Les Filles de la Providence, generally spoken of as the Sisters of Providence, were founded in France in 1818, by a zealous priest, Venerable Father de la Mennais, appalled by the ruins left in the wake of the French Revolution. This devoted priest was especially concerned over the complete ignorance of the young children, roaming the streets in idleness. Indeed, just about all the schools were closed, since they had been formerly directed by religious orders, and these religious were forced to flee by the Revolution.

Wishing eagerly to make Christ known and loved, he founded two religious congregations for the Christian education of youth: 

The Brothers of Christian Instruction, for boys, 

Les Filles de la Providence, for girls. 

For his congregation for girls, the Venerable founder was assisted by three devoted ladies of St. Brieuc, already deeply involved in apostolic works of various kinds. They became the first three Filles de la Providence Mother Cartel, Mother Chaplain, and Mother Conan. They simply kept their family names at first. The classes were held in the living room of a generous lady in St. Brieuc, one group in the forenoon, and one group in the afternoon. They taught reading, writing and arithmetic, and gave religious instruction. Finally, the number of pupils was such that new quarters had to be found. Father de la Mennais generously purchased with his own funds, the Ursuline convent, confiscated by the government during the Revolution, and handed it over to his newly-developing congregation. This Ursuline convent which became the Mother-House of Les Filles de La Providence still exists today, with many additions having been built onto it throughout the years. For many years both congregations confined their zeal and devotedness to their homeland, Brittany. 

However, in 1897, the first group of Sisters arrived in Prince Albert. 

What led them directly from France to Western Canada? Had the Bishop known this congregation, since he, too, was from France? No, the Bishop was seeking religious communities for the newly-developing West, and this congregation had been suggested to him by a colonizing agent, Mr. A. Bodard, whose daughters had been in attendance at our boarding school at St. Malo, France. Therefore, the Sisters came in response to a formal request of Bishop Pascal, the first and only bishop in all Saskatchewan.

It had been no light decision to make - leave France to come directly to Western Canada. Ever since January 1896, the question had been discussed by letters to and from the Superior General, Bishop Pascal and Mr Bodard. The whole community prayed fervently to try to discern God's will in the proposed event. Mother General was truly concerned about sending her Sisters so far, where they would likely experience trials and sufferings which she could not share with them. Finally, an inspiration came to her mind. The Superior General of the Brothers, our Brothers as we call them, since we have a common founder, was a man who had lived many years with the Venerable Father. Moreover, on his deathbed, the latter had named this very Brother as his successor in charge of the Brothers. Such a man should have an idea of the founder's thoughts on an enterprise like this. Accordingly, Mother wrote to Brother Cyprien, and received a most positive and encouraging reply. With his dying hand, the good Brother scribbled these few words “I am all in favor of the foundation in Canada.” (Letter dated November 4, 1896). 

Besides this, many other consultations were made by the Mother General, and after the question had been discussed in the local communities, the Sisters were asked to vote for or against the project. This vote took place on November 8, 1896. The result was practically unanimous in favour of the departure for Canada. Volunteers were asked to give their names, and it was from this list that six Sisters were chosen for the hazardous undertaking. 

The following are free translations of letters, kept in the general archives of our congregation at Paris. As stated previously, the question of coming to Canada had been discussed throughout the year 1896. However, Bishop Pascal made a formal request to Mother General. This letter is dated September 18, 1896, and reads as follows:

 

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, September 18, 1896. 

Reverende Mere St. Charles, Supérieure Générale des Filles de la Providence 

Ma Reverende Mere, 

By the same mail, I am today writing to Monsignor the Bishop of St. Brieuc, to ask that His Grace approve the departure of your Sisters for my faraway vicariate. Mr. A. Bodard is here at this moment. We have all discussed this question together and the conclusion is that we beg you to send us next spring, five of your Sisters. Three of them to found an establishment and assume the direction of the school of St. Louis, if possible; and two others for the service of the Bishop's residence. These last two (who will be like the mothers of the house) we would expect to look after the kitchen and all the sewing, for about six or seven persons: two or three priests, two or three Brothers, and the Bishop. That is all the personnel of the house. They would have access to the chapel where is kept the Sacred Reserve. All the lower floor of the house would be for their use, and we would give them approximately 45 francs per month for the two together. This would be a precious help to the little community at St. louis, a distance of 28 kilometres from here. 

Among those destined for St. Louis, one or two possessing English as much as possible would be required. The foundation of St. Louis is to satisfy the request of Bishop Fallieres in the letter which you have sent to Fr. Michel during my absence in July. At. St. Louis there is a resident priest, and a good parochial school which we would endeavour to have entrusted to the Sisters, as soon as one of them would be qualified for teaching, in this country. 

The preparatory courses for the government examinations can be had in a religious community, where members of different orders prepare themselves during a few weeks. 

When St. Louis will be firmly established we shall think immediately and without too much delay of the foundation of the school of Domremy, which is about 13 or 14 km from St. Louis. The three groups would gather for the annual retreat. Mr. Bodard would obtain for the trip, I am convinced, rather fair reductions and Divine Providence will be there to watch over you, just as it never ceases to watch over us. Your poor Bishop, in accepting you for his diocese, will grant you all the interest possible, in spite of his excessive poverty. 

This, briefly, my Reverend Mother, is what I believed I should communicate to you by this first letter in which I recommend myself to your prayers and to those of your Sisters, begging you to accept my respect and devotedness in Our Lord and Mary Immaculate. 

signed, 

-:- Albert, O.H.I. Vicar Apostolic of Saskatchewan. 

N.B. Until this letter, it had always been question, not of St. Louis, but of Domremy, but this last colony was not completely founded as yet, so the Bishop chose St. Louis. 

Reverend Mother replied to this letter, only in November, which must not surprise us, for mail in those days did not have the speed we know today. Moreover, Mother felt that the Sisters must be consulted on such an important matter. Follows a free translation of Mother's reply, as taken in the general archives in Paris: 

Saint-Brieuc, Côtes du Nord, France, le 8 novembre, 1896. 

A Son Excellence Monseigneur Pascal, Vicaire Apostolique a Prince Albert. 

Monseigneur, 

Your Grace has long awaited our reply to your letter of September 18; this delay is due to circumstances known by your worship, such as the absence of our Bishop of St. Brieuc, and also by his absolute desire that all the congregation be consulted before deciding anything on this important matter. These are the main causes of such a long delay. 

By today's mail, Mgr. Fallieres of St. Brieuc is writing to you to say that the congregation accepts the foundation of St. Louis Langevin, and also accepts that they will look after the cooking and sewing of your episcopal house. This is the first time, your Excellency, that we are leaving France for a far-away land; we have no experience in a new field of apostolate like this, and how to go about it. We expect and will receive most willingly your fatherly 

advice. 

If I understand, the Brothers share the work in the heavy burdens, e.g. carrying water, etc. There are 28 Km. from Prince Albert to St. Louis; are the communications easy in case that the Sisters of Prince Albert need to correspond with or to speak to the superior of the establishment? 

I shall not pursue my questions any further; it would be abusing of your time. Accordingly, I stop here, and I wish to tell your Grace that it is in all confidence and security that I send my Sisters to you. Their departure will be very sad for me; you will like them when you will know them. You will encourage them, for I fear there will be certain difficulties at first, which they do not suspect. They are going to you as children to their father, you will encourage them and support them in their sorrows. 

Please accept, your Excellency, the homage of my deep 

respect. 

Yours very humble and devoted in Our Lord, 

Sister St. Charles, Superior General. 

Reply of His Grace, Bishop Pascal to Mother St. Charles:

Maison des Oblats 

No 107 rue Visitation, Montreal 

Very Honored Mother, 

December 4, 1896. 

Your good letter of October 10 went seeking me at Prince Albert, and not finding me there, came back on its road. I have come to Lower Canada to build up my health somewhat, and work for the benefit of our missions. I shall return, if pleasing God, towards mid-February at the latest. 

What devotedness! What generosity among your Sisters! I can assure you, Reverend Mother, that I already esteem them without knowing them, and I am doing all in my power to make their life here holy, useful and agreeable, if possible. 

At the house in Prince Albert, we would require two Sisters of good, hardy health, about middle-age. A pump gives easily all the water needed. The house is heated by a hot-air furnace. One of the Brothers looks after this. We have here two Brothers, very good religious, one of whom looks after the church and the bedrooms of the house; the other is in charge of the horses, the garden, and the errands in town. We will give all the help possible to the Sisters when so required. 

Except for two weeks in the autumn, and three in the springtime, it is very easy to communicate with St. Louis. Mail goes out every week and the road is good for driving. 

Mr. Bodard, here in Montreal, with whom I have had the pleasure of dining in his family yesterday, is very happy to learn of your decision. 

Allow me, Reverend Mother, to stop at these few lines for this time. However, I beg of you, do not hesitate to ask any questions. It will be a pleasure for me to answer according to my knowledge. Go about things simply with the poor missionary Bishop. If the good Lord gives me time, I shall go to France in 1899, to attend the General Chapter of the Oblates, and it goes without saying that I shall not miss the occasion to visit you at St. Brieuc. 

Respectful salutations to all your religious family in whom I am interested from this very day, and I name myself, 

Your humble brother in Our Lord and M. I., 

-:- Albert, O.M.I. 

Vicar Apostolic of Saskatchewan. 

Those letters and those which follow may seem tedious to some readers, but I think it was necessary to include them. If analysed carefully, they will be seen to reveal the spirit of the times, and will moreover uncover certain historical details, unknown to most citizens of today's city. 

Since we were, at that time, still a diocesan congregation, it was necessary to obtain the permission of the Bishop of St. Brieuc to found an establishment in Canada. Consequently, Bishop Pascal, as he had mentioned in his letter to the Mother General, sent a written request to Bishop Fallieres for this purpose. 

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, North West Territories, September 18, 1896. 

To His Grace Mgr Fallieres, Bishop of St. Brieuc, 

Your Worship and Venerated Father, 

Mr. A. Bodard, the colonizing agent, is here at this moment. We have discussed at length the advantages and inconveniences of an establishment of 

the Sisters of Providence in this vicariate. Everything having been weighed, well examined, and having prayed God, I come, Your worship, to beg your Excellency to please permit five of those Sisters to open the march in the coming spring of 1897. Two will be employed in the service of the Bishop's house, and the other three will be installed at St. Louis de Langevin at 12 km.from Domremy, and 28 from Prince Albert... By this arrangement, with the grace of God, the support of charitable persons and our own as well as your prayers, we hope, in spite of our poverty, to provide them with the spiritual help of religious life and the means of subsistence. 

I have written to Reverend Mother Superior with the necessary details concerning the colonies, and the future of their foundation. 

May your worship pray for us and accept my regards of respect and esteem for your worthy person. 

Your very humble brother and servant in Our Lord and M. I.  

-:- Albert, O.M.I.

Bishop of the Vicariate of Saskatchewan. 

Reply of Bishop Fallieres to Bishop Pascal:

Evêché de St. Brieuc & Tréguier 

St. Brieuc, Cotes du Nord, November 9, 1896. 

My Dear and Respected Bishop Pascal 

By your letter of September 18, you have graciously requested that I permit at least five Filles de la Providence to leave my diocese next springtime to answer your call. You tell me that two of them will be employed in your house and that the other three will be installed at St. Louis de Langevin, at a distance of 12 km. from Domremy and 28 from Prince Albert. 

I was anxious to reply to your letter, but I was obliged for that to wait for the Sisters of the congregation to vote on this question. 

This meeting took place yesterday, and I myself presided. The Assembly has pronounced itself practically unanimous in favour of your proposition. I am happy to respect a desire so expressed, and which corresponds so well to your own desires, Excellency. 

The departure of five Sisters is, therefore, decided in principle. What my diocese loses in granting them to you, yours will gain. This will be a consolation for me as Bishop. Meantime I shall leave it to the Mother General to look into the details of this decision, by writing to you for the arrangements to be made with your Grace, and I beg dear and venerable Bishop Pascal, to accept the homage of my religious and brotherly devotedness. 

-:- Pierre Marie, Bishop of St. Brieuc & Treguier. 

Letter of Mother General to Mr. Bodard:

St. Brieuc, Côtes du Nord, France, November 9, 1896. 

Mr. Bodard, 

Since Sunday, the question has been decided: we accept the offer of a foundation in Canada. From now on, we shall therefore see to the departure of those Sisters. Would you please be so obliging as to supply me with several points of information? 

In which months of the springtime is it preferable to leave? What are the conditions of the trip? Do you think it possible to obtain reductions? Where do they disembark, and from there where to stop? What is the price of this trip for each one - they will be six in number. 

The Sisters destined for the Bishop's house will find their shelter already set up and what of the others? Is the house at St. Louis inhabitable and furnished? Will the school furniture be provided? Will the children attend school immediately? I must admit, dear Sir, that I am at a loss to know exactly which questions I should further ask you, but please have the kindness to enlighten us on all that we should know, we are new in this, and have no idea of the travelling to Canada. 

If you were to come to France, at St. Malo, it would be easy to meet with you and agree on many points. 

I thank you, Sir, for all the interest that you have brought to this matter which has preoccupied us since a year, as well as for all the requests made to us for this foundation. 

Most sincerely and gratefully, 

Sister St. Charles, Superior General. 

To this letter, Mr Bodard replies as follows:

Montreal, Nov. 25, 1896 

Reverend Mother St. Charles, Superior General des Filles de la Providence, 

Reverend Mother, 

Bishop Pascal who has been in Montreal since a month, and who will be staying here until January, had communicated to me the telegram which you had sent to him. Therefore, I knew the good news of your coming to Canada before the reception your letter. The Bishop, to whom I could only speak in high praise of your congregation, was very happy and so was I. 

The best moment to come to Canada would be towards the end of March or during the month of April. Just now there is a line in formation between France and Canada; I hope it will be operating by that time. I cannot as yet say at which port the disembarkment will take place - it will be Halifax, Nova Scotia, or St. John, New Brunswick~ or New York. Usually one takes the train immediately to one's destination, without much transferring from one train to another. 

I shall ask for your Sisters, half price for the trip in first-class on the ship, which is usually 400 to 600 francs per person according to the cabin, and I shall ask the right for them to travel in the first-class coach on the train, though paying 150 francs instead of 300. I cannot promise that this will be granted, this does not depend entirely on me, but you may be assured that I shall do all in my power so that you pay the least possible. The reductions will be all the easier to obtain since with your Sisters, there will be a number of families travelling to establish themselves in Canada, for I have no doubt that when your departure will be known, a certain number of families of the Cotes du Nord and Ile-et-Vilaine, hesitating up till now, will decide to leave with your Sisters.

The trip is paid at Paris directly to Prince Albert, from there on, you have no worry about your ticket. In the leaflet, "En route pour Le Canada" which I am sending you, on page 30, there is a special chapter, rather detailed, on this subject. When your Sisters have made the trip. I am certain that they will write to you that nothing is easier, it is a child's game. From afar, the distances and the trip can be a source of worry; seen at hand, it is nothing. 

I know some of your country people who had never left their homes, and have made this trip three or four times, as a pleasure trip. 

Father Barbier, parish priest at St. Louis de Langevin by Boucher, (St. Louis is the name of the parish chapel, and Boucher is the name of the post office next to it) will prepare everything for the arrival of the Sisters. We are in correspondence with him as of now, regarding this matter. In any event, you will have, while waiting, all the lower floor of the Bishop's house at your disposition, and the Bishop will keep all the Sisters there until the installation is ready at St. Louis or elsewhere. 

Generally, the schools have only the essential furniture, very elementary, for the teachers do not sleep there, but I believe that the residents of the place are to construct a little house to receive you, or set up a temporary residence, which will be in the top part of the school. It is the Bishop’s intention, and mine also, to have you establish here your provisional or temporary mother-house, and a little convent where you could have some boarders. 

The population furnishes, 1 think gratuitously, the wood for the frame of the building; you would have to pay the labour and the boards for the covering. Your Sisters will see to that when they will be on the spot, but they could have a fine establishment in a very central place for a higher price. If I return to France, which is most probable, I could give you more information on the manners and customs of the country, which would help your Sisters. As an example, many Canadian farmers place their daughters in boarding schools for 30 francs per month, and pay partly in supplies such as hay or wheat, or in cash. In buying land near the church you could produce all that you need, and accordingly live at a lower cost, since you would have nearly all from your farm. Flour actually is 10 francs for 100 lbs, meat 20-30 cents- per pound, potatoes one franc or 1.25 francs for 60 pounds, white sugar 6 or 7 cents a pound, butter 16 to 20, a marked difference with France. 

Convents in the country very often have their own cows, pigs and poultry, horses and teams, and even a man at their service to do the heavy work and the farming, I am giving you these details rather abruptly, but I hope they will interest you - it is by adopting at once the methods of the country where one goes, that one wins the confidence and affection of the people. 

Bishop Pascal tells me that in a few years, there will be a hospital in Prince Albert, and he will try to have your Sisters take the direction of this. The difficulty for the time being is the organization of the hospital, for it must be open to all denominations, and three-fourths of the population in Prince Albert are Protestants. Therefore, it will be necessary to be open with everybody, and please everybody, which I think can be done by mutual tolerance, When your Sisters will be known, they will be appreciated, I have not the least doubt, and both Protestants and Catholics will desire them for the hospital. This, however, is only in the planning stage as yet. 

Perhaps I shall not go to St. Malo if I go to France, but I will go preferably to St. Brieuc - I now have less interest at St. Malo, since my family will be in Canada, and as for my work, there is so to say nothing for me to do at St. Malo. 

While awaiting your departure, we are preparing everything here for the reception of your Sisters; they will not oome as strangers, and I have the conviction that later you will consider our Canada not as a place of exile, but as a new and well loved country.

I thank you for the kind souvenir you have kept of us; be assured that this is reciprocal; without this, I would not have helped wholeheartedly Les Filles de La Providence to come to Canada; God has his views on you. 

Please accept, Madam and Reverend Mother, the assurance of my respectful feelings of my sincere best wishes. 

Signed: A. Bodard. 

There are numerous letters in our general archives, pertaining to this important decision of coming to Canada, especially directly to Western Canada. We shall not add any more at this point, but shall continue the story of that great event with quotations here and there, rather than a complete letter. 

As stated previously, six names were chosen from a list of volunteers. These Sisters were: Mother St. Jean Berchmans, Superior (30 years old), Sister St. Philippe, Sister St. Germaine, Sister Marie du Rosaire, Sister Marie Madeleine and Sister Marie Berchmans. They travelled from st. Brieuc to Paris, where the parting words of a good Oblate Father were not very encouraging: “Poor Sisters, leaving for such a far-away country, where there are nine months of winter and three months of bad weather!” Nevertheless, the dauntless group proceeded to Boulogne to board a Dutch ship, The Amsterdam, on April 28, 1897. Twelve days at sea seemed a long and tiring experience. It was with joy that on May 10, the weary travellers trod the soil of New York for a few hours. That very night, they boarded the train for Montreal, where they spent a day and a half exploring somewhat the city, being guided by our Brothers, already established there. They were received most warmly by the Grey Nuns and never forgot the fraternal reception there. Soon, however, it was again train time and en route for Prince Albert -- three days and three nights. Finally, on May 15, at 8:00 p.m., they arrived at Duck Lake and thence to Prince Albert.

Alas! An unpleasant arrival at Prince Albert - no one there to meet the little group of missionaries. A telegram sent from Regina to Bishop Pascal to announce their arrival had not reached him on time. However, a gentleman led them to the former convent of the Faithful Companions (Sisters who had left Prince Albert) and there, beds had been prepared for the Sisters. 

The next day, Sunday, the Bishop, informed of their arrival, invited them to his palace. His Grace gave them Holy Communion in his private chapel, a true consolation for the exiled Sisters. After their thanksgiving prayers, the Bishop received the Sisters in his parlour, and expressed his disappointment at the rather cold reception of the previous night. His Excellency also explained the facts; the arrival had been announced for April 15, not May 15... Accordingly, having waited a month, he was no longer counting on them. In spite of this, he had sent someone at four different times to the station to see if the Sisters were there. Even on the day of their arrival, three trips to the station ended with no result. Moreover, a dispatch had been sent to Saskatoon to inquire if there were not some French Sisters on the train. The negative reply of the employee really disconcerted the Bishop who did not know any more what to think. (Free translation of the Sisters' first letter back to France.) 

The Sisters were loud in their praise of the Bishop's kindness to them, his thoughtfulness in the least details. With the Bishop, it was decided to leave three Sisters at Prince Albert, instead of two as originally planned. The remaining three would go to St. Louis to look after the school - it was as yet impossible to be more than three there, for the little convent was not finished. 

The three Sisters remaining in Prince Albert were Sister Marie Berchmans, Sister St. Philippe and Sister Madeleine. Work was not lacking since they had to cook for all the personnel of the house, as well as take care of the laundry, the mending and the general care of the house. This little community of three also spoke very highly of the delicate thoughtfulness of Bishop Pascal towards them; he would think of the smallest details and even provide them with writing paper, envelopes, pencils, pens, erasers, ( Letter in the archives May 25, 1897).

In 1899 a second group of three Sisters arrived. Two of these were sent to study in order to acquire the teaching certificate of the country. Be it said in passing that these were the first two of any religious congregation to attend the Government Training School for teachers. The photocopied letter of the Department which is included on the next page shows how well these Sisters succeeded and were appreciated by their professors. (October l6 1900). 

In the meantime, the Bishop had purchased the convent of the Faithful Companions., He wished to use it as a Catholic orphanage, and begged the Filles de La Providence to take charge of the institution. The Sisters thought it wise to accept the proposition and had the plan, approved by the General Council. Mother St Sylvester, recently arrived from her studies, was given charge as Superior there, and from 1900 to 1903 worked with Rev. Fr. Gaste, O.M.I. and the Oblate Brothers and several Sisters. 

In December 1903 Mother st. Sylvester left the orphanage to found a new convent at Domremy, where she took charge of the school. The archives have on file all the reports of the school inspector (1904-1916) and all testify to the fact that Mother Sylvester was a hard-working teacher as well as a successful one. Her name is still held in veneration in Domremy. 

Perhaps a few words about the orphanage itself would not be out of place at this point. As might be expected, there were certain difficulties involved in the direction of this establishment. In the report sent to Mother General (Dec. 15, 1901) the foundress of Canada states that it was not easy to be directing an institution where there were several authorities. As a matter of fact, the Bishop had named an Oblate priest, already mentioned, as administrator. Unfortunately the duties of this administrator and those of the Superior and head of the school were not too clearly defined. As a consequence, though both were looking for the good of the children entrusted to their care, there were little conflicts at times. It must be said that both Fr. Gaste and Mother St. Sylvester worked hand in hand and succeeded in ironing out any questionable situation. However, a strange fact was that the orphanage was not intended so much for children of the province as for orphans from England! 

Yes! Orphans from the “poor houses” several of whom the police had removed from ill-famed houses and later, orphans of the Boer War. There was even in England a special society trying to send as many of the second group as possible - their aim? To purify London! This was an unpleasant and unsatisfactory situation for the pioneers of Western Canada. It meant that their little economies would often be used for helping the children where there were already societies organized to provide for them. Add to this the financial situation. There were at first four Sisters at the orphanage and the Congregation received a global sum of $10.00 a month for all the work done by them, whereas each lay person had $10.00 a month and some $15.00 (Report, 1901). True, the Sisters were not there for money nevertheless, they did need a little amount for their personal expenses, and $10.00 for four persons did not go very far, even in those days. In spite of this the Sisters willingly assumed the task which the Bishop had pleaded them to take. 

When Mother St. Sylvester left in 1903, her replacement had been foreseen. In May, 1903, a new group of Sisters had arrived. Of this group Mother Saint Adelaide became Superior of the orphanage, and assumed her duties in July. The administrator of the orphanage had also been changed. A letter, dated December 14, 1903, states that: “The Fathers and Brothers were very good to us.” However, in this same letter, Mother summarized a conversation held with Fr. Brueck, the new administrator. In the conversation, we already have a hint that Father was not too pleased with the work of the Sisters, especially with the lack of the English language. It is true that Mother’s English was not to par, being well aware of this, every day she humbly wended her way to the Sion Convent where good Mother Hilda gave her English lessons and tried in every way to help her become more fluent in the use of this language. Besides this, there was a lay teacher, Miss McKinley, who taught in English the greater part of the day. 

In spite of all these efforts and the devotedness of the Sisters, the tensions grew stronger, the situation went from bad to worse, so much so that the spirit among the children deteriorated. No one can say the moral sufferings of Mother St Adelaide at this time, and she felt strongly that the Sisters should leave the orphanage. It was very hard to pinpoint the real cause of all this conflict. The Bishop was very hesitant in granting permission for the Sisters to leave; he was very concerned as to who should replace them. Fr. Brueck spoke in veiled terms - or threatened to get other Sisters. Finally Mother had a long interview with the Bishop, who was visibly annoyed at the whole situation, and yet very sympathetic towards Mother St. Adelaide whom he esteemed highly. At last, the Bishop said, “If you do leave the orphanage, do not worry. So many places are asking for Sisters - and your devotedness is known to all the clergy.” But His Grace gave no decision nor permission to leave.

When all these facts were known by the General Council, it was decided for the good of all concerned, that we should leave the orphanage. 

On July 23, 1906, returning to Prince Albert, from the annual retreat at St. Louis, the Sisters noticed a buggy driving rapidly towards them. It was a messenger from Fr. Brueck with a telegram to his address, announcing that three Sisters were leaving St. John, New Brunswick, on July 26; Father expected them in Prince Albert on July 30. Nevertheless, Fr. Brueck had asked that a few Sisters stay till the arrival of the new community, (There were now eight Sisters at the orphanage.) 

Accordingly, the Sisters left on July 30 -- a real sacrifice for them, as they had dedicated themselves entirely to this apostolate. The Bishop said Mass for them in the Cathedral at 5:30 A.M. After breakfast with the Sisters of the Bishop’s house, the departing Sisters went to bid farewell to the Bishop and ask his blessing. His Grace was most paternal, promising the Sisters to go and see them in their new home. 

“Indeed,” answered Mother Adelaide, “you have not come to see us very often lately.”

“I could not,” answered the Bishop, “and I shall not go yet to the orphanage; I shall let them find their way out of their entangled situation.” 

“But,” replied Mother, “the difficulties are over.” 

“Yes, they are finished for you, but not for me,” answered His Excellency. 

“They are only beginning. I am trying to keep out of it all, but it all falls on me, while you retire with the general approbation, both of the clergy and the population of Prince Albert.”

The evening before, Fr. Brueck had said goodbye to the Sisters, and he stated that he did not expect to find any religious more devoted than the Sisters of Providence and that he would recommend them to anybody, He also added that when he could render them a service, he would gladly do so. (Letter of Mother Adelaide to Mother General, July 31, 1906). It was like a reconciliation, and they parted on good terms. Mother also adds in this letter how sympathetic were the clergy everywhere and how many appeals she received from them to go to their parish. 

To be true to history we must add here that Mother Adelaide never kept the least resentment for those years of suffering at the orphanage. Moreover, each year when the collection for the orphanage was made Mother never failed to make her contribution according to her means. 

I would like to mention also that our congregation has always had friendly relationships with our successors at the orphanage. As everyone knows, these same Sisters own and operate Holy Family Hospital. When fire destroyed the orphanage, we were more than glad to receive a fair number of the homeless orphans in our convent at St Louis, until they could be accommodated elsewhere. 

As to the Sisters at the Bishop's house, this apostolate undertaken in 1897 lasted until 1914. Death had already taken its toll among les Filles de la Providence - five had been called to their eternal rest, among others: Sister Marie Berchmans, Superior at Prince Albert, and two students in their thirties. This explains why the Superiors begged to be relieved of the care of the Bishop's house. (Two of these deaths had occurred in 1914). Naturally, the Sisters allowed some time for the Bishop to seek another community to replace them. 

Five Sisters had said "Yes" to the Lord’s final call. This means that the little group had somewhat expanded. Indeed, every year or two brought a new group of Sisters to Saskatchewan. One must not be surprised; times were hard in France, since new anticlerical laws were coming up and who could tell where they would lead? Since the little seedling in Saskatchewan seemed to develop, here was a place of security, in case of open persecution, in spite of a life of hard work and numerous sacrifices.

The very year we left the orphanage, two new houses were opened; several Sisters went to the college of Muenster to keep house for the Benedictine Fathers, and Mother St. Adelaide with two companions set out for Vegreville, Alberta,

where they had been pressingly invited. But that is another story. 

To summarize, we recall that our first apostolate in Prince Albert was:

Care of the Bishop’s house - 1897-1914

Direction of the orphanage - 1900-1906

PRINCE ALBERT AGAIN 

1. St Michael’s School

It was quite some time before the Sisters of Providence returned to Prince Albert. However? in 19549 Ed the request of His Excellency Bishop Blais, the General Council approved that we accept apostolate in Prince Albert once more. Mother st. Sylvester was still living? and rejoiced greatly that \ve return to the scene of the first work of the Sisters in the diocese. 

Bishop Blais had first thought of having us work in St. Joseph's parish; but on further reflection he asked us to accept St. Michael's parish. At this time, this was about the poorest quarter of Prince Albert, under all aspects. 

Accordingly, on August 309 19549 Sister Marie Camille (Sister Louise David) and Sister Rose Marie (Sister Mary Ryan) arrived at Prince Albert. Since as yet, we had no residence in the city, they gratefully accepted the hospitality of the Sisters of Presentation. However, they were very pleased to go to St. Louis for monthly recollections. and live a short while with the Sisters of their own community. 

Sister Rose Marie was principal of the school; besides the two Sisters, there were two lay teachers. In February, a fifth class opened. A very special situation, at times annoying, was the fact that the college students had classes in the basement. It was really quite inconvenient to have these senior students mingling with those of the elementary classes. At last, the pupils became so numerous 9 that the college boys had to withdraw, much to the relief of all the teachers. 

At the end of the year, it was decided to purchase a residence closer to st. Michael's. The Sisters took possession of this house on July 12, 1955. A third Sister came to live with the first two, forming a little community. Moreover, our Mother General being in Canada that year, it was decided to transfer the provincial headquarters from Prud’homme to Prince Albert. Thus it was, that Sister Roseline (Sister Marie-Anna Duret), the first Canadian Provincial, came to this residence; 1300 ~ 15th Street West.

The Sisters retained the principalship until 1966~ In September 1967, Sister Leila Kindred from the orphanage accepted this position for one year. Finally, St.Michael, like most of the Separate Schools, had a man principal. 

The Sisters of Providence still have one Sister teaching there. Three other Sisters with her form a community, and are engaged in various pastoral apostolates: choir singing, visiting the aged and the sick, organizing with the Senior Citizens, catechetical work, etc.

2 Institute of Our Lady of Providence

Zealous and undertaking, Bishop Blais had many ideals and plans for the spiritual progress of his diocese. ~nong others he caressed the idea of a special training centre for home makers, based somewhat along the lines of those of Quebec. His Excellency spoke of this project to Mother Provincial, who immediately exposed the plan to the General Council and obtained permission to undertake it. Thus, in the springtime of 1959, all was astir at the corner of 15th Street and 17th Avenue. This special school was also to be a private boarding school.

As in most constructions, now and then an obstacle had to be overcome. Hence, it was only on December 15, 1959, that Sister Marie Eustelle (Sister Madeleine Bedard) and Sister Rose de Lima (Sister Rita Prefontaine) entered their new home. Classes started in .January 1960. 

Each year the number of pupils increased, both boarders and day scholars. Each year also, new courses were being offered. The result was that the build-· ing had to be expanded at three different times: 1962-63, 1965, 1967. Over the years, the Institute had ceased to be a private institution, but had joined the Separate School system. 

In 1965, the novitiate was transferred from Prud'homme to the Institute. 

Then in 1971, the provincialate sold the little residence on 15th street, and established its offices at the Institute also. The Institute was now the provincial centre for the congregation of Les Filles de la Providence. 

Meantime the Separate School Board was planning great changes in the educational system. They worked hard to obtain coeducation, instead of all-boys and all-girls schools. So it happened that not only the Institute, but also the academy of the Presentation became mixed schools for the third division (grades 7, 8, 9), while St. Mary’s became the mixed school for the fourth division (grades 10, 11 and 12). The arrangement did not really please the Sisters - as a matter of facts there were no more boarders since 4th division was at St. Mary’s. This meant a great deal of vacant space in the building. There were also other inconveniences which we shall not stop at here. Therefore, it was not long before interviews with the School Board were begun, about the possibility of their buying the building. These interviews were frequent and long, as such a deal implied many details and moreover could not be done without the authorization of the Department of Education. 

Finally, an agreement was reached, and due permission granted. Hence, in January 1974, the elder Sisters were transferred to St. Louis and St. Brieux. As to the provincial headquarters, the congregation bought a private home near the cathedral on 12th street West. Here, on January 29, at -40C, the Provincial and her companions moved in. 

Why rush the move? Because the trustees were anxious to start working on the new plans they had for the building, and wished everything to be ready for September. 

Naturally, the school part remained a school, and after a short time took the name of Boucher Junior High School, in honour of Monsignor Boucher. Part of the building the Board rented to the Kelsey Institute, part of it became the Board’s offices and the rest was also rented to various groups. 

One Sister still teaches at Boucher School. The Sisters at the Provincial house on 12th Street West are active in various apostolates. One of the most recent undertakings is religious instruction to the children of the Indian Residential School, certainly a mission in keeping with the aim of our congregation. 

1959-1974  

This may seem a short span of time for an institution like Our Lady of Providence. Yet who knows all the spiritual benefits derived from the general education? The specialized training? The catechetics, the visits to the prisons and hospitals? The Divine Master for whom it was done will be judge of all, and the reward of those who devoted themselves therein. 

The above account was prepared and written by

Sister Melanie Raymond, 

Fille de la Providence,

Archivist 

St. Louis, Sask.