Jewels from Jane - June 1
Pictured: Holy Family sculpture, as well as, the uncreated Trinity at the top of the main altar in Holy Family Chapel at the Motherhouse.
In the year 1867 Rev. Mother St. John [Facemaz] revisited Rome to renew her petition to the Holy See for the final approbation of our Holy Rule. She and her companion, Sister M. Julia [Litteneker] obtained a private audience with His Holiness Pius IX, who received them kindly, encouraged them to hope for the success of their Mission to Rome and conceded a plenary indulgence to all the Sisters who die at the Mother House in articulo mortis,also a plenary indulgence to be gained on the usual conditions and the devout celebration of one day in each year to honor the virgin Martyr, St. Aurelia. The 31st of May is designated for this purpose by the Most Rev. Archbishop Kenrick, D.D. His holiness also blessed with an indulgence of 50 days a miniature statue of St. Peter, a facsimile of that so religiously and publicly venerated in the Basilica at Rome. The indulgence is gained for every time the foot of the statue is kissed. Besides these indulgences the Holy Father gave them many precious relics, and granted the favor of having the Altars in the Chapels of the 26 Communities, which are at present dependent on the Mother House at Carondelet, indulgenced with the faculty of a Privileged Altar. [Notice the words "Altare Privilegiatum" under the holy family sculpture at the top of the main altar in Holy Family chapel at Carondelet.]
He moreover gave them a brief containing the Papal Benediction bestowed on the Congregation in a special manner so that all its members may obtain the true Spirit of our Holy Institute; also sending his benediction to all under our care.
Copy of Papal Benediction bearing date June 1st, 1867.
Fiat ut petitur Servatis Servandis
Pius IX
From the handwritten Custom Book of 1868. This item, usually displayed in the exhibit case in Heritage Hall at the Province Motherhouse is now part of a national "Women and Spirit" exhibition. Click here for more information.
