The Bishop was then told to hear my confession, after which, a priest
took some ointment from a small box, and rubbed it on my forehead, and
another priest came with a towel and wiped it off. I was then taken
back to St. Bridget, with whom I remained, as long as I was in the White
Nunnery.
On my tenth birthday, the Bishop came to the Abbess very early in the
morning, and informed her that I was to take the White Veil that day,
and immediately after the ceremony, I would leave for the Grey Nunnery
in Montreal. He desired her to make all the necessary preparation, and
take her leave of me, as she would not see me again. This was sad news
for us both, for I felt that she was my only friend, and I knew that she
felt for me, the most sincere affection. She gave me much good advice in
reference to my future conduct, and with tears exhorted me to be kind,
cheerful, and obedient. I was going to a new place, she said, and if I
was a good girl, and sought to please my superiors, I would find some
one to be kind to me. She advised me to try and appear contented
in whatever situation I might be placed, and above all other
considerations, never disobey the least command. "Obedience," she again
repeated, "is the rule in all convents, and it will be better for you to
obey at once, and cheerfully, and willingly comply with every request,
than to incur displeasure and perhaps punishment, by any appearance of
reluctance or hesitation. If there is any one thing that you dislike to
do, be sure that you do not betray your feelings, for if you do, that
will be the very thing they will require of you; and I assure you, if
you once become the object of suspicion or dislike, your condition will
be anything but agreeable. You will be marked and watched, and required
to do many unpleasant things, to say the least. Therefore I hope you
will perform all your duties with a cheerful and willing spirit."
Bitterly did I grieve at the thought of being separated from the only
being on earth who seemed to care for me. In the anguish of the moment,
I wished I might die. St. Bridget reproved me, saying encouragingly
that death was the coward's refuge, sought only by those who had not the
resolution to meet, endure, or overcome the trials of life. She exhorted
me to courage, perseverance and self denial, saying that if I fought
life's battle bravely, I would have my reward.
She changed all my clothes, and assisted me to put on a white dress
and cape, and a white cap and veil. She then gave me a card of good
behavior, embraced me for the last time, and led me out to the Bishop,
who was waiting to conduct me to the chapel where the ceremony was to be
performed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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