O11-r Catleolic Heritage in Texas
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Church. Since its establishment, the University has made steady progress and promises to become one of the leading Catholic institutions of learn- ing in the State. 105 School Sisters of Not,re Dame, r902. This Congregation springs from the ancient Congregation de Notre Dame, founded originally in France at the end of the XVI century, and is primarily a teaching order, not to be confused with the Holy Cross Sisters from Notre Dame, Indiana. After their transplantation to America, they spread rapidly under the energetic leadership of the remarkable Mother Caroline Friese. Today the School Sisters of Notre Dame are working throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, South America, Guam, and J apan. 106 They came to Texas in 1902 from St. Louis at the invitation of Bishop Lynch of Dallas to open two schools: one at Forney and the other at Gainesville. Mother Bonaventure, Provincial Superior, sent Sister Jolendis as Superior to Forney, Texas, where she and her companion took charge of St. Martin's parish school, built in the middle of a vast cotton field on what is called "The Ridge." Disregarding numerous hardships, they applied themselves to their task and the little school grew and developed amazingly, if the nature of the country and the sparseness of the popula- tion are considered. In 1921, a voracious fire of undetermined origin destroyed the school and convent, but no lives were lost. A better building was put up and the school again prospered until 1945, when, because of a shift in the population, it was closed in June. It was by no means a failure. "During its dramatic history, Forney gave at least nine religious vocations to the Order." 107 At the same time the Forney school was opened, Sister Dympna, as Superior, with two companions began a school in Gainesville. Making the best of the generous enthusiasm of the scanty Catholics in the area, St. Mary's School has steadily grown and developed. Its grade and high school enjoys the respect of the community for its high standards and the high school is fully accredited. The Sisters find time to instruct the girls in the State Reform School in religion once a week, as well as the Negro children of the town. In 1912, ten years after their coming to Texas, they agreed to take 105 Summary made from data in Diocese of Galveston, Centennial, 1847-1947, p. 145. 106 Dehey, op. cit., 399-408; Letter of Sister M. Theodesia, S.S.N.D., to the Author, July 14, 1951. Deposited in C. A. T. 101 Letter to the Author previously cited.
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