Women religious have always played important roles throughout the history of the Church. From the classroom to orphanages, good sisters have labored tirelessly for humanity. The following letter written more than a hundred years gives us a glimpse into the hardships that groups of sisters experienced while nursing wounded American soldiers during the Spanish-American War. After reading Sister Liguori’s letter, I am further perplexed by the criticism that “feminists” hurl against the Church, falsely accusing our leaders as suppressive of women.
Although written in 1898, I am certain that it is representative of the work that sisters in today’s world fulfill each day. These 19th century nuns were tough cookies and certainly models for us to follow.
[hr]Camp Hamilton
October 15, 1898Dearest Mother [Agatha Guthrie];
This being the feast of St. Teresa, naturally we turn our thoughts homeward to our dear home and see you all so busy, but know we will not be forgotten and we will share in all the festivities. May God reward you most abundantly. Nothing of any importance has occurred in Camp since my last letter, only the 27th of this month the surveying troop will start on their march. They are the first regiment always to lead going to Georgia, and the sick will be sent to warmer quarters. The officers are about tired of the trained nurses. Their conduct is something fearful with the officers and young doctors. I think they intend to send the incorrigible ones home. Major Murner seems to be very nice. He is in charge of the entire sick camp, but nearly every two or three tents have a doctor and the most of them are young men and the sick soldiers are all very nice looking. So all together they have quite a time to keep things in order. It is one reason the Major wants a Sister up at night to prevent any scandal.
We have quite a heavy frost this morning. Fortunately our heavy winter clothing arrived from Kansas City yesterday. I was glad to have them for the poor Sisters last night. Little oilstoves do not throw very much heat. Now dear Mother, I hope you will keep well and not worry about us. We are all well, thank God, and at our post. We have not been as long in the field as the Sisters of Charity and Holy Cross; they are nearly all broken down, poor things, but they know how to get along better than we. Some of them have experience of this kind of life. Sr. Estella came in to see us last night. She is very kind to us and tells me what I am to do. You know all this is new to the Sisters of St. Joseph, but we will know better when we enter camp. God has been on our side. Everybody is kind to us which is more than we deserve. Now, dear Mother, I must say good-by. Love from all the Sisters and myself.
Affectionately,
Sr. Liguori McNamara