The Sisters of Charity.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 21, 12 June 1902, Page 29

The Sisters of Charity.

Very few Catholics (says the 'Montreal True Witness ') devote a few moments to a study of the monumental work — both spiritual and temporal — performed by our nuns. The ''Catholic Sentinel,' Portland, a Belgian paper, published an article on the Sisters of Charity, in which it was stated that this community had in round numbers 2700 houses scattered all over the world. A correspondent of the paper thought this number exaggerated, and he requested the editor to state whereon he based his information. The answer was not long forthcoming. It is an interesting one, as it gives palpable proof of the immense work done by the Church in the domain of, charity. According to the official record of the community there are not 2700 houses — hospitals, asylums, orphanages — managed by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, but exactly 2785. There are as many convents, to be sure — too many for those people who dread the pernicious influence of the Church of Rome, but not enough for the sick, the orphans, the aged, who find under the convent's roof shelter, help' and consolation. France and Algeria count 1073 houses ; England has 45 ; Austria, 239 ; Belgium, 45 ; Spain and its colonies have 440 ; Greece has three ; Italy, 515 ; Poland, 69 ; Portugal, 8 ; Prussia, 39 ; Switzerland, 7 ; Turkey, 23 ; Egypt, 7 ; the United States and China, 13 ; Persia, 3 ; Syria, 12 ; Canada, 100. Central America has 19, Brazil, 29 ; Chili, 24 ; Colombia, 14 ; ■ Ecuador, 18 ; La Plata, 21 ; Peru, 3'J. In these 2785 houses theri ar*. 31,000 Sisters. Who can realise the amount of good done by that army of gentle women trained for the "battle against disease, poverty, and crime ? Who that is Catholic does not glory to belong to a Church that! fosters the devotion represented by these thousands ? Who that has a heart does not feel grateful for the treasures of charity that God has placed in woman's soul ?