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We wish this small volume to stand as a memorial of the a£fectiouate intercourse, which existed between our much loved Ernestine and her sister Graduates who have been taught, together, to love Jesus and Mary. May it also prove a solace to the grief and sorrow of the fond parent's heart, for the loss of her angelic daughter, is the earnest prayer, of the pupils of Villa Maria. Cong, de N, D., May 1st, 1875. 96191 -.r '^;'-?if** ' ;, J jr-ti ^1^:!^ :!'■<,'. .1 ■h 'r ■ THE VIOLET >" • w OUR VILLA, CONG. DE NOTRE DAME. The large family of the Congregation of N. D., composed of upward of 15,^700 members includ- ing the pupils, is, we are proud to say, the garden of the Immaculate Virgin. This celes- tial Queen cultivates, with truly maternal soli- citude, each little flower in order to render it worthy to bo presented to her divine Son. With what complacency does she not consider their- variegated beauty, when she sees each and all correspond with her care, and raising towards Heaven their beautiful corollas. Oh I it is then t we behold that amiable mother surveying with pleasure her delicious parterre, culling souio« A CHILD OF MART. times a rose, at others a daisy or a hyacinth. On the present occasion it is a modest violet we see detached fVom iti ft*agile stem) and trans- planted to the celestial regions. ♦ 'ni-/> This flower recently culled, is known to you all, dear Children of Mary. It is our loved Er- nestine. Weep not for her parents who loved her so well, and you, her friends, who were so tenderly and sincersly attached to her ; rejoice rather ; her destiny is glorious I • > y ^fr She is only gone in advance of us to our hea- venly home by a few days. And yet she has not gone entirely, for her mortal remains repose quite near, at a few steps from this Coiivent she so dearly loved — this Villa, where her young friends,her last companions, knew her, loved her. She now lies hidden in a recess of our mountain, she sleeps in her quiet tomb ; but as the chrysalis, at its awaking, her holy body sanctified by the practice of every christian virtue, shall be glo- rious and immortal. And her soul ! Oh it is in Qv^r midst ! there, from behind that lovely azure A i.. .J OP MART. 9 voil, sho seofl us, she invites ujs to follow in hor footsteps, that we may some future day partici- pate in her happiness. One day,^woet thought ! we shall bo associated to her happiness, and wo also through this transparent voil shall look down on our earthly friends, and boar thoir wishes to the Almighty whom we shall see face to face. In order to attain this end let us imitate our re- gretted classmate. A word on the virtues of our young friond. r . Miss Ernestine Rodior was born in Montreal, on the 25th of Docombor, 1859; hor young mind was formed from infancy to the practice of virtues superior to her age. From her most tender childhood sho was remarkable for her politeness and rospoct, and so obedient, her good mother assured us- she was never found wanting in that respect. If at times her younger brothers did not immediately conform to the desires of her dear parents, Ernestine would give them a sweet reprimand and run quickly to em- byac^ her father or mother, saying : *' You know, ii * I I '■ 10 A CHILD OF MARY. dear papa, or mamma, that they do not intend to grieve you ; those little ones are so thought- less they do not know what they are doing.'* To her suhmission Ernestine joined that deli- cacy of sentiment which characterizes favored souls. The mere thought of giving pleasure to her parents and at a later period to her teachers removed all obstacles ; in like manner, the fear of giving them anxiety induced her, as her jour- nal tells us, to keep from them the secret of her moral or physical suflferings. ; During her last illness, she would rarely acknowledge her sufferings, lest she should alarm her dear parents ; and she succeeded so well, that she removed all uneasiness from her mother and her sisters, though convinced her- self she was beyond recovery; this was a little secret revealed to one .of her teachers. . >, At the age of 8 years, Ernestine was placed under the care of the Sisters of the Congre- gation at St. Anthony's Academy. In school she was remarkable for her docility, respect for \ A CHILD OF MARY. 11 her teachers, condescension to her companions: all this being attributed to a happy disposition and early home training. Having attained her tenth year she was admitted to her First Commu- nion, for which she prepared with a great spirit of faith and delicacy of conscience. Her virtues seemed to increase as she increased in years. Even at that tender age she recited long prayers and assisted at all the offices of the Church with a devotion which edified those who accompanied her. We may date from the month of Marj^, 1872, the manifestation of those amiable virtues which rendered her so agreeable to God, and so dear to those who knew her. At that period Ernestine was received into the Society of the Children of Mary, fully understanding the sweet obligations which this title imposed, and daily making conscientious eiforts to imitate her Blessed Mother, for whom she alwaj^s evinced a tender and sincere devotion, receiving all from Mary and referring all to her honor; even new 12 A CHILD OP MARY. ! articles of toilet she would wear for the first time on a Saturday, in order to honor her heavenly Mother. This love of the Blessed Virgin inspired her with many practices of devotion, as her journal testifies : ^* Daily recitation of the Rosary, daily " visit to my Blessed Mother in one of her sanc- "tuaries, and above all in the ehapel of my " Convent ; Oh ! how I love this sanctuarv I " How good God is to me here ! How many " graces has the Blessed Virgin showered upon " me 1" Further on, we read : " Offerings^to my ** dear Mother. Three spiritual roses every day " of my life, these three roses will be three acts " of charity towards my neighbor." During Lent and xidvent, the month conse- crated to the dead, and that dedicated to the Sacred Heart, she adds to the three roses, five acts of mortification, and her joui'nal was not interrupted till a few days before her death, bearing ^testimony of her fidelity to the end in these holy practices of love for Mary. ■^■:\; A CfliLD Ot MART. 13 What treasures of merit were not aeqnired before God by this modest young girl I in no way distinguished from her companions except by a more winning kindness towards all. So virtuous a life was not the result of an indiflferent disposition, as we will see from the following quotation, April 11th, 1873 : ** My God ! how " proud I am still, how that offensive word has " wounded my feelings ! Bid I not even feel *' a desire of revenge, but for Thy love, I wish to " suiFer all." In the evening she adds : " Thanks, *' my God ! I said nothing, answered nothing, to " that injury. I thanked that person for what " she did, and I beg of you to bless her." In the month of October of the same year, our dear Ernestine followed for the last time the exercises of the annual retreat with her companions of the Academy. On the 21st, she writes as follows : " How happy I am I I am in retreat I " My God, Thou who seest the depths of my soul " Thou knowest how ardently I desire to make " this retreat well. I beg of Thee to grant me the 14 A CHILD OF MAR^. ;i I ■ i li J <!( " grace to know myself, to correct my defects, " and toserve Thee with all my heart j yes, my " God, I will commence from this moment. I ** think my predominant fault is pride, yes, " pride ! for this afternoon, was I not hurt again " because A coldly returned my friendly *' greeting. My God, I require humility I I beg " of Thee to grant me this virtue, I wish to do ** everything to acquire it. Mary, my loved " Mother, come to my aid, I implore thee.*' Oct. 22nd : '^ Yesterday, I was happy; to-day " I am more so. I have finished my general " confession, I will never renew it. To-morrow " I will receive absolution. Thanks my God, " for all this happiness I*' "_ Oct 23rd: **0 Loi*d, my heart exults with " joy I To-day is the last day of my retreat I " think I made it well, I did all I could ; I re- " ceived absolution, what happiness ! My God, " before thee I affirm I have nothing on my *' conscience ; I firmly believe, my dear Saviour, " that if Thou wert to call me, I would be ready A CHILD OP MARY. 15 (( ii (( II li i( li ii n ii li li li II It <( li (I (I (( (( to undergo Thy judgment, not that I wish to die now, (unless it were Thy holy will,) for I wish to do penance for my sins. 0, my God ! Thou seest that I have done what I could to preserve purity of intention, and that I love Thee more than all I love on earth. To-morrow I will receive Thee ! What joy ! Oh I I desire Thee ardently. I know well I am unworthy to receive Thee, but I am in great need of Thy graces to persevere in my good resolutions. Come, come Lord! What gratitude I owe Thee I I love but Thee, I rejoice but in Thee j thanks, thanks my God ! I can never repeat it often enough ! Thanks, O my God !" * Oct. 25th : *' We finished our retreat yester- day morning by Holy Communion. What were not my blissful emotions 1 I took good reso- lutions ; but that is not all, they must be put into execution. Jesus ! Mary ! grant me j.crseverance. I wish to do everything for Thy love. " I desire never to offend my God, rather die than displease His divine majesty. 16 A CHILD OF MAHlr. " Now, to work. I must take up my studies* I " wish to begin with all my heart and give good " example to my dear companions. May I, dear ** Lord, never lose Thy divine presence, but be " always guided by Thy all-seeing eye." Here is a little prayer to the Blessed Virgin copied by this pious child of Mary, and which she frequently repeated on the days of Holy Communion. " Vierge Marie, ecoute ma pri^re, * - Jusques k moi, ton fils daigne venir! " Je Vvi re^u de tes maiDS, O ma M^re, Et c'est par toi que je veux le benir. Pour I'adorer je sens mon impuissanoe ; * Ah ! mets en moi tes transports, ton ardeur, Prete ta voix k ma reconnaissance, Aime encore Jesus dans mon coeur. ' ' v f..f Je tremble, helas I pour le Dieu que j'adore, D6j5> de loin jentends I'enfer fremir ; Tendre Marie, oh ! pour lui, je t'implore, Ton amour seul pourra le garantir. De ce tresor sois la depositaire, Entre iei» mains, je remets mon bonheur \ Je t'en conjure, ma divine Mere, Conserve Jesus dans mon coeur. ' !!M A CHILD OP MARY. 17 Now lot us see what resolutions were taken by our beloved Ernestine; we find them inscribed in her journal, for she had made this little book her daily confident. ' ' » v*^ * • " 1st. I am decided to resist and overcome, '* with the grace of God, pride, which is my <' prevailing defect. In order to accomplish this ^* whenever any one wounds my feelings, re- ^ *' fuses me a service or disturbs me. In the first <' place, I will say nothing, I will endeavor to <* have a smiling countenance ; in my heart I " will humble myself by saying : Who am I ? if li not a sinner ? they treat me even better than •** I deserve. 2nd. I will say my prayers with ^^ great attention. 3rd. I will never say anything *' that might wound or contradict my neighbor. " Jesus and Mary, give me humility, that I may " be faithful to these resolutions. 4th: I will " pray every day for the poor souls in Purgato- " ry, especially the soul which is most aban '' doned. I offer all the masses I shall hear for it, *' all those which are said all over the universe, :!; I i 1-^ \ 18 A CHILD OF MART. *< all iijy actions, my aspiartions,the palpitations " of my heart, as so many acts of expiation, and " all my sufferings and the indulgences which " I can gain. 5th. I will recall to mind the pre- " sence of God and live under itis paternal eye, " wishing to accomplish in all things His most " holy will." Let us continue the pious lecture of Ernes- tine's journal, it will record her fidelity to these fervent resolutions. One month later, November 28th : " I have just read over what I "wrote during the retreat; yes, my dispositions "then were good, have I persevered in them ? <* My God, Thou knowest that assisted by Thy " powerful aid I have been faithful to 'my duty, "but I regret not having made more acts of " mortification. Oh I may I have strength and " perseverance to the end." January 20th. " " How I have suffered physically to-hight I but " all for Thee, my God. I thank Thee for these " little sufferings. May they prove my love " for Thee." A OHILD OF MARY. 19 Feb. 24th : " For a whole month I had the " consolation of not missing mass once, and I " believe I have done my utmost each time to " hear it well; this august mystery does me an " immense good. We are in Lont, I wish to " redouble my acts of morti^cation, as compen- " sation for the fast enjoined by the Church. " Holy Mother, help me, bless your child." With regard to these little mortifications of which our dear Ernestine speaks, we have the testimony of her pious mother, who assures us that she often surprised this dear child using towards herself rigors of which she could not have supposed the possibility. Sometimes, she says, I besought her to forbear. " Ernestine smil- ingly would reassure me, saying : " Really, mamma, I do not practice mortification to injure me in any way." Th«n she would adopt another method of suffering in order to elude her mother's Observation. Towards the end of February she became weaker, frequently suffering from violent pains 1 1 r.- I I P I -H 20 A CHILD OF MARY. I i in her side, and from palpitation of the heart, which caused hor great difficulty in breathing; still no complaint escaped hor lips. If we per- ceived it by the alteration of her countenance she would gaily answer : "Oh I I see, it is my countenance that is again at fault I What would you have ! I was always pale. " But in hor little journal wo read as follows: March 5th, " My God, what a sacrifice I have to make every ** morning getting up, going to school, I am so *' weak that I often shed tears without being able " to overcome my feelings; but, Lord, it is for " Thy love that I make these little offerings. " Thanks for giving me the opportunity. They "are meritorious in Thine eyes j Thou alone *•' seest them. Bless me, dear Saviour, and Mi^ry, " my sweet Mother, be always my protectress." March 6th. — Ernestine, who followed the ex- ercises of the month of St, Joseph, to this dear Saint of interior souls she confided her secrets, and placed them at the foot of hisultar in the chapel; there theywerefoundafter her death. We ^ ^ A CHtLD OF MARY. 21 inscribe them lextnally as well as all the extracts from her journal, so as to leave to these quota- tions that perfume of piety which seems so natural to our dear sister Graduate. '' My good "Father St. Joseph, with the firm conviction " that you will grant me whatever T ask, I beg *' of you, glorious saint, to grant me a spirit of " piety, humility and charity. I implore 3'ou to " obtain for papa, mamma, my sisters and my *' brothers the graces they require. I beg for " all my friends and teachers the same favors. "Good St. Joseph, bless my family^ and obtain "for the Children of Mary the spirit of \noty. " Protect our Holy Father Pius IX., tlic whole *' Church, all the Clei'gy, and espcciall^^ my dear " country, Canada. Gloi-ious and j)ovvcrful St. ** Joseph, obtain for mo the grace to follow the " will of God later in the choice of a state of '' life. Finally, I earnestly implore you for the "conversion of and that of all sinners " Yes, good St. Joseph, hear the prayer of 3'our '* confiding child, Ernestine." St. Joseph heard I / 22 A CHILD OP MARf. II the prayer of this pious and confiding heart, and obtained for her, as a reward of her humility and charity, the crown of immortal glory which she now enjoys. Our dear companion continued with ardor the work of her sanctification ; the end of the scho- lastic year approached rapidly, she wrote in her journal: June 14th. — " I have studied a great deal for " my reviews, they will take place to-morrow. " With the grace of God I hoj^e to succeed, in " order to please ray dear teachers, who have " given themselves so much trouble to instruct ** me ; really I will never be able to repay their " devotedness. Now, for my spiritual state " how do I stand ?• My God, Thou alone knowest " it well I It is true that I make every effort to " please you, and to become better. I sometimes " have those sweet moments of happiness in " which I love you so much, my Jesus, but 1 " dread my weakness 1 Alas ! at other times my ' " heart is cold. Oh I I beg of Thee give me more A OniLD OF MARY. 23 " love. I wish to please Thee. I wish to become "the angel of little sacrifices, of whom that "admirable book * Paillettes cl'Or' speaks. " Thanks, my God, for having placed that little " work in my way, it did me so much good. "Bless the author of it, and bring him to Iloa- " ven. To become the angel of little sacrifices " is very difficult to my proud and haughty " nature, it will require time, but with Jesus " and Mary T hope to succeed." On the evening of that same day, before retiring to rest, our little friend wrote her requests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We find them on a detached leaf, that she might nlways wear them as the expression of her heart's constant prayer. " A list of my requests to the Sacred Heart of ^' Jesus: " Sacred Heart of Jesus, I beg of Thee to " grant me grace to save my soul, grant me " humility to bear my little humiliations, " patience to support contradictions and suffer- " ings, charity never to offend my neighbor, and rfl m ' M I < i ! ' 1 u A CHlLb OP MARli^. *' in his absence never to allow his reputation to *' be injured, as far as it lies in ray power; but *' this is not all, loving Jesus : guard me against " distractions in my prayers ; give me courage ; *'niy heart is cold, inflame it with Thy love, "and grant me grace not to omit any occasion " of doing penance and increase my sorrow for *' my faults. Lord, grant me a thousand other " things that I do not know, and of which I may " stand equally in need. Bless me, I wish to *' do all for Thy love. Thou, God ! knowest my '' thoughts, pui'ify them, and make them worthy "ofThee, Omy God!" - , The month of July arrived, and the distribu- tion of prizes took j^lace ; she received the well merited honors of her Course, which she finished successfully. On July 11th she writes : " Al- *' ready the eleventh day of my vacation ! how '' quickly time passes ! I am so happy with my ** parents, who surround me with so much *' affection. We all start for the country on " Tuesday, otherwise thci'e would be no plea- \ A CHILD OF MART. 25 " sure. We are going to Bcauharnois. I am so " happy. We will be quiet there, almost soli- '' tary, but wo will have the Blessed Sacrament *' under the same roof with us. Thanks, my God \ " fbr having placed me so near Thee during my " vacations. I will try to become better. My '* poor soul has undergone many violent temp- " tations. I have neglected several occasions of *' self-denial, I will avail myself of others by " way of compensation. Mary, my good " Mother, you possess my heart, place therein "humility, patience and meekness." ' ^ ^ - It was really in company with our dear Lord that Ernestine spent her vacations as her mother remarked, witness of the angelic piety of her dear child. Besides her morning visit to the chapel which she never missed, on returning from a walk her first greeting was to Jesus r,.. the Blessed Eucharist. When the family ro turned to their city residence, at the end of Au- gust, it was decided that Ernestine should go to Villa Maria, to follow the Graduating Course, fi I', M, w) I'! / I;i t i 26 A CHILD OF MARY. which was a great sacrifice to this poor child who had never yet left the paternal roof, but she cheerfully submitted, happy to present this act of abnegation to her divine Savoir. September 1st. — The Angelus had just pealed its last joyous note of welcome to the happy pupils of Villa Maria, and many a hasty con- gratulation had been exchanged, when, from the Graduating Course down to the Junior Class, all began to examine their ranks, not simply for the pleasure of realizing their nume- rical standing, but to learn if one and all of their happy groups were complete, or what new acquisitions had been added to each Course. The Graduates numbered twenty-two, when all united to intone the Ma<jnificat, our Mother's Canticle of gratitude. Our dear Ernestine, though somewhat sad on finding herself sepa- rated from her cherished parents for the first time, nevertheless overcame herself sufficiently to enter into the sentiments of her sister gra- duates, and seemed to enjoy fully the picturesque / A CHILD OP MARV. ^1 scenery, the promenades and pastimes of her Villa home. ":' • ' -^>^'^h^' The following day, conversing with a pupil who ai)peared lonesome : " Ah !" said she, '* if we *'have a few privations here, have we not " enough to compensate for them ? Where could we find such magnificent scenery, delightful walks, and brilliant parterres, such a lovely lake surrounded by shady groves, and covered with the pleasure boats of our dear companions; but above all, our exquisitely beautiful calm and holy chapel, where we are free from all care and danger, ever guarded by the maternal eye of Mary." In this manner she consoled her young friend, utterly forgetful of self. "'"" On entering the Graduating Class, the call of duty was ever foremost in her mind, and by constant application and piety she surmounted every difficulty, being always the model of her class. Her room-mate, Miss M. S., thus speaks of her: ''When I see with what angelic piety Ernestine kneels before her little statue of the U'.l M 5; HI 1.1 );V . ''■ H 11 -fi 28 A CHILD Ot' MART. i.i H Blessed Virgin, I say, if all that Catholics teach concerning devotion to the Mother of God be true, that young girl will surely succeed well in every duty here, and gain an imperishable crown hereafter. What would I not give to i'esemblo her ! She seems so sweet, so happy. Such were the impressions made in a short time by Ernestine on a j'oung girl of eighteen, who ignored both her language and her religion ; but no selfish motive prompted Ernestine in her practices of devotion ; and the sequel will show what example can accomplish. i.'« The daily promenades of our scholastic year had commenced; for one and all, these salutary walks are a source of pleasure, but to this dear child of Mary they became so many pilgrimages. With what accents of devotion, relate her com- panions, did she not unite in our joyous con- certs, when firmly seated in our small boats, with oars in hand, plying swiftly through the limpid waters of our miniature lake, rivaling each other who woukl first reach our Lady A CHILD OF MARY. 29 of the Woodfci, to intone the Magnificat, so clear to us all. On another occasion, returning from one of our gay promenades, we fortunately passed by a garden where the melons appeared very tempting, some seemed falling from the stem : there is no harm, said one to another, in picking up one, and we shall have a little treat, by way of amusement ; a straw hat covered with fresh leaves served as a basket, and to complete the little feast a few tempting tomatoes were thrown into the new basket, and anything else that seemed ready to fall from the parent On reaching the terrace we hastened to divide our booty, and each enjoyed the feast with great relish, Ernestine being the only one who refused to partake of it ; one of her companions said, **0h! for my part I never refuse the manna when it falls into my cup, and we know that Mother Superioress is too good to consider our little feast as a theft ;" still she was struck by the delicacy manifested by Ernestine who persisted in her refusal. jF i! ;l^ 30 A CHILD OV MARY. lit I ^Another of our favorite walks was N. D. de Toutes Graces. Ernestine would say to her com- panions, ** How I love to pray in that church, it bears such a glorious title." Going thither on one occasion, she said to M . L. L., " I am going to recite the Rosary for you, will you not say yours for me?" ''Oh! yes," replied her com- panion, '-^ so that we may obtain all the graces prepared for the faithful graduate during her last year. Ernestine after a moment's reflection said, " I do not think I will finish this year, I believe death is not far distant." Henceforward, says the same young person, I never looked at Ernestine without thinking that my dear young friend predicted the truth : her delicate health, her sweetness, her piety, all confirmed me in the opinion that she was called to a better world ; and the same evening I communicated my thoughts concerning Ernestine to Mother St. C, a teacher of the Graduating Course. An undergraduate receiving from home some pious pictures, just met Ernestine, whom she : n A CHILD OF MARY. 31 only know by seeing her in the chapel or in the dining-room, but to whom sho looked up with affection, said to her, " You would give me much pleasure, Miss Rodier, by accepting one of these pictures." With that amiable simplicity that ever characterized Ernestine, she selected one,' affectionately thanking her young friend: the title, " The Entrance of a Child of Mary into Heaven." This picture with its pious senti- ments became her daily guide, and she would change it from one book to another in order not to lose sight of it. One of her companions, G. de G., observing this, if the picture was for- gotten, she would admonish Ernestine with mock gravity ; Ernestine would receive the re- buke smilingly and hasten to find her treasure, adding at the same time, " it is so very pretty." Very different was her expression, remarked her gay friend, when I would speak during silence. Then she would say, " speak no more, this is not right; remember we should be the first to give example." : , , ! I 3 32 A CHILD OF MARY. \m When the Superioress of the Villa would meet Ernestine, and with maternal kindness urge her not to fatigue herself by study, and add, " when you feel weak go to the dining-room and take some refreshments ; besides, when you are fati- gued in the class-room,ask your teachers to give you a companion to go out on the lawn," she would return to her companions covered with confusion, saying with tears in her eyes, " How good the Superioress is ! How kind to me ! In- deed all the nuns and pupils are so devoted that I am ashamed to be so little worthy of their attention ;" her humility making her see nothing but kindness and charity in others, as the follow- ing extracts from her weekly compositions bear ample testimony : [First Letter.] i; Till A Maria, Sept. 5th, 1874. Dear Friend, -• - In tny last letter I announced the day of my entrance to Yiila Maria, so you know by this A CHILD OF iMaRY. 33 I ; time wo are buHily engaged at our scholastic duties. .4' IlittM ■^^-.^^ .5!rv: i^i'/ ^.^f'- This morning wo wore studying Ancient History. I find it very attractive and instructive; What can be better calculated to excite our curiosity than the recital of the events that have transpired since the creation of the world ? What surprises me particularly is, to consider the world in its primitive purity, and to see by what degrees it fell into the greatest corruption, and how slow but sure God is in His chastise-, ments. ' '^-W^-^'^>f "' ■ ■ ^ My dear, I know how much you like to con- verse on classical duties, therefore I need not apologize for the dryness of a subject I intend to resume in a few days. When time permits, I will communicate with you freely my im- pressions on History, Geography, &c., and now I must bid you a hasty good by, but not before embracing you affectionately. Ever your invariable friend, } vv - wi.. Ernestine. 1 II ' •'■ 34 A CHILD OF MARY. [Second Letter to a different friend.] M*. !■■>■■ »/. Villa Maria, Sept. 8th, 1874. t ( ) !■ Dear Friend, , Do not think I have forgotten my promise of giving you my ideas and feelings concerning convent life, as a boarder. . , ,* ,, , . | On arriving at the Villa I found myself pre- ceded by several pupils. Mother Superior and several of the nuns recived us very kindly. You may supp^^se the moment of taking leave of my deir parents came sooner than I expected, and notwithstanding all my good resolutions, the unbidden tear would come in spite of me. How- ever, I was given in charge to some charming companions, their amiability prevailed, and I joined in their amusements without an effort. In the course of the evening we had a grand illumination around the statue of St. Joseph, which is situat^jd in a circular ten^ace in front of the grand entrance. ^ A CHILD OF MARY. 35 Before retiring to our nleepin^ rooms, we went lo the chapel for evening prayers and the Rosary, after which we sang the Magnificat, with organ and full chorus, in order to obtain success for the coming year, by placing our- selves under the protection of the Blessed Virgin. All the pupils appear delighted to resume their studies; as for myself, you do not expect that I can say precisely the same thing, you must bear in mind thntit is the first time I have been separated from my dear parents, still I presume my present feelings will not last long. You know wo have always our dear Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, so I propose to pay many a visit to our dear little chapel, and to have recourse to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary in all my difficulties. In the meantime I shall defer all further communication till I have the pleasure of seeing you. ' - i. > , ' • Ever your aifectionate and loving '' J]rnestine Eodier. I ' j\ "ft \^ I . I f M A se A CHILD OF MARY. ;»r. [Third Letter.] Villa Maria, Sept. 8tli, 1874. Dear Mother La Nativity, What a happy day this is I It is not only the feast of our Immaculate Mother Mary, but also that of our much loved Mother La Nativity, who is such a good dear Mother to all the favored pupils of the Villa. ' i Our sentiments are known to you, dear Mother, but words often fail when the heart feels most ; suffice to say that our fervent prayers will as cend to the Throne of the Most High, imploring choice blessings on our much loved Mother La Nativity, that she may enjoy long, long years for the consolation of her happy pupils As for the Graduates who celebrate this fest. il for the last time in their Villa home, it will form the brightest link in Memory's chain, and as it re- turns with each revolving year we shall cele- brate it in spirit with those who have the hap- piness of enjoying your maternal care. With respect and gratitude, Rev. Mother, Your grateful pupil, , - • Ernestine Eodier. A CHILD OF MARY. 37 [Fourth Letter.] ^ Villa Mauia, Sept. 15th, 1864. Dear Friend, ., u -v^ Your letter of the 10th inst. I have just re- ceived, and am charmed with the contents; if you wish to give me pleasure, continue to write in this style, such letters are my sweetest recreation, ; ». - •, You want to know how convent life agrees with me, truly I like it better than I expected. I have been here but a short time, jmd I feel quite at home. ' • '" I do not intend to giv^e you an account of my daily life, you have been a pupil here yourself, therefore you know all about our daily routine. I regret your health obliges you to interrupt your studies, I hope in the course of a short time you will be able to resume them. I applaud your resolution ofcontinuing to study at home though you have nearly finished your Course, there are so many things we ignore that we should bestow as ' I r I .'A il ! I i tii i^ •«>( I ; n'-;.'' 38 A CHILD OF MARY. much leisure as is at our disposal to augment oui* fund of knowledge. Moreover, study is such an agreeable companion of youth, that it should be relinquished with regret. I congratulate you on the interesting works you intend perusing, and I would request you to give me your impressions on each of them. Now, I must say I expect an occasional visit j the distance from Montreal is not so great, and the drive, or even the walk, should not injure you. You know I will not be the only one delighted to receive you, our kind teachers are always happy to see their former pupils. In the meantime I request a souvenir in your prayers for my success. Your ever atfcctionate friend, Ernestine Rooter. [Fifth Letter.] Villa Maria, Sept. 28th, 1874. Bear Friend, When I cast a glance on the past, and think over our school days, with their joys and - I ■? ■ , J... >.;, A CHILD OP MARY. 39 sorrows, all seems like a dream. And how much shorter will not this last year appear, there is so much to be accomplished. Without doubt the Graduating Course has many charms : in the first place the kindness of our dear teachers, who are so devoted to our improvement, and the amiability of our com- panions make us almost forget the home circle, or I should say, they form such a good substi- tute, they leave us almost without a wish. Our apartments so gay and cheerful, formerly occupied by Lady Elgin, command a magni- ficent view : beautiful terraces and villas, the city and its environs, the majestic St. Lawrence, all unite to form a beautiful panorama on which the eye ivanders at pleasure, until it seeks repose in the azure blue of our heavens, and thence penetrates with love and gratitude the veil that conceals our Heavenly Father, who made all things for the- enjoyment of His unworthy children. Our timo is agreeably diversified with sfe ' 40 A Cttitt) OP MARY. recreations, promenades and charming surprises in one form or another, and I am told this is but the prelude of what follows. On commencing our course we all took serious resolutions to make the most of this our last year, being convinced that fidelity in this respect is essential to our success ; hence you can imagine with what ardor we endeavor to overcome every difficulty, and to avoid these little temptations incidental to the graduating pupil, so that no foul stain may ever tarnish the memory of this year. On the contrary, may it ever prove to us, in the desert of life, that beautiful soft green oasis, where the soul loves to repose from the turmoil and strife of the busy world. Courage then I With the assistance of our dear teachers and the protection of Mary, success must crown the noble aspirations of the Graduates of 75. You will join me, I am sure, in saying Amen. • •: ; ... Yours affectionately, • ^ : Ernestine Rodier. A CEtlLD OB^ MAftt. 41 October follows with all its joys and vicissi* tudes, but for our dear Ernestine this month had in store what her pious soul cherished most* prayer, recollection, in a word the Eetreat ; her desire to profit by it was manifested in her every act, and the holy calm of her soul was depicted in her countenance. Great was her joy when she saw the radiant brow of her dear companion, already alluded to, Miss M. S., after the regenerating waters of Baptism made this amiable friend a child of God and heir of Hea- ven, — Ernestine being among the privileged few of the Children of Mary present at this blissful ceremony. Oh ! how she prayed while her tears flowed plentifully, and, as she afterwards relates she never was so much affected in her life as when she heard her young friend pronounce the " Credc." We regret we cannot find her com- position on that occasion. . r - > Her charity was so admirable that no one ever heard her find fault with any of her young friends. Her respectable mother tolls us that ii Ii t i It r ; SI 42 A CHILD OF MARY* she would often say, ** you can scarcely ima- gine how good and pious the pupils are at Yilla Maria." ^ ■- ......v...-,. ....... . A few days after the retreat our promenade was to the Cemetery ; one of her teachers was singularly struck by an answer she received from Ernestine. Seein^^ her dress tog© out, she asked where she was going. *' We are going," said Ernestine, "to bring the resolutions of our retreat to the Cemetery ; will we not be happy to find them there on a future day?" Her companion along the route observed that she repeated the De Profundis almost incessant- ly. One of her companions, speaking of her, gives this glorious testimony : " Ernestine was a model of humility, self-denial and piety joined to the greatest amiability of character." The same friend adds, " that whilst the graduating pupils were busy preparing an evening's amuse- ment for the sombre soirees of October, Ernestine took part in a little operetta entitled * L'Esprit et le CcDur.' — ' Mind and Heart.' She had to sing A OHILS OT MARf. 43 )) alone,and her voice being weak, she could scarce- ly reach the highest notes. I accompanied her on the piano ; when coming to those notes she would laugh and say, ' for this time I will stop here.*" "The same evening," says one of her classmates, G. L., "she and I had a comic song ; we had not time to commit the song to memory, but as it was on the programme, we determined to make the most of it ; the beginning went on pret- ty well, but the end was an extempore after our own fashion, which created peals of laughter. * No matter,' said Ernestine to G. L., * we have gained our point, wo wished to amuse, and I am sure we have succeeded beyond our most sanguine expectations.' I replied, so much the better, none of the other courses will attempt to surpass us in improvisation." It is one of the customs of the school for each course to give a monthly literary soiree which creates both emulation and amusement. October left us souvenirs never to be forgot- ten, they were joyful, pious, and happy; it xjad n 44 A CHILD OF MART. m brought us two grand congas, one was given in order to let us assist at the religious profession of a young Graduate of 1871, Miss B. N., who in our midst had learned what it is to be a Catholic and had the courage to embrace Catholicism in the midst of difficulties; she renounced the pomp and vanities of the brilliant circles of society in which she moved to become an hum- ble child of Mary. The kame day one of the Graduates of 1874, Miss J. M., gave us an agree- able surprise by her entrance into the Novi- tiate. November was ushered in under the most favorable auspices; the eve our teachers an- nounced the special devotion of the coming month. The " Stations of the Cross" were to be made daily ; moreover, it was expected we would be as generous as our predecessors in making the sacrifice of our pocket money for the souls in Purgatory. The same evening, I have the plea- sure to state, that the Graduates gave a sum necessary for thirty-six masses, and the next A CHILD OF MARY. 45 week their good example had operated so effec- tively on the other courses, that we wore ena- bled to have one hundred and ninety masses oflfered for the same end. Ernestine was delight- ed at this, and on that occasion she said to the Superioress, Mother La Nativite : " Is it not admirable ; not a single pupil has been wanting in this pious devotion. Our charity for the souls in Purgatory will bear its fruit in good season, no doubt." The last souvenirs of our dear Ernestine being attached to the Forty Hours devotion, the piety and fervor with which she followed these holy exercises we can learn from her composition on that occasion : . Villa Maria, Oct. 6th, 1874. Dear Mamma, With what sweet .emotions have our hearts overflowed during the " Quarante Ore l" still my enjoyment is never complete till shared with you, my darling mamma. You know this bliss- ful devotion by experience, therefore I need not 11. lil i f! I 5 i 1 V: 46 A CHILD OP MARY. (!i4 describe it ; I shall content myself by giving you an account of the closing ceremonies, after assuring you that I never felt more consolation in prayer than during those three days. Our little chapel was beautifully decorated, all seemed to announce the joy of an Easter festival. At ten o'clock A.M. the priest entered, robed in his richest vestments. Mass being said, we intoned the '* Pange Lingua," and the pro- cession was formed in the centre aisle. The junior pupils opened the march. The different courses were preceded by their respec- tive teachers, who appeared as so many angels leading those young souls to God. The Gradu- ates preceded the Blessed Sacrament, each bearing a taper, and wearing a long white veil. They seemed deeply penetrated with the honor conferred on them. All looked so holy and recollected that we felt transported to the heavenly Jerusalem, to that gloric "s band of Virgins who are to follow the Lan.^ whither- soever He goeth. What added to our dream of A CHILD OF MART. 47 bliss was tho beautiful decorations that met our astonished gaze as we passed through tho various apartments all having been prepared the night previous, so that wo scarcely knew our own apartments. Altars and statues were richly adorned with flowers, and scrolls boariiig various inscriptions suitable to the occasion. On passing through the music hall, the harps, pianos and organ sent forth their sweetest notes in homage to the Divine Visitor, thence into the Library, where Mater Admirabilis was surrounded with exquisite flowers and an aureole of lights. , >-. -i , ,v . , , Passing through the central hall we beheld the statute of the admirable foundress of this estab- lishment beneath that of the Immaculate Virgin, on an improvised altar at the entrance of the, Community, all surrounded by the richest de- corations. At this sight I awoke from my holy reverie to think of the Venerable M. Bourgjeois, heroine of Canada, reaping in joy what she had sowed in tears, fancying I heard the Immaculate iiii I! ti 48 A CHILD OF MARY. Virgin say to hor : " Go to Canada ! I will not abandon thoo!" and our dear Mother Bourgeois, reply, *' Blessed Mother, nothing now remains to be done but repeat your own glorious canticle, Magnificat anima mea Dominum." Yes, these words are truly the spirit of her Community of which she may be justly proud, having for over two centuries a succession of children worthy , their Immaculate Mother, thereby gloriously accomplishing her promise. During the proces- sion, the most delicious music reverberated from chapel, halls, and music rooms, and made us al- most fancy the angels were assisting us ; the most profound respect was manifested in every countenance. I felt so happy. I was ready to exclaim : " Lord it is good for us to be here, let us now fix our tents, &c." I used to envy the happiness of those souls who lived in the time of our Saviour, but now I feel I have nothing to desire. As my heart turned with love and gratitude to the Author of all bliss, I felt an impressiqn of A CHILD OF MARf . 49 delight never to be effaced. And while I con- templated our dear Mother La Nativity followed by all the pupils into the chapel again, I said to myself: May we not be thus assembled in our Heavenly Home, when we will all bo so many gems in the Crown of our loved Mother La Nativite. We can do nothing worthy of her here below, Lord grant us to be her crown and glory hereafter. Dear mother, my letter is rather long ; but you know, whether at home or abroad, I must let you know my feelings, as the pleasure of communi- cating all to you is a double source of enjoy- ment for your ever loving and grateful child, Ernestine Rodier. A few days more, and our dear Ernestine is obliged to go home ; her cough begins to excite uneasiness. Ernestine's teachers went frequently to see her, and she herself had paid us a visit about Christmas, therefore, no immediate danger was apprehended. ; I" I '■■' i 50 A OHILD OF MARY. IP After leaving the Villa wo read as follows, in Jior journal : " It is from my little blue room, ** which I love so much, that I write these lines. ** I am now almost three weeks at home sur- " rounded, protected and caressed with the " sweetest and most tender affection, which " would restore me to perfect health, if it were " possible. But I have a very bad cold j this " evening, I feel my chest all on fire. I am \ " tired and weak, I have coughed so much, but " I will try to forget my sufferings, to talk of " that which fills ny soul. I have had the hap- " piness of following the exercises of the retreat " at Notre Dame. I feel that it has done me *^good. I received Holy Communion this morn- " ing. I am perfectly happy, notwithstanding " my constant sufferings. My Saviour, Thou art " my Lord and Master, remain in my heart, my " true source of happino.t.8, for Thou alone canst " give me true joy. ' ^* < -ju r-/ "But, dear Lord, I still hunger for Thee I " When shall I receive Thee again ? To-morrow A CHILD OP MARY. &1 "wilt Thou not grunt that favor to Thy poor " child ? y OS, to-morrow I will again receive thee* *' I renew the resolutions which I have already "taken for Thy love: to practice humility, to ** be charitable on every occasion, always appear " gfty, pleased with what others do, and sacrifice "myself for all, as far as lies in my power." From this moment our dear invalid deceived herself no longer, although her sickness had changes, as shcwrites in her j<> irnal. She com- menced her preparations for eternity, but on account of her extreme delicacy of feeling ahe did not allow her family to perceive that she knew the gravity of her illness, nor what she suffered. She submitted with the most amiable condescension and apparent confidence to Uiko all the remedies prescribed, ti.. nyv *](...( m?* " The last day of December she wrote to one of her teachers : '* You ask mo, dear mother, for some news of my poor health, I will tell you frankly, but confidentially, for hei^e this would alarm thop-^ who surround me, they are all so I , d 1 1 ■ 1 ' ^ 'i I l! '■' It I 52 A CHILD OF MAR¥. kind and watch over mo with iineqtialbd ten- derness; but, for all that, my cough does not diminish j on the contrary, it is becoming almost incessant, and my nights are sleepless, fever is consuming me ! Eeally, I think it time to pre- pare for the journey from time to eternity ! The holy will of God be done I I only wish and ask for that ; otherwise I would not be happy. God is my father, He loves me, and knows betr \ ter than I what is suitable for me, life or death I . " Death, this word makes me shudder. I do not wish to conceal it, dear mother, it is very sad to die j however, it is the gate by which we must all pass to reach God, I submit to it. It is a sacrifice, but I am happy to make it in expia- tion of my sins. What pains me most, is to grieve my beloved parents, they are so devoted and love their children so tenderly. I know their grief will be extreme, when I am no longer here to receive their caresses ; however, our Lord will console them and you too, dear mother, St. F.B., will you not? Enough ! enough I A CHILD OF MARY. 5a I fear to afflict you by my sad missive, forgive me!" The disease rapidly pursued its work of des- truction, and our dear one was so calm, so resigned, that her mother and sisters still hoped to see her recover. Ernestine's good heart was rejoiced by this illusion which gave happiness to those whom she dreaded so much to grieve. Her energy seemed to triumph over her weak- ness, she spent the day with her family occu- pied in working for the poor, and two days before her death she was hastening to finish a second pair of stockings, which she had designed for a poor woman. Anotl^er instance I must add which occurred shortly before her death : " Dear mother, I never begged a favor for my- self, and now I have one to ask? remember you' poor child is very unworthy of all the graces that our dear Lord has thought fit to be- stow on her. I would not grieve you willingly, pay darling mother, but you must know it, I will soou b§ no naore, Will you then for th^ I I \ • t' 54 A CHILD OF MARY. love of God, in my name, adopt that poor help- less person...... this will be something to acquit my debt of gratitude to God, and a lasting token of your love for your poor little Ernestine." This truly pious lady did not hesitate an instant to assure her cherished child that her request would be comDlied with to its fVill extent. Feb. 9th. — Our dear Ernestine, who was now confined to the house, received Holy Commu- nion in her room. She thus expresses her hap- piness to one of her teachers : " Your welcome note would have added to my happiness had it been possible, but I am extremely happy. 1 have received my divine Saviour, what more can I desire ! This communion gave me much conso- lation ; I greatly needed it, dear mother, St. F.B., because for four long weeks my soul has not been strengthened by this heavenly Manna. You know what holy joy a communion brings with it ; I have often repeal ;d your sweet invo- cations. Do not trouble yourself about my sufferings, I beg of you, dear naoth^r j I do not \ A CHILD OF MART. 55 holp- jquit oken ino." jtant luost suffer as much as I should. God has pity on me. Besides, I have my Crucifix here, the sta- tue of the Blessed Virgin in front of me, my angel guardian by my side. With your fervent prayers, those of my family, and Holy Commu- nion this morning, surely my suffering days and nights will always be supportable with such consolations.'* This was the last of Ernestine's letters. Her illness made such rapid progress that on the night of the 17th her confessor was hastily called in,and he administered the last sacraments. The next morning, being a little better, she said to one of her friends who appeared greatly afflicted : ** I am going to die it is true, but God is good ; He calls me to Himself while I as yet have known but His benefits and the tenderness of my loving parents, and kind friends like your- self. He spares me the trials of this life, weep not, I beg of you." . Feb, I9th.— At 9 P.M. she received for the SQCond time the Holy Viaticum and gained th§ 1 I i i i ■M 56 A CHILD OF MAEY. indulgences of the jubilee. Notwithstanding her extreme weakness she knelt to receive Holy Communion. Her thanksgiving resembled an ecstasy; her face was radiant, every trace of suffering had disappeared to give place to an expression of happiness. It was only on the eve of her death that we learned she was much worse, and no hope of recovery. This caused quite a sensation. On \ learning the sad news, we were all anxious to visit her and give her a last proof of our attach- ment, but this being impossible, three in the name of all were permitted to accompa-^y her teachers, — even the Superioress, Mother La Nativity, though not well, would go herself to see her darling child for the last time. Ernestine recognized them, and looking at them affection- ately pressed their hands, being too weak to speak, but she took the hand o£ the Superioress and kissed it affectionately. One of her com- panions taking her harp accompanied the others, who sang the consecration of ^ cl^ii4 Qf Mary, A CHILD OP MARY. St On listening with ecstatic attention to the music, not being able to speak she wrote on a scrap of paper, "Tell them to come nearer, so that I may hear the words." Nothing was more touching than the sweet tones of the harp, miligling with the sad and sympathetic voices of her dear com- panions, and her music teacher St. S M. L. L. on returning home said, Ernestine had but one great desire, that of pleasing God, her parents and teachers, surely, she has attained the height of h^ ambition, dying we may almoat say in an ecstasy of love for God, sur- rounded by those she prized most on earth, her parents and teachers. A low hours after their return to the Villa, we received the painful news of her death. The following day we received an invitation for the funeral service. Six of the Graduates were chosen as pall-bearers. Mr. Eodier had the polite attention to send up eight covered carriages, consequently about forty pupils from the Villa attended the funeral, and bad the happiness of giving their regretted coii^r ii i m ; ', 58 A CHILD OF MART. panion a farewell embrace. A crown, emble- matic of the affection of her companions, rested on her spotless remains, bearing an inscription analogous to the sentiments of her heart : ** Qu'il est doux d'aimer J^sus. Ernestine ! enfant cherie de Marie, priez pour vOs compagnes do Villa Maria.'* , As the funeral reached the French Cathedral, and the pall-bearers ascended the grand portico, they were joined by their companions who pre- ceded them draped in long white veils, forming a regular line on either side, through which the funeral cortege passed into the church. The service was grand and imposing. Thonc© we accompanied her to the Cemetery, and returned home to the Villa with sad and holy thoughts. May our death be like Ernestine's, was the general ejaculation. On entering our little chapel for prayer the same evening, we were forcibly reminded of our dear departed one, seeing her Prie-Dieu and phair draped in vyhite, looped up by frostgcl A CHILD OF MARY. 59 sprays and knotted with black crape ; her prayer book and favorite picture remained on the Prie- Dieu till the month's mind. The mass was said by her maternal uncle, Rev. P. L. Lapierre ; her father, mother, sisters, and a few select friends, came out to the Villa for that occasion. Our little chapel was festooned from chandeliers to pillars with white tarletan gracefully looped up with crape. After the funeral march, so sad and impressive, the pupils intoned the hymn ** Marie est Ja porte des Cieux." Mass being ended, a few of the pupils took their place in the centre of the chapel, beside her Pric-Dieu, where the harp on which she was wont to play was standing; they sang once more the consecration of a child of Mary with sympathetic tones more easily felt than described, it being the same hymn they sang for her a few hours previous to her death. ^v— ?.-;'' •■■-• ■■'■■'•-. -■ --•- -^ -' The Rev. Mr. Lajiierre made a short and eloquent discourse appropriate to the occasion, but our h^avts were too much moved to attempt i I i 60 A CHILD OP MARY. to give an account of it. The depths of the soul are sometimes unutterable. However, we all left the chapel with holy a ve and salutary thoughts of our dear departed ( ►mpanion. You, dear Ernestine ! we are sure in your glorious Home will not forget us j you will often present us to Jesus and Mary, and bear our hopes to our Immortal Mother, M^^ Bourgeois, showing her the fruit of her many ' labors in behalf of Canada, where she delighted to consider her Congregation as the parterre of Mary. Speak also of our loved Villa to the angel guardians of your loving companions, so that all may become lovely flowers, worthy to be transplanted to the Heavenly Jerusalem to snare in the everlasting sunshine of the modest violet of our mountain home. Let us now complete this short notice of the life of this dear child of Mary with the necrolo- gical account of it, written by a friendly hand, who better than any one else knew and appre- piated our darling sister Graduate. May theso A CHILD OP MART. 61 i e soul holy )artod 3 sure ; you ^, and p, M. ;r \ man J ^hted rre of angel that to be m to 3dost f the rolo- and, )pre- ■hese edifying lines produce in our hearts li love of virtue and the desire of serving God as faith- fully as did our regretted companion. An angel has departed from our midst. Tues- day morning, an immense crowd flocked to the Parish Church, which was draped in deep mourning ; the adjoining streets were lined with an eager multitude, all awaited the arrival of a funeral procession. Strangers asked who was this celebrated personage, whose funeral was attended with such pomp. It was but a sweet modest young girl of sixteen, whose mortal remains were brought to receive a last benedic- tion in the church where she had so often prayed. r *. , ;. A young girl, whose daily prayer, found in lier journal, was as follows : " O Lord, grant that I may live unnoticed, that I may do good to every one, for Thy love, and that Thou alone mayest know it." And the Lord who has said He will exalt the humble, has honored His humble child, for her praise is in every mouth, i .* i !l i « ' \ 62 A CHItt) OF MARY. and fiho obtained oven liero below general esteem and affection, a* ^ *...;. mi. I 1/ ' ' r MLsii Mary Ernestine Rodier, daughter of Mr. C. S. Rodier, jun., was one of those privileged beings our Lord generally lends us for a short time. Pious, mild, grateful, modest, and chari- table, all her pleasure consisted in making every one around her happy. She ingeniously acknowledged she took but one resolution every \ day, that of pleasing all .hose with whom she mir^ht have communication. She adds in her jodrnal : <* When at night I tind thr>. I have been faithful to ray promise, I am not proud of what is so easy, for is there anything so sweet as to please our neighbors ?" ■ ■ On one occasion, conversing with her com- panions who were making plans for the future, she said : " I know not what will be my mission here below; could I have my wish, it would be a ray of sunshine, which carries joy and happi- ness wherever it penetrates." : "h Miss Ernestine Rodier, from her most tender A CHILD OF MARY. 63 age, was confided to the Rov. Srs. of the Con- gregation of N. D., and during several years she studied with application and success. The re- membrance jf her virtues will always live in the hearts of her companions, who would all wish to follow her to the abode of the Blessed, as the pen of one of her friends expressed it, in a few lines, In Memoriam, placed in her coffin, The 1st of September, 1874, found her in the establishment of Yilla Maria, to follow the Gra- duating Course. She was not long there before she won the esteem of her teachers and the pupils. After a short stay, she reckoned as many sisters and friends as she had companions. Unfortunately her debility began to give serious anxiety, and her parents judged proper to recall her to the bosom of her family, where the care . and the tenderness of a devoted father and of loved brothers and sisters, and all the resources of medical art, contended in vain against the cruel disease of consumption ; which carried her off on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 3.35 p.m. Her M! ( I I r ill. 6^ A CHILD OF MARt. last moments were the echo of hor whole life, and her death was that of the just. Until the end she showed herself amiable, of an unchangeable serenity ; not being able to speak, she received everyone with a smile. Notwith-, standing hor sufferings she still found means to practice self-denial ; this sistei virtue of humility shone particularly in this angel of the earth. The night before her death \ one of the good religious, who watched by hor side, offered her some grapes to refresh her burning chest; but she answered : '' Sister, it is Lent; it would be an ini mortification, for I do not require them." Being asked to take some- thing after her medicine, she tearfully begged to be dispensed, saying : " Leave me, I entreat * you, the merit of my little sufferings." And added another time, while looking at hor kind mother, *' Well, mamma, so as not to distress you I accept something, provided you have a mass said each time for the most abandoned souls in Purgatory," and this pious treasure, A CHILD OP MARY. G5 increased by Lor ingenious mortification, amounted to a pretty largo sum which has already been given for the benefit of the poor souls who, abandoned by others, were not for- gotten by our angelic little friend. After her death hor countenance acquired a celestial beauty ; a ray of that glory which hor soul already enjoyed was no doubt reflected on that body sanctified by so many virtues. The young ladies of St. Anthony's Academy in deep mourning, a deputation of forty young ladies, pupils of Villa Maria, an equal number from St. Denis Academy, the community of the Eov. Srs, of the Congregation, deputations from the differ- ent other communities, besides a great number of relatives and friends of the family, pressed round the catafalque, and a large number of clergy filled the sanctuary. The maternal uncle of the deceased, Eev. Mr. Lapierre, officiated. The pall- bearers: Misses Swift, A. McGarvey, M. L. vesque, A. Collins, G. de Grosbois, G. Lepro* n, with their companions from Villa Maria, £ 1jq> ms^ u A oaiLD 0I< BtARr. draped in long white veils and the insignia of tho Childien of Mary. On her coflSn some friendly hands had placed two crowns and a cross of flowers. We will here insert a few iincF, by one of the Graduates : M. F. ^ "'^^ '''■ ' '^ ^^'^"- INMEMOKIAM. •'■'. i Tiitf^ The sun o'er the mouatain bis first ray was shedding, Lo ! all was so tranquil, so Iioly and fair, That well might you pause, and with fondest emotion Await to see Angels bright gathering there. And ah 1 though I saw not their heavenly face^, Full well did I know they were hovering round ; Their beauty I saw on each object about me, . Their voices I heard in each soft breathing sound. -•_ - ■■' ■ , \i ■ And there stood the Villa in grandeur uurivall'd, Still charming and sweet as it smiled on the green ; My heart with my lips in fond harmony murmur'd, " How like unto Ma,ry, its IKa veuly Queen." So gently I came to the shrine of our Mother, ' Where fled the brightest of youth's happy hours, To feast once again on the wealth of its beauties. Inhale the sweet perfume of Mary's dear flowers. A CHILD OP MARY. 67 lia of some md a f the \ n Ah ! bow can I say with what joy I approach'd them, Their vesture still gemm*d with the dewdrops so bright, Oh 1 flow'rs of the mountain of Mary's own Villa, Ohl blossoms of faith, of celestial delight. ; , (O rMrvy But of all which T gazed on, one bed was the fairesl, r How each lovely face to the morning Inclines ; Soon after I heard, those were specially cultur'd, Would shortly be scatter'd in various climes. '•ii';irji,; wta k-r.i (Vi I' ' ^ i^^kfi-vM Still 'twas not the rose that enticed me to linger, Nor was it the violet so modest and blue, Or the fuchsia, the cactus, the dahlia or tulip, 'Twas one of more holy, more exquisite hue— t ,!■■*%' I. i'.: A lily that gracefully waved in the sunlight, *^^^ ia^ hn^ Her beauty surpassing, I ne'er can forget ; » •! The impress she made on my heart is still venlaiif, The awe she awoke in my soul is there yet. ^ So spotless and pure that I knew when I saw her 'Twas " Israel's Lily," through holiest lov r;. Had lent us this fond cherished child of her bosom, As a type of the joys which await us above. ^i^ Oh 1 child of the Virgin, blest flow'r of election I Ohl beautiful lily, of exquisite worth. As I left thee, I fancied the angels were whisp'ring", Remember ! remember ! she is not of this earth. ' I. t^i'yv 1 iT^ 7 I I 68 A CHILD OP MARY. The sun o'er the lountaiii his last ray was shedding, I anxiously wei ded my way through the lawn, To see, by the soft parting beam of his glory, The flow'r which wak'd such emotions at dawn, 1 e:itcr'd the garden, what change had stole o'er it ? Ah ! why did each flow'ret dear droop her fair head ? i paus'd not to ask, but 'with eager impatience I hastcn'd to visit my own beloved bed. I camo, but alas ! had it all been a vision. Had fancy but made me a subject of mirth? I turn'd fast away, when lol soft came the whisper, " She's gone, oh 1 remember, she bloom'd not for earth'!' Yes, gone in the fullness of innocence blest, The Angel who spoke that has borne her away ; He cull'd her ere night's gloomy shades had o'ersproad hor And brought her to regions of glorious day. And now near the throne of Immaculate Mary, 'Mid flow'rs like herself our dear lily doth slilnc ; All bathed in the light of the Lamb ever holy, She prays for the dear ones she's left for a time — For her own loving parents, friends true and faithful. That all may rejoin her when life will be done. Ah! Mary our Queen hears the prayer of her flow'ret, And bears it with love to the heart of her Son» \ d? ?i; \ ■ ■ '(t^kn>\ I / >^- eartl/ ^ad ii/^r A CHILD OF MARY. 69 i't Then weep not for her, oh ! ye children of Mary ! Remember her spirit is hovering nigh ; ' • xii ? 'hV\ •" Each peal of your organ, each breath of devotion, m>,, ,< r Ernestine fondly wafts to your Mother on high. ^ u.) Oh ! yes, from Heaven, where thy soul like a dove has flown to thy God, Ernestine, send consolation to the hearts of thy afflicted parents. Acquit a debt which their tenderness, their unlimited devotedness made thee contract, by obtaining for them health and happiness whilst on earth. And thy friends, do not forget them j see their grief, their prayers, and their hopes ; obtain for them, that, by imitating thy virtues, they may meet thee one day on that Heavenly shore, to share in thy happiness for all eternity. We here insert a few lines wherein wc think our dear Sister Graduate is viewed in her true light as the modest violet, though we consider the lily an equally appropriate emblem, as representing oui*^ dear young friend's angelic purity. ,'{ ii ;:'j t >(.' i,/i .r .••: ■:i 4r 70 A CHILD OP MARY. IN MEHOBIAM. Before the Virgin's lofty throne An Angel bright doth stand, On his mission sweet he speedetb, His golden wings expand. . To blest Marg'iite Bourgeois' parterre He's borne in full flight, "" A flower for the Virgin Queen He culls before to-night. Ijo! in Mary's own dear Villa, -n 'Mid flowers rich and rare, - , We now behold this Angel, . With beauty passing fair. Ah ! se.j ! hpw he scans each flow'ret, Pie views them one by one ; Still pauses not, with onward flight, He skims across the lawn. When lo! the rose with petals soft Displays her lovely face ; To the queenly flower, he says, Nay friend ! you're in your place. The lily then, with noble pride, Lifts up her regal head, Yet still he passeth onward, Though nought to her he said. n-. A CHILD OF HART. Tl The cactus and the tulip too, The lovely jessamine spray, The mignonnette and hyacinth, Their beauty all display. Behold him now ! he penetrates '"' That modest little glade, Where the brooklet murmurs gently To the blossoms in the shade. . !1 .-> r He stoops down to the violet, With meek and modest eye, ' •? The fragrance of this flow'ret sweet Has reached the rp>ilms on high. The Villa's flowers in mourning deep Now droop their heacic so fair ; In vain they'll seek their favorite, Throughout the gay parterre. '^ * But list ! the joyful Alleluias, That welcome her on high. With modest beauty now shall shiuo 0*er flowers of brighter dye. I -• . ' f . I. , Hark 1 harkl you angel choristers With thuribles so bright, They lead her to the Virgin Mother, 'Mid rays of endless light, ;.)• ^H. U'. i \ (-l| 72 A CHILD OP MARY, V y And there, our beautftous flow' ret Basks in the golden ray'; Her 'ncense floats before the Lamb, For an eternal day. ^^ . ; : 'Mid joys so sweet, her parents dear She never can forget, For them and for her friends, she says, Dear Lord, they'll meet me yet. ,,(1 »> Mary, Mother, Queen and Virgin, ^ j;u.hrtr. List! to our humble prayer : * ^j^ Ik^'7 Let us, like darling Ernestine, Thy joys forever share. As we wore sending this little memoir to press the following letter was forwarded to us by the person to whom it was addressed; we insert, it textually. At the same time we received a very hand.somo present for the altar in the name of dear Ernestine : a complete set of candl'^cticks and a cross for the Tabernacle before which she loved to pray. We did not require this new souvenir of dear Ernestine Lo keep her still fresh in our memory ; however, we do not feel the leas grateful to Mrs, C, S. Rodier for the magnificent toift, De A CHILD OP MARY. 73 Villa Maria, Feb. 27th, 1815. Dear Friend,'' Vi=i> ^ I- "■!■».! i My task to-day does not consist in recalling ' the ordinary occurrences of our beloved Yilla home ; ah ! no, the subject of this letter will bo at the same time sad and consoling. It is also a warning «.nd even a condemnation to many convent girls who do not profit of the advan- tages offered them, and think but of present . enjoyment. If they do sometimes cast a thought on the future, it is not that glorious future tha^ will last forever, but on those days when they will be tasting ti\e enchanting cup of pleasure that a deceitful world holds forth to allure them. Half our term has passed, and Almighty God has chosen two of Mary's children : one He has called to His own special service, and faithful to hor Heavenly Spouse she now treads the well' beaten track of Virgins. The other was found worthy to receive a still greater grace, the death of the just, As the latter is unknown lit I m •"ji I Mt| 74 A CHILD OF MARY. to you, pardon mo, if I dwell a short time on her endearing qualities. Our dear Ernestine left one of our convents for the Villa in Se' tem^" r. Though she was with us but for the spi ce ox p.. few months, she won the affection and Cfc, ,;em /^ her teachers and companions: Every one admired her piety, her unhesitating obedience, her constant applica- tion to her studies, her humility, her charity, and all those beautiful qualities that adorn the heart of Mary, for whom she had always mani- fested the greatest love and veneration. She waa a ** Child of Mary," and a faithful imitator of the virtues of her beautiful model. What more could I say of her goodness and virtue ? The heart of Mary lacked no virtue, and our dear Ernestine did all she could to imitate her Bless- ed Mother^ ;.rfr rr»; ifT Towards the beginning of December she returned home on account of her declining health. Consumption, that fatal disease, made rapid progress, bi^t she was perfectly resign q4 'i ! A CHILD OF MARY. 75 to the holy will of God. In the midst of hor greatest sufferings she was always the same con- siderate, patient, loving, grateful child, doing her utmost to lesson the trouble she fancied she gave to those around her. ''* ^ Hero also her great love of mortification showed itself more than ever, she refused the little delicacies offered her after taking those remedies most disagreeable to the taste, sayin^^ that as she had but a short time to remain o \ this earth she could not renounce such an easy way of gaining merit. We were all aware that she would never reco- ver, but when on the evening of the 19th inst. we were told that she would hardly pass the night we were taken by surprise, because we firmly hoped she would be spared some time longer for the edification of her familv and hor com- panions, because we frequently heard from her. On the following day Mother La Nativite, two other nuns, her teachers, and three of our com- panions went to see her j she was very happy 76 A CHILD OF MARY. to seo thein, and seemed grateful for their visit. That afternoon at half past three o'clock her spirit passed away, and we doubt not that Mary came to conduct her faithful child to the enjoy- ment of eternal bliss as she had already obtained for her the hai^piness of receiving the Sacra- ments of the dying, plenary indulgences, and to a child of Mary, the privilege scarcely less esteemed, that of entering Heaven on a Satur- It was this loving child who comforted her parents and obtained for them resignation. How consoling it must indeed have been to see how well their beloved child was prepared to meet her Judge, and how by their joint efforts and God*s holy grace they had accomplished the duty imposed upon them. On Tuesday, the 23rd, the funeral took place in Notre Dame, an immense concourse at- tended this solemn ceremony ; and next to her parents and relations none could have felt more deeply for our darling Ernestine than those who n V A CHILD OP MARY. 77 numboied her among their classmates in our Villa. Never shall this funeral service of one so dear be forgotten, and when we think of the companion that is praying for us in Heaven, it will remind us that our hour will soon come ; may it also prevent us from attaching ourselves to this land of exile j may her peaceful, happy death encourage us to follow in her footsteps, so that when we shall have arrived at that awful moment, we may be as resigned and as happy as was our dear Ernestine, because all our hope, all our affection, shall be in God. ^ Cease not to pray that such may be the happy end .u) Ivhk Of your loving and affectionate friend, Having just received a copy of the sermon of the month's mind of dear Ernestine through the obliging politeness of the Rev. P. L. La- V pierre, we are happy to add it to this small -'^ w 78 A CHILD Ot* MABf. volume, as another touching souvenir of a day which will always live in the memory of the Graduates of 1875. ..., « Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." I did not expect, young ladies, to have the pleasure of addressing you this morning, but I could not refuse the invitation of the venerable and worthy religious foundress and superioress of the Establishment of Villa Maria, whom every one calls by the sweet name of " Mother," which she deserves by so many titles. In the large city of Montreal, in the different parts of Canada, and throughout the United States, how many young persons like yourselves, young ladies, have loved, respected, and vener- ated the good Mother La Nativite. A great number of religious owe to her skilful direc* tion the development of their sublime vocation. Hundreds of ladies of the world are indebted to her- for being women according to the heart of God — christian mothers who are the hopes of the Church, and the safeguard of society ; conse- A CHILD OF MARY. 79 quently, those good mothers are happy to confide their children to her, whose wisdom, science and virtue formed their hearts, enlightened their understanding, and of whom they preserve an undying souvenir. Among the latter is the mo- ther of your dear departed companion. This dear child I am confident died the death of which the Prophet speaks, rich in the gifts of God's grace, and after having accomplished the work of her sanctification. , , . i ... . It was beneath the shades of a convent that she grew up, it was under the influence of religi- ous instruction she developed those virtues which rendered her agreeable to God, so dear to her parents and teachers, and which acquired for her your affection during her short sojourn among you. Let us hope that flhe already enjoys that happiness after which wo still sigh. ^ ; , .^ , , To die well, young ladies, to die the death of* the just is a great science, " the science of sciences," and it is particularly this science which you come to study here, under the i \ /:: 80 \ CHILD OF MARY. skilful direction of your devoted teacher.s. They teach you to live well, and that is the secret of dyin^ well, for death is the echo of life. Your pious mistresses help you with their counsels and experience during your pilgrimage from time to eternity. You are every day witness of their devotedness, you are the objects of their maternal care : that, perhaps, which you do not understand sufficiently, the pious and touching reunion of this morning tells you, it is the tender and constant souvenir which your good mothers preserve of you. It outlives all, and it goca even further than the tomb, and when, young ladies, you shall sleep in the shadow of death, they will still think of you, and their affection will follow you by the prayers which they will offer to God in your behalf On beholding you, thus united, at the foot of the altar under the eye of Jesus, and the guard- ianship of angels, I represent to myself Mary in the temple of Jerusalem, preparing herself to fulfil the high destiny to which the Lord called A CHILD OP MARY. 81 ber. Be faithful to the principles which these holy religious endeavor to inculcate, practice generously the christian virtues which you see > so beautifully exemplified, and then, young ladies, on the day on which God will call you to Himself you will bo enrolled with your deceased companion in that army of blessed souls, who sing the glories of Jesus and Mary ; that is why the Holy Ghost has said : " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. " May we all, young ladies, obtain this happy death, which should be the predominant desire of every christian soul, and may you long preserve the dear and venerated Superioress, who teaches you the way to heaven by precept and example, ' i ^■1^! ^ H i: '} lis I •<l ! : I' f