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
A silver chain, bearing the medal of the Immaculate Conception, is worn
by all those belonging to the “Congregation of the Children of Mary.”
For what might seem monotonous in this manner of dress, we find
sufficient variation in the blond locks, naturally curling around the
forehead, the plump, rosy cheeks, the sparkling eyes and smiling faces
of these gay and guileless children.
The uniform is not permitted to be of costly fabric, as it must be in
accordance with the means of every pupil. It is the distinguishing mark
of the institution to which the child belongs, and claims for her a
certain respect not due to those dressed in gaudy, striking,
many-colored garb, so often affected by girls and young ladies.
One of the principal and most beneficial results noticeable from the use
of the uniform suit in the boarding-school is that it destroys the great
inclination on the part of one pupil to surpass another in dress and
personal adornment, thus preventing vanity and arrogance in the one, and
removing the cause of envy, jealousy and distraction in the other.
What teacher has not remarked, in the ordinary classroom, the scornful
glance on the face of a haughty child, as she regards her poorer
neighbor’s cheap dress, and who has not noticed the seeds of envy
sprouting up in the heart of some poor little creature, so deeply
wounded by the conduct of her affluent companion? There she sits, and,
instead of diligently studying her lesson, that sensitive little soul is
complaining against the All-Wise Providence, which has given to her
neighbor more than to her. Alas! when that child returns home after
school, poor mother must suffer. Her daughter begins to annoy and worry,
tease and complain, until mother also feels the pangs of jealousy; and,
falling into error, denies herself some household necessity in order to
satisfy her discontented child. There are many mothers in the world at
present who are real slaves to the caprices of their daughters in
matters of dress. A pretty uniform in all common day schools would
prevent a great deal of this annoyance to mothers, pupils and teachers.
Nearly every year since the opening of the sewing and household schools
an exposition is held for about two weeks, in which all suits, lace,
embroidery, painting, mending of clothing, and all other articles made
by the boarders are exhibited.
Written invitations are sent out to the families and friends of the
Sisters and children. Only those who have received such invitations are
allowed to visit the exposition.
It sometimes occurs that a dramatic performance is given by the boarders
as an entertainment, wherein the play represents an event of particular
religious or historical interest. In this case, also, only those invited
are permitted to be present.
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