Part 3
Sister Mary de Sales is Named Superior of the Monastery of Troyes
The Monastery of the Visitation in Troyes France was founded in 1631. During the Revolution of 1789 the Sisters were forced to leave their enclosure and seek shelter in different houses of that city. In 1807 they returned to their convent, only fifteen in number. There was only thing wanting- a Superior who would be able to guide them with a sure hand in the way traced out by their holy Founders.
One day when Sister Mary de Sales was wrapt in prayer our Lord gave her to understand that he was about to call her to serve Him at a distance from Fribourg.
In spite of her delicate health and although so young, her Superiors, guided by the Spirit of God, acceded to the earnest entreaties of the Sisters of Troyes and consented to her being elected superioress of that house. Scarcely had she entered on her long journey than she felt her health completely restored.
It was on the first of June 1826 that she reached Troyes and on the next day the Bishop confirmed her election.
She commenced by gaining the hearts of her sisters in order to lead them to a loving obedience.
“Ah, my daughters, she would say, how easy it is to fall a victim to self-love! And yet our Holy Founder wishes us to be strong and firm. Cut short, therefore, all the threads of your own will, and then you will be able to fly in the way of obedience.”
(excerpted from The Venerable Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, Brooklyn New York 1924, Chapter 3)
NEXT INSTALLMENT: MOTHER Chappuis and Father Brisson