were three of them, like the three members of the Holy Family in their house. This led to some Reactions to sharing about the Holy House of Loreto, Ancona, Italy. That Vatican II 6 house is said to have been the original house of Jesus, Mary England and Joseph. The story is that it was moved from the Holy Land, for protection, during the Wars of the Crusades. Spanish Civil War, It was decided, there and then, to name the new Miss Nolan 7 house at Rathfarnham Loreto House. The Sisters became Spain known as Loreto Sisters and all subsequent houses were called Loreto. Bombed in Blitz, We hope that you will enjoy this magazine and that Loreto Convent 8 you will follow our periodic publications on the website Manchester www.ibvm.org and on the Province websites. England May each of you experience the Blessings of Christmas and a New Year that opens for you the deepest The Call to India, values of life. India 10 Kathleen and Áine, Loreto Central Archives, The Magic Lantern, on behalf of all Loreto Archivists Ireland 12 The Arrival of the First Loreto Sisters in 14 Crib on front cover is one made by M.Margaret Herman’s boys in 1925 in Mauritius, Kindergarten School, Loreto High School, Beaufort, Rathfarnham, Dublin Mauritius

A Journey to South Africa 16 Loreto Central Archives, Phone: 01 6620158 South Africa 55 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Archivist: The Story of [email protected] Áine McHugh Australia’s Institute 18 Tree Australia Loreto Website addresses: Beyond Figures, The First Account 20 Institute Website: www. ibvm.org England: www.ibvm.org.uk Book Ireland Ireland: www.loreto.ie India: www.loreto.in

Australia: www.loreto.org.au South Africa: www.loretosisters.org.za

Canada: www.ibvm.ca Spain: www.ibvm.es

East Africa: www.loretoeafrica.org U.S. www. ibvm.us 3

Designing an Archives

Robin Scott, Province Archivist, Loreto Australia and South-East Asia

Our Australian Loreto Archives are The site was an old school house, We were fortunate to have the based in Ballarat, where the sisters originally a little two room parish building designed by architect, founded the first Australian convent primary school, later a kindergarten, Catherine Quinn, who is a past and school. Mother Gonzaga Barry and later still, a performing arts Loreto pupil and talented young and nine companions set out for the space situated at the front entrance Australian mission from of the school with a vista of the designer. Catherine interpreted Rathfarnham in May 1875 and gardens and the Chapel beyond. the necessities of archival storage moved into Loreto Convent Mary’s A 1960s extension has been and display and the sensitivities of Mount Ballarat on 23rd September. removed and a new addition, the site and combined these with As the founding house, until 1940 including repositories for school and flare and vision in a 21st century the seat of the Provincial and until Province Archives, workroom, building which pays its respects to 1956 the Novitiate, Ballarat holds a reading room, and offices, has been the past. special place in the hearts of built. The old school house is the Australia’s Loreto. display gallery at the centre of the Recently the Ballarat community of building. sisters moved away from the school The challenge was to design a site on their onward journey and the building suitable for Archives as well as people within the restrictions buildings that had been their home “The challenge was to design a of cost and a heritage listed site. and also the home of the Province The footprint of the original building suitable for Archives as Archives are to make way for a building could not be made much Performing Arts Centre for the larger and the original school house well as people within the growing school; so a new Archives had to be restored and defined by had to be designed. This gave me, the new structures. restrictions of cost and a what is a once in a lifetime The design has meant that the previously obscured old school heritage listed site. “ opportunity for most archivists, the house is revealed with glass foyer opportunity to participate in the and glass connecting skylights in the design of the building to house our passages connecting the new rooms collection. Still to be on the school at either side. The new wings are site in Ballarat, the new Archives sleek, low and simple and do not was to be a combination of old and compete with the old. Similarly the new as is appropriate for a 21st interior is designed to provide a protective cocoon for our treasures As I write this I am racing back century repository for memories of but also a light airy space for the the past. people working and visiting the and forth between new and old building. We wanted to break the making sure everything finds its stereotype of archivists working in place. Unfortunately the once in a dark dusty cellars, so floor to ceiling lifetime opportunity to participate glass, albeit double glazed with in the design of a new archives ultraviolet filters, also comes with the, hopefully, are features of the offices, foyer, once in a lifetime horror of having corridors and to move the entire collection! reading room. So, we will be working surrounded by garden, which on this spring day in Ballarat is a very attractive prospect. 4

Cross Cultural Missioning in the early 20th Century

Stephanie O Brien IBVM,

East African Province

Today we receive challenges from all sides to be ready for Inter-Province movement; to ‘think Institute’; ‘we belong to the Body’; ‘we are forming for the Institute’.

Is this something new? The story of the beginning of the Province of Eastern Africa, carefully preserved in the Archives of the Province of Eastern Africa shows it not to be! Cross Cultural Missioning from

The story of the East African mission began on 22nd October 1903. Mother Australia, India, Irish, Gibraltar Borgia O’Shaughnessy and Mother Catherine Curtin missioned in South Africa, responded to a request to establish a new mission in Eastern Africa. and South Africa They left Pretoria with hopes of establishing ‘a high class boarding school’ in Eastern Africa. In spite of their hard work and efforts, the mission did not flourish as desired, and the Sisters remained only two years. Mother Borgia and Mother Catherine left with heavy hearts in January 1905, believing that the time was not yet ripe for the foundation of such a school. 5

Msongari Convent, 1946

Many continued to hope that a mission Mother Raphael had also been recalled from the would be established in Eastern Africa, and Australian mission and taught in Shillong while she this wish was finally realised sixteen years waited on the other members of the mission to arrive. later. This second attempt at founding a Mother Dolores(30) had previously worked in mission began in 1920, when Superior Gibraltar and in India. The youngest member of the General Mother Raphael Deasy received a new mission, Mother Teresa Murphy(29) had just request for Sisters to open a school in made Final Vows in Darjeeling having gone to India Nairobi. Mother Patrick Brophy and as a novice from England. Mother Dolorosa Murphy from the Pretoria

mission were sent on a fact finding mission

in Eastern Africa. Recognising the need The five missionaries set out from Loreto House and potential that lay in the proposed th mission, arrangements were made for the Calcutta on 27 September 1921 and were joined in new mission, which was to be entrusted to Bombay by Mother Sixtus Norton who was just the Indian Province. arriving from Ireland. The team was complete and the journey to began on October 8th 1921! The success of this cross cultural mission drawing on the Mother Borgia O’Shaughnessy, now aged experience of the Australian, Indian, Irish, 57 and fulfilling her apostolic mission in Gibraltarian and South African provinces can be seen Australia, was recalled to assist in this new foundation. She readily accepted what was in the thriving Loreto community and schools that asked of her, and left Australia for India. continue to flourish in Kenya, just over 91 years On arrival she was met by the familiar face later. of Mother Rosario Dicher, Indian Provincial, who had also, in the past, been on mission to Australia. Over the next four days, Mother Borgia was joined by her new community, each bringing their own wealth of personal experience. Mother Catherine (Special acknowledgement of Sr Paula Doolin’s life Beauvais(53) arrived from Simla, Mother of Mother Borgia) Raphael Gordon and Mother Dolores Stafford arrived from Shillong. 6

Reactions to Vatican II from a yet-to-be-convinced Annalist!

From the Annals Loreto Convent Altrincham 1966

Magdalen O’Neill IBVM English Province Archives

th 25 May 1966 courses, held in places far and near, has grown into ordinary A second open letter from Mother General was practice – this weekend, for example, saw four on Saturday and displayed giving the text of an address of Cardinal six on Sunday course-bound. Sometimes they go singly, Antoninetti, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of sometimes in droves. Ecumenicalism is in the very air we Religious, in which he set forth his views before an breathe. assembly of Major Superiors in Rome on the subject of attire suitable for religious. ‘Reduce the Nov 20 1966 quantity of material; lessen the fullness of form; Mother General came on the promised visit. She remained with simplify the folds; abolish the trimmings and lace us until 25th. Her visit increased our peace and happiness. In her (!); suppress the wimple – but preserve the sober quiet, holy way, she follows closely and naturally St Paul’s austere line which is a visible sign of consecration, admonition of being ‘all things to all men’. of penance & of piety always diffused with a delicate modesty.’ In our community room – now set out as a cosy lounge – tables off the straight line pattern, a square green carpet , set with 4 easy chairs near one end, a games table in a corner for those who Mother General then pointed out that we prefer gaming to needlework, a rack for current periodicals – had already reduced the quantity of wireless and long-playing gramophone – and at the opposite end, material (tails gone, less width of material a screened off portion with sewing machines and electric irons for used); lessened the fullness of form (pleats when you want to practise your skill in dress-making, or gone from back & reduced in number in innovation of religious garb – to return to my opening phrase – here Mother General sat among us – anywhere she liked – and front) As to the folds, the trimmings (and) enjoyed our informal recreations each evening – exteriorly serene the wimples and the lace, she made no and care-free. comment since these do not exist. Nov 23 1966 June 19 1966 Brother Maximus from Hopwood Hall gave us a talk on Charity In the evening there was a new feature- a in Community Life. His approach to the subject was academic “Teen-Agers’ Dance” in the large marquee on the rather than practical, and therefore caused no deep soul-searching lawn from 8-10.30 pm. The Community was in one who might know herself to be somewhat remiss in carefully shepherded and folded within locked perfectione caritatis. For such a subject something of the spirit of doors, well in advance, but human nature will out St. Abou-ben-adhem – (May his tribe increase) and all he stands and surreptious [sic] squints through upper for – is essential. windows showed that the young folk of today take their pleasures seriously. No old-fashioned gay ‘I pray thee then, Write me as one who loves his fellowmen’ ripples of laughter or other display of merriment – ‘The next night he came again with a great awakening light the scene rather resembled a tribal tattoo, with the And showed the names whom love of God had blessed – And serious-faced body-shaking and foot-stamping of Lo, Ben-adhem’s name led all the rest!’ some festival of primitive tribes, to the accompaniment of the tuneless twanging of some Under God and Our Lady, surely Ben-adhem and Pope John may unnamed stringed instrument and the harsh rising be ranked as patrons of Vatican II. and falling chants of male voices.

th Oct 18 1966 Dec 6 1966 Autre temps, autres moeurs. One of the Mother Superior’s sister, Mrs Nolan, died in St. Joseph’s manifestations of the changes of our days is Hospital. A humane relaxation in our hitherto rigid ruling Course-mindedness. Departures of the Community concerning such matters as the needs of our relations, was shown on Saturdays and Sundays for various types of through the hours of the night, until she died. She will also attend religious the requiem. 7

Spanish Civil War

80 years ago Miss Nolan

M. Gabriel Nolan, alias Miss Nolan, was sent over to Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain to take over the running of the Colegio, B.V. Maria, under the new name of Colegio Ingles, which was under the protection of the British Embassy. At the time Spain was under going a Revolution and the red government threatened to take over all Religious schools. Many of the Jesuit houses and others had been burnt and many religious had been killed. M. Gabriel came as “Miss Nolan”, wearing an Irish tweed costume and a wig! She arrived in September, 1932. On her way through Madrid she visited Toledo and other places of interest, escorted by some of the pupils of the Madrid school. These never guessed she was a religious. On her arrival in Castilleja she was received as a new headmistress of the “Collegio Ingles”. She had her own maid, Sr. Agnes Bird, and quarters completely separated from the Convent. Only the Religious knew she was a member of the Institute. The only time she had a meal with them was at Christmas dinner. M. Catherine and a few other religious dressed as seculars worked with her. Later all practically left off the habit for some time. There had been no legal transaction, she just came over as Headmistress. The schools had been in the name of Jane Murphy Gould, the Spanish foundress, and there exists a legal document, signed by another Jane Murphy, declaring that her cousin Jane Murphy (M. Aloysius) had all legal rights for whatever transactions she deemed necessary. Miss Nolan went to bull fights, theatres, etc. She had a very bright character and great ‘savour faire’. Owing to this, and to Loreto Convent Madrid. her lack of Spanish language, the religious were able to pass Closed 1936—1939 during the through this very difficult time. M.Catherine Hlusicova, a Czech Spanish Civil War, and placed religious, helped when government delegates came to inspect. under British protection. M.Garbiel, Miss Nolan, left after a few years. The Spanish Province is eternally grateful for all she did. 8

1940 Loreto Convent Manchester bombed in Blitz Manchester Annals 1940

Magdalen O’Neill IBVM English Province Archives

“On June the 20th the Community were awakened by the Siren. All ran to the Shelter. From that day until December Sunday Dec 22nd when the climax was reached the nuns were constantly hearing Sirens, listening to bombs falling, guns firing and sleeping in the Shelter.

For some minutes no one realised that the house was struck by an Incendiary Bomb and St. Michael’s was on fire. A Warden appeared in the Shelter and said there was nothing worry about! but to go at once to St. Mary’s Protestant Shelter. The first thought of the Superiors was to save the B. Sacrament.

The Mother Superior Augustine Boyle, Mother Evangelist Kennedy the Sacristan took it to St. Mary’s Protestant Church where the Rev Mr Robinson and his Curate received It with the greatest reverence and devotion lighted candles etc. until Fr. Travis from St Wilfrid’s who had been phoned for, came and took It away to St. Wilfrid’s.

There the Nuns old and young, some with bad hearts others delicate filed out in two towards St. Marys and in perfect silence. On looking back to their horror they saw St Michaels in flames. The firemen were on the Scene immediately. They were hampered by the windows “the nuns were not opening. Though they worked like Trojans in removing furniture books etc. the upper part of the wing was entirely destroyed by the fire. Fr. Whelan a young Curate constantly hearing from the English Martyrs gave them general absolution. Then Fr. Shiels another Sirens, listening to Curate from English Martyrs joined him. They both comforted them, ordered Buses to remove them to the Cenacle, accompanied them amidst flying shrapnel. That night bombs falling, guns they risked their lives for the Loreto Nuns. God will reward them they cannot. firing and sleeping

in the Shelter” 9

The belated Nuns were received at the convent with a Cead Mile Failte. Refreshments were provided though these nuns were starving at the time owing to the war. 9 rooms and Shelters were at their disposal. But what a night! – the house was shaking, window hit by shrapnel each feeling her last hour had come. Loreto and Cenacle imploring “what a night! heaven to save them. – the house was

shaking, window hit Morning dawned. After Mass and H[oly] Com[munion]: The Nuns returned to their desolate home until the house could be made habitable, by shrapnel each it was arranged the Community should disperse. The few necessary feeling her last hour Articles were got by wading through inches of water. As no trains could be got it was a difficult tasks [sic]. (Stations had been bombed). had come. Loreto Two Invalids and a few novices got to Leek by Motor. All the others and Cenacle implor- got hospitality in Bowdon for a night. ing heaven to save them.”

The next day 13 got to Llan[dudno]. They arrived unexpected but were warmly received. Those who stayed in Bowdon some expected to return to their schools at a few hours’ notice (Others after Xmas Day) & some went in every day to clear away the debris. I need not mention that Mother Provincial & Mother Superior were among those who went in to clear away all destruction. The School was flooded out & all the class-rooms – the walls dripping water. This resulted in the children’s wing being entirely out of use. The High School was now short of its Montessori school, Art Room, Needlework room, science laboratory, library, and nine other large classrooms. Yet they carried on and continued class in the normal way within a short period of time till a certain measure of repair could be carried out.

All the sleeping accommodation in the top floor of the house was completely destroyed. Nothing whatever remained of St. Michael’s storey except two articles rescued by the firemen – somebody’s false teeth and one article of clothing.” 10

HISTORY OF LORETO IN INDIA

THE CALL TO INDIA Maureen & Mary, Indian Province Archives

Loreto in India owes its origin to a visit by Dr Bakhaus to Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Ireland, in 1840 to request Mother Teresa Ball to send sisters to set up a school for Catholic children in Calcutta. In response to this, Mother Teresa Ball sent 7 Loreto Sisters and 5 Postulants, all in their twenties, under the leadership of Delphine Hart to India, announcing that they would probably never see their homeland again. These pioneers were Mother Delphine Hart, Mother Teresa Mons, Mother Martina McCann, Sisters Alexia Egan, Benigna Egan, Veronica Fox, Gabriel Doyle, Miss Isabella Hart (M.Delphine’s sister), a Miss McDonough who received the habit as Sister Xaveria on her deathbed at the end of this first year and two other postulants, Miss Shanley and Miss Fitzpatrick. They sailed on a ship named The Scotia. This intrepid band left Dublin on September 1, 1841 from Ireland and landed at Babughat, Kolkata on December 29, 1841. They were the first In 1843 Loreto Day School Bowbazar, was founded. congregation to come to North India. An orphanage was opened in Serampore and another There was a formal welcome and religious ceremony boarding school was founded in Chandannagar. at the Cathedral on Portuguese Church Street. A great In 1847, orphans and boarders from Murgihatta, civic reception was held the next day, where they Serampore and Chandannagar were shifted to the were welcomed by the Ladies of the Nun Committee, beautiful grounds of Loreto Convent, Entally. a large gathering of the people of Calcutta and In 1857,Loreto Day School, Sealdah was formally Bishop Carew, and they were installed at the house in inaugurated. Middleton Row. In 1879, Loreto Day School Dharamtalla, founded earlier by laymen, was handed over to the Loreto Sisters. In the early years, Loreto nuns travelled to Dacca, “keeping with Mary Ward’s dictum Chittagong, Vellore, Ootacamund, Saugor, Hazaribagh to "love the Poor". and Purnea, establishing institutions, many of which were left for others to nurture. Elsewhere, Loreto developed strong and lasting Earlier occupants of the building included Henry foundations: Loreto Convent, Darjeeling [1847], Vansittart, Governor of Bengal (1760-64) Sir Elijah Loreto Convent, Lucknow [1872], Loreto Convent, Impey, First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Asansol [1877], Tara Hall, Simla [1899], St Agnes’ Calcutta (1774-82) and from 1824, the Second Loreto Day School, Lucknow, [1904] and Loreto Anglican Bishop of Calcutta, Bishop Heber. On Convent, Shillong [1909]. January 10, 1842, Loreto House School was opened in this building. Meanwhile, the construction of St. Thomas’ Church, on the same premises had begun from November 11, 1841. The Catholic Archbishop of Calcutta, Mgr. Carew, also constructed a residence for himself next to the church and at the doorstep of Loreto House. This building was then known as St. Thomas’ House. The only original buildings on the premises now are St. Thomas’ Church and a part of the building where the college was first established. The Provincial of the Loreto institute in India now resides within the walls that first housed Loreto College. On 10th January 1842 the Sisters began the school at Loreto House with 60 pupils as well as taking classes St Thomas’ Church, Calcutta in the orphanage at the Murgihatta Cathedral in keeping with Mary Ward’s dictum to "love the Poor". 11

In the early years of the twentieth century, Loreto In 1985, the ventured into higher education for women. In 1912, Rainbow school Loreto College, Calcutta was founded. was established in Affiliation to the university was granted, first in Loreto Sealdah. 1912-1913, for Intermediate Arts and later for BA Other innovative (Bachelor of Arts), ISC (Intermediate Science) and projects devised at BT (Teacher Training). Loreto Sealdah include a village programme wherein every week some children visit and teach in village schools, From Secondary Education to the Shikhalaya project initiated with government University assistance to get every child in Kolkata into school, and the "barefoot Teacher Training" to impart basic training to teachers of village schools.

Several literacy programmes were started, including The Secondary School Teachers’ Training College Ankur Vidyalaya - Literacy Programme, Loreto Asansol was opened in February 1913. The courses first (1991), Jagriti Literacy and Tailoring center - Lucknow offered were for the Licentiate of Teaching and (1994) and Asha Kiran, Ranchi- a literacy and tailoring Bachelor of Teaching. Today it offers a one year project, while vocational courses were offered at post graduate B. Ed. (Bachelor of Education) Akansha Dam, Loreto Day School, Dharamtala and the degree. It is affiliated to Calcutta University and in Vocational training center, Entally. 1998 it was recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education, a body set up under the NCTE Outreach programmes include Lolay Primary School Act 1993. (1991), Archana School and Outreach programme of In 1926 St Teresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School Loreto House school, Kolkata (1992), Sunshine School, was opened for Nepali girls. Entally - a pre-school foundation class (1992), Loreto In 1942: Pushpa Vidyalaya, the first Loreto Hindi Sanjeevan Shiksha Sadan, Panighatta taken over from medium school, was started for poor children in the the Jesuits (1995), Roshni School, the outreach compound of St Agnes’ Loreto Day School, programme of Loreto Elliot Road (1996), while Asha Lucknow. Deep is the non-formal outreach programme of Loreto 1943: Loreto Convent, Doranda, Ranchi was Bowbazar (1996). In 1997, Sadam was opened, established. In 1965, Loreto found a home in Delhi fulfilling a long time wish of the Late Bishop Benjamin cantonment for the Loreto Education Development Center. Dharan 1950s: Vocational Training center, Loreto House has engaged three teachers to take coaching classes for was started. students from Government schools and also runs a The Commercial College was first begun in Loreto hostel (1996). At Loreto Outreach Center, Laitkor, Dharamtala and shifted to Loreto House in the classes are conducted daily in rented rooms in two 1950s. villages for children attending local schools. 1954 : Loreto Day School, Elliot Road, Calcutta Sr. Euphemia started pastoral work in Umphyrnai in 1955: The TTC (Trained Teachers’ Certificate), the 1994 and School and Tribal Health Care Dispensary Primary School Teachers’ Training Department of was also set up later.. Loreto House was started to provide a course which To answer the call of Courage to Move, three of our is certified by the West Bengal School Education sisters from Kolkata were missioned to Padrishibpur in Department. It’s also recognized by the National Bangladesh in 2005. They took over the running of Council for Teachers’ Education (NCTE). St.Alfred’s School, which up to then was managed by lay people after the Holy Spirit Fathers left. 1961: The Government offered the Loreto Sisters a In 2007 the Darjeeling Region was begun with large house, Southfield, on the slopes of Darjeeling, Lolay, Sadam, Dharan and Panighatta Observatory Hill to begin a women’s college as coming under its umbrella. The Regional House in there was no college for women in the whole Champasari and the Mary Ward Development Centre Darjeeling District at that time. were established in Siliguri. A house for students was opened in Tiruchirapalli in By the 1970s, new directions were evident in Loreto 2006. Education. In 1971, Loreto St Vincent’s school was The new Novitiate house was constructed in 2007 in founded in Thakurpukur as a Bengali medium Thakurpukur – Abhilasha. primary school for the poor children of the area. In In 2007 social and pastoral work was begun in Satarda 1979, Jeevan Rekha, Loreto Delhi, established a by Sr. Euphemia. coaching programme for village children. 12

Magic Lantern

Kathleen Fitzgerald IBVM, Irish Province Archives

The Search .... Success at Last

Mother Michael Corcoran, I.B.V.M. Superior General of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (Loreto) 1888—1919. Many of her photographs survive giving us an insight into Loreto undertakings in her time. Fortunately, a small collection of her glass plate slides are among the items in the photography section of the Archives. For the past few years the search for a Magic Lantern has been on-going. The desire was to show her slides as she herself would have shown them. The websites Amazon and eBay were searched many times, unsuccessfully. Then, out of the blue, the much sought after Lantern appeared. It had been carefully stored in the sideboard, in the parlour of Loreto Convent, Fermoy. On seeing it, the long time seeker could have danced a pirouette!

Bringing the Lantern into the 21st Century

The lantern was carefully transported to the Archives. Part 2 of the story began. A very large lens, 110 mm, in diameter was found to be split diagonally. It needed to be replaced. The lantern is at least 100 years old. It was manufactured by Pierre Postol- lec in Paris. Many lantern makers are found on the web but not Pierre so a reference for the part required was difficult to obtain. A photography student directed me to John Gunn’s shop on Aungier Street, Dublin 2. John gave me a lens and suggested that I take it to a Camera Repair Shop in Dame Street. He would not take money until the repair man had ascertained whether it was suitable or not. I have since discovered that John is a past pupil of M. Margaret Herman’s in Beaufort! After some weeks Ron, the repair man, succeeded in turning a brass ring on the Lens holder and replacing the cracked lens with the substitute one. 13

The marble topped piece is “an illuminant kit, a truly ancient arc light”. The lever on it allowed the strength of light being produced to be strengthened and weakened to suit the individual slides. Coils of wire can be seen inside this piece of equipment. Bernard, the electrician, was delighted with this piece.

Exhibiting the Lantern

Then it was the turn of Bernard Cassidy, electrician, to help This is the 110 mm lens that Ron Loughnane of supply the power to enable the showing of M. Michael’s slides. camerarepair.ie replaced. He took great care in fitting the lantern with electric supply. The cylindrical holder has a pair of glass lens fitted, A member of the Magic Lantern Society in England has one at either end. The brass ring had to be carefully loosened to allow for removal of damaged lens. recommended a specific bulb for the most advantageous The components of the Lantern are really magnificent showing of the slides. Richard also assures me that the very witnessing to a time when progress was visible. best source of light available was used so we are not disturbing the integrity of the lantern by using electric power.

The story of the search and its very happy ending has been filled with experiences of helpful, generous folk who shared their knowledge and skills to assist in the setting up of a working Magic Lantern to show M. Michael’s slides and those found with the lantern in Fermoy.

We look forward to showing you the slides at our Magic Lantern Show on our Archives Day in March.

Richard Rigby, English Magic Lantern Society, said that “the Rheostat machine is quite magnificent”. This is the part with the large white bulb on it. We will replace this bulb with a different one that has been recommended. Note the mirror behind the bulb to reflect light in the days when electric power was not as strong. The little rods with turn wheels on them were to lower and raise the bulb to enable correct focusing. 14

The arrival of the first Loreto Sisters in Mauritius

Monique Desvaux IBVM, Mauritian Province Archives

It was on 8th September 1845, feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that eight Loreto Sisters from Ireland for the mission in Mauritius, disembarked from the ‘Reaper’ and set foot on the island. Mauritius had become a British colony in 1810, after a century of French settlement. In 1845 the population numbered about 150,000 and was composed of people of European (mostly French) descent and of liberated slaves from Africa. Nearly all of them were Catholics. There were also indentured labourers who had been brought from India to work in the sugar cane fields. For the Catholic population there were only 6 priests in the island and no religious order either of men or women. The care of the faith had been neglected and there was great religious indifference. Mgr Allen Collier O.S.B was sent to the colony in 1841, and he set out immediately to work for the good of his flock. He had brought with him from France Father Laval who proved to be a marvellous apostle for the liberated slaves. (Père Laval was were unable to help him on account of scarcity of beatified by Pope John- Paul II in numbers. However, one of the sisters, in England, advised him to go to Ireland and meet Mother Teresa 1979). Concerning the people of Ball who had just sent missionaries to India. He met French descent, Mgr Collier felt that Teresa Ball in Rathfarnham, who understood the it was important to bring to the island situation in Mauritius and assured Mgr Collier that she a religious Congregation dedicated to would do her utmost to help in this enterprise, but before the education of girls. He thought giving a definite answer she would like to consult the that if young girls (the future mothers members of the community whom she considered of families) were brought up with suitable for this mission. On 23rd January 1845 (date of Mary Ward’s birth), the strong convictions and deep love of sisters chosen for the new mission had an interview with God, the faith of the future Mgr Collier. He received them with his customary generations would be assured. He kindness, gave them a brief account of our small island in therefore went to Europe and met the middle of the Indian Ocean, with its beautiful blue different religious orders, but they sky and the graciousness of its habitants. 15

He told them about the great good they would bring to the Mauritian youth entrusted to their care, and he concluded with these words: “No matter whether we are in our own country or elsewhere, we know that it is God who sent us there”. The sisters were very impressed by his missionary zeal and felt a strong desire to offer themselves for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The eight sisters were: Mother Austin Hearne aged 29, who was to be the Superior of the mission, and her assistant, Mother Hyacinth Looney. The two of them had very different characters, Mother Austin very gentle and Mother Hyacinth, quick and energetic, but they complemented each other and worked very well together. The eldest of the group was Sr. Francis Kelly, aged 37, who was to be in charge of the school, and the others were: Sr. Barbara Bannon, Sr. Camilla Mac Cormick, Sr. Nativity Murtagh, and two novices: Sr. Raphael Ryan and Sr. de Chantal Murray. The Sisters left their country on 27 May 1845. M. Austin Hearne At that time, going on mission meant permanent exile. But the parting words of The Sisters were then brought by carriage to Mother Teresa Ball echoed in their hearts: “Go the house that had been provided for them. and set the world on fire with the love of God”. From the beginning the Bishop treated them On 7th June, the Sisters set sail from London with great care and affection and on the ‘Reaper’, the cargo boat that brought encouraged them in their difficult them to Mauritius. The passengers on this situation-strangers unfamiliar with the cargo were Mgr Collier together with 6 priests climate, the language and the customs of the that he had recruited for his mission, the 8 country. Loreto nuns and also a young girl who had God blessed their efforts. Loreto developed been entrusted to the care of the sisters. All during the voyage, a perfect harmony reigned and through the years, schools were opened among the group. in several places and exerted a beneficial On the morning of 8th September, the influence on the family life as well as the inhabitants of Port-Louis saw the ship coming social life of the students. In 1945, 100 years and were full of joy. Soon all around the after the arrival of the sisters, Mgr Joseph harbour there was a huge crowd of people and Mamet paid a tribute to the Loreto Sisters the bells of the church began to ring joyfully. Mgr Collier introduced to his flock the priests when he contrasted the religious situation in and the eight Loreto sisters, then he proceeded Mauritius in 1845 and in 1945, a situation on foot to the Church, with the priests and the that he described not as a transformation but nuns, and all the faithful followed in as a transfiguration! This situation he procession while the bells kept ringing. When attributed mainly to the influence of the they entered the church, the ‘Te Deum’ was mothers of families who had been educated sung, in heartfelt gratitude to God. in Loreto and had radiated the Christian values that they had received at school. 16

Journey to South Africa

Written by Sr. Shirley Kay, I.B.V.M.

‘I have made you a light for the nations so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth’

On 1 March, 1878, Dr. Nulty, Bishop of Meath, Ireland, reluctantly parted with three valuable workers for his Diocese, When M.M. Margaret Mary, M.M. Joseph and M.M.Teresa, together with two postulants, Sisters Charles Eugenie Ansquer and Mary Garry left for South Africa. After a short stay in London they set sail for South Africa on the Warwick Castle. Arriving in Cape town they were given hospitality by the Irish Dominican Sisters while they waited for a boat to Durban. They sailed to Durban in Sir Donald Curry’s private yacht. The journey was far more difficult than the whole voyage The Bishop hired a passenger van from him and from London. Transferring from the joined the cavalcade. Travelling by ox-wagon the yacht, in turbulent cross currents, proved journey took 24 days. It does not require too great a a terrifying experience. Burly sailors stretch of imagination, (writes Sr. Shirley who is a unceremoniously seized the shore goers native of South Africa) to picture a train of twelve by the arms as the waves swung the tug transport wagons and one passenger wagon snaking to’ they were caught by arms waiting its way over the Drakensberg towards the rolling veld beneath. As little Mother Joseph was of the Transval. “Meals”, we are told, “were not being swung over a cross current swept served up in the highest perfection of the culinary art” the tug away from the yacht. The others and the Sister who prepared “ the day’s dinner, watched in terror but Providence had roasted “roasted or toasted or burned over the red reserved her for a longer life span and embers” had a difficult task to “restore nature”. An amusing story is told that “ on coming into towns, the while her companions gazed in horror, she Bishop always made us sit well back in the wagon, was safely conveyed to the sea tossed tug. hidden from view, ‘they’ll think you are all my The journey to Pretoria was made in two wives,’ he added ‘so I must hide you’”. stages, the first stage to Pietermaritzburg by Post-cart. The second stage, under the leadership of Mr. Curry, consisted of twelve transport-wagons, bringing the necessities of life to Pretoria and other towns along the veld. 17

After nearly four weeks of tedious and tortuous jolting, one morning the Bishop announced: “Look – your future home!” and there below them, cupped in the encircling hills lay Pretoria. It was Friday morning, 17 May, 1878. Education in the Transvaal was far from being well established when Loreto joined the field. In 1876, there were fifteen state schools for the entire Republic. The total school roll for the territory for that year was 442 pupils. This was estimated as 8% of the number of children of school-going age. After the British annexation, the number of schools had increased to 20 by 1878 and the number on school rolls to 838. Against the background of these conditions,, Loreto Skinner Street opened its doors to pupils on Friday 7 June, 1878. The claim to give Higher Education to its pupils was no empty boast on the part of our pioneers. The Report on Education issued by the State in 1879 reads: “Another school has been established...the range of instruction in the higher department is of an advanced character, it is likely to be useful, supplying a want long felt in Pretoria.”

Taken from Pioneeering Catholic education in the Transvaal by Sr. Shirley Kay, I.B.V.M. 18

The Story of Australia’s Institute Tree

Robin Scott, Province Archivist, Australia and South-East Asia

Known as the ‘Institute Tree’ it is a powerful representation of the extent of the foundations made, but more importantly a symbol of the common ancestry of these foundations. It became an iconic feature of the decoration of the front hall of Mary’s Mount in Ballarat, greeting generations of students as they arrived at school. However, its origins and relevance had been lost.

In our Australian collection we have a large oil painting of a tree bearing the fruit of the IBVM and CJ foundations since the establishment of Mary Ward’s Institute in 1609.

It was thanks to research by Sr. Jane Kelly and Sr. Sandra Perrett and our IBVM and CJ Archives and Archivists that the story has been uncovered. An almost illegible signature told us that the painting was done by a M. Eugenie Haxo. We discovered that M. Eugenie had been the Consultor for the Superior of the IBVM Vicenza House in Italy. Both she, and the then Superior, The Institute Tree after conservation M. Antoinette Menegozzi, were staunch supporters of the work in 2012. movement for Union in the early 20th Century, along with Australia’s founder, M. Gonzaga Barry. M. Eugenie was an artist and other extant work includes her The first mention of our tree is in a letter from Stations of the Cross in Vicenza and painted windows in the M. Antoinette Menegozzi, Vicenza, to M. Gonzaga Chapel of Vicenza. Barry, dated 4 July 1907. In this letter M. Antoinette tells

M. Gonzaga that she had been given a painting of the A diagrammatic family tree seems to have been first used in the Institute Tree by M. Eugenie Haxo for her Golden IBVM in 1905 when M. Elise Blume, 14th General Superior of Jubilee. the Roman Branch, was presented with a painting or drawing by

M. Engelberta Biersack of Munich for her Golden Jubilee on It is described as a ‘picture painted in oils by one of our 30th July 1905. This tree, however, was a difference design to nuns and....represents the historique tree of our Institute; ours. a gigantic tree....Each root represents one of the Foundations of Mary Ward.”

On the 17th July 1907, M. Antoinette writes to M. Gonzaga saying that she is sending the painting to Rathfarnham when M. Gonzaga was there for the 1907 General Council.

“May the Lord accompany this tree with the most M. Eugenie Haxo’s signature on the painting of The abundant blessings, so that it will produce abundant fruit Institute Tree after cleaning and show all the dear Mothers of the Chapter that it will continue the flowering of our beloved Institute so long 19

as all the branches remain firmly attached to it. I eagerly await news of you and to hear the result of the elections, with totally understandable impatience.”

The timing of this gesture was important as it was on the eve of the General Chapter when the General Superior, M. Michael Corcoran, was proposing new Constitutions which would have facilitated Union but was under threat of losing her position through the opponents of Union. The painting was sent as concrete evidence of the common ancestry of the various branches and supporting the argument for Union of these branches. The label on our tree has been painted over the original label. The original label can be seen in an earlier On 31st July 1907, M. Gonzaga sends a letter of photograph of the painting. thanks. Above label before conservation, below label after con- “Now I must thank you from my heart dear Rev. servation. Mother for that beautiful Tree and Map. They arrived the eve of St .Ignatius’ and were immediately brought up to the room where I am. The Tree with its beautiful fruit is opposite to me as I write. I can never be sufficiently grateful to you telling me of it – and sending it to me. I will tell you more of it when it has been shown to the Community and Visitors here.”

On 2nd November 1907 M. Gonzaga tells M. Antoinette that she is taking the tree to Australia, “I am taking your beautiful Tree to Aus- tralia where it will be appreciated as it deserves. Your name is on the canvas. So all can see to whom we owe it.”

On 25 March 1908 M. Gonzaga refers to the painting again in a letter to M. Antoinette. – “… but I must tell you this that your beautiful tree of the Institute is in the most prominent place in Mary's Mount in the Front Hall under large statue of Blessed Mother of the Immaculate Conception. And I often see visitors, Bishops, Priests, and our own children standing before it to read and admire it, it is quite a revelation to many, the extent of our Institute.”

And again on 15th December 1908 -"Your beautiful Tree is still under the Statue of Mary Immaculate in the Entrance Hall and often reminds me of you and Vicenza as I pass by and say a prayer for you".

Rediscovering the provenance of the painting and the story of its long journey from Vicenza to Dublin to Ballarat has revealed a greater intrinsic value than was initially apparent. The letters, preserved in our Archives, reveal that The front entrance of Mary’s the painting is a symbol of the growth of Mary Ward’s Mount where the Tree was Institute and of alliances between sisters all over the world. displayed next to the statue of the Immaculate Conception and under the portrait of Mary Ward. 20

Beyond Figures – The First Account Book

Áine Mc Hugh Irish Province Archives

Account books are some of the most common records to be found in the Irish Province Archives, and are often wrongly overlooked.

The earliest account book held by Loreto Irish Province Archives; carefully compiled by M. Teresa Ball dates from her arrival in Dublin in August 1821 with her two companions. Their future uncertain, every penny was accounted for.

The accounts from August 1821 to May 1822, record the efforts of the first three Loreto Sisters then residing in borrowed lodgings in the Sisters of Charity Convent, Stanhope Street to establish the Institute in Ireland. The most basic supplies for community and boarders were needed. Orders were quickly sent to the relevant suppliers, and blankets, curtains, quilts, feathers for bolsters, mattresses and delph-ware were soon listed amongst expenditure. School supplies were also gathered, as books, work boxes and colours for painting were bought, while for community members, serge cloth for habits and shoes were bought.

Cover of the first Account book carefully kept …..In 1830, for the first time by M. Teresa Ball tobacco was bought …... Debts were quickly cleared. Throughout her life M. Teresa Ball abhorred debt and in 1822, she started as she meant to continue. Outstanding debts were swiftly cleared, amongst them the passage of three Sisters (M Teresa Ball, M Arthur Therry and M Ignatia Arthur) from England to Ireland.

The payment of a debt for clothes purchased for a Miss Sherlock while in York, sparked our interest, and shed new light on our understanding of the role the wider Ball family played in securing the foundations of the Institute in Ireland.

“Miss Sherlock”, was Isabella Sherlock, niece of M. Teresa Ball. Isabella had joined her aunt in York in 1820 as a pupil at the Bar Convent. Bills were issued from York for Isabella’s board and lodgings in 1820 and 1821. Isabella returned to Ireland some time in 1821, no doubt returning when her aunt was in a position to open her school at Stanhope Street. Isabella Sherlock and her sister Cecilia were the first pupils to attend the very first school opened by M. Teresa Ball. Detail from accounts August 1821—May 1822 21

In May 1822, the community and school were on a firmer footing and M. Teresa Ball and her community moved to the Poor Clare’s convent in Harold’s Cross. Some months later, in November 1822, the community and pupils moved to their new home at Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham.

Their future uncertain, very penny was accounted for

19th Century handheld abacus

As the community and pupil numbers grew, income and expenditure increased. Expenditure grew beyond the purchase of essentials and the demands of the school were reflected in the accounts. Workmen were employed for ongoing refurbishing of the Abbey and singing masters were employed to tutor musically talented pupils. Small luxuries were gradually purchased. By 1830 a harp had been bought, and a tuner employed to tune it and other musical instruments. Watches were repaired and to facilitate travel and expeditions, a jaunting cart and cover was purchased. In 1830, for the first time tobacco was bought, undoubtedly for the enjoyment of visiting clergy and other male dignitaries.

The apparently routine task of recording of income and expenditure, tallying sums and setting annual revenue against annual outgoings can tell a story of a foundress, a community, family, friends, supporters and pupils. In short the establishment of the Institute in Ireland by M. Teresa Ball can be traced through each carefully inscribed entry.

Detail from accounts November 1822—December 1823 22

The Loreto Crest has four symbols:

 The Cross :- the emblem of salvation  The Heart of Jesus crowned with the cross : - stresses our faith in the salvation, won for us by the love and sacrifice of Jesus  The Anchor :- Christ is our anchor amidst all the storms of life  The Pierced Heart :- We follow the example of Mary ‘Queen of the Angels’ whose suffering is represented by the pierced heart

The words on the crest are :

‘Mary, Queen of Angels’, ‘While I breathe I trust in the cross’