CHAPTER VII
Foundation of the Convalescent House in Breitenfurt, the houses in St. Andre
and Prague and other noteworthy happenings in the years from 1877 to 1882.
Foundation of the Convalescent House in Breitenfurt, the houses in St. Andre
and Prague and other noteworthy happenings in the years from 1877 to 1882.
On January 30, 1877 Mother Franziska with her niece, Sister Annunciata Vornberger, undertook a trip to Munich to try to get a soliciting permit for Bavaria. In spite of the nice references from various high places which supported her request, she was not granted the permission. From Munich Mother Franziska went to Ingolstadt to a very ill sister, Karoline in order to talk over some family affairs and then to Wasserburg to a relative. From there she went with her companion to her home village of Edling. At this time her parents had been long dead; and anyway, these sold their property and had not spent their last years in Edling. Of the rest of Mother Franziska’s family there remained no one except her old Godmother. Mother Franziska had told the Pastor of Edling of her arrival. The old Godmother and all who had known ‘Franzi’ were joyfully gathered in the churchyard to await her. Even gray—haired men and women did not neglect hurrying there; Each one wanted to see and speak to her. Mother Franziska and Sister Annunciata arrived in Edling after noon and were joyfully greeted by the Pastor and all those assembled. The old Godmother, seeing her God child again, as the Foundress of an order clasped her hands again and again and said that now she would be prepared to die, having seen “Franzi” again. The people said to each other, “We knew it, that something special would become of our Karrer Franzi!” (Karrer was, as we said before, the name of her family house.) The Pastor led Mother Franziska into the parish church, dedicated to the Holy Family, where she had been Baptized and received First Holy Communion. All the people came along and prayed with her before the painting of the Holy Family which decorates the main altar and which she still loved in a special way. They also all went together to the cemetery to visit the graves of Mother Franziska’s dear departed ones. Many old memories were reawakened on this walk. After they returned to the church yard Mother Franziska told of the Congregation which God founded through her and about the goals she had set for it. All were unanimous in thinking that god was with her and her undertaking. In the evening Mother Franziska continued her journey, first in order to visit a relative living near Edling. Before the departure the Pastor gave the benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. The farewell with “Franzi” was very difficult for these good people and they would have liked her to stay with them longer. Some tears were shed and the good wishes of the inhabitants of Edling accompanied her. Mother Franziska also did not forget, during her stay in her homeland, to visit the dear Blessed Mother in Altotting, and commend herself and the whole Congregation to her. On February 6 she again arrived in Vienna.
Now we must recount another event that demonstrates Mother Franziska’s care for the interior development of the Congregation.
In 1877 she summoned the first General chapter which lasted from July 20 to 24 and was attended by the superiors of the various houses and their assistants. Mother Franziska thought it necessary to consult with them about the interests of the Congregation, to take precautionary measures against abuses, and make such decisions which would preserve the zeal and spirit of sacrifice of the sisters. From that time on such a gathering was held at determined intervals for the good of the Congregation, and upon approval of the Constitutions by the Holy See, after every six years.
Since the house in Briinn had already proven to be too small, Mother Franziska had to think about tearing down the back wing to make room for
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a new addition in its place. She therefore undertook a trip to Briinn in February, 1878 and, trusting in God’s help, made the necessary arrangements with the builder; it was decided to begin the work on April 1. On April 8 Mother Franziska went to Brunn again because the cornerstone laying was to take place on the twelfth. She took this opportunity to pay a visit to the Reverend Bishop Nottig, to show him the plans for the addition. He received her in a kindly and fatherly way. Unfortunately, the Pastor Kment was prevented from officiating at the cornerstone blessing. Therefore, at nine in the evening Mother Franziska went with all the sisters to the construction just begun, to pray there with them, that God would bring this beginning to a happy end and not permit that this house, built for His glory, ever be used for any other purpose. Then Mother Franziska made the sign of the cross on the cornerstone and sprinkled. the site with holy water; after which each sister did the same. With God’s help the building progressed so that the solemn dedication of the wing could take place on September 9, 1878 in the chapel found therein. Mother Franziska naturally did not miss the chance to be in Brunn on that day. All the guests, many from high circles, who were present at the dedication were visibly surprised as they entered the chapel; no one had imagined it to be so beautiful and all expressed greatest satisfaction with the celebration.
During the enlargement of the Brinn house, Mother Franziska again began a foundation. Soon after the foundation of the Refuge of St. Joseph in Breitenfurt she set up, besides the section for the lifelong care of old servants, a section for poor servant girls released from the hospitals. There they were accepted and cared for without cost so that they could convalesce in the good country air to regain their strength and be able once again to take on a position. The rooms in the Refuge soon proved to be too small and so Mother Franziska thought of caring for those convalescing in a house of their own, because it caused her heart pain, because of lack of space, to have to turn away these poor creatures who so badly needed a period of recuperation but could not afford one from their own means. Therefore on May 18 and 19, 1878 she viewed the beautifully situated house of Mr. August Schonwetter for sale in Breitçnfurt, which was only fifteen minutes away from the Refuge. It seemed to be very suited to her intended purposes, since it was in the best of condition and, with its twelve rooms and two kitchens, even if small, offered sufficient space. A stable, a hay barn, 15 yoke meadow and 15 yoke pastureland* also belonged with it. After careful negotiations with the owner the sale took place as early as May 21 for 15,500 florins. The house was taken over on May 24, the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, and therefor was given the beautiful name, tMariahilft? (Mary—help). Mother Franziska made the note of this purchase in the Congregation Chronicle in her own hand and added the words: “Yes, good Mother Mary, do not abandon us”, remain always at our side with your powerful protection!” Mother Franziska surely didn’t sense as she wrote these words, that it would be in this house that Mary would grant her the last help, since, here, sixteen years later, her active life, lived for the glory of God and welfare of neighbor, would close.
On June 1 the necessary repairs in the newly purchased house were begun and as soon as the 22nd of the same month they were completed. On June 21, the Feast of St. Aloysious, the sisters assigned to the convalescent house moved in. Mother Franziska, who accompanied them, led them into the already furnished oratory where they prayed the Litany of Perpetual Help. Thereafter, the Spiritual Director of the Refuge, Father Leopold Endl, gave a talk in which he motivated the sisters to an exact fulfillment of duties. After this simple, yet beautiful introduction, they went happily to the setting up of the house. Only on January 2, 1879 was the dedication of
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the convent of “Mariahilf”, celebrated by Rev. P. Alfons, former Definitor of the Capuchins and confessor for the sisters in the Mother House in Vienna. Mother Franziska had intentionally postponed this celebration so long to allow the soliciting sisters, so many of whom had never had the pleasure of being present at the dedication of a house, to attend. Since these sisters had to bring so many and often great sacrifices toward the foundation and maintaining of the houses Mother Franziska wanted them on this day to enjoy one of the fruits of their countless efforts. After the dedication of the chapel and the house, the first Holy Mass was offered to the Heavenly Father by the Rev. P. Alfons, during which the sisters of the convalescent house received Holy Communion. All present were moved to tears as the most high Lord of Heaven and earth descended for the first time to the altar in this newly dedicated house. The feelings of gratitude and joy made a deep impression on all. The altar of the little chapel was the same one on which the first Holy Mass was offered in the Mother House in Vienna. Since that happy January 2 the convalescent house has been shown to be a work richly blessed in that every year, in the most beautiful season, so many poor servant girls find recuperation and strength there, so that they can regain sufficient health to return to earning their living. The foundation of this house was really a work typical of the noble heart of Mother Franziska.
It was a big concern of Mother Franziska’s that the Rules of the Society, which had had the Episcopal approval since 1871, would also have Papal Approval and that the Society would be recognized as a canonical Congregation. Therefore she asked the Jesuit Fathers to look through and re—work the Rules so that her wish could be fulfilled. This request was gladly granted and as early as January 23, 1879 she received the revised Rule. Ever since its foundation, indeed, the Jesuit Fathers have earned much gratitude from the Congregation. Mother Franziska went carefully through each point of the Rule with the Reverend General Director, Monsignor Horny, and found that they were very well worked out, so that there were very few further wishes regarding changes or additions that she wanted to express in their regard. After the Jesuit Fathers had made these few changes Mother Franziska brought the Rules to His Eminence Cardinal Johannes Kutschker with the request that he study them and then send them, with his recommendation to Rome. His Eminence spoke with them for an hour and then sent them away with his blessing. The circumstances of the Papal approval gave Mother Franziska much work and concern during the years 1879 and 1880.
she had the Rules printed and beautifully bound in order to present them to all the bishops in whose dioceses the Congregation was active. At the same time, with some sisters she did a report about the general activity of the Congregation in the ten years of its existence. Then she traveled to each of these bishops to present them with the report and the Rule and to ask them to write the recommendations to the Holy Father which are necessary for receiving ecclesiastical approval. Mother Franziska was very graciously received by all the bishops and, in recognition of the great good already done by the young society, assured by all of their fulfillment of her request and later, of a very beautiful written recommendation. On November 3, 1880 things had progressed so far that Mother Franziska could complete and send to Rome the request to the Holy Father for approval of the Holy Rule as well as ecclesiastical recognition of the society. The efficient accomplishment of this request happened in July 1884 as we will recount in the appropriate place.
In the two years during which the work and traveling mentioned above concerning the approval of the Rule were going on, Mother Franziska was busy in many other areas also. In April 1879 the Silver Wedding Anniversary
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of the Imperial Couple was being celebrated in all parts of Austria—Hungary in the most dazzling way. So Mother Franziska hurried to all her institutes to order a worthy celebration, because, although not born in Austria and loving her Fatherland, Bavaria, and its royal house above all, she still cultivated a great respect and devotion toward the great Imperial House of Hapsburg and always zealously worked to awaken and nourish patriotic feelings in all those committed to her care. The reason for this was found not only in the empathy which the Austrians and Bavarians, as peoples of related origins and subjects of two such intertwined ruling houses felt with each other, but this reverence counted mainly as an obligation of gratitude for the extraordinary respect and graciousness which their majesties, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elizabeth as well as other members of the Imperial Family deigned to show herself and the Congregation. Mother Franziska wrote in the Chronicle of the Congregation on the occasion of the Silver Wedding Anniversary of the Imperial Couple: “In all our houses, especially here, the Imperial Festival was celebrated in the most solemn way. In the mcrrning there was a Solemn High Mass and the sisters and candidates received Holy Communion, the house (she meant here the Vienna Marienanstalt) was hung with flags and the names of Emperor and Empress with their portraits and coats of arms to the right and left decorated the front. Beautiful songs were sung and grand poems were recited. All had the same sentiments, the same joy and each was striving to give it expression. God preserve, protect and bless our Imperial Couple! This was surely the prayer of every honest heart to God today. God hear our prayer, then we will all be happy!”
In the same year Mother Franziska received another proof of his good will from His Majesty, which was at the same time a wonderful reward for her trust in God, she had presented His Majesty with a request that a grant from the profits of the State Lottery would come to the Congregation. On September 12, 1879 the sum of 10,000 florins which Mother Franziska had borrowed six years before from the St. Joseph Savings and Loans in Leopoldstadt near Vienna, would come due for repayment and she had, unfortunately, no prospects for meeting this obligation, if the above mentioned petition were not granted. His Majesty had received the request very graciously, but September had come and the money was still missing. Mother Franziska hoped steadfastly that her trust in God’s help would not disappoint her, and so it was. On September 10, a servant from the Ministry of the Interior came with a note saying that Mother Franziska could at any time come and collect 10,000 florins from the Administration of the Imperial Lottery. As she opened it the seal on the note was still moist because the messenger was told to bring the note as fast as possible to the Marienanstalt because the sisters needed the money very badly. One can easily imagine Mother Franziska’s joy and gratitude, since she once again had a sign of the care of God and the power of a rock—stable trust. The money came exactly at the moment of greatest need. She immediately summoned all the sisters, charges and servant girls to the chapel where the Te Deum was sung and prayers offered for the noble Emperor, that God, through the intercession of Mary would reward him for this good deed. On September 11 Mother Franziska picked up the money at the Administration of the Imperial Lottery in order to immediately execute the repayment of the loan. The officials were very friendly and told Mother Franziska that a big exception had been made for her since none of the others for whom a sum from the lottery had been determined had yet been given any cash.
On September 17, Mother Franziska traveled with some sisters to Mariazell in order to give thanks for the recently received help as well as all the other graces that had come to her and to her Congregation and
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to recommend the Congregation to the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. After she had brought forth all her intentions in the shrine chapel, she returned home on the twentieth. Unfortunately, through the long time spent kneeling on the stone floor, Mother Franziska caught a cold so that she had to go to bed on the day she arrived home. The doctor who was called confirmed abdominal typhoid. The sisters were of course very shocked by this and prayed fervently for the recovery of their dear spiritual mother. God heard their fervent prayer and as soon as three weeks later Mother Franziska was restored to health to the extent that she could go to Breitenfurt for recuperation. In the good air she soon regained her strength and returned to the Mother House on October 27.
On November 27, 1879 Mother Franziska and Sister Ignazia Egger were received in audience by His Majesty. she had requested this audience to express her respectful gratitude for the substantial sum she had received from the State Lottery. As she began her thanks, however, His Majesty interrupted her with the question, “Now, how are you? I hear things are going well &ut there with you, are things progressing swiftly for you?” Mother Franziska tried again to hank, but His Majesty replied, “It gave me pleasure to be able to do something for you. I will always do my best for you.” Mother Franziska mentioned that it was exactly eleven years ago on that day that she received the written permission from the city authorities for the foundation, that she was at that time all alone, and that now there were already 155 sisters working in ten houses. His Majesty greatly admired this rapid growth of the congregation, and expressed his pleasure that the authorities are so well intentioned toward it.
Mother Franziska and her companion returned home deeply moved by the compliments of His Majesty and rejoiced over this gracious recognition of the work of the Congregation.
The concern about repaying the debt of 10,000 florins for the Refuge of St. Joseph in Breitenfurt was now over, but in the meantime, a new worry about the same house confronted Mother Franziska. The refuge, too, had long ago become too small. For this reason, Mother Franziska had an addition built on the north side in 1878, but still there wasn’t enough space. It seemed absolutely necessary to add two further wings on the east and south side to do justice to all the demands made on the house according to its purpose. Again, the irritating problem of money was the obstacle. Mother Franziska thought about receiving permission to solicit in the Tyrol to solve this problem, but the trip two sisters took on October 1, 1879 to Innsbruck, especially for this purpose remained without result. As often as she had tried, during two years, for the soliciting permit in the Tyrol, Mother Franziska had received a denial. Now, since she didn’t know where she should send the sisters to collect and how she should get the funds for building in Breitenfurt, she took refuge with the Patron of that house and promised St. Joseph, that if she received help through his intercession in this intention, she would immediately have it published it in the Messenger of St. Joseph.
Trusting in the support of the dear Saint, Mother Franziska went once more, on January 29, 1880, to the Ministry of the Interior to request the soliciting permit for the Tyrol. She told her companion, Sister Henrika Albrecht to put a tiny image of St. Joseph, the kind that come in little cases to carry in the purse, under her glove and open with it the door to the Ministry, so that St. Joseph would be leading them in. Wonder of wonders! Although it was usually said, “For the Tyrol, absolutely nothing!” now, her petition was graciously received. As Mother Franziska and her
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companion left the building in joyful hope, the latter noticed that the image of St. Joseph had fallen out of her handkerchief and so was left behind in the Ministry, as though the Saint wanted to show that he would smooth the way for the request. It really happened immediately, as Mother Franziska received the permit on the very next day. St. Joseph had helped and at the same time given a sign that he desired the enlarging of the house dedicated to him.
On February 1, Mother Franziska signed the final contract for the addition in Breitenfurt with the builder, Mr. Friedl and the preparations began on February 9. St. Joseph helped also with the construction so that by October 1880 the Refuge stood there as a beautifully complete quadrangle Over the main entrance were placed statues of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Mother of God and St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus, just as Mother Franziska had promised would be the case if the addition would be realized. On October 9 the elderly residents could move in and on the 11th was the solemn dedication celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Dr. Horny with many people present. As the addition in Breitenfurt was progressing, the foundation of a new house was in preparation. At the beginning of the year 1880 the sisters of the Congregation were soliciting in Carinthia and came to the beautifully situated town of St. Andra, in the Lavan valley. The St. Elizabeth Society had founded a kindergarten and vocational school there and the Jesuit Fathers, who had a foundation in St. Andra expressed the wish that sisters of the Congregation would take over the administration of this institute. Mother Franziska was ready, as the sisters brought this wish to her attention, to immediately extend the work of the Congregation to Carinthia if the conditions there were suitable. Therefore, she asked the rev. Father Patiss, S. J. on February 14, 1880 in a letter to inform her about these and on March 12 already traveled there with Sister Xaveria Egger to discuss the contract with the head of the St. Elizabeth Society. On the afternoon of the 13, they were cordially welcomed at the station by the head of the society, a Mrs. Vetter and Vice President, Mrs. Fischer. Upon closer examination, Mother Franziska saw that the conditions were not especially suitable because the house offered by the society seemed too small and they were able to give the sisters very little support. In spite of this, Mother Franziska intended to bring this foundation about because she thought this would be provide a good field of work if, besides the kindergarten and school, there could be also established an educational institute. Besides, she and all the sisters had a special preference for St. Andra because it was here that the Rules of the Congregation had been worked out by the Jesuit Fathers. The Jesuit Fathers also promised to be of help to the sisters in everything and to take over their spiritual guidance. Likewise, Mother Franziska received a friendly receptiveness for her plan from the district chief of the nearby little city of Wolfsberg, so she returned to Vienna with the decision to weigh the whole thing once more very seriously with the Reverend Director and her Assistants. These also agreed with Mother Franziska and so on March 25 she sent the petition for permission for a foundation in St. Andra to the district chief in Wolfsberg. On June 2 she traveled with Sister Josefa Kock, later to become the first superior of St. Andra house to Klagenfurt, to discuss details concerning the foundation with the Governor, Count Lodron, as well as the Diocesan Ordinary and then to continue the trip to St. Andra. There Mother Franziska looked at various houses, but found nothing suitable. After a long deliberation she decided to buy an old Dominican convent, dissolvedin 1782, which was attached to the Church of Mary of Loretto and was in
a beautiful location. This house was more like a ruin and it was not easy to believe that it could be made habitable. Doors, windows and floors were in terrible condition. m, however, knowledgeable in such matters, soon
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noticed that the walls and roof were good and that there was hope to be able to bring the building back in order. Countess Herel from Wolfsberg promised to donate boards and door and window jams for this purpose and the royal Danish courtier von Schutt in St. Andra, promiseo lumber and tiles. Without these prospects Mother Franziska would hardly have dared to think about the purchase because of the large expenditures which the foreseeable repairs would require. Mother Franziska and her companion prayed to the deceased Dominicans interred in the crypt of the old convent under the Church of Loretto, that they would ask God that this ruin would once again be changed into a convent, and this prayer brought good results. On June 6, a Sacred Heart Sunday, Mother Franziska came to a happy agreement with the seller and on the very next day the deal was closed. This had hardly taken place than people came from everywhere to express their joy about it to Mother Franziska; the mayor and city council and a delegation of women came also for this purpose. There was a general joy that sisters would come again to St. Andra. On July 11, Mother Franziska moved into a room in the ruins with Sister Josefa and Sister Ferdinanda HeiB who had come in the meantime froru Vienna. It was the best one in the house, but even this had no window unbroken. Their feelings while moving in cannot easily be described. On the very same day the masons began their work; On the 13 Mother Franziska signed the contract with the professionals and on the 14 with the builder Urbani of Wolfsberg and then returned, after giving all necessary instructions, to Vienna, followed by the good wishes of the inhabitants. In the next few months Mother Franziska traveled four times to St. Andra to look after the construction work and often had to make some uncomfortable trips to Kiagenfurt because obtaining permission for the foundation also caused great difficulties. However, with her own decisiveness, Mother Franziska conquered all obstacles and, after the completion of the construction work, the opening of the institute, retaining the name, “Maria Loretto” which the convent had originally, could finally take place on November 3. On that day Mother Franziska was not present in St. Andra but on January 10, 1881, she went there and found the building and furnishing of the house beautiful beyond her expectations. The old ruin was unrecognizable in the now stately convent. After the permission for Holy Mass and reservation of the Blessed Sacrament had arrived from Rome on January 26, the solemn dedication could be held on February 9, for which Mother Franziska went again to St. Andra. This was undertaken in the presence of 24 participants, by the Reverend Monsignor Augustin Dudin, Abbot of the Benedictine Foundation in nearby St. Paul. The house was most beautifully decorated, since the inhabitants of St. Andra competed with one another in lending the sisters a hand. The Jesuit Fathers, especially, did everything to have the chapel and house beautifully decorated and fervently shared the joy of sisters. Everyone who attended the dedication was moved by the dignified celebration. Since then, in this house and in the boarding school and kindergarten, the vocational and Sunday school, much good has already been done.
The events, one happy and one sad, which were passed over in order not to interrupt the account of the St. Andra house, must now not remain unmentioned. On May 25, 1880 the manufacturer, Anton Lang, the good old friend of the Congregation who gave Mother Franziska the first contribution for her work and constantly stood by her with help and advice, died. The death of this noble man, mourned by the poor of Vienna, rightly, as one of the their greatest bençfactors, caused deep pain to Mother Franziska. She was present with many sisters for his funeral and ordered that Masses, Holy Communions and prayer should be offered for the eternal rest of the soul of this noble man. In any case, Mother Franziska was always filled with great gratitude toward all benefactors of the Congregation, and to
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awaken like sentiments in the sisters and those in their care, talked about their noble qualities, presented lists of the benefactors and, above all, ordered daily prayer for them, which is surely the best expression of gratitude.
The second event was the visit of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Franz Joseph I to the Marian Institute in Troppau, which took place in the afternoon of October 21, 1880. Mother Franziska had traveled to Troppau especially for the occasion and, with Count Attems, Mayor Martin Wojtech Edlen von Willfest, the Reverend Director Neumann, both confessors of the house, etc. awaited His Majesty at the entrance of the festively decorated building. At four o’clock loud cheers announced the arrival of the Monarch. His Majesty immediately greeted Mother Franziska with the respectful words, “Yes, you came from Vienna? I am pleased.” His majesty deigned to visit the chapel and the other rooms of the house, to graciously accept the
greetings of the pupils, and to inform himself extensively about the affairs
of the house. He also expressed gracious words of praise for the arrangement
of the Institute and addressed the highest praise for the rapid development of the Congregation in these words addressed to Mother Franziska, “I am pleased that your Congregation has made such great progress in such a short time. So much has happened in this time; you deserve an award! But in the beginning you also suffered much worry and care!” Mother Franziska responded to this, “Your Majesty, it is true, but I have also experienced much joy, the officials were always good to us and have consistently helped us.” Upon leaving the house, His Majesty repeated expressions of the greatest appreciation. Mother Franziska never forgot this joyful day. At the close of the detailed account written by one of her secretaries in the Congregation’s Chronicle she added, “As His Majesty left the house, many people poured into the place where our good Emperor had been. It was touching to see the holy reverence with which many kissed the places where His Majesty had stood. People kept coming for two whole days to look at everything. It cannot be described what a blessing this visit was for our house!”
Soon after this happy event Mother Franziska undertook another foundation. She had often received letters from Prague that she might also open a Marian Institute there and many friends of the Congregation had been looking for houses that would be fitting for this charitable purpose. After extensive deliberation Mother Franziska decided to go there with Sister Augustina d’Armaille on October 28, 1880, to see if the foundation were possible. In Prague she consulted with His Eminence Cardinal Schwarzenberg, Jiricek, the Reverend Monsignor Probst Stule, the Police Chief, Steyskal, the Mayor, etc. and found everywhere great joy at the reason for her coming and ready willingness to help. Encouraged by this, she looked at several houses, accompanied by the Bookseller Mr. Steinhauser and her companion. House number 527 in Gerstengasse would have been especially suitable because of its healthful, beautiful location, only the price 50,000 florins, seemed too high to Mother Franziska. In spite of this, all the men with whom she spoke advised her not to lose sight of this house. For the time being she rented, through Mr. Steinhauser, an apartment with three rooms and a kitchen in Salmgasse for the sisters until a suitable house could be found, and then, after a visit to the Brunn Marienanstalt, returned to Vienna. As soon as November 23, Sister Augustina d’Armaille, as superior, and two sisters traveled to Prague to take possession of the rented apartment. Befor.e their departure Mother Franziska said to Sister Augustina, “I can’t give you anything to take along except my blessing, five guldens and a kiss!” Even though this foundation also began in the direst poverty, God continued to help and added His blessing to that of Mother Franziska. The sisters
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wrote her often that all the friends of the Congregation advised buying the house on Gerstengasse; if this happened soon, a percent of the registration fees could be saved because the house had changed owners not quite two years before. On December 8, Mother Franziska received word that the final date for gaining this advantage would expire on the 9th. So Mother Franziska traveled, quickly decided, to Prague on the same day with the evening train. Three thousand florins should have been paid as down payment, but she could gather only 2100 florins and therefore borrowed 800 florins before her departure, as well as telegraphing to the sisters in Brunn to bring the missing 100 florins to the train as she passed through. Unfortunately these had only 50 florins in their savings which they gladly gave to Mother Franziska. Arriving in Prague with a worried heart, she consulted once again with the friends of the Congregation and then, trusting in God, closed the sale for 50,000 florins. The transfer of the title took place on the 11th and was announced to the tenants. On this day the governor’s permit to establish the institute and the permit to solicit in Bohemia also arrived. After Mother Franziska visited various friends and patrons to announce the purchase of the house and to recomend the new foundation to their good will and protection, she returned home. On February 14, 1881 the sisters moved from their rented apartment into their new home to begin working there. On May 2 the renovations began, and on June 26 when Mother Franziska came again to Prague she was happily surprised to see the furnishing of the house so far advanced. She was especially happy about the beautiful chapel. The sisters did everything to have the house very beautifully arranged for the dedication. This was set for July 6th. Mother Franziska had entered a request on May 31st, through Countess Zitta Nostitz, to Her Imperial Highness, the Crown Princess Stephanie, that she take over the protectorate of the Marian Institute in Prague, and had received a favorable reply. Shortly before the dedication, on July 2, news also came from Countess Nostitz that the acceptance of the protectorate by her Royal Highness may be published in the newspapers. On July 6, the dedication of the Marian Institute took place in a solemn way, through the Master General of the Knights of the Cross——P. Schobel (now Bishop of the Diocese of Leitmeritz in Bohemia) in the presence of many exalted guests. Mother Franziska left the house open to visitors for three days and hundreds of people came to see the new institute. On July 12, Mother Franziska and the Superior of the institute, Sister Augustine d’ Armaille, were received in audience at 11 A.M. by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess, Archduchess Stephanie, who happened to be in Prague at the time. The exalted lady showed the greatest condescension and kindness to them both, informed herself in detail about the affairs of the Congregation and dismissed them with the gracious promise to visit the institute when she next came to Prague. This audience was a special privilege since, during this visit, her royal Highness had received no one except the ladies of the Bohemian nobility. Since its foundation, the Marian Institute in Prague has enjoyed a steady prosperity. Thousands of young women seeking employment found shelter, board and placement, as well as instruction in the Sunday School, many children have been educated and older girls trained in practical skills in the domestic science school contained therein, so that Mother Franziska really began a richly blessed work with this foundation. On August 27, 1881 she went again to Prague, to make arrangements with the Reverend Director Bauer, now Bishop of the Archdiocese of Olmutz, about the sisters taking care of the household in the Episcopal Residence in Prague as they had been requested to do. After all the necessary arrangements, Mother Franziska sent sisters to the seminary; for ten years these cared for the household there, but because of various conditions, the contract for this was dissolved in 1891.
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At the close of this chapter is still to be mentioned the joy shared by Mother Franziska and the sisters at the visit of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, Archduchess Stephanie to the Prague Marian Institute. At 7:30 in the evening on January 9, 1882 a telegram brought the news that the exalted visit would take place on the next day at 10 A. M. In ten minutes Mother Franziska was ready to travel, hurried to the train and arrived at 9 A. M. on the 10th in Prague, where she quickly took charge of the proximate preparations. At exactly 10 A. M. Her Royal Highness drove up and deigned to greet Mother Franziska from the carriage, to offer her hand as she stepped out and to express joy at seeing her again. The exalted lady visited all the rooms, talked in the most condescending way with the sisters and pupils and expressed her total satisfaction with the practical arrangement of the house, and the order and cleanliness found therein. Her Royal Highness especially conversed with Mother Franziska in the most affable way, thanked her that she especially came from Vienna, promised to send her portrait to her and Sister Augustina and gave her most cordial farewell with the promise to come again soon. This mark of recognition again gives evidence of the love Mother Franziska enjoyed, even in the highest circles, because of her noble striving and her splendid qualities.
Now we must recount another event that demonstrates Mother Franziska’s care for the interior development of the Congregation.
In 1877 she summoned the first General chapter which lasted from July 20 to 24 and was attended by the superiors of the various houses and their assistants. Mother Franziska thought it necessary to consult with them about the interests of the Congregation, to take precautionary measures against abuses, and make such decisions which would preserve the zeal and spirit of sacrifice of the sisters. From that time on such a gathering was held at determined intervals for the good of the Congregation, and upon approval of the Constitutions by the Holy See, after every six years.
Since the house in Briinn had already proven to be too small, Mother Franziska had to think about tearing down the back wing to make room for
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a new addition in its place. She therefore undertook a trip to Briinn in February, 1878 and, trusting in God’s help, made the necessary arrangements with the builder; it was decided to begin the work on April 1. On April 8 Mother Franziska went to Brunn again because the cornerstone laying was to take place on the twelfth. She took this opportunity to pay a visit to the Reverend Bishop Nottig, to show him the plans for the addition. He received her in a kindly and fatherly way. Unfortunately, the Pastor Kment was prevented from officiating at the cornerstone blessing. Therefore, at nine in the evening Mother Franziska went with all the sisters to the construction just begun, to pray there with them, that God would bring this beginning to a happy end and not permit that this house, built for His glory, ever be used for any other purpose. Then Mother Franziska made the sign of the cross on the cornerstone and sprinkled. the site with holy water; after which each sister did the same. With God’s help the building progressed so that the solemn dedication of the wing could take place on September 9, 1878 in the chapel found therein. Mother Franziska naturally did not miss the chance to be in Brunn on that day. All the guests, many from high circles, who were present at the dedication were visibly surprised as they entered the chapel; no one had imagined it to be so beautiful and all expressed greatest satisfaction with the celebration.
During the enlargement of the Brinn house, Mother Franziska again began a foundation. Soon after the foundation of the Refuge of St. Joseph in Breitenfurt she set up, besides the section for the lifelong care of old servants, a section for poor servant girls released from the hospitals. There they were accepted and cared for without cost so that they could convalesce in the good country air to regain their strength and be able once again to take on a position. The rooms in the Refuge soon proved to be too small and so Mother Franziska thought of caring for those convalescing in a house of their own, because it caused her heart pain, because of lack of space, to have to turn away these poor creatures who so badly needed a period of recuperation but could not afford one from their own means. Therefore on May 18 and 19, 1878 she viewed the beautifully situated house of Mr. August Schonwetter for sale in Breitçnfurt, which was only fifteen minutes away from the Refuge. It seemed to be very suited to her intended purposes, since it was in the best of condition and, with its twelve rooms and two kitchens, even if small, offered sufficient space. A stable, a hay barn, 15 yoke meadow and 15 yoke pastureland* also belonged with it. After careful negotiations with the owner the sale took place as early as May 21 for 15,500 florins. The house was taken over on May 24, the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, and therefor was given the beautiful name, tMariahilft? (Mary—help). Mother Franziska made the note of this purchase in the Congregation Chronicle in her own hand and added the words: “Yes, good Mother Mary, do not abandon us”, remain always at our side with your powerful protection!” Mother Franziska surely didn’t sense as she wrote these words, that it would be in this house that Mary would grant her the last help, since, here, sixteen years later, her active life, lived for the glory of God and welfare of neighbor, would close.
On June 1 the necessary repairs in the newly purchased house were begun and as soon as the 22nd of the same month they were completed. On June 21, the Feast of St. Aloysious, the sisters assigned to the convalescent house moved in. Mother Franziska, who accompanied them, led them into the already furnished oratory where they prayed the Litany of Perpetual Help. Thereafter, the Spiritual Director of the Refuge, Father Leopold Endl, gave a talk in which he motivated the sisters to an exact fulfillment of duties. After this simple, yet beautiful introduction, they went happily to the setting up of the house. Only on January 2, 1879 was the dedication of
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the convent of “Mariahilf”, celebrated by Rev. P. Alfons, former Definitor of the Capuchins and confessor for the sisters in the Mother House in Vienna. Mother Franziska had intentionally postponed this celebration so long to allow the soliciting sisters, so many of whom had never had the pleasure of being present at the dedication of a house, to attend. Since these sisters had to bring so many and often great sacrifices toward the foundation and maintaining of the houses Mother Franziska wanted them on this day to enjoy one of the fruits of their countless efforts. After the dedication of the chapel and the house, the first Holy Mass was offered to the Heavenly Father by the Rev. P. Alfons, during which the sisters of the convalescent house received Holy Communion. All present were moved to tears as the most high Lord of Heaven and earth descended for the first time to the altar in this newly dedicated house. The feelings of gratitude and joy made a deep impression on all. The altar of the little chapel was the same one on which the first Holy Mass was offered in the Mother House in Vienna. Since that happy January 2 the convalescent house has been shown to be a work richly blessed in that every year, in the most beautiful season, so many poor servant girls find recuperation and strength there, so that they can regain sufficient health to return to earning their living. The foundation of this house was really a work typical of the noble heart of Mother Franziska.
It was a big concern of Mother Franziska’s that the Rules of the Society, which had had the Episcopal approval since 1871, would also have Papal Approval and that the Society would be recognized as a canonical Congregation. Therefore she asked the Jesuit Fathers to look through and re—work the Rules so that her wish could be fulfilled. This request was gladly granted and as early as January 23, 1879 she received the revised Rule. Ever since its foundation, indeed, the Jesuit Fathers have earned much gratitude from the Congregation. Mother Franziska went carefully through each point of the Rule with the Reverend General Director, Monsignor Horny, and found that they were very well worked out, so that there were very few further wishes regarding changes or additions that she wanted to express in their regard. After the Jesuit Fathers had made these few changes Mother Franziska brought the Rules to His Eminence Cardinal Johannes Kutschker with the request that he study them and then send them, with his recommendation to Rome. His Eminence spoke with them for an hour and then sent them away with his blessing. The circumstances of the Papal approval gave Mother Franziska much work and concern during the years 1879 and 1880.
she had the Rules printed and beautifully bound in order to present them to all the bishops in whose dioceses the Congregation was active. At the same time, with some sisters she did a report about the general activity of the Congregation in the ten years of its existence. Then she traveled to each of these bishops to present them with the report and the Rule and to ask them to write the recommendations to the Holy Father which are necessary for receiving ecclesiastical approval. Mother Franziska was very graciously received by all the bishops and, in recognition of the great good already done by the young society, assured by all of their fulfillment of her request and later, of a very beautiful written recommendation. On November 3, 1880 things had progressed so far that Mother Franziska could complete and send to Rome the request to the Holy Father for approval of the Holy Rule as well as ecclesiastical recognition of the society. The efficient accomplishment of this request happened in July 1884 as we will recount in the appropriate place.
In the two years during which the work and traveling mentioned above concerning the approval of the Rule were going on, Mother Franziska was busy in many other areas also. In April 1879 the Silver Wedding Anniversary
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of the Imperial Couple was being celebrated in all parts of Austria—Hungary in the most dazzling way. So Mother Franziska hurried to all her institutes to order a worthy celebration, because, although not born in Austria and loving her Fatherland, Bavaria, and its royal house above all, she still cultivated a great respect and devotion toward the great Imperial House of Hapsburg and always zealously worked to awaken and nourish patriotic feelings in all those committed to her care. The reason for this was found not only in the empathy which the Austrians and Bavarians, as peoples of related origins and subjects of two such intertwined ruling houses felt with each other, but this reverence counted mainly as an obligation of gratitude for the extraordinary respect and graciousness which their majesties, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elizabeth as well as other members of the Imperial Family deigned to show herself and the Congregation. Mother Franziska wrote in the Chronicle of the Congregation on the occasion of the Silver Wedding Anniversary of the Imperial Couple: “In all our houses, especially here, the Imperial Festival was celebrated in the most solemn way. In the mcrrning there was a Solemn High Mass and the sisters and candidates received Holy Communion, the house (she meant here the Vienna Marienanstalt) was hung with flags and the names of Emperor and Empress with their portraits and coats of arms to the right and left decorated the front. Beautiful songs were sung and grand poems were recited. All had the same sentiments, the same joy and each was striving to give it expression. God preserve, protect and bless our Imperial Couple! This was surely the prayer of every honest heart to God today. God hear our prayer, then we will all be happy!”
In the same year Mother Franziska received another proof of his good will from His Majesty, which was at the same time a wonderful reward for her trust in God, she had presented His Majesty with a request that a grant from the profits of the State Lottery would come to the Congregation. On September 12, 1879 the sum of 10,000 florins which Mother Franziska had borrowed six years before from the St. Joseph Savings and Loans in Leopoldstadt near Vienna, would come due for repayment and she had, unfortunately, no prospects for meeting this obligation, if the above mentioned petition were not granted. His Majesty had received the request very graciously, but September had come and the money was still missing. Mother Franziska hoped steadfastly that her trust in God’s help would not disappoint her, and so it was. On September 10, a servant from the Ministry of the Interior came with a note saying that Mother Franziska could at any time come and collect 10,000 florins from the Administration of the Imperial Lottery. As she opened it the seal on the note was still moist because the messenger was told to bring the note as fast as possible to the Marienanstalt because the sisters needed the money very badly. One can easily imagine Mother Franziska’s joy and gratitude, since she once again had a sign of the care of God and the power of a rock—stable trust. The money came exactly at the moment of greatest need. She immediately summoned all the sisters, charges and servant girls to the chapel where the Te Deum was sung and prayers offered for the noble Emperor, that God, through the intercession of Mary would reward him for this good deed. On September 11 Mother Franziska picked up the money at the Administration of the Imperial Lottery in order to immediately execute the repayment of the loan. The officials were very friendly and told Mother Franziska that a big exception had been made for her since none of the others for whom a sum from the lottery had been determined had yet been given any cash.
On September 17, Mother Franziska traveled with some sisters to Mariazell in order to give thanks for the recently received help as well as all the other graces that had come to her and to her Congregation and
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to recommend the Congregation to the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. After she had brought forth all her intentions in the shrine chapel, she returned home on the twentieth. Unfortunately, through the long time spent kneeling on the stone floor, Mother Franziska caught a cold so that she had to go to bed on the day she arrived home. The doctor who was called confirmed abdominal typhoid. The sisters were of course very shocked by this and prayed fervently for the recovery of their dear spiritual mother. God heard their fervent prayer and as soon as three weeks later Mother Franziska was restored to health to the extent that she could go to Breitenfurt for recuperation. In the good air she soon regained her strength and returned to the Mother House on October 27.
On November 27, 1879 Mother Franziska and Sister Ignazia Egger were received in audience by His Majesty. she had requested this audience to express her respectful gratitude for the substantial sum she had received from the State Lottery. As she began her thanks, however, His Majesty interrupted her with the question, “Now, how are you? I hear things are going well &ut there with you, are things progressing swiftly for you?” Mother Franziska tried again to hank, but His Majesty replied, “It gave me pleasure to be able to do something for you. I will always do my best for you.” Mother Franziska mentioned that it was exactly eleven years ago on that day that she received the written permission from the city authorities for the foundation, that she was at that time all alone, and that now there were already 155 sisters working in ten houses. His Majesty greatly admired this rapid growth of the congregation, and expressed his pleasure that the authorities are so well intentioned toward it.
Mother Franziska and her companion returned home deeply moved by the compliments of His Majesty and rejoiced over this gracious recognition of the work of the Congregation.
The concern about repaying the debt of 10,000 florins for the Refuge of St. Joseph in Breitenfurt was now over, but in the meantime, a new worry about the same house confronted Mother Franziska. The refuge, too, had long ago become too small. For this reason, Mother Franziska had an addition built on the north side in 1878, but still there wasn’t enough space. It seemed absolutely necessary to add two further wings on the east and south side to do justice to all the demands made on the house according to its purpose. Again, the irritating problem of money was the obstacle. Mother Franziska thought about receiving permission to solicit in the Tyrol to solve this problem, but the trip two sisters took on October 1, 1879 to Innsbruck, especially for this purpose remained without result. As often as she had tried, during two years, for the soliciting permit in the Tyrol, Mother Franziska had received a denial. Now, since she didn’t know where she should send the sisters to collect and how she should get the funds for building in Breitenfurt, she took refuge with the Patron of that house and promised St. Joseph, that if she received help through his intercession in this intention, she would immediately have it published it in the Messenger of St. Joseph.
Trusting in the support of the dear Saint, Mother Franziska went once more, on January 29, 1880, to the Ministry of the Interior to request the soliciting permit for the Tyrol. She told her companion, Sister Henrika Albrecht to put a tiny image of St. Joseph, the kind that come in little cases to carry in the purse, under her glove and open with it the door to the Ministry, so that St. Joseph would be leading them in. Wonder of wonders! Although it was usually said, “For the Tyrol, absolutely nothing!” now, her petition was graciously received. As Mother Franziska and her
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companion left the building in joyful hope, the latter noticed that the image of St. Joseph had fallen out of her handkerchief and so was left behind in the Ministry, as though the Saint wanted to show that he would smooth the way for the request. It really happened immediately, as Mother Franziska received the permit on the very next day. St. Joseph had helped and at the same time given a sign that he desired the enlarging of the house dedicated to him.
On February 1, Mother Franziska signed the final contract for the addition in Breitenfurt with the builder, Mr. Friedl and the preparations began on February 9. St. Joseph helped also with the construction so that by October 1880 the Refuge stood there as a beautifully complete quadrangle Over the main entrance were placed statues of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Mother of God and St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus, just as Mother Franziska had promised would be the case if the addition would be realized. On October 9 the elderly residents could move in and on the 11th was the solemn dedication celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Dr. Horny with many people present. As the addition in Breitenfurt was progressing, the foundation of a new house was in preparation. At the beginning of the year 1880 the sisters of the Congregation were soliciting in Carinthia and came to the beautifully situated town of St. Andra, in the Lavan valley. The St. Elizabeth Society had founded a kindergarten and vocational school there and the Jesuit Fathers, who had a foundation in St. Andra expressed the wish that sisters of the Congregation would take over the administration of this institute. Mother Franziska was ready, as the sisters brought this wish to her attention, to immediately extend the work of the Congregation to Carinthia if the conditions there were suitable. Therefore, she asked the rev. Father Patiss, S. J. on February 14, 1880 in a letter to inform her about these and on March 12 already traveled there with Sister Xaveria Egger to discuss the contract with the head of the St. Elizabeth Society. On the afternoon of the 13, they were cordially welcomed at the station by the head of the society, a Mrs. Vetter and Vice President, Mrs. Fischer. Upon closer examination, Mother Franziska saw that the conditions were not especially suitable because the house offered by the society seemed too small and they were able to give the sisters very little support. In spite of this, Mother Franziska intended to bring this foundation about because she thought this would be provide a good field of work if, besides the kindergarten and school, there could be also established an educational institute. Besides, she and all the sisters had a special preference for St. Andra because it was here that the Rules of the Congregation had been worked out by the Jesuit Fathers. The Jesuit Fathers also promised to be of help to the sisters in everything and to take over their spiritual guidance. Likewise, Mother Franziska received a friendly receptiveness for her plan from the district chief of the nearby little city of Wolfsberg, so she returned to Vienna with the decision to weigh the whole thing once more very seriously with the Reverend Director and her Assistants. These also agreed with Mother Franziska and so on March 25 she sent the petition for permission for a foundation in St. Andra to the district chief in Wolfsberg. On June 2 she traveled with Sister Josefa Kock, later to become the first superior of St. Andra house to Klagenfurt, to discuss details concerning the foundation with the Governor, Count Lodron, as well as the Diocesan Ordinary and then to continue the trip to St. Andra. There Mother Franziska looked at various houses, but found nothing suitable. After a long deliberation she decided to buy an old Dominican convent, dissolvedin 1782, which was attached to the Church of Mary of Loretto and was in
a beautiful location. This house was more like a ruin and it was not easy to believe that it could be made habitable. Doors, windows and floors were in terrible condition. m, however, knowledgeable in such matters, soon
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noticed that the walls and roof were good and that there was hope to be able to bring the building back in order. Countess Herel from Wolfsberg promised to donate boards and door and window jams for this purpose and the royal Danish courtier von Schutt in St. Andra, promiseo lumber and tiles. Without these prospects Mother Franziska would hardly have dared to think about the purchase because of the large expenditures which the foreseeable repairs would require. Mother Franziska and her companion prayed to the deceased Dominicans interred in the crypt of the old convent under the Church of Loretto, that they would ask God that this ruin would once again be changed into a convent, and this prayer brought good results. On June 6, a Sacred Heart Sunday, Mother Franziska came to a happy agreement with the seller and on the very next day the deal was closed. This had hardly taken place than people came from everywhere to express their joy about it to Mother Franziska; the mayor and city council and a delegation of women came also for this purpose. There was a general joy that sisters would come again to St. Andra. On July 11, Mother Franziska moved into a room in the ruins with Sister Josefa and Sister Ferdinanda HeiB who had come in the meantime froru Vienna. It was the best one in the house, but even this had no window unbroken. Their feelings while moving in cannot easily be described. On the very same day the masons began their work; On the 13 Mother Franziska signed the contract with the professionals and on the 14 with the builder Urbani of Wolfsberg and then returned, after giving all necessary instructions, to Vienna, followed by the good wishes of the inhabitants. In the next few months Mother Franziska traveled four times to St. Andra to look after the construction work and often had to make some uncomfortable trips to Kiagenfurt because obtaining permission for the foundation also caused great difficulties. However, with her own decisiveness, Mother Franziska conquered all obstacles and, after the completion of the construction work, the opening of the institute, retaining the name, “Maria Loretto” which the convent had originally, could finally take place on November 3. On that day Mother Franziska was not present in St. Andra but on January 10, 1881, she went there and found the building and furnishing of the house beautiful beyond her expectations. The old ruin was unrecognizable in the now stately convent. After the permission for Holy Mass and reservation of the Blessed Sacrament had arrived from Rome on January 26, the solemn dedication could be held on February 9, for which Mother Franziska went again to St. Andra. This was undertaken in the presence of 24 participants, by the Reverend Monsignor Augustin Dudin, Abbot of the Benedictine Foundation in nearby St. Paul. The house was most beautifully decorated, since the inhabitants of St. Andra competed with one another in lending the sisters a hand. The Jesuit Fathers, especially, did everything to have the chapel and house beautifully decorated and fervently shared the joy of sisters. Everyone who attended the dedication was moved by the dignified celebration. Since then, in this house and in the boarding school and kindergarten, the vocational and Sunday school, much good has already been done.
The events, one happy and one sad, which were passed over in order not to interrupt the account of the St. Andra house, must now not remain unmentioned. On May 25, 1880 the manufacturer, Anton Lang, the good old friend of the Congregation who gave Mother Franziska the first contribution for her work and constantly stood by her with help and advice, died. The death of this noble man, mourned by the poor of Vienna, rightly, as one of the their greatest bençfactors, caused deep pain to Mother Franziska. She was present with many sisters for his funeral and ordered that Masses, Holy Communions and prayer should be offered for the eternal rest of the soul of this noble man. In any case, Mother Franziska was always filled with great gratitude toward all benefactors of the Congregation, and to
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awaken like sentiments in the sisters and those in their care, talked about their noble qualities, presented lists of the benefactors and, above all, ordered daily prayer for them, which is surely the best expression of gratitude.
The second event was the visit of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Franz Joseph I to the Marian Institute in Troppau, which took place in the afternoon of October 21, 1880. Mother Franziska had traveled to Troppau especially for the occasion and, with Count Attems, Mayor Martin Wojtech Edlen von Willfest, the Reverend Director Neumann, both confessors of the house, etc. awaited His Majesty at the entrance of the festively decorated building. At four o’clock loud cheers announced the arrival of the Monarch. His Majesty immediately greeted Mother Franziska with the respectful words, “Yes, you came from Vienna? I am pleased.” His majesty deigned to visit the chapel and the other rooms of the house, to graciously accept the
greetings of the pupils, and to inform himself extensively about the affairs
of the house. He also expressed gracious words of praise for the arrangement
of the Institute and addressed the highest praise for the rapid development of the Congregation in these words addressed to Mother Franziska, “I am pleased that your Congregation has made such great progress in such a short time. So much has happened in this time; you deserve an award! But in the beginning you also suffered much worry and care!” Mother Franziska responded to this, “Your Majesty, it is true, but I have also experienced much joy, the officials were always good to us and have consistently helped us.” Upon leaving the house, His Majesty repeated expressions of the greatest appreciation. Mother Franziska never forgot this joyful day. At the close of the detailed account written by one of her secretaries in the Congregation’s Chronicle she added, “As His Majesty left the house, many people poured into the place where our good Emperor had been. It was touching to see the holy reverence with which many kissed the places where His Majesty had stood. People kept coming for two whole days to look at everything. It cannot be described what a blessing this visit was for our house!”
Soon after this happy event Mother Franziska undertook another foundation. She had often received letters from Prague that she might also open a Marian Institute there and many friends of the Congregation had been looking for houses that would be fitting for this charitable purpose. After extensive deliberation Mother Franziska decided to go there with Sister Augustina d’Armaille on October 28, 1880, to see if the foundation were possible. In Prague she consulted with His Eminence Cardinal Schwarzenberg, Jiricek, the Reverend Monsignor Probst Stule, the Police Chief, Steyskal, the Mayor, etc. and found everywhere great joy at the reason for her coming and ready willingness to help. Encouraged by this, she looked at several houses, accompanied by the Bookseller Mr. Steinhauser and her companion. House number 527 in Gerstengasse would have been especially suitable because of its healthful, beautiful location, only the price 50,000 florins, seemed too high to Mother Franziska. In spite of this, all the men with whom she spoke advised her not to lose sight of this house. For the time being she rented, through Mr. Steinhauser, an apartment with three rooms and a kitchen in Salmgasse for the sisters until a suitable house could be found, and then, after a visit to the Brunn Marienanstalt, returned to Vienna. As soon as November 23, Sister Augustina d’Armaille, as superior, and two sisters traveled to Prague to take possession of the rented apartment. Befor.e their departure Mother Franziska said to Sister Augustina, “I can’t give you anything to take along except my blessing, five guldens and a kiss!” Even though this foundation also began in the direst poverty, God continued to help and added His blessing to that of Mother Franziska. The sisters
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wrote her often that all the friends of the Congregation advised buying the house on Gerstengasse; if this happened soon, a percent of the registration fees could be saved because the house had changed owners not quite two years before. On December 8, Mother Franziska received word that the final date for gaining this advantage would expire on the 9th. So Mother Franziska traveled, quickly decided, to Prague on the same day with the evening train. Three thousand florins should have been paid as down payment, but she could gather only 2100 florins and therefore borrowed 800 florins before her departure, as well as telegraphing to the sisters in Brunn to bring the missing 100 florins to the train as she passed through. Unfortunately these had only 50 florins in their savings which they gladly gave to Mother Franziska. Arriving in Prague with a worried heart, she consulted once again with the friends of the Congregation and then, trusting in God, closed the sale for 50,000 florins. The transfer of the title took place on the 11th and was announced to the tenants. On this day the governor’s permit to establish the institute and the permit to solicit in Bohemia also arrived. After Mother Franziska visited various friends and patrons to announce the purchase of the house and to recomend the new foundation to their good will and protection, she returned home. On February 14, 1881 the sisters moved from their rented apartment into their new home to begin working there. On May 2 the renovations began, and on June 26 when Mother Franziska came again to Prague she was happily surprised to see the furnishing of the house so far advanced. She was especially happy about the beautiful chapel. The sisters did everything to have the house very beautifully arranged for the dedication. This was set for July 6th. Mother Franziska had entered a request on May 31st, through Countess Zitta Nostitz, to Her Imperial Highness, the Crown Princess Stephanie, that she take over the protectorate of the Marian Institute in Prague, and had received a favorable reply. Shortly before the dedication, on July 2, news also came from Countess Nostitz that the acceptance of the protectorate by her Royal Highness may be published in the newspapers. On July 6, the dedication of the Marian Institute took place in a solemn way, through the Master General of the Knights of the Cross——P. Schobel (now Bishop of the Diocese of Leitmeritz in Bohemia) in the presence of many exalted guests. Mother Franziska left the house open to visitors for three days and hundreds of people came to see the new institute. On July 12, Mother Franziska and the Superior of the institute, Sister Augustine d’ Armaille, were received in audience at 11 A.M. by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess, Archduchess Stephanie, who happened to be in Prague at the time. The exalted lady showed the greatest condescension and kindness to them both, informed herself in detail about the affairs of the Congregation and dismissed them with the gracious promise to visit the institute when she next came to Prague. This audience was a special privilege since, during this visit, her royal Highness had received no one except the ladies of the Bohemian nobility. Since its foundation, the Marian Institute in Prague has enjoyed a steady prosperity. Thousands of young women seeking employment found shelter, board and placement, as well as instruction in the Sunday School, many children have been educated and older girls trained in practical skills in the domestic science school contained therein, so that Mother Franziska really began a richly blessed work with this foundation. On August 27, 1881 she went again to Prague, to make arrangements with the Reverend Director Bauer, now Bishop of the Archdiocese of Olmutz, about the sisters taking care of the household in the Episcopal Residence in Prague as they had been requested to do. After all the necessary arrangements, Mother Franziska sent sisters to the seminary; for ten years these cared for the household there, but because of various conditions, the contract for this was dissolved in 1891.
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At the close of this chapter is still to be mentioned the joy shared by Mother Franziska and the sisters at the visit of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, Archduchess Stephanie to the Prague Marian Institute. At 7:30 in the evening on January 9, 1882 a telegram brought the news that the exalted visit would take place on the next day at 10 A. M. In ten minutes Mother Franziska was ready to travel, hurried to the train and arrived at 9 A. M. on the 10th in Prague, where she quickly took charge of the proximate preparations. At exactly 10 A. M. Her Royal Highness drove up and deigned to greet Mother Franziska from the carriage, to offer her hand as she stepped out and to express joy at seeing her again. The exalted lady visited all the rooms, talked in the most condescending way with the sisters and pupils and expressed her total satisfaction with the practical arrangement of the house, and the order and cleanliness found therein. Her Royal Highness especially conversed with Mother Franziska in the most affable way, thanked her that she especially came from Vienna, promised to send her portrait to her and Sister Augustina and gave her most cordial farewell with the promise to come again soon. This mark of recognition again gives evidence of the love Mother Franziska enjoyed, even in the highest circles, because of her noble striving and her splendid qualities.
