Today is the day. It has officially been 100 years since the first sending ceremony for the Sisters departing for China took place! With that in mind, this post is going up at exactly 4:00pm on September 12th, where we continue the Sisters diary entry from that day a century ago…
“At about 4:00 o’clock, the departure Bell rang and the Sisters filed into the Chapel at the back. Maryknoll priests, Dominicans, and other visitors filled in the front. Last of all came Monsignor Cassidy, Msgr Bishop-elect Dunn, Bishop Allen of Mobile, Archbishop Hayes, and our own Father. After they had taken their places, the six missioners went to their places in the centre of the middle aisle. The students were back in the doorway and outside. First Father intoned the Benedictus which, we, trained that morning, picked up and sang with our best voices. Father Superior spoke beautifully, but we could see that each word was hard for him. The six then knelt on the altar step to renew their vows and receive their crucifixes. After that – Archbishop Hayes spoke – and he won us all. He said our very being here on this holy hill had been to him a beacon light of encouragement at times when his own work was terribly hard and when it would have been good to fly back to father and mother and home. He made us realize a bit better how we should pray for Christ’s shepherds. After his blessing, we sang the Hymn of Departure. Then came Benedition, after which all left the Chapel to get in good-byes. The Archbishop came over to the Sisters’ group and told them a story about a monk who had given up all things [except] a black cat, which was the means of his getting a low seat in Heaven. ‘When you pray, pray; when you work, work, and your work will become prayer.’ ‘And if you get tired kneeling, then sit down.” Sr. Helena, of course, snapped pictures. We had supper at 6:00 o’clock and were in Chapel by 7:00 o’clock for the Kiss of Peace. All knelt to sing Ave Maris Stella and say the prayers for travellers. Then, we formed two lines the length of the Chapel and the Sisters, with Sr. Carmen, a Dominican bound for Manila, kissed each one good-bye. During it all, we sang till all was over, and for many it was easy to cry. Four machines were waiting and the loved ones with Mother and some of the Veterans were cheered by Sisters and Students on their way to Harmon. The students had come over to see the weeps and instead gave a second cheer for the stay-at-homes who were brave through it all.”
~ Ossining, Motherhouse Diary, 1921
