SMR History, 1867-1873 Part II
In February 1871, the French elected a national assembly with a conservative majority, “La Commune.” It didn’t have time to implement the social reforms expected by the poor. It had to defend itself from the “Versailles,” an army of 10,000 men. This passionate civil war provoked atrocities on both sides. La Commune shot seventy-four hostages, among them, Fr. Olivaint, S.J.
After the defeat of the Commune, there was resurgence of fervor, and a spirit of penance. The National Assembly, which was not Christian favored the church, for example, by building the Basilica of Montmartre and in 1875 by authorizing freedom to impart Christian culture in colleges and schools.
Ireland: The Wexford Foundation
Since 1867 Bishop Furlong had been asking for a foundation in his dioceses. Emilie charged M. de Ste. Madelaine, superior of London to negotiate the following points with the bishop:
1) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is not perpetual but takes place during the day from after the celebration of the Eucharist until the time in late afternoon when Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament is given.
2) Candidates will go to the novitiate in Tournai. The General Superior will name sisters that she deems able to accomplish services according to the Constitutions. If the Bishop does not agree with these dispositions, he can rescind his invitation.
A house, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, opened September 18, 1870. M.de St. Joseph, who had been provincial in Madure, was named superior.
Bishop Furlong gave this testimony: “I have 14 convents in my diocese, and I can say that I have not one that gives me more edification than the Convent of Mary Reparatrice in Wexford.”
Concepción González Cánovas, smr
conce_gonzalez@comcast.net
Sources:
The Life of Mother Mary of Jesus. Emilia d’Oultremont Baroness d’Hooghvorst, 1818-1878; Peter Suau, SJ. 1913.
Présentation Historique de la Société de Marie Réparatrice (1818-1953). Henri de Gensac, SJ. Rome, 1992.
Images used with permission