From Convent to Conflict; Or, A Nun's Account of the Invasion of BelgiumMarie Antoine, Sister
History
From Convent to Conflict; Or, A Nun's Account of the Invasion of Belgium
Marie Antoine, Sister
Couvent des Filles de Marie (Willebroeck, Belgium); World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Belgium
As are the parents, so are the children; particularly in the
boarding-school, where the rules and regulations necessitate strict
discipline. Shortly before or after five o’clock in the morning, every
child is up, unless some one is ill, who, for the time, is excused from
rising. After dressing, a sign is given and all descend in strict
silence to the chapel for morning prayer and the holy sacrifice of the
Mass. After morning devotions they go to the refectory, where a
bounteous supply of “botterham” (bread and butter) and strong coffee is
served. Breakfast is eaten in silence, except on special festivals.
Needless to say that a great amount of tact is necessary on the part of
the monitor to keep one hundred little tongues within their ivory walls
until the signal is given to go to the playground.
Here we found them at the beginning of our narrative; here we shall find
them again at half-past nine, at twelve, after four-o’clock lunch, and
after supper; in the summer evenings. In winter the time of recreation
is spent in the reception hall of the boarding-school. At eight o’clock
the school day ends, and all advance in strict silence to the
dormitories to enjoy the peaceful slumber which health and youth
affords.
The dormitories are four in number. Each child has a separate alcove.
Several Sisters are in attendance during the night. In case of illness,
a child is immediately removed to another apartment.
To these general rules and regulations there are exceptions on Sundays
and special festivals during the year. On those days special devotional
exercises take place in the morning, the afternoon being assigned to the
practicing of hymns and sacred music. When the weather is fine, the
recesses are longer, and pleasant walks may be enjoyed in the garden.
One Sunday in the month, called “Visiting Day,” is at the disposal of
parents and visitors, who are permitted to call upon the children.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER II.
DAILY SCHOOL LIFE.
Every Tuesday afternoon, from one until about four o’clock, all the
boarders, except the little ones, dressed in full uniform, go forth for
a long walk with their teachers. They usually visit churches, shrines,
or places of particular interest, thus developing the spiritual, mental
and physical powers of the body.
The uniform is quite becoming and attractive. It consists of a neat
black dress, without showy trimmings or ornaments, black shoes and
stockings, black hat, black silk gloves and necktie, with white sailor
collar and cuffs. Sometimes white blouses, with straw hats, white silk
neckties and gloves are worn. The hair is simply combed back, a part
being taken up and fastened with a black or white bow, while the rest is
braided and fastened again with a bow to match the necktie and gloves.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account