Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR
Founding of Marian Institutes in Troppau, Brunn and Budapest.

On October 9, 1870 Director Father Steiner brought Mother Franziska a letter from Mr. Benda in Troppau in which he asked if and to what degree the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity is involved in the foundation of a Marian Institute in Troppau, if they had given a commission to do so to a certain Scholastica Vladar. She had come to him with the request for help in founding such an institute. The person mentioned had been taken on by Mother Franziska as a collector but after a few months had to be dismissed as incapable of this work. Thereafter she traveled to Troppau, began to collect alms for the establishment of a Marian Institute and rented a ground floor, three-room apartment in Poppen Street. Then she took in three servant girls, two of whom were to be her assistants and the third, novice directress. It was apparent from all this that Vladar wanted to imitate Mother Franziska although she lacked the necessary ability to do so. She soon recognized this herself and therefore had already written a number of times to Mother Franziska who was unable, however, to decipher the letters. As Mother Franziska heard of this situation it became clear to her that she would have to bring a halt to the events if the reputation of the young Congregation was not to be endangered and so she set out that same evening with Sister Aloisia Argauer for Troppau. After Mother Franziska consulted, with the Superior of the Order of German Sisters[1] and the honorable Mr. Benda she called Scholastica Vladar to herself. She was very happy that Mother Franziska had come because the three co-workers in her project had already retreated in the meantime and she had no idea what to do with the dream foundation already begun. She repeatedly asked for forgiveness and said she did not, anyhow, want to begin it for herself, but only for the sisters. “Everything begun by God, I nothing at all, everything by God!” she added in her broken German with Bohemian pronunciation. And truly it was permitted by God, since this insignificant beginning was the basis of the Marian Institute now working with such rich blessing in Troppau, where so many poor servant girls have already found free board, instruction and job placement, so many orphans and other pupils have received education and culture. Mother Franziska believed she saw here the finger of God and, in her zeal for His glory, her decision was soon made. She went to the State Government and to the mayor, explained everything, and these gentlemen asked her to take things firmly in hand and also did not fail to assure her of the necessary support. That same day Mother Franziska took possession of the apartment Scholastica had rented, left Sister Aloisia in Troppau and returned to Vienna. Having arrived, she sent Sister Bernardine Wank to the new post and the two Sisters, in the direst poverty, began their work. This was at first still small, of course, because the apartment had space for only a few servant girls and, for a time, Scholastica was also allowed to remain. Soon two more Sisters came from Vienna and now, because of the many girls who applied for admission, the little apartment was no longer sufficient, a larger one was rented at the so-called “kiosk” until it was possible for Mother Franziska to acquire a house of its own for the “Marian Institute”.
By November 1870 the young Congregation was again to receive another branch. Sister Luzia Benda, Mother Franziska‘s first co-worker told of the many requests she received during a soliciting trip in Brunn, that a Marian Institute should be established there also. Mother Franziska’s zeal was immediately enkindled for the new foundation and with her characteristic decisiveness she soon traveled to Brunn, to see if there was the possibility to fulfill the stated wishes. She was inspired by the principle of following every call of God immediately and wherever He wished, in order to work for His honor. Mother Franzjska consulted with the Reverend Bishop Nottig, the Mayor von Elvert, and the Chief of Police; Everywhere she was met with friendliness and encouragement for the foundation of a Marian Institute and assurances of protection. Now Mother Franziska was without all doubt that these things were the will of God. The Prelate Kaliwoda in the Benedictine Abbey at Raigern near Brunn, who had already helped the Sisters very much during the collections, now also took a great part in the foundation. He ordered his bookkeeper, Mr. Gerstner, to look for a suitable house and offered Mother Franziska an apartment for the Sisters in a house belonging to the Abbey in Petersberg near Brunn until she could purchase one. Mr. Gerstner soon found a fitting house with a nice, large garden in Neugasse 24. This belonged to the wife of a textile craftsman, Mrs. Marie Waniek. Mother Franziska walking around Brunn for this reason for four days, looked at many houses, but she found none more suitable for the purposes of the Congregation than the house mentioned above; also nowhere were the payment conditions arranged more practically, so she did not hesitate longer with the decision to buy. On December 16, Mother Franziska traveled for the second time to Brunn, this time accompanied by Sister Stanislai Fuss, the Superior designated for the new foundation, and Mr. Lang to finally close the sale of the house. The price was set at 20,000 florins though Mother Franziska could pay only 1,500 florins as down payment of which the greater part, 1,200 florins, was loaned by Mr. Lang, and in the final hours, Sister Luzia went collecting to some families to obtain the sum of 300 florins which was still missing. On March 1, 1871, the Sisters were able to move into a room, a bathroom and a kitchen in the purchased house; and, trusting in God’s help, they began the renovation of the house. Until this was completed, the ten sisters really crowded into the small apartment, had much discomfort to endure. Usually during the day they went collecting for contributions for the foundation. At this time Mother Franziska was sick in bed in Vienna, but the concern for the new foundations did not let her rest and she traveled again to Brunn just as soon as she had recovered just a little. This was on March 7. Of course, because of her weakened condition this trip brought her great discomfort but she paid it little attention and thought only about the necessity of her presence in Brunn because of the construction. On May 1 it was already possible to hold the solemn dedication which was attended by His Excellency the Governor, Earl Thun, many high officials and ladies of the aristocracy. Because of the Solemn High Mass in the St. Thomas Parish Church followed by a procession of priests, sisters and guests to the Marian Institute, a large crowd of people had gathered and fifteen guards had to maintain order. Mother Franziska wanted to give each of them a gulden but she had no money and had to borrow the sum from Director Steiner and the Lang brothers who had both come for the dedication in Brunn. In this way also this foundation began in the greatest poverty. On the day of the dedication there were already thirteen servant girls in the institute and the Sisters soon had a richly blessed field of activity. Later here, as in Troppau, a section for orphans and other pupils was also erected.

Almost at the same time of the foundation in Brunn, Mother Franziska had begun erecting another Marian Institute, this in the capital of Hungary. She judged correctly that such institutes were needed especially in capital cities. On January 25, 1871 she traveled with Sister Augustina d’Armaille to Budapest to find out if the establishment of a Marian Institute were possible there, and, in case of the affirmative, to begin immediately with the steps to acquire a house. Mother Franziska and her companion were complete strangers in Budapest and knew no one, thus making this foundation doubly difficult. They lived fourteen days in the Hotel Tieger and looked in the meanwhile for a suitable house. During this time they had to live very frugally because their small sum of money allowed them to have only one meal a day, and that was usually mutton as the cheapest food available. After a long search they finally found the house belonging to Mr. Joppich on Soroksarergasse 36 which seemed suitable for the foundation. Even though without funds, Mother Franziska, trusting in God’s help, closed the deal for purchase of the house on January 28 for 58,500 florins. Naturally, as she herself often said, this morning was a frightening one for her in this position. Since no apartment in the newly purchased house would be available soon, Mother Franziska went in search of one and found it at Waaggasse 5 on the third floor. She immediately sent for four Sisters from Vienna who collected funds for the Marian Institute to be erected in Budapest because the other branches as well as the Mother House in Vienna needed her presence. She had to go here and then there, and since her time was too short, she used the nights for travel in order to have the day for work.

On May I the Sisters in Budapest could move into a small apartment in their own house and the renovations began immediately. These, with furnishings, cost 12,400 florins and Mother Franziska had to send all the sisters that could in any way be spared in the houses soliciting to meet all the obligations entered upon for the new foundations. In these difficult times she herself collected contributions among the nobility in Budapest and shared in the privations of the sisters there. These, because they still had no kitchen, had to use an ironing stove for cooking, but, because of the collecting and the work in the house they had only very little time anyway for kitchen concerns. On July 2, 1871 the Marian Institute in Budapest was dedicated and opened. The City Supervisor Thaiss and Mayor Gempi and many other high officials and also Director Steiner and Mr. Lang from Vienna were present. During this celebration there were again various financial embarrassments for Mother Franziska in which, however, God helped her in noteworthy ways. After Mass the guests were to receive a breakfast, but the poor sisters were not able to buy the needed baked goods until some benefactors had placed some offerings in the box under the crucifix in the hallway. Through God’s providence they gave so much that not only the baked goods, but also the guards needed to maintain order, were paid for. But now there remained the payment for the carriage that had brought the Abbot Rath who had presided at the dedication, and Mother Franziska had nothing left. Just at the right moment Canon Pribek, later Auxiliary Bishop of Vesprem, approached her and gave her a gift of two ducats. So there was help for this embarrassment. However, in the evening, when Mother Franziska wanted to go back to Vienna, she again had nothing and Mr. Lang had to help her again by lending her the fare. She and her companions had to endure a fright on this trip because near Neuhause their train almost collided with another one. This misfortune was prevented in time by God’s special protection.

Now the beginning of a third branch of the Congregation which was to become one of its largest institutes was made. Today, besides the busy section for servant girls, there is in the Budapest house also a boarding school, a section for orphans, an eight-grade elementary school, the last also for day students, a vocational school and a kindergarten. Some one who reads about the quick erection of this and also the other branch foundations of Mother Franziska might begin to think that she entered hastily upon such widespread and difficult-to-fulfill obligations. This was absolutely not so. Her quick, almost, so to speak, masculine, decisiveness was not hasty, but rather she always consulted God in intimate prayer before she began a new work and seriously weighed the reasons for and against. When she then, however, recognized something as the will of God, there was no hesitation and no more turning back and no matter what difficulties rose in opposition, she pressed on to the goal ahead. “All for God, for the poor and for our Congregation!” was the key which she later designated as the motto of the Congregation. As a matter of fact, even people who wished the Congregation well sometimes reproached Mother Franziska that she founded her institutes too quickly and thoughtlessly one after the other and thereby put too great a burden upon the Congregation. When she mentioned this she usually said, “I am doing it, after all, for the glory of God and for the poor; I cannot believe that this is wrong and that our loving God will punish me for that which is done for His glory!” She also liked to say, “Our loving God will surely help us to fulfill our obligations; He knows, after all, what we need and already holds the means in his hand. If He withdraws it, it is only we, with our limited trust who are to blame!” Love for God and neighbor, paired with a rock-like trust in God, was the motive of all her actions and the loving God showed with notable blessing how pleasing to Him her striving and working were.

[1] Seems to be a title, translated literally.

Servant and Instrument

CHAPTER THREE

Foundation of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity

On October 25, 1868, Franziska Lechner arrived in Vienna. Besides a firm trust in God’s help and the sincere will to work for God’s glory and assist poor serving girls as much as possible, she had only the small sum of 200 guldens. In these circumstances, the task Mother Franziska had set for herself was no easy one, and her trust would soon be put to a hard test. On her arrival she roomed at the Hotel of the Golden Lamb on Wiedner Hauptstrasse and took the necessary steps to insure for herself the promised help for her work. Unfortunately she learned that Dr. Wiedemann had been very misinformed and that no grant existed for an institute for serving girls; Likewise she soon saw her hopes for benefactors and co-founders disappointed and herself alone and abandoned in the large city. This affected Franziska so strongly that for two weeks she was severely ill and bedridden in the apartment she had in the meantime rented in the JohannesgasseNr. 13, in the First District. It wasn’t enough that she had insufficient care-her landlady, who apparently didn’t trust her, also mistreated her in various ways. To this was added the anxious thought that her efforts in Vienna might remain fruitless. Earlier, Franziska had asked God that He might allow her to die during the trip to Vienna or shortly after her arrival, if her work would lead her away from His commandments or not serve the salvation of others, and now she believed her last hour was near. God did not want Franziska’s death but only wanted to use her as an instrument, through which many would be saved from temporal and eternal downfall. He only wanted, as with all great souls, to educate her in the school of suffering, thereby showing her, by taking away at the beginning all human help, that the great and blessed work to be born through Franziska, was done only and alone thanks to Him.

During this difficult probation she had not lost her trust in God’s help, however, and as soon as Franziska felt somewhat better, her thoughts were again occupied with the intended work. On November 12, as she was able to leave her bed for a few hours, her first task was to enter a request for permission to found the planned society, with which she included a draft of the statutes clarifying the purpose of the same, to the Ministry of the Interior. On the 13th and 14th of November, Franziska looked, as far as her weakened body would allow, for a suitable lodging and finally found this at Taubstummengasse 5, auf der Wieden with a police official’s widow. The apartment was on the third floor, consisted of a vestibule and one room and had its own entrance. It was furnished in the simplest way and was available on the next day, the 15th. The first things that Franziska purchased from her small savings were a crucifix, a statue of the Blessed Virgin and two candlesticks.

On November 17 Franziska went to the Ministry with her request and was cordially received by Section Chief, Baron Rudolf von Breisky. This kind man immediately understood the significance of things and the value such an institute would have for poor servant girls in the large city, encouraged F’ranziska to found it, promised his help, and gave her a recommendation to the Governor, Baron von Weber. Consoled by this cooperation, she went to the gentleman named and was there too, received with great kindness. The Governor also promised to take her noble plan under his protection. He, as well as Baron von Breisky, stayed faithful to their word and remained also in the future, faithful friends and protectors of the Congregation.

As soon as November 21st these two well-meaning gentlemen shared with Franziska the news that she would, within a few days, receive the permit to found the Congregation and the permission to collect alms for the new work. In this she saw that her trust in God was not disappointed and thanked Him with her whole heart for His help. she expressed this gratitude by determining November 21st the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the birthday of the Congregation; As such it is celebrated annually and marked by the Sister’ renewal of vows as well as connected with Clothing and Profession celebrations. The fact that she received notice of permission for the foundation on a Marian feast, was for Franziska a comforting sign that the beloved Mother of God, under whose special protection she had placed her work, would always be Mother and Guide for the congregation, as the future also demonstrated. On November 27th the awaited permit for the foundation arrived as well as the permission to collect alms in Lower Austria, but collaborators were still missing. Franziska went, therefore, to various monasteries to ask confessors to send her those young girls that they might have among their penitents who had a call to the religious life and the necessary courage to help in the founding of the intended work. As early as December 5th , the first fellow worker, Katherine Benda, later Sister Luzia, born in Buckau in Bohemia, came requesting admittance. Mother Franziska accepted her with joy and gratitude to God and began collecting with her on December 7th in Vienna. The first benefactor was Mr. Anton Lang, manufacturer in Fünfhaus, Kranzgasse 14, who gave 20 florins. He and his brother later became trustees of the Congregation and showed themselves to be constant friends and benefactors. The Congregation owes much to these noble gentlemen.

Franziska also tried to find a zealous priest with a known reputation who could intercede for the Congregation. She found this in the Reverend Anton Steiner, of the court parish church of St. Augustine. He was a good speaker, talented with the pen, and he, as well as his family (his father was Privy Councilor), were loved and universally respected. The Reverend Steiner very gladly agreed to be Director and Co-founder of the Congregation and was zealously concerned to be of service.

Franziska was unable to continue the difficult work of collecting in Vienna because her body was still too weakened by the recently endured severe illness and climbing stairs was too strenuous. Since she had neither time nor means for the necessary convalescence, she decided to continue her collecting in the country, in the hope that the fresh air would strengthen her. So Franziska and her companion went to Kroneuburg, Stockerau, Brunn, Modling, Baden, Neunkirchen, Gloggnitz and other nearby towns. God strengthened her so much that she could collect all day even though her weakened stomach was able to take only little nourishment, and sometimes could not even digest this little. Those acquainted with the many efforts and sacrifices demanded by soliciting can imagine what self-denial was required to carry this out in this debilitated condition. Even at that time, Franziska, with almost manly courage and total self-forgetfulness, pursued the goal that she recognized as her God-given life task to advance His glory and the salvation of her fellow man. Both of the beautiful qualities, cited above and rooted in an unshakable trust in help from above, an intimate love for God, and a winning love for neighbor, were apparent during the remainder of her life and made it possible to bring so many richly blessed institutes into existence in the relatively short time of 26 years.

In Stuppach near Gloggnitz Franziska was to find another collaborator. There she met a nice, dear girl named Juditha Kock, who taught younger girls knitting and sewing. Juditha was an orphan and had for a long time felt a preference for the religious life. She had hardly seen Franziska in the semi-religious dress, than she was attracted by her friendliness, asked for admittance and wanted to go with her immediately. Franziska told her to put her affairs in order first and then to come to enter upon her new situation. So, on January 27, 1869, Juditha entered and was a strong helper in the endeavor. She worked later with the name Sister Josefa as superior in various, especially new, foundations of the Congregation where there were usually still obstacles and difficulties to overcome, and she survived the Foundress by six years. Juditha’s entrance was tied to a disappointment which did not frighten her or the other Sisters. When she asked to be admitted, she hadn’t taken the time to ask about the circumstances in detail, and therefore expected to find a fully equipped convent with a number of members. When she arrived in the Taubstummengasse therefore, and asked about the presumed convent, she received no information. When she reached number 5 and repeated her question, she was told, “There’s no convent here, but on the third floor there lives a woman who wears a black dress and white bonnet. Maybe you want to go to her.” Juditha, half disappointed, half expectant, climbed the stairs and rang. As Franziska opened the door, welcomed her with a winning friendliness, and, while serving her a little snack, explained things in more detail, the newcomer’s courage and trust reawakened and she said determinedly, “If God wants that I should work along from the very beginning, so be it!” As Sister Josefa, so the other older sisters unanimously tell of the kindliness with which Franziska welcomed each one so that they forgot the anxiety they felt at this beginning religious life and the dire poverty and soon became totally inflamed with zeal for the work.

Mother Franziska now had to think of acquiring her own house for the Congregation; but where would she get money? The Reverend Director Steiner and the Lang brothers advised her to buy the house belonging to Privy Councilor, Mr. Friedrich Raimann, in the third district of Vienna on Fasangasse Nr. 4. This purchase actually did take place on January 24, 1869. As down payment, Mother Franziska could pay only the negligible sum of 1,000 florins and even this wasn’t all from her own means. She had only the little gained through the collecting, so that the Lang brothers willingly lent her an amount needed to complete the 1,000 florins. The feelings of Mother Franziska therefore, as she closed the sale and signed the contract, can hardly be described. It was no small thing to buy a house without money. With God’s help it was later possible to get the amount of the sale as a bank loan. Then there was, of course, the great worry about paying the interest on the capital, but it was a help for the time being. With the purchase of the house the beginning was made and God continued to help. On the day the sale was completed, Mother Franziska was with His Eminence, Cardinal Rauscher, Archbishop of Vienna, who received her kindly, encouraged her in her work and gave her 100 florins.

On February 1st, the sisters could move into a small apartment in the purchased house which was to be the Mother House of the Congregation for twenty years. The remaining space was still occupied by the tenants who only little by little moved out. The entire property of the sisters when they moved in consisted of a crucifix, a statue of Mary and one of St. Joseph, two glass candlesticks, a hand-held candlestick, two old suitcases, two sheets, two blankets, a pillow, a hot-plate, three spoons, two knives and two forks. The two statues mentioned, of Mary and of St. Joseph, are still preserved in the community room of the present Mother House as precious souvenirs of the blessed Foundress and the first days of the Congregation. In addition to these few things, Mother Franziska bought, at a very good price, the furniture belonging to the military chaplain who had lived in the apartment and was forced to dispose of the things because of being transferred. The sisters considered themselves fortunate to now have two beds and some furniture. It was exactly at the time of the move that Mother Franziska heard the news that a newspaper had accepted an article written against her. This seemed to her to be a hard blow to herself and the new work only just begun. With God’s help the things were soon calmed down because His Eminence, Cardinal Rauscher and the Auxiliary Bishop Kutschker came strongly to Mother Franziska’s aide.
The newly purchased house was called “Marienanstalt” (tr. Marian Institute) to point out that it was placed under the special protection of Mary. In March, when another apartment was vacated, the renovations could be begun. In order to promote the collections, Mother Franziska took on women as collectors. The sisters, also, whose number had now increased by three, diligently continued collecting to gain means for the work begun. A few words from Mother Franziska were sufficient to rekindle their zeal, and they would gladly have gone to the ends of the earth, as the sisters now often say, to gather together something to promote the beautiful undertaking. Evenings, the sisters went out one-by-one to buy for a few cents, wood and the most necessary food, and Mother Franziska, because there was no kitchen available yet, cooked a wine soup on the hot-plate for them. As a reminder of these early days, she later, on the eve of Candlemas day, for many years, cooked a wine soup on a hot-plate and each sister received a spoonful, while she told them of the beginnings of the Congregation and the sacrifices entailed in it. Although tired herself, Mother Franziska, during these meager suppers tried to cheer everyone and with her kindness rekindled the courage of her companions. During the evening recreations and on Sundays and holidays, she also instructed the sisters in reading, writing, arithmetic, etc. After supper, in spite of fatigue, they also were often busy with washing and ironing of their own and other people’s laundry, which they accepted in order to earn something. It was often 12 midnight before they got to rest. Mother Franziska helped, supervised, encouraged, and occasionally returned pieces to the wash tub which to her did not seem done properly enough; For her goodness to the sisters did not infringe upon her authority or the strictness she could show when necessary. Always, however, in such moments, her motherly love was felt and made obedience easy.

From Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday, Director Father Steiner held the first retreat, at which the soliciting ladies also were present. All were very happy about it, especially Mother Franziska, for whom it was very important that her little community resemble more and more convent living and be introduced to the spiritual life. Even then, every day, besides morning and evening prayer, they prayed some short liturgical hours out of the book “HIMMLISCHER PALMGARTEN” and a litany in common. The Litany of St. Joseph was assigned to Wednesday because Mother Franziska had a special devotion to this Saint. she considered him the “Father of the House” and brought him all her intentions, especially the financial worries. They tell the story that, long before the Marian Institute was paid for, she carried the statue of the Saint from room to room and, in a childlike way, showed him everything that was necessary here and there, and presented all her needs. She said to him, “look, St. Joseph, you are our father; You know what we need and you will help us. I promise that I will place all the houses of our Congregation under your special protection, and that all the sisters will give you special honor”. In the company of the sisters she promised him also that his litany would be prayed every Wednesday in the entire Congregation, in gratitude for the help that was sure to come. This promise is kept right up to today and St. Joseph has consistently shown himself to be a faithful protector and father for the Congregation. In the meantime Mother Franziska chose for herself and her companions a religious-type uniform dress, that is, a simple black dress, with a white bonnet worn in the house and a black hat for going out. Later, the hat was discarded and the bonnet, with a black veil added, was used also for going out. Even later the veil was worn also in the house. During the early years, because of the great poverty that reigned, it often happened that the sisters had to lend each other the better clothes for going out.

On Easter morning 1869, Mother Franziska had a great shock. As she wanted to wake the sisters in the morning, she found that they were all unconscious because gas had leaked out during the night. God had sent the caring Mother in time as a guardian angel. By the time they had to go to Mass they were all pretty much recovered.

On April 30th the Statutes of the Congregation received the approval of the royal Governor which was a very important and joyful step toward its continuing existence. In May all the remaining tenants except the former owner, who stayed in his apartment until August, moved. The renovations began immediately and the rooms were ready to be blessed on May 26th. Unfortunately, at that time Mother Franziska had been ill for a month, but, because of the renovations, was able to spend very little time in bed even though rest would have been necessary. Recovered with God’s help, her first care was to furnish a room on the courtyard side as a chapel and an adjoining room as a sacristy. Girls seeking employment were also already accepted, cared for and provided with suitable positions, as is still the main purpose of all Marian Institutes of the Congregation. The great number of girls who soon came demonstrated how correctly Mother Franziska had recognized the need for such an institute in the metropolis. The girls, like the sisters, felt themselves attracted by the charming kindness of the Foundress. Soon she was generally addressed by all simply as “Frau Mutter” because, in her modesty she would not let herself be addressed as “Reverend Mother, and this dear title she kept among her own as well as others with whom she came into closer contact, until the end of her life. Mother Franziska had a special gift, the ability to communicate with all, whether within the highest circles or the lowest classes. Her simple, natural charm attracted all. In contacts with those who were higher placed she was modest, yet unconstrained and was able to say some candid words or make some requests that others would not have dared so easily to do. Toward simple and poor people she showed a motherly kindness and had a friendly, consoling word for the poorest little old lady. She quickly understood hearts and could adapt to their moods, rejoicing with the joyful and giving heartfelt sympathy to the sorrowful and depressed, whom she encouraged, consoled and helped with advice and deeds. All kindness and charity had become as second nature to her. Therefore, it often happened that outsiders, even important persons, sought counsel and comfort with Mother Franziska and poured out their troubled hearts to her.

In the meantime, God’s providence had sent once again, new members to the young Congregation, among them the present Superior General, Sister M. Ignazia Egger. Since the permit for soliciting alms had come for other imperial territories of Austria such as Moravia, Salesia, Upper Austria, etc., Mother Franziska could send partly sisters, partly soliciting ladies, there to receive charitable donations to promote her work. In the early years she wrote herself to the sisters who were away soliciting, and her letters were as loving as she herself was in her manner. The sisters were always happy with them and forgot all efforts and sacrifices in the face of the encouraging and cordial words.

On August 9 Mother Franziska traveled to Ebersberg in Bavaria, in order to turn the institute she had founded over completely to Miss Karoline Tschofen, now that the future of the work in Vienna was almost assured. After a short stay, she returned to Vienna.

On October 9, 1869, in the presence of the Father Director Steiner and all the sisters, Mother Franziska made the Solemn Promises of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, as well as that she would do everything to promote the goals of the Congregation. It is easy to imagine with what fervor she did this. October 10 was a great feast day for the sisters. The first clothing and profession was held. Five candidates received the religious dress and six sisters made promises of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Vows were not yet permitted since His Eminence, Cardinal Rauscher at first allowed only promises to be made. Only the following year were real vows made. Clothing and profession were made in the greatest simplicity. The sisters received the dress and bonnet without ceremony and only the prayer, “Under your protection...” was recited. In spite of this, all were filled with the greatest happiness and firmly strengthened in their courageous offering. This was necessary for the first sisters of the Congregation who had not yet any postulancy and no real novitiate, but usually had to be sent out soliciting the day after clothing. At about this time, at the request of Mother Franziska, the Director, Father Steiner, began to write a rule for the sisters which, under the title, “House Regulations” was approved in 1871 by the Archbishops of Vienna, Gran and Olmutz. Upon completion this rule was read and explained to the sisters every Sunday and holiday. From the time of their clothing all the members made an annual retreat and Mother Franziska did everything with the Reverend Father Steiner, to help the sisters be introduced into and confirmed in the spiritual life.

December 29 was another day of great happiness for Mother Franziska and her own. Holy Mass was celebrated for the first time in the house chapel and all the sisters as well as the soliciting ladies received Holy Communion. Later Mother Franziska talked about that day in this way: “What we felt then is not to be described. These feelings, as at the Consecration, for the first time, Jesus descended to the altar in this house in which the members of the Congregation would be formed, in the chapel where they would say their prayers and receive the holy sacraments, cannot be understood except by those who were witnesses to this happiness.” Shortly before this happy day the sisters had received from the bookstore of Mr. Mayer a Missal and altar picture, representing the adoration of Jesus in the crib by Mary and Joseph, as gifts. At the sight of this latter, the sisters jumped for joy. Later, when a larger chapel was furnished in the Mother House, this beautiful picture came as altar picture to the “Zufluchtshaus” St. Joseph in Breitenfurt and is still there as such today.

On January 8, 1870 the sisters were surprised and gladdened by the exalted visit of her royal Highness the Archduchess Maria Annunciata, wife of the Archduke Karl Ludwig, brother of His Majesty, Franz Joseph I. the royal lady inspected the institute carefully, expressed her pleasure at its furnishing and the work of the sisters and deigned to agree to accepting the protectorate of the Congregation. As Her Majesty inquired how large the foundation fund was, Mother Franziska responded in her straightforward way, “We have a very large fund, that is, Divine Providence!” The great lady, a very pious woman, smiled, and agreed that God would certainly help. From this day onward, her Imperial Majesty proved herself a true protectress of the Congregation. On March 9 she sent a contribution of 300 florins as well as two valuable Mass vestments and was influential that the Marienanstalt receive the profits from a charity presentation given by the ladies of the nobility.

The rooms of the Marienanstalt soon proved themselves too small, as the stream of girls seeking employment steadily increased and Mother Franziska had already taken in some children to be educated. In her burning zeal for the glory of God and the good of neighbor she thought of enlarging the institute through the construction of a right wing. Trusting in God’s continued help the cornerstone for this was laid on June 15, 1870. The sisters were most happy about this progress, the more so, because it was foreseen to erect a larger chapel in this addition. In the short recreations granted them, they carried stones for the building and Mother Franziska led them all, even climbing aboard the wagon to unload stones and tiles. Just as her example on the one hand encouraged the sisters, so also was she very consoled by their willingness to sacrifice. With the advance of the work, the concerns also grew and often they worked all night through, some at desks, some with handicrafts, some in the laundry with the wash taken in. There were so many requests to be made to authorities, the compilation of the Rule, the house schedule, and the program for the erection of a section for boarders, all required great work and then they had to care about working to earn means of support. Through all these efforts, the health of Mother Franziska, already weakened from the last illness, suffered and the Countess Friess offered her a convalescence and use of the baths at Voslau and gave her the use of an apartment in her palace there. Care for the growth of the Congregation allowed Mother Franziska only six days in Voslau, then she returned to Vienna, and allowed another sister who needed recuperation to use up the rest of the offered time.
In July three sisters took the examination as handicrafts teachers, since Mother Franziska was concerned to have sisters educated for schools as soon as possible in order to enlarge the work of the Congregation and make it useful in this area also. This was all the more possible because the number of members increased rapidly. For this reason also, from August 1870 on, almost all the alms collecting could be taken care of by the sisters and soon thereafter, the help of the secular solicitors was no longer necessary.

On September 8, 1878 two statues, one of the dear Mother of God and one of St. Joseph, were placed over the door of the house to give it a convent appearance even from the outside. In the meantime, the addition was visibly advanced and nearly completed to the greatest joy of Mother Franziska as well as the sisters. In October preparations could already be begun for the dedication of the rather spacious chapel, outfitted with a choir. Of course, some parts of the furnishings were still missing, primarily an altar picture because that from the old chapel was too small and in their poverty they could not even imagine purchasing one of fitting size. Father Director often asked, “Frau Mutter, where are you going to get an altar picture?” Mother Franziska always replied with confidence, “One will come, God will provide!” She gave the same assurance also to the sisters. And it happened! God helped in a wonderful way. On October 2 Mother Franziska learned through Mr. Lang that a large altar painting representing the Glory of St. Joseph, painted by Johann Michael Rolssma in the year 1727 would be available from the parish of “St. Josef ob der Leimgrube” on Mariahilferstrasse, if Cardinal Rauscher and the Governor would give permission to move it. Without hesitation, she went to both gentlemen with her petition and was granted the gift, not only willingly but also even joyfully, because now the beautiful painting, no longer necessary in the parish church which was receiving a new one, would once again find a worthy place. The Pastor also was very happy about this circumstance. It is easy to imagine the joy of the sisters; They saw the trust of their spiritual mother not only rewarded, but surpassed beyond all expectations. That the picture just happened to be of St. Joseph, seemed also to be this Saint’s confirmation of his kind acceptance of the promises made and the office given him as the “Father of the House” by Mother Franziska. He also immediately showed his providence. On October 23 Mother Franziska received a monstrance and a lamp for the sanctuary light from benefactors, and on the 26th Mr. Lang donated a small organ, which was very old, but for the sisters, nevertheless, a treasure. The solemn dedication of the chapel could be held on November 4. This was undertaken by the Rev. Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Kutscher. Countess Goss, private tutor, came as representative of the Protectress, Archduchess Maria Annunciata. Members of the Community Council and police officers were also present. The pupils of the Institute for the blind beautified the uplifting ceremony with their singing. Mother Franziska and the sisters, who numbered 27, received Holy Communion from the hand of the Auxiliary Bishop during the Holy Mass. All were filled with the most blessed joy. Interesting is the circumstance by which the sisters came on this day to the happy possession of the Blessed Sacrament. The permission for permanent reservation in this chapel had not yet been given. Accidentally, however, the sister who had charge of the sacristy prepared more hosts for consecration than there were communicants and so, after the distribution of Holy Communion, some consecrated Hosts remained, which the Auxiliary Bishop then had to place in the tabernacle. After the celebration he jokingly told Mother Franziska that she and the sisters were very clever to have captured the Lord in this way. This intention of course, had not been present, but still, Mother Franziska and the sisters were most happy about this unexpected grace, and saw the oversight that had occasioned it, not as a simple coincidence, but rather as a providential arrangement of God and a sign that the Divine Savior gladly wanted to dwell with them under their poor roof. Following this Mother Franziska often knelt before the tabernacle, in order there to bring all her intentions and cares, and to beg in fervent prayer, God’s blessing for herself and her own and where she drew power and strength to continue her work. This last she also needed because Mother Franziska had many struggles to withstand and the young Congregation had some crosses and trials ahead of it, as we will hear in the following. A visitation came as soon as November 27. A terrible wind storm tore the tin roof off the chapel and shattered the windows in the glassed-in half of the house, which, considering the poverty of the sisters, was a hard blow. However, God once again helped so that Mother Franziska was soon able to let the damage be repaired.
Now we must go back a little in our narrative to share the founding of the first branch of the Congregation, which took place in the meantime. The occasion showed very pointedly that the good God willed the continuation and spread of the work begun by Mother Franziska and to confirm her words which she so often told the sisters, “If it is not God’s work it will collapse, but if it is God’s work, it will continue!”

Servant and Instrument

CHAPTER TWO

Franziska’s Activities after Completing her Education until the Founding of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity.

Unfortunately not as many dates as we would like to have are available from this part of Franziska’s life. Especially unknown is the length of time she spent in this or that employment. What is available, though, also gives witness to her noble character, to her restless striving for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, and shows by what wonderful ways and through how many trials the Lord often leads those whom He has chosen as special instruments for His purposes and to fulfill His plans.
After a short stay in the home of her parents, Franziska returned to Munich to the Institute of the School Sisters to work there as a teacher. She soon had the total love of her students and achieved the best results as a teacher. Gladly would Franziska have been accepted in the Congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, but in spite of her preference for religious life, she could not make up her mind to enter.[1] As she herself often mentioned later, it was as if an inner voice were saying that this is not the destiny to which God had called her. Of course, she did not as yet know where this destiny would be found. The desire she had since childhood to work with poor pagan children, and which still inspired her, was to be at least partially fulfilled. At that time, as already noted earlier, public examinations were the practice in schools. On the occasions of such examinations, His Majesty King Ludwig I of Bavaria often came to the Institute of the School Sisters. His Daughter-in-Law, Queen Marie, also frequently honored the Institute with her visits. Both soon noticed the young, talented teacher so gifted with many wonderful qualities and deigned to show her special favor. King Ludwig cherished the intention of buying a number of black children at his own expense, bringing them to Europe, and letting them be educated and instructed in the Catholic Faith by the School Sisters in Munich. No one seemed more suited to take charge of the education of these little black children than Franziska, more so after he knew of her wish to work with the poor pagan children. Black children actually were bought in Khartoum, brought to Munich through a priest, and then entrusted to the overjoyed Franziska. The exact number of children is unknown but it must have been about 24 girls of various ages. Franziska devoted herself with complete attention to her little black ones; Her time belonged to them, she sacrificed even rest and recreation for them. Above all, she strove to achieve a knowledge of their mother tongue, as well as to give them the most necessary minimum of the German language in order to make possible an understanding and instruction. It was no small task to civilize these little ones for, initially their inborn wildness often broke through. Franziska often mentioned later, that she was her most pious at this time, since she, in the fear that her charges could attack her, kept herself constantly prepared for death. In spite of this, she spared no effort and so, after a while, was richly rewarded, as she won the love and attachment of the children. These soon called her nothing but “Mamma”. In later years Franziska frequently and gladly told of her dear black children who so appreciatively opened their unspoiled little hearts to the holy truths of the Faith. The following little episode is an example of this. Some of the older European born students of the Institute had become guilty of a lie; so the little black children came very shocked and upset to Franziska and said, “Mamma, Mamma, eating Jesus and making lies!” It was simply incomprehensible to these simple children of nature that one could lie with the same tongue that had touched the Holy Body of Jesus. With longing and holy joy Franziska awaited the day when her little darlings would be reborn in the water of Holy Baptism as children of God. This day was for her one of the greatest happiness and purest heavenly delight. Unfortunately, Franziska was not to have her dear Black ones very long; It was soon obvious that these could not tolerate the European climate. One child after the other became ill and almost all pined away in spite of the best medical efforts and the most careful nursing. If Franziska had been a mother to the little ones before, now, in illness she was even more so and cared for them until the last moments with the sacrifice of her own strength. How painful it was for her heart as an unrelenting death once again took one of her charges! And yet she felt comfort and joy at the thought that these had gone into eternity enlightened with the true Faith and in the white dress of Baptismal grace. How many blessings for her later work will these little black ones, in Heaven shining white angels, have interceded for their loving foster mother! Of the few black girls who remained alive, one entered the Congregation of the School Sisters; One married, but, unfortunately, unhappily. This former pupil often wrote to her former foster mother in order to seek consolation in her troubles.

After the death of most of her dear black children, Franziska took a position as teacher in the Deaf and Dumb Institute in Munich and stayed there some years. This position gave her again a fitting outlet for her charity and she gave of herself to the poor deaf and dumb with the same devotion as she had earlier to her little black children. Here also Franziska enjoyed general love and respect, though this position also did not seem to be the one to which she felt herself innerly driven. More and more she was confirmed in the thought of founding her own congregation for the honor of God and the welfare of the poor. How and where this was to happen she, of course, did not yet know. Then a priest with the name Depozzo from Sett in the Canton Graubunden in Switzerland came to know Franziska. He had a similar intention as she and therefore encouraged her to found jointly with him, a Congregation which would actualize her ideas. So Franziska decided to give up her position in Munich and traveled to Illanz in Switzerland, where, in July, 1865, with the Reverend Depozzo, she founded an educational institution. Here Franziska was employed as directress, since only by and by would they attempt to organize a Congregation with the members who joined them. The Institute, also, flourished under Franziska’s leadership and in August, 1867 she already founded a branch in Dornbirn in Vorarlberg, which opened on September 6 of the same year with 64 students and gave reason for the most beautiful hopes. At the wish of Rev. Depozzo, Franziska was also supposed to found a similar educational institution in Ebersberg in Bavaria and it seemed to promise a beautiful field of activity. Unfortunately, the above named priest was very inconsistent and had once this, another time that, idea which were obviously not realizable. Convinced that she would not achieve the desired results in this situation, Franziska, after mature deliberation decided to give it up and to follow independently the goal that hovered before her. Still, she wanted to weigh carefully how she could reach this in conformity with the will of God. In order not to be idle during the time she clarified this for herself, she rented an apartment at the carpenter Kerschels and began a private school attached to a kindergarten and vocational school. She did not want to do this for herself, but for Miss Karoline Tschofen (died as a member of the “Englischen Fraulein” Institute in Brixen on September 23, 1897) who was employed with her as a teacher in Dornbirn and had come to Ebersberg. By the time this institute was functioning, she expected to have achieved clarity concerning her own plans. With God’s help the above named school, conducted by Franziska as Principal, made a good start. She employed some teachers and wore with them a kind of religious habit. In the meantime her spirit worked uninterruptedly on her ideas and in continual fervent prayer she pleaded for enlightenment from above. Her prayer was not in vain, the goal which she would follow stood with increasing clarity before her eyes. During her sojourns in larger cities she had had the opportunity to see the many dangers to which unemployed girls were exposed; how these, during their time of unemployment often not only had to use up their meager savings, but also could be ruined in body and soul. This touched her heart profoundly and she regarded it as absolutely necessary that institutes be brought into existence, especially in large cities, which would help remedy this evil by accepting without cost and providing care and employment services for unemployed girls. At the same time, these institutes should provide them with useful work and give them opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for their position, as well as confirming them in their holy religion and instructing them in their duties as Christians and good servants. Franziska wanted to found such an institute, and, if it thrived, to found various branches. Since she rightly recognized that servants had much influence on the children in the families and therefore on the coming generations, she saw the education of good servants as necessary as their protection during their time of unemployment. She therefore conceived the further intention of accepting poor orphaned girls and educating them as worthwhile, good servants who later could find an honest advancement in the world and do good in families. If God would bless these undertakings, her institutes would later be devoted to the education and instruction of youth generally, but the main goal of caring for poor servant girls would always be kept in view. Franziska wanted to name the congregation to be founded: “Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Love,” because the members whom she hoped to receive through God’s help, besides striving for Christian perfection and personal holiness, would, for the love of God, devote themselves to works of charity. It is easy to see how well Franziska recognized the needs of the times and how deeply the carrying out of her plans would penetrate the social question. Queen Marie of Bavaria to whom Franziska traveled from Ebersberg to inform Her Majesty of her plans, also grasped this. The noble Queen, who herself had such a kind heart for the poor and who still had good memories of Franziska from Munich, recognized immediately that here was a work of great significance and did not miss giving Franziska lively encouragement to fulfill her plans. Even later, her Majesty retained a lively interest in her and her undertakings and when, on occasion Franziska’s spiritual daughters made short trips to Bavaria to collect alms and asked for an audience with Queen Marie she always received them most graciously, gave them gifts and treated them, so to say, as friends. Her Majesty showed them the palace, entertained them, and finally let them be taken by carriage to the next place that they wanted to visit. Queen Marie always sent gracious greetings to Mother Franziska and once even sent, after she had personally signed her name under each picture, her portrait taken in two different poses. These same are still preserved as precious souvenirs of the noble Queen as well as of Mother Franziska.

Franziska was now indeed herself clear on the purpose of the Congregation to be founded, but did not yet know where its birthplace would be. On a trip she made in 1867 to Hungary, to collect alms for her institute in Ebersberg, she went through Vienna and met Dr. Theodor Wiedemann. As he heard of Franziska’s plans, he told her that His Highness Archduke Albrecht had reserved a sum of 300,000 florins for the foundation of an institute for servants, and only the capable hand to carry out the project was missing. This was a ray of hope for Franziska. After she had corresponded with this man for a longer time and he had given her hope of support from important people, she decided to go to Vienna in the spring of 1868 in order to convince herself personally whether or not there was a possibility of a foundation; But the time determined by God had not yet arrived. As she went, totally prepared for departure, to the coach in Ebersberg at dawn, she neglected to notice a stone in her path, fell and sprained her hand so badly that the thought of the trip had to be put temporarily aside. Therefore she returned home. The sprain caused her much pain and it was a long time until the hand was again completely sound. Meanwhile, her thoughts were often on the intended foundation and in continual prayer she pleaded with God that His holy will might be fulfilled in and through her. After healing was completed, Franziska traveled to Innsbruck in September, 1868, to strengthen herself with a retreat before beginning her work, and at the same time, to weigh everything once again with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. She made the Spiritual Exercises with Father Jung, a priest of the Society of Jesus, to whom she also revealed her plans and who strengthened her in this intention. After finishing the retreat, she returned to Ebersberg, gave the direction of her institute to the temporary care of Miss Karoline Tschofen, said farewell, and began the journey to Vienna on October 24.

[1] Translator’s note: She did enter but left sometime later.

Mother Franziska Lechner - SERVANT AND INSTRUMENT

Introduction

Since so many have expressed an interest in the life story of the Foundress of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity we have decided to put for all to read, the biography written by a contemporary in 1905. This anonymous person, surely a member of the Congregation, has written her story with love and attention. It is now published here world-wide for all who know the English language to read.

CHAPTER ONE

Mother Franziska’s Childhood and Youth

Franziska Lechner was born on January 2, 1833[1] in the friendly village of Edling situated near Wasserburg in Bavaria. Her parents, Xaver and Marie were a truly God—fearing Christian couple who lived on the income from their considerable property. Her father was also occupied with transporting food and goods for the farmers of his village to the capitol, Munich, because at that time there was still no rail line. Because of this, he and his family were well known far and wide. He was also well liked because of his honesty, goodness and outgoing friendliness.
These beautiful qualities were soon evident in Franziska, called “Franzi” at home, who soon became the darling of her parents and her sisters, among whom she was the fifth in order of birth. From her earliest childhood, she had a special joy in learning little prayers. It was her old nurse, Resi, who, also considering Franzi her special darling, taught her these and had the little one recite them daily. She did this, not mechanically, but with devotion and zeal so that the nurse thought that surely something great would become of her Franzi. She enjoyed praying these childhood prayers also later, especially while traveling, when during the journeys she had enough time to pray.
Franzi never had to be reminded of morning and evening prayer and usually performed these devotions in front of the crucifix which is still in the sisters’ choir of the Mother House of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity in Vienna. Earlier this was the property of the Benedictine Monastery of Attel near Wasserburg in Bavaria, where it was hung in the oratory of the cloister. At the suppression of the monastery the cross came into the possession of Franzi’s grandfather. He, as well as his family and descendants, always considered it a family treasure. Later, after Franziska founded the first institute of her congregation in Vienna the crucifix was brought at her request and hung in a place of honor in the convent chapel, from where it was later brought to the choir of the new Mother House. Franzi participated at Mass with such attention that those present were deeply touched by the sight of this “angel in human form”.
Her intelligence developed unusually early. Her father’s cleverness contributed to this. When she was permitted to accompany him on the drive to the market, she had to, among other things, tell him the name of this and that town and relate what she had seen here and there. He paid strict attention that his children did not just make the trip in a mindless way and this was a great advantage for the very precocious little one. She also had to re-count the money taken in and, later, under his direction, help with the business accounts, helping Franzi to acquire an unusual ability in arithmetic. In school she was first in industry and good behavior. From the very first year of school she always brought her parents the first prize from the examinations held, according to the custom of the time in city and country schools, in the presence of school and civil authorities. She had great influence on and enjoyed the trust, yes, even the respect of her classmates,--boys and girls were instructed together--which tells of her model behavior and all the virtues of a good student. Therefore she was sought out by her classmates before confession to help them with their examination of conscience and she did this willingly and successfully.

When she was nine years old a priest came to Edling to preach a mission. In one sermon, at which the little one was present, he described the misery of the pagan children and asked his listeners to give small sums to rescue them. Young people, however, who might have a vocation to the religious state, and who wanted to offer their lives for the welfare of the pagans, he encouraged to report to Rosenheim which was some distance from Edling. The result was that Franzi immediately felt herself called to this heroic sacrifice and, keeping it a secret, was determined also to go to the savages with her nine year-old cousin, “Xaverl”. The two children outfitted themselves with the necessities, tied these into two large handkerchiefs and, without telling anyone of their plans, set out the next day. Late at night and totally exhausted they arrived at their Uncle’s house in Seiding where they wanted to spend the night in order to continue their journey the next day. Naturally, the Uncle informed himself about the reason for their coming and the children told him very honestly what had brought them. He calmly let them go to sleep, but immediately sent a messenger to the parents of the fugitives to prevent their further worry and search. The next morning, securely accompanied, Franzi and Xaverl began the trip home.
The good memory and speaking talent of the student, hardly out of the delicate years of childhood, aroused great admiration. She retained very well the sermons and conferences she heard and she often and gladly made use of this special grace. In front of her father’s house was a stately tree with a natural projection which served her as a pulpit from which she repeated the Word of God she had heard and encouraged her listeners, not only children, but also adults, to do good. Such a sermon from the mouth of a child not only won the respect of the older people, but also produced satisfying fruit among the young, especially since Franzi preceded her contemporaries with good example. Once, in school, the pastor explained that love of neighbor must be turned into deeds. At the next opportunity Franzi was seen supporting an old lady as she was walking, then taking a heavy basket from the arm of another woman to carry the load for her, and really being helpful wherever there was need. At her encouragement, the other children also did such little acts of love. They valued praise from her very highly, as well as feared correction from their little mistress almost more than a scolding from their parents. Therefore, when one of the boys or girls did some mischief they would say “If only Franzi doesn’t find out, otherwise I will have a hard time on Sunday!” It was on Sunday afternoons that the children gathered at the “carter’s” as the Lechner house was known in the village and environs, for innocent fun. In good weather they met outside. In bad weather or in winter, Franzi knew how to provide a suitable place where all could devote themselves to their childish activities undisturbed. Nearby was a roomy house belonging to the Lechners and originally built for the retired parents. Since Franziska’s grandparents were already deceased during her childhood, the house was given over to an old couple for their use. Naturally, the little one was also their darling, and so, whenever she needed a meeting place, the two old people would go to church and leave the house for her use. The entire group of children willingly obeyed Franzi’s commands so it rarely happened that the planned recreation was disrupted by the bad behavior of an individual. Franzi selected, and herself arranged, the various games, held little lectures and reprimanded those about whom she had heard complaints in the past week. So attractive was Franzi’s example to all that, those who received correction from her amazingly demonstrated neither spite nor unfriendliness to their strict little superior but tried to repair the fault committed and the next week appeared again at the “carter’s”.

According to custom, the inhabitants of Edling gathered in the church each Saturday after the evening bells’ tolling to recite the rosary. Many children, however, taking no pleasure in this religious practice, often stayed away entirely or disturbed, and even angered those present during their devotions by their unsuitable behavior. Talking and punishment by parents and teachers helped little here. Then Franzi tackled the case. She assigned each boy and girl to a specific place and herself supervised them as the entire community of Edling watched with amazement and admiration, the happy consequences of the energy and influence of this little girl over the lively youths. In a short time none of the children was missing from the rosary, Mass or other public devotions, and order was always preserved in a most praiseworthy manner.

The little one showed a special preference for religious things and convent practices. Her Father often took her along to Wasserburg where there was an institute run by the “English Ladies”[2] so she had several opportunities to see Sisters and to attend the solemn Clothing and other church ceremonies. One of her favorite games came to consist in imitating what she had.seen on such occasions. She made herself a habit according to her childish fantasy and then with admirable earnestness set about the clothing of her companions. For the members of her community she built houses and chapels or churches whose blessings were usually held in very solemn ceremonies. Nearby, her father had a brickworks, and there the little foundress went with her subjects to gather building material for her purposes. Naturally, this always resulted in some disorder and damage, but the father’s strictness toward this activity achieved little with his usually so obedient darling. Franzi, with the help of her faithful following continued to build as she would later do in her richly blessed work for the good of the young and the welfare of so many of the poor.

She dressed the boys as Capuchins by tying cords around their waists and hanging rosaries from them. Why, as a child, she preferred this order can be traced back to the fact that, every year after the harvest, a Capuchin brother came to Edling to collect alms. It was always Franzi and her little cousin, Xaverl, who attached themselves to him and accompanied him from house to house. Franzi, carrying a basket, and Xaverl a sack, they announced the arrival of the religious and talked the owner or housewife into giving him a generous amount. They both had great joy as Franzi’s father then rewarded the charity of the children by carting all the collected things to the Capuchin monastery in Rosenheim the next day.

Even at that time they thought something special would become of this child so richly endowed with wonderful gifts and graces. And it was to be! God wanted to show in this way to the inhabitants of Edling that He intended to use this graced child to do great things for His own glory and the welfare of humanity. In the neighboring State of Austria-Hungary He later permitted Franziska to fulfill in a glorious way all those things, which in childish play and zeal for good, she had practiced in her youth.

Once, Franzi was allowed to go to Altötting to visit the famous image of the Virgin. She went to confession there and the confessor permitted the pious child to go to Holy Communion twice. For Franzi this was an almost unimaginable good fortune; she recounted later that she hardly dared to look up as she walked, because she wanted to keep her heart very pure for this grace. In Altötting she also had an opportunity to see the “English Ladies” and it made a great impression on her to watch them greet the Mother of God with “Ave Maria” whenever they passed her image in the hallway. Soon after returning home she made her decision; she wrote secretly to the Superior in Altötting and asked to be admitted as a candidate, The response, however, fell into her father’s hands and now Franzi received a real scolding for her secret correspondence. Rightly, her father considered her too young for such a decision, and kept strict watch over her to prevent any further secret attempts to request admittance. He took her with him on almost all his trips, and when he couldn’t keep her near him, her elder sister, Caroline, had to watch her. None of this could dissuade Franzi from her desire and yearning for religious life. She assaulted her father with pleading to be allowed at least to go to a convent as a boarding student. Since he had to admit to himself that his little daughter was called by God to something greater, he finally decided to give in to this eager desire of hers and brought her, after completion of her thirteenth year, to the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Munich “an der Au” for further education. Here Franziska made shining progress and was, in a short time, the darling of her teachers as well as the most sought-after and trusted friend of her companions. Unfortunately, details from this time were not preserved; only that her companions often asked her, in the free time, to tell them a story. Fanni—as she was called in the institute—told not only of personal experiences or from her reading, but her creative spirit knew how to compose the most moving tales, for example, of travelers on the sea, who were very near sinking; of oppressed people who found themselves in great need, and who were aided by God’s providential help and so forth. Her fellow students listened with suspense-filled attention and were often moved to tears even though they knew that Franziska usually made up the stories herself. We can imagine that here, too, as with her classmates at home, her popularity with her companions was a good influence on them. After completing the prescribed study time, Franziska brought home to her parents a certificate which permitted her to teach. With this a long-held wish was fulfilled.
[1] Parish records cite January 1, 1833
[2] A Roman Catholic religious congregation.