Jewels from Jane - April 10
Pictured: Reverend Mother Mary Agnes Rossiter was the superior (Reverend Mother) to whom this letter was addressed.
Centennial letter from Franklin Roosevelt
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1936
Dear Reverend Mother: [Reverend Mother Mary Agnes Rossiter]
It has come to my attention that the Sisters of Saint Joseph, on April nineteenth and twentieth, will celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the arrival of the members of the Order in St. Louis.
The story of the growth of the Order in the United States since those far-away days of 1836 reads like the parable of the sower whose seed fell upon good ground.
I am informed that the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, which made such a modest beginning one hundred years ago when six heroic women landed in Saint Louis, now numbers thirty one hundred sisters who, besides engaging in educational work, operate hospitals, orphan homes and deaf mute institutions -- truly a remarkable increase in good works.
Upon the happy occasion of this centennial, I offer to you and through you to all of the members of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, my hearty felicitations. This anniversary must give to each and every one of your members added conviction to the words of the Master: "Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Very sincerely yours,
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Typed message with handwritten signature
