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Foreword
The
Annals of St. Ann's Hermitage cover the years 1904 to 1944. They stop there
probably because the monthly
Bulletin of Studies had for a few years notcJbeen
publishing "Chronicles" from the various establishments. The first part of the
Annals
from 1904 to 1934 is written in French; the second part continues in English and ends
rather abruptly on 28 October 1944.
A translation of the French section of the
Annals was done many years ago, undated
but probably in the 1970's, by Adrian Perreault, retired Director of the Marist College
Library. This translation in longhand was done on the basis of the original manuscript
.
It
was never deposited in the Marist College Archives. Fortunately a copy has come into
my hands very recently and has been of great use to me, particularly when my photocopy
was not very legible; the original manuscript is no longer easily accessible.
I believe there are four different handwritings distinguishable in the original French:
1904-1920, 1921, 1922-1929, 1930-1934. Perreault noted that internal evidence shows
that some parts were written several years after the events, though Bro.
John Philibert
assured
him
that none was written later than four or five years
post
f
actum.
However,
contemporary logs of events were certainly kept, as is evidenced by the names of the
numerous visitors and retreat masters. By comparing with other records, Perreault also
was able to con_:ect minor errors of fact, for instance 8 Novices
in 1908 and 8 for First
Vows in 1909, when other records show that it was 9 in each case. He also added some
interesting commentary to the text, duly noted by brackets. His translation is definitely
worth consulting.
This present translation does not attempt any critical analysis or commentary. It aims
exclusively at an accurate rendering of the original text in acceptable English. My rule
for such work has always been: "As close to the original as good English allows." This
accurate translation. therefore, may now be used by others for analysis and commentary.
The
ink
has faded in several places. We have done our best to decipher the original.
Where this has been impossible, we have indicated it
in the text.
We are happy to offer this translation to the Marist College Archives to supplement
the fine_work on the college's origins and heritage done by Brian Desilets, Richard Foy,
and Victor Van Carpels on computer disk.
Finally, this translation is dedicated to all the stalwart pioneer Brothers who founded
St. Ann's Hermitage and laid the foundations for Marist College. Their names are found
throughout this work.
Bro. Joseph L.R. Belanger, fins
The Assumption of Our Lady
15 August 2002






3
1904
Introduction:
For sometime now, but more particularly since the foundation of our establishments in
New England and New York, the need was being felt for a house of formation for
English-speaking recruits. Clearly we had to train teachers for the schools we had in the
United States and for those we were being asked to open there, without considering that
such a house, naturally, would become the center of a new province, the necessity of
which was inevitable sooner or later.
It
was the preoccupation particularly of our dear Brother Stratonique, then Assistant
General, who later became Superior General.
In
1904 during his trip as delegate for the scheduled visit to the establishments of the
region, he made known his thinking on the matter to His Excellency Archbishop Farley
of New York, later named Cardinal. He asked him to allow that the projected house be
established in his archdiocese.
His Excellency not only granted the requested permission, but expressed the desire
that the project be undertaken immediately, and in his letter of approval he included a
fine praise of the good done by the Brothers. [The Marist Brothers had three
establishments in Manhattan at that time: St. Jean-Baptiste and St. Ann's Academy, both
founded in 1892, and St. Agnes, where we started teaching in 1904.]
Our dear Brother Felix Eugene was Provincial at that time. Not being able to devote
all his time to this matter, he put Brother Zepheriny, then Visitor of the Province, in
charge of finding a good location for the projected Novitiate.
After much searching on both sides of the Hudson, Poughkeepsie was chosen (The
word Pooghkepesingh is an Indian name meaning waterfall, because of the cascade
formed by the Fallkill River as it flowed into the Hudson River at that spot.)
In
fact, on the other side of the river there was another beautiful spot not far from the
Redemptorist Fathers in Esopus, but besides the fact that the means of communication
with New York were not as easy as in Poughkeepsie, the Redemptorist Fathers could not
guarantee us religious services.
This reason especially made us lean towards
Poughkeepsie where we would be well assured of religious services, as we will see
below.
Poughkeepsie became the ideal spot for us especially because of the spiritual help and
never-failing assistance of the Jesuit Fathers established near there in their Novitiate of
St. Andrew-on-Hudson.
Let us add also the much appreciated advantage of being near a very important station
serving two big railroads and near an active port on the Hudson River.






4
Thanks to the protection of Good Saint Ann and the gracious help of Rev. Father Jos.
Havens Richards, then minister of St. Andrew, the undertaking could be accomplished
beyond all our hopes.
Accompanied by Rev. Father Richards, Brother Zepheriny inquired about all the
properties on sale in the area. One especially drew his attention, the MacPherson [sic]
estate, owned then by a certain Mr. Goodwin. It offered several real advantages. The
location, the building, and the price all seemed to be satisfactory and proper to the
proposed goal. The large and beautiful rooms inside the building could be easily adapted
to religious use: chapel, classrooms, dormitory on the top floor.
1905
After inquiries, several discussions with the owner, and a few difficulties which had to
be overcome, the property was finally purchased on 28 February 1905, and since Good
Saint Ann had seen all to a happy conclusion, the new acquisition was placed under her
protection by being called St. Ann's Hermitage.
The house was said to be haunted. So much so that one day when Brother Provincial
and Brother Ptolemeus came to visit it, the driver advised them not to buy that house
because it was the devil's quarters. Our visitors calmed the good fellow by telling him
nicely that that was the very reason why they wanted to buy it.
Visit of Brother Berillus, Assistant. Before we acquired the property Brother Berillus,
Assistant General, happened to be passing through New York on his way back from
South America; he came to visit the property, accompanied by Brothers Ptolemeus and
M. Cephas. Needless to say that he found the property well suited to our needs and
applauded the idea of purchasing it. He added that, if need be, he would speak on our
behalf to the General Council.
General overview of the property.
This property of some 25 acres [actually 35], situated on the left bank of the Hudson
which a thousand historical souvenirs still haunt, is, with its shaded groves, its lake with
clear water, and its well-kept lanes, a location very well suited to prayer, study, and
retreat. The main house, which had been richly furnished formerly, was in a terribly
sorry state.
Settling in.
Brother Felix Eugene, Provincial at the time, immediately sent a few Brothers to
occupy the newly acquired property .
.
These were Brothers Ambroise and Etienne-
Frederic; then came Brothers Gervasius, Pimen, Jean-Albert, Henri-Colomb, and Flavien.





5
Brother Gervasius was named Director. Needless to say that he was the man for the
job; he proved it by the work which was done.
A large part of the furnishings, including
Mr. MacPherson's [sic] magnificent piano,
were included in the bill of sale. We must say that in Mr. MacPherson's time, this villa
was frequented by the high society of the
-
city, of the area, and even of New York.
Mr.
MacPherson, the owner, had the habit of inviting these well-known people to frequent
banquets and evenings. Being himself a noted pianist, he took pleasure in accompanying
the songs and dances, enhancing the evening programs in his large reception halls. All
these halls had been built for that purpose.
But since then the villa had passed into other hands, those of
Mr. Goodwin as we said
above, and the house and property had been left untended.
Condition of the house when purchased.
Seen as a whole, everything inside and outside of the building recalled the rich
condition of times passed, but it takes somebody used to a house's dilapidated condition
and an abandoned property to realize the pitiful state of the new place when we acquired
it. General repairs were an absolute necessity and were done as well as possible. Brother
Director and the other Brothers set to work courageously and soon everything was put in
an acceptable state, besides the fact that they had to prepare a dormitory and classrooms
for the expected-Juniors.
1906
Arrival of the first Juniors.
The house had been just about made habitable when Brother Angelicus, Provincial
following Bro. Felix Eugene, came with 13 Juniors from St-Hyacinthe, Canada, to
occupy the new premises.
It was 21 February 1906, one year after we had acquired the title to the property.
Brother Felix Eugene was named director of the new beehive.
The first months were very difficult.
The Juniors had not only to bear the
inconveniences inherent to a precarious installation, but their small number caused from
the beginning a monotony which was a hard ordeal for them.
Better days soon followed, new recruits showed up and, the organization being
finished, we all rejoiced deeply to feel that the Good Lord and the Blessed Mother must
be satisfied.
The first exercises of the general retreat made in this cradle of the future province took
place in the month of July. These were followed by the Brothers of the community and


6
by a few Brothers who came from New York and New England. Piety and recollection
marked this first retreat. The good Marist spirit reigned supreme.
In
order to accommodate the Brothers during this retreat the Juniors had to give up
their quarters and were sent to New York to our school, St. Ann's Academy. They
immensely enjoyed their trip which was made by boat and they spent their time in the
city pleasantly.
Meanwhile the necessary repairs and improvements were continued, and despite the
fact that the community had increased in numbers, there was enough place for everybody.
Besides Brother Director and the teachers in the Juniorate, there were Brothers in
charge of the farm, the gardens, the tailoring and the laundry, and also the carpentry.
The first year produced many good results.
In
December of that year three Juniors
were sent to St-Hyacinthe, Canada, to do their period of Novitiate; nevertheless, thanks
to the arrival of several new recruits the community still numbered 20 members.
By the way, we should note that winter that year was long and worrisome and the
heating system, somewhat primitive, was far from producing the needed temperature.
However, holy joy never failed among the fervent community, ready to make all the little
sacrifices imposed by the circumstances.
1907
Visit of Brother Stratonique, Assistant, and Brother John, Assistant
That year 1907 stays as a memorable year because of the visit of Brother Stratonique,
Assistant, who was finishing his "tour of the world" accompanied by Brother John,
Assistant of the Islands. They came fom Canada with Brother Angelicus, Provincial, and
three children chosen to join the small St. Ann's family.
Two of these children, Edouard Gagnon and Jean-Baptiste Villeneuve, came from the
Juniorate in Levis, Canada.
Brother Statonique was happy to show Brother John the cradle of what he called: "A
beautiful future province." His noble and grand wish was soon to be realized.
The two Brothers Assistants returned for the retreat which took place in July. Great
was Brother Stratonique's satisfaction in seeing the little Community's progress. In a
special talk he spoke of the great need for religious vocations to staff parish schools and
educate the thousands upon thousands of children deprived of all Catholic education. He
spoke of his great hopes based on his dear St. Ann's Hermitage which God had blessed as
He had blessed and developed the first Marist Hermitage in Lavalla, so generously
founded by Ven. Father Champagnat.






7
During the retreat the Juniors were sent to New York as in the previous year, where
they spent pleasant vacations.
Bro. Boniface, Director. Recruitment.
During the vacations of this same year 1907 Bro. Boniface was named Director of the
Community, which included Brothers and Juniors. He started a fervent campaign of
recruitment and for this visited our schools in New England, greatly interested the
Brothers in recruitment and, God helping, worked so well that at the beginning of
December of that year the Juniorate counted 44 children.
The organization of classes was refined; the children were divided into three classes
and a serious course of study began.
A new heating system.
Since the house was filling up, it became necessary to make it more comfortable,
especially better heated. A new and complete heating system, therefore, was installed,
not without difficulty, for the plumber chosen, a certain Mr. Blondin from St-Hyacinthe,
Canada, wanted at first to put in a heating apparatus which he had invented shortly
before, but it proved unsatisfactory and had to be replaced.
General overview. Conclusion.
The house, then, was gradually renovated. Little by little, after numerous repairs and
transformations, St. Ann's Hermitage became a very favorable place for the formation of
our young subjects.
Our endeavors, begun under the auspices of Good Saint Ann, had been visibly blessed
by God and
the successes obtained in 18 months were entirely consoling.
May
we
be
allowed here to give a public testimony of profound gratitude to the
Reverend Jesuit Fathers of St. Andrew who have always been sincere and devoted friends
for us.
Religious service.
It is needless to note that religious service was the cause of great anxiety to the
Founders. It wasn't only a matter of finding a large property well situated for a house of
formation; it was also necessary to furnish good religious service. It was the key idea of
those of our Brothers who took a lot of trouble to find a suitable building and the
conveniences needed to establish St. Ann's Juniorate.
If
religious services had not mattered, other places perhaps would have been more
suitable at first, but none of them could have fulfilled the wanted need like St. Ann's
Hermitage. This is in fact what we'll
see.


8
When the occasion came to buy the Juniorate property, Brother Zepheriny turned to
the Rev. Father Gannon, then Provincial of the Jesuit Fathers, to guarantee religious
services. With a good word from Rev. Father Pettit, then rector of St. Andrew and who
had always been very devoted to us, Rev. Father Provincial promised us that service.
Since then we have always had the best service possible.
The first eight months the Community, small in number, went to St. Andrew to hear
Mass. At the end of that time Rev. Father Richards, who used to visit us from time to
time, remarked how better it would be for the Community to have its own small chapel
with the Blessed Sacrament. He offered himself then, and obtained the permission of his
Superiors to come every day to say Mass in the small room which had been transformed
into an oratory for the members of the Community.
From that time on we had the inexpressible consolation of possessing Jesus in our
midst.
It would be interesting here to relate how we obtained all the items needed for this
improvised chapel. As in many other circumstances, St. Ann knew how to provide.
Through her we obtained from two charitable ladies in New York, Mrs. Ryan and Mrs.
Picabia, the grand and splendid altar in sculptured oak, the sacred vessels, and everything
needed for our worship.
And every day then we went to get and bring by carriage good Father Richards who
wasn't afraid to take on himself this extra duty and to come every morning in spite of the
bad weather and rigorous cold of that first winter, without counting that the room which
served as chapel was far from being heated.
An overload of duties having prevented him from coming subsequently, Father
Richards was replaced by the holy Father Coleman who came every day until he was
appointed to the church in Pleasant Valley.
But our religious services were continued by the good Fathers, one of them coming
every week by turns.
Towards the middle of 1906 the chapel was transferred to the large reception hall
found to the right of the entrance. We used a smaller altar and the large one was put
aside for later.
This small chapel, which could hold no more than 40 people, was also changed later
on, to be definitively placed where it is today, except for improvements which were done
as need arose.
In
September 1907, the Community having increased in numbers, Rev. Father
Williams was named Chaplain and took full charge of the religious services for that year.
Needless to say that by his paternal goodness, his entire devotedness, his apostolic zeal,



9
this Father soon conquered our hearts and won the affection of all, young and old.
Consequently, what good did he not do among us! Who among us will be able to forget
Father Williams after
•
having heard him or seen him at work? For him, our Brothers in
general and St. Ann's Hermitage in particular were his "dear little company."
Let us add incidentally that it was due to the intervention of this devoted Father that
Father Shehan [sic] of St. Peter's Church asked for and obtained Brothers for his parish
school.
Good Father Williams, having to go to Woodstock to complete his theological studies,
left us on 8 September 1908, to the deep regret of the Brothers and Juniors.
Later, at every opportunity he had to come to St. Andrew he never failed to come to
see us and to stay among us as long as possible.
After Father Williams religious services were regularly and devotedly furnished as
previously.
That year Rev. Father Dinan, minister at St. Andrew, came regularly for weekly
Confession and spiritual direction.
Beginning of the Novitiate. Transfer of the Chapel.
We are still in 1907. Seven students were old enough and seemed to have the
conditions needed to be admitted to the Novitiate. Until that time the Novices had been
sent to St-Hyacinthe, Canada, but that practice entailed many disadvantages. It was
therefore deemed opportune to found a Novitiate in Poughkeepsie.
Besides, it was the great desire of the Superiors and of the Brothers of the entire
Province.
With due permission from Rev. Brother Stratonique, now Superior General, and with
the consent of Brother Zepheriny, Provincial, successor to Brother Angelicus who had
been named Assistant, Brother Boniface, Director, was authorized to immediately start
the transformations needed to the Juniorate building.
The building was rather small for both purposes, but encouraged by the project of
putting up a new building everybody was determined to do the best with what we had.
As the Community chapel was really too small to accommodate all the personnel,
Brother Director believed it was time to transfer it to the place it has occupied since. It
was the place chosen by Rev. Brother Stratonique during his first visit.
However, that's not to say that it wasn't a sacrifice for all to leave the convenient little
sanctuary where the religious offices were so devotional. The Community of 1907 will


10
always remember the beautiful ceremony for the First Communion of seven Juniors
which took place on 8 December.
This small chapel was to remain subsequently the oratory for the Juniors.
1908
The Novitiate began on 14 January 1908 with the inauguration of the new chapel.
The
7
Juniors who began their Postulancy were then separated from their co-disciples
and became the core of the new Novitiate.
Rev. Father Williams gave a magnificent sermon on this occasion. He made the
startling contrast between the use made of the rooms which formed the chapel in the past
and the present. He also compared the seeming pleasures enjoyed by mundane society
with the real delights of the present occupants in their generous beginning of religious
life.
The official inauguration of the Novitiate took place on 27 January 1908. It was
presided over by Brother Ptolomeus, then Director of St. Ann's Academy in New York
and delegate of Brother Provincial.
At the end of January of that year construction plans, with an option of another
property on which to build, were submitted to Rev. Brother Superior General, but
Providence had better in store for us.
Brother Director thought it was time to purchase a larger lot on which we would be
able to build a Provincial House later, though all the Brothers said we also had to keep
the McPherson estate, already bought and paid for.
The "Bech Property," adjacent to the McPherson estate had been on sale for several
years. Brother Zepheriny had already visited it when he was looking for a site. The only
thing which prevented him from buying it was that the price was much higher than for the
McPherson estate and, having at that time almost no resources, he had to think of money.
Nevertheless he voluntarily took on Brother Boniface's intention of submitting the
purchase idea to the Rev. Brother Superior General, highlighting the many and real
advantages which would follow in buying it as soon as possible.
In brief, everybody seemed to put himself in the act, even the good and devoted Father
Williams who wrote to the Superiors about it to help them decide to go ahead and give
the requested authorization.
In Community several fervent prayers and novenas to St. Ann were made for the same
intention, because "man proposes and God disposes."




11
During this time Brother Zepheriny was proposing the purchase to the Provincial
Council, which voted unanimously for it and sent their request to the General Council.
Finally the approval so much desired arrived and was received with great joy.
The property was bought by a devoted friend,
Mr.
John P. Murray, of the Coudert
Brothers Firm in New York.
Before the purchase but while there was talk of it, several rumors had sounded the
alarm. First, it was that the owner no longer wanted to sell it because he saw it passing
into the hands of a Catholic religious institution; then it was that the city of Poughkeepsie
wanted to buy it for a public park.
But Providence had its own ideas, and with the help of St. Ann, we bought it.
A word about the new property.
The new purchase was a magnificent property of some 65 acres, magnificently
located. This property is separated from the McPherson estate only by a road leading to
the city aqueduct.
Having been abandoned for several years, its looks were not prepossessing. It was
something like the McPherson estate when we bought it. However, when we strolled
along its wide roads we could see beautiful groves, a large number of trees of varied
species, and several variety of plants growing here and there. We could also see remains
of spacious greenhouses in different places, some indication of what the property must
have been at the time of the bourgeois.
Like the McPherson estate, this property has
a
magnificent view of the Hudson; the
part along the river for some 900 feet has several pleasant inlets and promontories.
A word on the buildings there at the time of purchase. There were several. First,
there was the owner's residence which has become the Novitiate. It was big enough to
accommodate thirty Novices, but the gas pipes and water drains needed serious repairs;
all the lead and zinc had been stolen. The hot air heating system was unusable. The
veranda was falling apart. All these indispensable repairs were done immediately.
Secondly, at the main entrance to the property from North Road there is a lovely small
two-storied stone house in good enough condition. It was the gate-keeper's house; it was
occupied at the time by
Mr.
Gindras, the property's florist and keeper. This house is
what we call the "Chateau" which the good and devoted Brother Fran~ois-lsidore will
soon occupy when he comes from Iberville to be the Community tailor. He loved his
little "Chateau" which he kept as charming as possible inside and out; consequently it
will cost him when, later, the Community of working Brothers, having developed and
regularized, had to go live in "Central." Since then the
"Chateau"
has always been called




12
the "Gate House" and now serves only to lodge a few students during the holidays and
also some retreatants.
The cornices which were falling in ruins have been repaired and the "outhouse" has
been replaced by a "toilet" and shower in the basement.
As we will see later, the "Chateau" was for several years the residence of the Brothers
teaching at St. Peter's in Poughkeepsie, but they had no kitchen. They used to take their
meals in the Juniorate. We put in water and gas for them; previously they pumped water
from a cistern.
Thirdly, the Gardener's House. This small two-storied house is located to the north on
the "Pumping Station Avenue."
It
used to be the gardener's residence, whence its name.
The inside was in very bad shape; on the outside, the cornices were also rotten in many
places.
First of all, Brother Desire Stanislas, having become gardener on the new property,
used it to store his tools, stands for his garden nets, grains, etc., and he also did all his
minor repairs there.
In August 1910 the Brothers from St. Peter's came and occupied it and thenceforth
formed a separate community. The needed repairs were done, inside and out, and we
built the present kitchen with sink and drain. Bro. M
.
Gualbert built the kitchen and Bro.
M. Pimen put in water, gas, heating and did a few other repairs. We hired a mason to
repair the chimney and a few interior ceilings.
Fourthly, Central. What we are used to calling "Central" was two buildings, one in
stone and the other in wood, which had served as horse stables, carriage sheds, and
lodging for the coachman and his family. These 2 buildings were to become later, [the
stone] one the Scholasticate with a laundry in the basement, and the other the living
quarters of Bro. Director General and some working Brothers, the supply-room, the
Provincial tailor- shop, etc.
In
the very beginning they served to lodge the first Brothers who came to follow
summer courses in 1909; that year these Brothers went to take their meals in the
Novitiate. Later, the Brothers taking courses and the Brothers of the Community went to
take their meals in the Juniorate.
Fifthly, other buildings. Near the two "Central" buildings was a charming, small
chicken-coop with a slate roof and transferred farther later on, and several sheds more or
less in good condition. These were all repaired and became the present carpentry-shop;
the two wings, though, served different purposes. The west part became the carpentry-
shop, and the east part the linen-room.
·
The plumber's shop, a cellar, and the furnace were fitted in under Central' s wooden
building.






13
In the course of the year 1908.
The negotiations for the purchase of the Beck [sic] property lasted into July of that
year 1908.
Let's continue, therefore, our annals of the first months of that year, which we
interrupted to say a word about the new property.
During Lent 1908 Rev. Father J.J. Williams, S.J., our devoted chaplain, was chosen by
his superiors to preach during this holy season at St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie,
whose pastor at that time was Rev. P.P. Daily.
The devoted chaplain saw in this occasion a good opportunity to make our Institute
and its purpose known to this Catholic population in the city. Accordingly he got
permission from the Pastor for our Novices and Juniors to attend the ceremonies twice a
week and to do the singing. Since these ceremonies took place at 7 p.m., two large
carriages came to pick the children up and return them. Needless to say that the singing,
carefully prepared, was greatly appreciated and praised, and the services were well
attended. Rev. Father Williams gave eloquent and substantial sermons which were all the
better received. Our work became known and appreciated. Afterwards the population
showed itself very sympathetic towards us. The raffling off of a gold watch, which was
held the following year, brought in some $900.
March.
The month of March brought us the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph,
always celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by our dear young men. For those days
the Chapel takes on its beautiful decorations and the sweet voices of our Juniors enhance
the beauty of the ceremonies and have us enjoy happy moments.
May.
On the 22 of that month we had the unexpected visit of His Excellency
Archbishop Farley, of New York, accompanied by the Rev. Father Lewis his secretary
and Rev. Father Sheehan from St. Peter's. The brief words that the Archbishop spoke to
us were for all of us a precious encouragement. After giving us his blessing, he departed,
leaving with us a sweet souvenir of paternal benevolence and a profound feeling of
religious veneration.
July.
The first of this month 19 of our young men received the Sacrament of
Confirmation, administered by Bishop Cussack, auxiliary bishop, in the little church of
Pleasant Valley. Novices and Juniors attended the ceremony and enhanced the solemnity
by their harmonious singing, prepared and led
by
Brother Boniface, Master of Novices.






House Members from February 1905 to July 1906
Bro. Gervasius, Director. Left in December 1905
Bro. Felix Eugene, Director. Arrived in February 1906
Bro
.
M. Pimen
Bro. Henri Ambroise
Bro. Victor Etienne
Bro. Etienne Frederic
Bro. Ethelbertus
.
Didn't stay long
Bro. Henri Stanislas. Didn't stay long
Bro. Jean Albert
.
Didn't stay long
Bro. Henri Colomb. Didn't stay long
Bro. Marie Florian. Didn't stay long
Bro. John Casimir.
House Members 1906-1907
Bro. Felix Eugene, Director
Bro. M. Sylvestre, procurator and teacher
BB. Victor Etienne, John Casimir, Joseph Athanasius, Jean Michel, teachers
BB
.
Michel Ange, Marie Eugene, M
.
Piemen, Godefroy, workers
BB. Jean-Albert, Stylien, M
.
Florian, Cadroes
House Members 1907-1908
Bro
.
Boniface, Director
14
Bro. Victor Etienne, Sub-Director. Left June 1908
Bro. John Casimir, teacher.
Bro. M. Sylvestre, Procurator. Left November 1907
Bro. M. Ovila, cook. Left December 1907
BB. Michel Ange and Louis Sanctus, farmhands
Bro. Desire Stanislas, gardener
Bro. Aldericus, tailor
Bro. Joseph Anthyme, carpenter
Bro
.
M. Narcisse, cook. Arrived December 1907
Bro. Charles Etienne, prefect. Arrived October 1907
Bro. Abelus, teacher
.
Arrived November 1907
Bro. Marcellien Louis, infirmarian. Arrived November 1907
Bro.
Mary
Severinus, teacher. Arrived May 1908
Bro. Hellade, prefect
.
Arrived January 1908. Left May 1908
The annual retreat opened on the 18
th
.
As
in the previous year, it was made by the
Brothers of the Community and a few Brothers from New England and New York. For
the first time the Novices made it, and the Juniors also took part for the
final
days
.



15
The talks of that retreat were given with zeal and energy by Rev. Father Dooley, S.J.
The closing day was one of the most consoling, a truly remarkable day for St. Ann's
Hermitage. The day of the feast of St. Ann, 26 July 1908, the first taking of the Habit
took place. 9 Postulants were admitted. Here are their names.
Romeo Lelievre -- Bro. Paul Statonic
Adelard Lirette -- Bro. Peter Anthony
C. Henri Gregoire -- Bro. Henry Charles
Rene Gregoire -- Bro. Mary Andrew
Wilfrid Doiron -- Bro. Wilfrid Mary
Edward Gagnon -- Bro. Joseph Edward
Jean-Baptiste Villeneuve -- Bro. John Gabriel
Rosario Fecteau -- Bro. Ambrose Paul
Henry Hamel -- Bro. James Joseph
The splendor of the ceremony was enhanced by the presence of three of our friends
from St. Andrew, the most sincere and the earliest: Rev. Father George A. Petit,
S.J.,
Rector of St. Andrew, Rev. Father J.J. Williams, S.J., our devoted chaplain, and Rev.
Father P. Richards who preached the sermon with vigor and eloquence. Never was there
a more magnificent praise of the "Marist Cassock" which he termed the garment of glory
and zeal.
That 26 was truly a day of joy, of a great future for the Community and the future
Province.
Here we have to mention that the last legal deed for the purchase of the Beck [sic]
property, so desired, had been signed two or three days before. This news was received
with noticeable pleasure and we had an added reason to sing the ''Te Deum" to thank God
and Good St. Ann for the protection received, after so many others.
It goes without saying that that afternoon all the members of the Community wanted
to inspect the newly acquired property.
July 27, the day after the Taking of the Habit, a few Juniors were chosen to add to the
Novitiate core.
That day we had: 9 Novices, 10 Postulants, 39 Juniors. This start was truly consoling
and promised much for our Marist family in the United States. It recalled the prophetic
words of our Ven. Founder.
August. On August 25, with the nomination list, we learned that Bro. Felix-Eugene is
once again named Director of the Juniors.
August 31 was a "pie nic" day for the young men and dinner was served outside on
the new property.
The entire Community was there.
The young men's joy was





16
boundless, and they competed in their games and sports with liveliness and open joy
until sunset when they had to return.
September.
On the first, Bro. Franc;ois-Isidore's tailor-shop was moved from the
Juniorate to the stone residence at the main entrance to the Beck [sic] property. It's since
then that that residence is better known among us as the "Chateau." (We spoke about this
earlier.)
It's this year, on the first day of classes, that our Brothers, at the request of Rev. Father
Sheehan, pastor of St. Peter's, began teaching the boys at the parish school, for sometime
now directed by the Sisters of Charity.
Two Brothers began in the upper grades; a third Brother was soon added for the fifth
grade. Later, there were five Brothers.
Rev. Father Williams, S.J., had worked to get us this school.
It has given us some good vocations and its venerated Pastor has always been very
devoted to us.
It's on the 21
st
of this month that our good and capable woodworker Bro. Joseph
Anthime had the sad accident which left him blind or almost. He was tended to by
capable specialists, among them Dr. W.G. Dobson at Vassar Hospital, at that time the
only big hospital in town. His case became hopeless; however, 2 months later he was
taken to the "Ear and Eye Infirmary" in New York. In spite of several operations he
recovered only a very small part of his sight.
In
this sad situation, the good Brother had all the sympathy of the Community. He
was so obliging and so eager to work for his religious family. He had been trained at
N.D. de !'Hermitage in France and in Santa Maria in Italy by the good and capable Bro.
Simeon-Joseph.
On the 25
th
the Novitiate was moved to new quarters which, though not completely
ready, were sufficiently prepared to receive Novices and Postulants. The dormitories and
the classrooms were ready.
October.
During this month some changes were made in the Juniorate heating
system. Results were satisfactory, and finally the house was adequately heated.
From that time on we had two very separate houses: the Juniorate house on the
McPherson property, and the Novitiate one on the Beck [sic] property.
December.
However, we must add that it was only in December, when the Beck [sic]
residence was just about completely repaired and equipped with a satisfactory heating
system, that the Novices and Postulants permanently took it over.





17
A beautiful small room on the second floor was turned into a chapel. From that time
on they had Our Lord living under the same roof. They will be able to go visit Him
often. From that time on they will have Mass in that chapel once a week; the rest of the
time they will go to the Juniorate.
Midnight Mass.
For the first time this Mass, almost unknown in the United States at
that time, is celebrated in our Chapel with all the solemnity possible. For the older
Brothers it was a sweet and pious remembrance of times past and, besides, of what took
place in our Provincial Houses.
The Creche, the Christmas melodies, everything reminded them of the simplicity and
piety of our first Brothers. Was not our first cradle another "stable of Bethlehem?" And
was not our St. Ann's Hermitage another Lavalla?
December 31. A ''Te Deum" of thanksgiving is fervently sung before retiring to bed.
1909
January.
The first of this month we had the traditional custom where the members of
the Community wish each other "Happy New Year." Though simple, this custom is
always moving.
The 10
th
of the same month 4 of our Juniors made their First Communion. That
evening the Renewal of the Baptismal Promises took place. Rev. Fr. Bourgeois, S.J.,
Canadian, presided at the ceremony and preached a sermon in French entirely appropriate
for the occasion.
On the 25
th
we celebrated the first Mass in the Novitiate chapel.
The entire
Community attended, notwithstanding the room's small size. The Novitiate had been
founded a year before; what had been only an ardent desire was now a reality.
March.
On the 3
rd
of this month the very small house near the Juniorate barns, which
served as laundry room, went up in flames during the night. Everything was burned.
Insurance covered part of the fire. Mrs. Winslow, our neighbor, sent us $50 to help out.
Towards the end of this same month the zealous and devoted Brother Desire Stanislas,
taking advantage of the start of good weather, began clearing that part of the new Beck
[sic] property which has become the vegetable garden. He had to clear everything at
first, but the spot was well chosen.
During the month we were visited by Bro. Zepheriny, Provincial, and Brothers Alfrid
[sic], M. Sylvestre, Joannis [sic] Emile, Philomene-Joseph, and M. Anicetus returning
from Europe where they had made their Second Novitiate in Grugliasco, Italy
.





18
April,
May.
During the beautiful days of these two months the Novices and Postu-
lants are employed putting the roads in good condition, such that by the end of May the
property had already taken on a better look.
June 14.
Bro. Michaelis, Assistant General and delegate of the Rev. Brother Superior
General in Mexico, passing through New York, came to visit our Hermitage. The entire
assembled Community gave him a worthy reception. He was much edified and expressed
his deep satisfaction for the occasion.
On the 20
th
a statue of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, sent by our Brothers in Manchester, was
placed in our Juniorate chapel. This holy patron of our young men will be for them a
stimulant to follow his example.
During this month some important modifications were done. A steam laundry is
installed in one of the stone buildings on the Novitiate property.
The building next to that one was restored and made habitable for the future student
Brothers who were to follow courses of study during the vacations.
July.
Our magnificent river front gives us a preferred location to
·
enjoy the "Boat
races" which took place on the Hudson on the 2
nd
of this month.
On the 6
th
a contingent of student Brothers came to enlarge our Community for two
months, spending this vacation time in study, prayer, recreation, as stipulated in our
Rules. They quickly found pleasure in the middle of the tranquility of our groves, our
shaded walks and our woods. It's an ideal place for study and reflection.
The annual retreat was preached by Rev. Father Rousseau, S.J., from the 19
th
to the
26
th
•
As usual, the Profession of Vows took place on the last day; but this year, it was the
First Vows of our eight [actually 9] first Novices trained in Poughkeepsie. They were
called: the "Founders of the Juniorate and the Novitiate."
Devoted Father Williams, S.J., was present at this magnificent ceremony and gave the
sermon. In practical and meaty words he sketched a line of conduct for these new
Apostles of Mary.
The same day twelve Postulants took the Holy Habit.
The next day seven Juniors entered the Novitiate.
We had at that time: 8 [actually 9] Brothers in First Vows, 12 Novices, 8 [probably 9]
Postulants, and 41 Juniors. It was very consoling, for sure, after only a little more than
three years since the foundation of the Juniorate.




Personnel of the House
School Year 1908-1909
Novitiate
Bro. Boniface, Dir. & Master of Novices
Bro. John Casimir
Bro. Joseph Athanasius
Bro. Joannes Adjutor, Sept. 1908
Bro. Joannes Marius, left Jan. 1909
Bro. Pierre Emilius, Feb. 1909
Juniorate
Bro
.
Felix Eugene, Master of Juniors
Bro. Marcellien Louis, Procurator & Inf.
Bro. Abelus
Bro. M. Severinus
Bro. Albert Marius, came Sept. 1908
Bro. Etienne Adrien, left April 1909
Bro. Henri Stanislas, came May 1908
19
Bro. Edmond Jude, cook, left Nov 1908
Br. Charles Honore, cook, came Nov 1908
Working Brothers
Bro. Michel Ange, farm and carriages
Bro. Desire Stanislas, garden
Bro. Fran<;ois Isidore, tailor shop
Bro. M. Pimen, plumbing
Bro. Jos. Anthyme, carpentry
Bro. Louis Sanctus, fann and errands
Bro. Ethelbertus, farm; came in January 1909
Bro. Ambrosime, linens; left in Dec. 1908
Bro. Abel Antoine, linens; came in Dec. 1908
Bro. Paul Gaspard, fruit trees; came in April 1909.
St. Peter's: BB. John Vincent, Aloysius Mary, and Mary Severinus
August. The Community having grown in numbers, at the general nomination Bro.
M. Anicetus was named Director General of the house; Bro. Boniface stayed as Master of
Novices and Bro. John Casimir, who had just made his Vow of Stability, became
Director of the Juniors.
Organization of Central. In August of this same year Central was organized and
fitted for Bro. Director General, who was at the same time the Econome, for the working
Brothers in the House and for the tailor shop which was transferred from the Chateau
where it had been for some time; Bro. Frani;ois Isidore continued as tailor.
Brothers Michel-Ange and M. Pimen put in a heating system and made other
improvements
'
in Central for lodging the working Brothers, about 8 of them including the
Juniorate cook who continued to stay there.


20
With the transfer of the tailor shop and Bro. Frarn;ois Isidore the Chateau was
remodeled for the five Brothers teaching at St. Peter's who moved there at the end of
August, while continuing however to go take their meals at the Juniorate.
September. Building of the Calvary Group.
The 5
th
of this month the first Calvary,
put up on the small hill before getting to the Novitiate, was blessed by Rev. Fr. Williams,
who said a few words
ad hoc.
In the thinking of this devoted Father, and he strongly
stressed the point, this august sign of our redemption should keep in the minds of all, but
especially in the Novices, the absolute necessity to become
experts
in self-conquest all of
their
life,
and help prepare them to carry their cross in the example of our Divine Model
and example.
Visit of Bro. Pierre-Joseph, Econome General.
On the 11
th
of this month of September we received the visit of Bro. Pierre-Joseph,
Econome General, who came as the delegate of Rev. Brother Superior General. He was
accompanied by Bro. Zepheriny, Provincial. He was welcomed with enthusiasm. His
visit left a fond souvenir among us, and since his return, our Province counts one more
eloquent advocate in the General Council.
Death of Bro. Charles-Camille.
On the 19
th
of September of this year God called to Himself the good, intelligent and
devoted Brother Charles-Camille. He was only 23 years old, but had already been
remarkable by his piety, his zeal and his great Marist spirit. He had been sent as
professor in the Novitiate at the last nomination; he had begun his work there with much
devotedness and success. God was satisfied with his good will.
For some time he complained of a big headache, without however giving it much
attention. ''The brisk air of Poughkeepsie is going to make me better," he would say at
times. "There's no better place for that."
God had decided otherwise.
Friday 10 September he was obliged to take to bed and in spite of the best care of the
Doctor and the fraternal attentions of the devoted Bro. Marcellien-Louis, infirmarian, his
sickness got worse and became meningitis.
On the 16
th
he received the Last Sacraments and the next day fell into delirium until
his death. During his last moments he almost never stopped singing the "Ave Maris
Stella," the "Magnificat," and other hymns. He returned his soul to God on Sunday at
11 :40 a.m. while the Community was making the visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
These were the first offerings of the province in the United States to our big Marist
province in heaven. This painful loss occasioned the making of a private cemetery.
Located at the extreme south end of the property, it is simple in taste but deeply religious.
It
is the preferred pilgrimage of the Brothers of the House and of the retreatants during
vacation time. They go there to draw courage and consolation and take a comforting



21
example of fidelity. All cherish the very legitimate desire to take their last sleep there, in
the shade of the tall weeping willows and helped by the prayers of the Community,
faithful to its children in death as in the ephemeral days of their stay here on earth.
Good Bro. Charles-Camille was buried there on the 21
st
after a Requiem Mass was
sung in the Juniorate chapel.
Bro. Ptolomeus, Provincial, came for the funeral. He had just been named Provincial,
following Bro. Zepheriny, who had resigned because of
ill
health.
Bro. Zepheriny was named professor in the Novitiate to replace the deceased Bro.
Charles-Camille.
December. Enlarging of the Juniorate Chapel.
The chapel having become too small to accommodate the entire Community, we
undertook this month to enlarge it somewhat.
To do this Brothers Michel Ange, M. Pimen, and Jos. Anthyme knocked down the
partitions and the sliding doors which separated the various halls and repaired the
woodwork. We put new wallpaper in the two halls at the back, which also got new pews.
Thus remodeled, the chapel became more than sufficient.
Towards this same time our good neighbor Mrs. Foley bought us a new statue of the
Sacred Heart, curtains for the windows, and Stations of the Cross.
1910
January.
This month five Juniors were sent to the Novitiate.
March.
This month the blessing of the Stations of the Cross mentioned above took
place in the presence of the entire Community.
The Stations of the Cross which were in the Juniorate chapel were moved to the
Novitiate chapel and blessed later by Rev. Father Williams.
May.
The last day of this month a beautiful statue of Mary "Queen of Heaven" was
put in the chapel. We already had statues of St. Joseph and St. Ann.
June.
The 3
rd
of this month Brother Provincial and some of the Brothers from our
schools in New York came to the Juniorate and the Novitiate for their exams. Five
Juniors passed their exams for the "Regents" and obtained their diploma.
During this month we made arrangements for the Brothers who were going to follow
summer courses. A few tents were put up for donnitories and classrooms. During the
courses the Brothers had to suffer much from mosquitoes, especially at night. This



22
nuisance led us to put in drainage in various places. The lake on the Beck [sic] property
behind Central disappeared and other swampy places elsewhere were also drained.
July. Visit of Br. Stratonique, Superior General, and Bro. Angelicus, Assistant.
Memorable for us that day, July 24, which marked the arrival of Rev. Brother
Stratonique, Superior General, accompanied by Bro. Angelicus, Assistant.
They were more than satisfied in seeing such a beautiful and edifying Community.
More than 60 Brothers from the House or summer students, 12 Novices, 16 Postulants,
and 49 Juniors.
Reverend Brother could not contain his joy and he spoke enthusiastically of the
marvelous development of our work in Poughkeepsie.
He spoke about it as his heart's ardent desire and showed our place as the center of a
new Province to be established shortly. He even spoke of enlarging it.
They stayed a few days with us. Their presence was for all of us a sweet inspiration
and a powerful stimulant to greater effort.
July. Annual Retreat.
That year the annual retreat was preached by Rev. Father
Williams. His sermons were dictated by his great heart and his great interest in our
Institute.
At the end, which took place on the 26
th
,
two Brothers made their Vow of Stability, 12
Novices made their First Vows, 15 Postulants took the Holy Habit; among the latter, 2
were from another Province, having come here to learn English.
July. Blessing of the Statue of St. Ann.
That same day, July 26, a magnificent statue of St. Ann, gift of Mrs. F. Foley, was
blessed by Rev. Father Williams and, in the presence of the entire Community, was put
up near the entrance to the Juniorate, on a cement pedestal made by Bro. Titien. It was a
memorial of Thanksgiving for all the favors received from our powerful and so good
Patroness.
In a few substantial words Rev. Father Williams spoke of the beginnings of our work,
of the spirit of sacrifice of the "little founders," and of the numerous favors obtained by
Good St. Ann.
August.
On the
2?1h
a few Juniors enter the Novitiate.
On that day we had 15 Novices, 12 Postulants, and 36 Juniors.
September.
At the beginning of this month the Brothers from St. Peter's moved from
the Chateau and took up residence in the stone house known as the
"Gardener's
House,"
which we had repaired and to which an addition had been made for a kitchen. As of then,
the Brothers had a young Brother as cook and formed their own community.


23
Two working Brothers remained at the Chateau for lack of accommodations
elsewhere.
House Personnel
School Year 1909-1910
Bro. Marie Anicetus, Director General, came July 1909.
Bro. Michel-Ange, farm and carriages
Bro. Desire Stanislas, garden
Bro. M. Pimen, plumbing
Bro. Jos. Anthyme, carpentry
Bro. Fran~ois Isidore, tailor shop
Bro. Paul Gaspard, orchards
Bro. M. Martinien, linens; left Jan. 1910
Bro. Arthur Sebastien, linens; came 1910
Bro. Peter Anthony, kitchen; left Oct. 1909
Bro. Ambrose Paul, kitchen; left Oct. 1909
Bro. Gimel, kitchen; came Oct. 1909
Novitiate
Bro. Boniface, Master of Novices
Bro. Dacianus, left Sept. 1909
Bro. Natal
Bro. Abelus, Prefect
Bro. Zepheriny, came Sept. 1909
Bro. Henry Charles
Bro. Charles-Camille, did Sept. 1909
Bro. John Gabriel, cook; Oct. 1909
Bro. James Joseph, cook; Oct. 1909
Bro. Thomas Alban
Juniorate
Bro. John Casimir, Director
Bro. Felix de Cantalice, Sub-Director
Bro. Paul Stratonique, teacher
Bro. Henry Stanislas, teacher
Bro. Delphinus, teacher
Bro. Jos. Adjutor, teacher
Bro. Marcellien-Louis, infirmarian
St. Peter's:
BB. Adolphe Armand, Director; M. Severinus, Paul-Mary, Albert-Marius,
Victor-Henry
Last visit of Rev. Brother Stratonique, Superior General.
Returning from Canada, Rev. Brother Stratonique, Superior General, accompanied by
Bro. Angelicus, Assistant General, and Bro. Ptolomeus, Provincial, came once more to
see us and say a final goodbye.
His last words were very encouraging. He made positive allusion to the building of a
large and spacious provincial house.


24
He left the following day at 1 p.m. for New York, taking with him two good and brave
Juniors, one from Levis [Canada] and the other from here, Austin O'Donnell, to for the
International Juniorate in Grugliasco.
We wished our travelers "Bon Voyage" and promised the help of our prayers.
Some time later we learned of their safe arrival in Europe.
October 29. Bro. Heribert replaces Bro. Boniface as Master of Novices.
House Personnel
School Year 1910-1911
Bro. M. Anicetus, Director
&
Econome
Bro. Michel-Ange, fann
Bro, Natal
Bro. Fran~ois Isidore, tailor
Bro. Abelus, plumbing
Bro. Desire Stanislas, farm
Bro. Louis Sanctus, farm
Bro. Pierre Augustin, tailor
Bro. Jos. Anthyme, carpenter
Bro. Altin, carpenter
Bro. Cyril Arthur, came Dec.
Bro. Michael Norbert, came Dec.
Bro. Joseph Azarias, came Dec.
Bro. Gimel, cook
Scholasticate
Bro. M. Florentius, Professor
Bro. Ambrose Paul, student
Bro. Dominico, student
Bro. Eugene Francis, .student
Bro. Francis Louis, student
Bro. Jos. Raphael, student
Bro. Louis Albert, student
Bro. Louis Euthyme, student
Bro. Wilfrid Mary, student
Novitiate
Bro. Boniface, M of Novices; left Oct.29
Bro. Heribert, M. of Novices; came Oct.29
Bro. Zepheriny, teacher
Bro. Charles Alphonse, teacher
Bro. Leo Anselm, cook
Bro. Mary Alexander, cook
Juniorate
Bro. John Casimir, Director
Bro. Felix de Cantalice, teacher
Bro. Hellade, teacher
Bro. Leo Clement, teacher
Bro. Joannes Adjutor, Prefect
St. Peter's
Bro. Adolph Armand, Director
Bro. M. Severi.nus, Sub-Director
Bro. Albert Marius, teacher
Bro.Victor Henri, teacher
Bro. Thomas Alban, teacher
Bro. Anthony of Padua, cook
November 11. Transfer of the Scholasticate.
At the beginning of November of this year the English Scholasticate, then in New
York, was transferred here and lodged in Central. It was placed under the direction of
Bro. M. Florentius as professor.






25
Departure of Bro. Angelicus, Assistant General.
From November 17 to 24 we had the pleasure of having Bro. Angelicus, Assistant
Geneal, in our midst.
It was his last visit. From here he went to New England, then to
New York where he embarked for Europe on "La Lorraine" on December 15.
Our prayers and our best wishes went with him.
He visited all the Houses of the Province, leaving everywhere a new proof of his love
and his entire devotedness to one and all.
1911
Division of the Provinces of Canada and the United States. Provincial House.
March.
In the month of March of this year there took place the split in two of the
then Province of North America. For some time already this split had been desired and
expected.
Bro. Ptolomeus remains in charge of our United States Province.
As for personnel, each Province is in a proportion of 1 to 2. We keep all our
establishments in the United States, plus St-Michel in Montreal and our establishments in
the Canadian West. [These schools in Canada were English-speaking.]
St. Ann's Hermitage becomes
de facto
the Provincial House. Bro. Provincial comes
to live there and takes up residence in the Juniorate; a double room has been prepared for
this. Two other rooms nearby are set up for the Father Preacher of Retreats and a room
for travelers.
Holy Week.
The Holy Week services are celebrated with all possible solemnity. Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday evenings the Office of Tenebrae is held at 5: 15 p.m.
The other daily Services, according to the customs of the House.
April.
During this month Brothers Legontianus and Aloysius M. install a private
telephone system which links all the houses on the property.
Communication between one residence and another thus becomes easy.
The town telephone which had been first installed in the Novitiate was moved in 1911
to Central where Brother Director was; he served also as local Economone and
Provincial.






26
May. Death of Joe Hanley.
May 1 was a day of sorrow. Joe Hanley from New York, a fine Postulant who had
spent a year in the Juniorate and 8 months in the Novitiate, leaving everywhere a sweet
odor of gentleness, piety, obedience and regularity, was taken from us by death after a
short illness of five days. During these few days of sickness he was a model of patience
and resignation. His pure arid fresh soul returned to its Creator.
We would have been happy to lay his mortal remains in our cemetery next to those of
good Brother Charles-Camille, but his parents insisted that he be placed in the family
plot. We had to accede to their request.
His gentle souvenir will remain among those who knew him.
June. Confirmation.
·
On the 13
th
of this month 17 Juniors receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation in the Church of the Nativity in town, conferred by Bishop Cusack,
Auxiliary Bishop of New York.
July. Summer Courses. About 70 Brothers arrived on July 1 to take summer
courses. All our buildings were bursting at the seams. On days off the Brothers were
divided into groups under the direction of the Professors and kept busy cleaning and
embellishing the property. A lot of work got done.
Novitiate Retreat. The annual Novitiate retreat took place from July 19 to the 26,
also followed by a few Brothers from the establishments. It was preached by Rev
.
Father
Williams, S.J.
11 Postulants took the Holy Habit and 12 Novices took their First Vows.
August. General Retreat. The general retreat took place from August 18-25. It was
preached by Rev. Father Brousseau[?], S.J.
Vow of Stability. At the end of this retreat Brothers Pierre-Raphael, Louis-Raphael
and Namase took their Vow of Stability.
Founding of St. Norbert, Manitoba, Canada.
That year we founded the establishment of St. Norbert, Manitoba, Canada, a
.
short
distance from St. Boniface, where the preceding year 4 Brothers had been sent at the
request of the Reverend Jesuit Fathers to teach commercial courses in their school.
September. On the 4
th
of this month eleven Juniors, well disposed, went on to the
Novitiate.
On the 26
th
Rev. Father Dillon, S.J., minister at St. Andrew, tells us he has been
designated to be our Chaplain. The devotedness and interest he seemed to have towards
us from the beginning make him a benefactor and friend.



27
Various Projects. As soon as Spring came that year extensive work was undertaken
to drain the Juniorate lake. To be able to empty it completely in order to clean it, we put
in 12-inch stoneware tubes. This conduit starts at the lake, crosses the neighboring field
and the aqueduct road, extends into the Novitiate property and empties at the end into the
southwest part of the city water basin. The wall encircling the lake is also rebuilt new
and covered with large flat stones having belonged to the wall along the main road. This
wall, half-cemented, enabled us to raise the water level.
Repairs made on the wall along the road.
In January 1911 the wall running on the property along the road was falling down in
many places and was repaired in its entire length on the 2 properties. The exceptionally
good weather that winter allowed us to begin this work in January and to continue it in
February. At the same time the same workers dug the well in the field to the left, going
to the Novitiate. The intention was to provide water to the houses by means of a hot-air
pump sent by St. Ann's Academy. This plan was replaced by the present power system,
much more practical.
Construction of the 2 Bungalows.
In the month of May our carpenters, helped by the Scholastics, built 2 bungalows to
lodge the Brothers corning for summer courses. We had noticed that the tents put up for
this purpose until now were not practical.
These bungalows measured 72 feet long by 27 feet wide and 15 feet high at the peak.
They served as dormitories during courses and retreats.
Construction of a chicken coop. From one chimney in Central and another at the
base to the carpenter shop.
In October & November 1911 a chicken coop, 90 feet long and 16 feet wide, was built
on the south side of the hill where the vegetable
caveau [cellar] is and which was there
when we bought the property.
The following year the Brothers taking summer courses helped Bro. Titien make a
small attractive cement pool for the ducks. The water comes from the hot-air pump
which was placed on the well in the field.
The small chicken coop, with a slate roof, which was already there and which is along
the path going from the carpenter shop to the laundry, is moved by workers from its
origirnd spot to its present spot to the southeast of the big chicken coop. It will be used
initially for pigeons and chicks.
Other projects.
By this time the large rock near the Juniorate has completely disappeared; nearby we
make the little cemented yard with its retaining wall. The picturesque look has also
disappeared with the rock, but at least we enjoy light and convenience.





28
Early in August and continuing in the Fall the Juniorate house undergoes welcome
changes in the dormitories, classes, stairway, etc, making the different sections more
suitable to present and future needs. This important work was done by our two Brother
carpenters, who then, during the winter, also made improvements to the Novitiate, either
in the dormitories by eliminating the brick wall partitions which created rooms, or in
relocating and rebuilding the stairs going from the ground floor to the first floor, making
them wide and straight; then enlarging the classrooms
.
by adding extra windows, etc.
1912
On January 1, gathering for the traditional New Year wishes presided over by Bro.
Ptolomeus, Provincial. That morning announcement of the results of the December
exams for the Scholastics, Novices, and Juniors and proclamation of the diplomas.
I
May. The 13
th
of this month, Bro. Cesidius, Provincial of Canada, visited us. He is
going to Grugliasco with our dear Brother Provincial. The Juniors offer them a little
reception, wishing them "Bon Voyage" and honoring Brother Cesidius in an address
filled with filial affection; the music is well executed. Brother Cesidius talks and
congratulates them on their beautiful singing.
June 1: Solemnity of the feast of the Most Holy Sacrament.
After Vespers, for the first time we had the procession of the Blessed Sacrament on
the Juhiorate property. The repository put up in the Juniorate yard overlooking the
Hudson gracefully rose high under the shade of the tall trees. The hymns and chants sung
lustily by the whole Community echoed along the way and raised our hearts towards
Jesus Who was blessing us.
Some faithful from the neighborhood followed behind the Blessed Sacrament.
July. The first of this month some
60
Brothers arrive to follow summer courses.
On the 26
th
the Novices' retreat ends; it had been followed by a few Brothers as well.
It was preached by Rev. Father Butler, S.J.
That same day 15 Postulants take the Holy Habit and 11 Novices pronounce their First
Annual Vows.
August. On the 28
th
end of the big annual retreat preached by the Rev. Father
McCoughlin, S.J. Brothers Leon Adolphe and Dioscoride take their Vow of Stability.
September. On the 5
th
14 Juniors enter the Novitiate.
November. On the 24
th
visit of His Eminence Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New
York.




29
His Eminence came to Poughkeepsie for the celebration of the 75
th
anniversary of St.
Peter's Church, the first Catholic church in the city.
That morning Brother Provincial and Bro. Zepheriny go to St. Andrew's to pay their
respects to His Eminence, who had gone there
·
on the eve, and to solicit a visit to St.
Ann's Hermitage. We received that visit at 2:30 p.m.
The front of the Juniorate had been decorated and banners hung. The Juniors, lined up
on the porch and each one holding the Papal flag or the flag of the United States, greeted
the worthy Prelate at his arrival, accompanied by Father Lewis, his secretary, then
everybody went into the reunion hall where the Brothers and Novices had already
gathered.
Two speeches, one read by a Postulant and the other by a Junior, and the songs for the
occasion told him our joy and feelings of gratitude, to which he answered paternally and
blessed us.
A half-hour later His Eminence left for another appointment in New Yrok.
His Eminence visited us while a fierce storm raged over the area.
On the 25
th
16 Juniors and 1 Postulant are confirmed in St. Peter's Church by Bishop
Cusack.
Projects.
In
the Fall improvements are made to the Provincial tailor shop area, which
had originally been a barn: skylights, ceiling, divider, etc., then a skylight in the tailor
shop itself to give more light.
December.
The New York Central Railroad Company, needing land to widen its
tracks, buys about 6 acres of land from us along the two properties for $20,000 and has
two iron bridges built for us, one at the Novitiate and the other at the Juniorate, linking
these properties to the land located along the Hudson.
1913
January.
On the 1
st
traditional greetings among the Brothers of the Community, the
Brothers, Novices & Juniors for a good and happy year.
In
the evening, entertainment given the whole Community by the Juniors. The young
actors are all taken up by their parts; the songs and orchestra pieces are well appreciated.
February.
The 16
th
,
6 Brothers from Italy, chosen by the Rev. Brother Superior
General to do their apostolate in North America visit us. Four leave the next day for
Canada with Bro. Joseph-Emetic who had come down to accompany them .
....
:
March.
On the 12
th
,
3 Brothers from Canada, returning from the Second Novitiate,
spend the day with us, giving us news of our respected Superiors.




30
April.
On the 14
th
,
Brother Angelicus, Assistant General and delegate of the Rev.
Brother Superior General for the visitation of the 2 Provinces of Canada and the United
States, stops at St. Ann's Hermitage for 2 days, on the way from New York to Iberville.
He
arrives accompanied by Brother Provincial who had gone to meet him at the
Station. Upon his arrival the Brothers, Novices & Juniors are happy to see him and to
receive a fraternal embrace.
A welcome is then given him, a few songs for the occasion, and Brother Provincial
expresses to him the feelings of filial affection of the entire Community.
That evening the Juniors offer some brief entertainment.
May.
As in previous years the choir goes each evening to the Mission exercises for
singing and Benediction. These are given by the Rev. Jesuit Fathers in the Chapel of the
State Hospital.
June.
On the 30
th
of this month some 40 Brothers from the establishments arrive to
take summer courses.
July.
On the 26
th
,
end of the Novitiate retreat, followed also by some 30 Brothers.
The program included a Communion Mass at 6 a.m. in the Juniorate by Rev. Father
Green, preacher, followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving by Rev. Father Dillon, Chaplain.
At 8:30 a.m. High Mass by Rev. Fathe·r Sheehan, pastor of St. Peter's.
At 10 a.m. Taking of the Habit, taking and renewal of Vows presided over by Rev.
Father Sheehan, Rev. Father Green, Rev. Father Dillon, and Rev. Brother Angelicus,
Assistant General, Delegate.
The sermon was given by Rev. Father Dillon.
The
ceremony ended with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
That evening at 6:30 p.m. exercises to close the retreat in the Juniorate chapel. These
exercises consisted of hymns and consecration to the Sacred Heart and to the Blessed
Virgin.
Twelve postulants had taken the Habit that morning and 12 Novices had made their
First Vows. One of the Novices, not having the [canonical] age, had to wait a few days.
August.
On the 23
rd
,
end of the annual retreat preached by Rev. Father Dooley, S.J
.
That day we celebrated Brother Dioscoride's Golden Jubilee.
The day's program included: Communion Mass at 6 a.m., High Mass at 8 a.m.,
renewal of Vows at 9:30 a.m. presided over by Rev. Father Dillon and Brother Angelicus,




31
Assistant General, Delegate. At 11 a.m. presentation of best wishes to the Venerated
J ubilarian.
The whole Community, having gathered in the hall decorated for the occasion, our
Bro. Dioscoride, Rev. Bro. Assistant on his right and Bro. Provincial on his left, took
their places on the stage.
A feast day hymn and an orchestra piece were performed, then there was the reading
of the speeches: one by a very small Junior, the other by Bro. Leon Bernardin, Director of
Lowell. His face radiating with joy, the Jubilarian acknowledged with his Marist
simplicity the good wishes offered him and heartily thanked the Brothers, Novices &
Juniors.
Brother Provincial, speaking next, talked about the zeal, the devotedness, the piety and
the qualities of a true Little Brother of Mary which our Venerated Jubilarian possessed
and wished him on to his Diamond Jubilee.
'
Another song and orchestra piece concluded the fraternal reunion.
Then Bro.
Assistant said a few words of paternal affection to the day's hero and asked us to sing the
"Magnificat" in thanksgiving.
Next came the refectory where a dinner for the occasion invited all to satisfy their
hunger.
A holy card was given to everybody as a souvenir.
In
the evening after Beads the announcement of exam and diploma results was made.
Various Projects.
During the two months of summer vacation a dam for hydro-
electric power was built across the brook in the field below the Juniorate. This wall thus
created a waterfall which was to generate power. This project was continued during the
following months: namely, we
.
buried a conduit of some 20 feet for the brook and the
generation of power, a building was put up and the overshoot water wheel was put in and
a pump added; later, an artesian well 65 feet deep was dug a few feet from the building.
The final installation was continued the following year.
Bro. Fran~ois Isidore's accident
On Sunday August 31 Bro. Fran~ois-Isidore was
taking a stroll along the road with Bro. Paul Mary when, around 2:30 p.m. a car coming
up behind them hit him and threw him down, causing grave wounds to the head and
several bruises, knocking him unconscious.
An ambulance took him to the State Hospital where doctors gave him immediate care.
After examining him the doctors stated that his life was not in danger, but the Last
Sacraments were given him, just in case.



32
The next day he recovered consciousness and stayed under the care of the doctors and
nurses at the hospital until September 8. Out of danger then and well on his way to
recovery, he was brought to the House infirmary, staying under our doctor's care.
September. On the 3
rd
of this month, 4 Brothers coming from Grugliasco, Italy, visit
us on their way to Canada.
On the 9
th
,
classes began at the Juniorate and the Novitiate.
On the 2?1\ Brother Assistant makes his farewell visit to the Provincial House. That
same day, accompanied by Brother Provincial, he goes to New York where, after a short
stay, he takes a boat to Europe.
Our good wishes and prayers go with him.
October. Bro. Alexander-Josaphat's accident.
This month Bro. Alexander-Josaphat, Novice, had a foot crushed by a tree he was
felling. He was brought to Vassar Hospital, and amputation was judged urgent. After a
month of care he is brought to the infirmary where he later gets a prosthetic leg.
December. On the 26
1
\
Brothers Legontianus & Jos. Cesidius come to spend
a
few
days, preparing plans for the installation of electricity in the Juniorate from the water
power we already had.
Building of the silo.
In
the Fall the Brothers in charge of the farm build a silo near
the stables with special hollow bricks.
1914
January. On the 1
st
traditional best wishes from the entire Community assembled.
On the 16
th
we have the pleasant visit of Bro. Cesidius, former Provincial of North
America. He is accompanied by Bro. M. Florentius, Director of St. Michel, our school in
Montreal.
The happiness which Bro. Cesidius experiences in once again seeing the Community
and the Provincial House in Poughkeepsie is shared by our own happiness in having him
with us for 2 days.
February. The Scholasticate rooms are upgraded by a large sliding partition allowing
them to be transformed into a single hall for prayers during summer courses or retreats.
In January the Scholastics had put in a floor in the dormitory and wooden ceilings in the
rooms, the plaster ceilings no longer staying up.


33
April.
On the 12
th
we learn that Bro. Heribert, the Master of Novices, is officially
named Provincial, replacing Bro. Ptolomeus. This appointment is received with joy.
July.
On the 22
nd
the Brothers taking summer courses put up a tall pole on the
Novitiate property.
Vacation time.
General excitement of the Brothers taking summer courses caused by
the declaration of war in Europe. Some of them think about the mobilization and prepare
themselves for it.
August.
The devoted and sympathetic Father Dillon, S.J., is removed as Chaplain.
He is replaced by Rev. Father Hedrick, S.J.
September.
On the 1
st
16 Juniors enter the Novitiate.
A dozen young Brothers follow the Scholasticate.
On the 21
st
and 22
nd
of this month a wann and fraternal welcome is given to 6
Brothers coming from Mexico, driven out by the revolution. They had many things to
[tell] us about Mexico, the revolution, and what they had to endure.
October.
The project for the water installation is completely finished and on the 9
th
the switch on the city water pipe is closed and we have our own water. This will be a
great saving. Being outside the city limits, we are paying the city double for what we
use.
The total installation cost about $2200.
Enlarging the Juniorate.
The first work for enlarging the Juniorate starts by the
second week of October. One wing of the building, when completed, will replace the
kitchen and its dependencies, now too small, as well as the rooms above them, to make
room for a spacious kitc~en, an attractive refectory for the Juniors, and above that a small
dormitory and some rooms.
November.
On the 15
th
we have the pleasant and unexpected visit of His Eminence
Cardinal Farley, come to Poughkeepsie to preside at a celebration of the Jesuit Fathers at
St. Andrew.
The Community, hastily gathered, gives him a warm welcome and reception to which
His Eminence answers with very paternal words, speaking especially of the union of
prayers for the end to the scourge of the war raging in Europe.
1915
January.
The 1
st
brings the traditional gathering for New Year wishes. Brother
Provincial says a few kind words and gives us all some advice.



34
On the 6
th
the Juniors give a bit of entertainment in which the young performers put all
their know how to please the audience.
February. On the 27
th
we are visited by BB. Joseph-Wenceslas and Uon-Alphonse
coming from Italy and on their way to Canada.
In 1910 Bro. Leon-Alphonse, then E. Ellard coming from the Juniorate of Uvis,
Canada, had left with our Austin O'Donnell for the International Juniorate in Grugliasco,
accompanied by Rev. Brother Stratonique, Superior General.
April. On the 10
th
Brother Bassus, cook, takes possession of his new kitchen.
On the 18
th
the Juniors provide more entertainment on the occasion of the feastday of
St. Anicetus, patron of Brother Director General.
May. On the 13
th
,
Ascension Day, our good and intelligent Brother Pierre-Raphael,
Principal of St. Peter's School, not feeling well for a few days now, is taken to St. Francis
Hospital.
On the 17
th
the sickness, typhoid pneumonia, having gotten worse, he is given the Last
Rites.
On the 19
th
at 5 a.m. he returns his beautiful soul to God after having been able to see
his brother, Bro. Marie-Saintin who had arrived the night before from Canada.
The· body of our regretted deceased was brought from the hospital and laid in our
parlor turned into a funeral chapel. He was visited by many people from the parish where
he was well liked and was doing much good for the children. He always had outstanding
success with his students and was a model Principal.
On the 21
st
at 6 a.m. Requiem Mass in the Community Chapel, and at 9 a.m. the
casket is transferred to St. Peter's Church with the Community attending. There a second
Requiem Mass is sung.
Rev. Father Sheahan, pastor of the parish and celebrant, gave a moving allocution on
the dear deceased, who is brought back to be interred in the Community cemetery. Rev.
Father Dillon was there to say the final prayers.
June.
Death of
.
Bro. Namase.
The 2
nd
of this month Brother Provincial,
accompanied by Bro. John Casimir, brings back the mortal remains of our dear Bro.
Namase, who died in Manchester on May 31.
At 11 a.m. after a final absolution our regretted Deceased goes to sleep in peace next
to Bro. Pierre-Raphael.



35
These are two excellent Brothers and 2 good teachers who are taken from us in a few
days. They have gone to add to the Marist family in heaven.
On the 20
th
8 Juniors received the sacrament of Confirmation in St. Peter's Church,
given by Bishop J.P. Hayes, Auxiliary Bishop of His Eminence Cardinal Farley.
Brother Provincial having been promised a visit by the Bishop for that evening, the
welcome preparations are made, but we are disappointed. His Grandeur, having been
obliged to go to some rural parishes, came by only at 9 p.m., when the Community was
going to bed. His secretary came in to express His Grandeur's regrets.
August. On the 11
th
of this month a statue of the Sacred Heart is put up in the
Juniorate yard. Bro. M. Florentius made the pedestal for it in cement.
September. On the 5
th
,
announcement of the results of the June compositions; 9
Juniors receive their 1
st
diploma.
On the 7
th
,
studies take up again with spirit.
December. On the 14
th
a rumor goes around, all too true, that one of the 2 bungalows
had been leveled by the weight of the snow that fell that evening and night, and we all go
see the damage: three sides have caved in and the roof lies on the floor. ... There's a good
job ahead for our Brothers Carpenters already too few.
The year ends with the Christmas celebrations.
Individual Project. During the summer vacation a few projects are started to build a
vegetable caveau [cellar] next to the Juniorate barn. Under the direction of Bro. M.
Florentius, several blastings prepare the place, which is all rock. Brothers Michel-Ange
and Sanctus; helped by other Brothers and some Scholastics, built the caveau later. It
was finished in October.
Personnel
Bro. Heribert, Provincial
Bro. M. Anicetus, Director General, local and provincial Econome
Bro. Adolph-Leo, Master of Novices
Bro. John Casimir, Master of Juniors
Bro. Ptolomeus, Master of Scholastics
18 other Brothers, teaching or doing manual work
12 Scholastics
18 Novices
54 Juniors






36
In
1915
16 Postulants took the Habit
6 Novices took their First Vows
7 Brothers made Perpetual Profession
1916
January.
1
st
.
Traditional wishes for a good and holy year.
6tn..
Splendid entertainment given the entire Community by the Juniors: songs, skits,
and various pieces done to our best expectations by the young perfonners provided a
pleasant time.
l 7tn.. The horse (the gray one) arrives from Ile La Motte (Vermont).
26tn.. Not an empty place in the Juniorate
:
58 present for dinner, but at 4:30 p.m. 18
leave the beehive to increase the Novitiate; of course,
all
are pleased and happy.
February.
On
the 21
st
,
10tn. anniversary of the Juniorate.
At Mass, hymns of
Thanksgiving.
At dinner in the Juniorate, Brothers Provincial, Zepheriny
& Peter Anthony, one of the
founding Juniors, are in the place of honor. A speech is read for Brother Zepheriny, who
responds with his customary talent. Dinner is interrupted by songs and speeches.
At
6 p.m., prayers in the Chapel close this memorable day.
March 4.
St. Casimir.
In the evening entertainment in honor of Brother Director of
the Juniorate is given the entire Community. A splendid program composed of 2 songs, 2
wonderful skits, a quartet, a pantomime earn the applause of
all
present.
The 17tn. [St. Patrick's] and the 25tn. [the Annunciation] are celebrated as usual.
April.
On Easter the 23
rd
the skies are dark but our hearts are gay.
On the 25
th
a 3n1 evening of entertainment, ending the long days of winter, is given
Brother M. Anicetus, Director General, in honor of his patron
saint.
It is a real success.
Juniors and Scholastics performed very well.
May.
Every evening at 8 p.m. the Juniors, Novices
& Scholastics go sing in the State
Hospital chapel where the annual Mission is given.





37
June.
From June 26 to July 3, first retreat made in the Novitiate, followed by 34
Brothers.
It
is preached by Rev. Father Guinette, Provincial of the La Salette Fathers.
July.
On the 16
th
,
Novitiate retreat preached by Rev. Father Earls, S.J., also followed
by the Brothers who are preparing for their Final Vows
.
On the 26
th
,
Saint
Ann,
20 Postulants take the Holy Habit, 12 Novices take their First
Vows, 3 Brothers make their Perpetual Profession, and 1 Brother takes his Vow of
Stability. It is a beautiful day for all.
On the 27
th
and 28
th
,
Brother Legontianus graciously gives the Community an evening
of movies.
August. Electric lighting is installed in the Juniorate.
Bro. Jos
.
Cecilius, helped
by BB. Aubery, Pierre Vincent, Paul Acyndinus start installing the wires needed for the
electric lighting in the Juniorate.
New Provincial.
On the
8
th
,
we receive news from Grugliasco that Brother Dacianus
has been appointed Provincial, replacing Brother Heribert, who resigned because of
health. Our profound respect and entire submission go to the newly elect, who had been
Director of St. Ann's Academy in New York, which he had put on a solid footing.
That same day our Brothers Carpenters put in some new skylights in the corridor next
to the Juniorate chapel.
That day is memorable for its temperature: 98° in the shade and 98% humidity. A
storm that evening allowed us to breathe somewhat more easily.
From the
I 7
th
to the
24
th
.
The big Annual Retreat preached by Rev. Father Hammer,
S.J.
September 11. Beginning of classes.
The Juniors in High School go take courses with Brother Ptolomeus in Central.
On
the 18
th
,
the foundations for enlarging the Novitiate are finished and the Novices
take a well-earned picnic.
The chimney built by Brother Titien has reached its top, and this devoted Brother gets
ready to return to Lowell for the school year.
The Brothers Carpenters have already begun to raise the fa~ade
.
October.
On the 1
st
,
as in the preceding years, devotions of the Holy Roasary in the
State Hospital chapel where we go do the singing.






38
On the 2
nd
,
our Brother Theodose, who came from New York two days earlier
,
has a
diabetic seizure. He receives the Last Rites and is taken by ambulance to St. Francis
Hospital.
On the 3
rd
,
our good Brother Theodose breathes his last at 8
:
25 p
.
m.
On the 4
th
,
our dear deceased is waked in the Juniorate parlor, turned into a funeral
chapel.
On the 5
th
,
Requiem Mass at 6 a.m., then the remains of our regretted Brother are laid
in our cemetery. R.I.P.
On the 21
st
,
the Juniors have a half-hour for their first practice on the "Fire Escape"
newly transformed and at the new one added to the Sacred Heart dormitory.
On the 28
th
,
at 7 p.m. good Father Hendrick, S.J., comes to give the students an
astronomy lesson on the "Flag Pole
Hill."
The night is splendid, the weather clear & very
cold.
That same day the new roof on the Novitiate is finished.
November 1. High Mass by Rev. Father Dillon, S.J.
At Vespers, sermon by Rev. Father Murphy on the theme of the feast
.
On the 5
th
,
for the first time our electric lighting system functions in the Juniorate
.
Farewell to gas jets. The refectory of the Community Brothers is the first to enjoy the
change-over
.
On the 24
th
,
electric lighting appears in the chapel.
On the 28
th
,
Brother Marcellien-Louis, our devoted infirmarian, goes to St. Francis
Hospital to undergo operations for a double hernia.
December
8.
High Mass & splendid feastday.
On the 14t11, Bro. Marcellien-Louis returns from the hospit
_
al happy & pleased.
On the I 8
th
,
first day of skating
.
On the 25
th
,
solemn celebration of the beautiful feast of Christmas.
From the 26
th
to the 28
th
exams given in the Juniorate by Brother Provincial.
Projects.
In the Fall we replace the water conduits from the Juniorate to Central
,
about 2000 feet. The work is done by the Scholastics, Novices & Juniors.





•
39
1917
Centenary Year of the Founding of the Institute
1917 marks the great celebrations of the Centenary of the founding of the Institute.
January.
On
_
the 1
st
,
the Community gathers for the customary exchange of best
wishes for a good year.
Bro. Provincial wishes that it be exceptionally goof and
productive
in
fruits of salvation for us & souls.
On the 2
nd
,
the program for celebrating the Centenary begins. At 6 a.m. special High
Mass for the occasion; beautiful performance of the music and ornamentation of the
altars. In the evening solemn Vespers and sermon by Rev. Father Chetwood, S.J., on
Catholic teaching
&
the good we do
in
our work; afterwards, solemn Benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament & hymns of Thanksgiving.
A large painting of our Venerable Founder is placed in the Juniorate and Novitiate.
Then, here and there decorations and some of the Institute' s commemorative dates recall
the spirit of the day which remains memorable.
On the 23
rd
and 24
th
,
some Juniors take the Regents Exams.
On the 27
th
,
24 Juniors move up to the Novitiate, happy to take another step
in
religious life. They leave behind exactly the same number.
The new Postulants
will
continue to go to the Juniorate for classes.
February.
On the 15
th
,
our Brother Louis-Sanctus, wanting to treat the cattle with
some gasoline, accidentally starts a fire and bums his two hands trying to extinguish it
and save the cattle and the barn. He's taken to the hospital. He returns after spending
some two weeks there, during which he had to endure terrible sufferings.
We had to gradually replace the cattle which got burned and which we had to
slaughter.
March.
On
the 2
nd
,
the Community offers its condolences to the Reverend Jesuit
Fathers at St. Andrew's by assisting at the Funeral Mass of the Rev. Father Pettit, rector,
who had always been so sympathetic to us.
On
the 12
th
,
Monday Mass is started again in the Novitiate. It had been suspended
since mid-November because of the work to enlarge the Chapel.
April.
On
the 6
th
,
formal declaration of war between the United States and Germany.
All the Brothers between 21 and 31 years old, according to the new law of military
service have to answer a 16-page questionnaire given by the Authorities, but because of
their functions, all our Brothers are exempt. However, three French Brothers enroll in the
American Anny in order to settle their military status with the French government.





40
May. On the 13
th
,
opening of the annual Mission at the State Hospital Chapel by the
Reverend Jesuit Fathers and, as usual, the singing and the evening Prayers during the
week are done by the Juniors, Novices, & Scholastics
.
On the 16
th
,
6 Juniors are confirmed in St. Peter's Church by Bishop J.P. Hayes,
auxiliary \>ishop of New York.
June. On the
7
th
,
feast of Corpus Christi.
Procession on the Juniorate property with Benediction at the repository put up in the
yard. The sky was overcast, but the scattered drops of rain did not interfere with this
beautiful & touching ceremony
.
On
the 14
th
,
celebration of the Centenary of St. Peter's Church, sumptuously decorated
for the occasion. All the Communities of the Provincial House attended. The hymns at
Mass were done by the Juniors with the children of the school. Sermon by the Rev
.
Father Sheahan, who was the celebrant. Rev. Father Donohue, former student of our
Brothers in Ireland, served as Deacon, Rev. Father O'Brien from St. Mary's parish served
as Sub-Deacon, and Rev. Father Lalli, pastor of
Our
Lady
of Mt
.
Carmel, was the Master
of Ceremonies.
That evening, solemn Benediction and sermon by Rev. Father O'Brien, pastor of St.
Mary's
.
Bad weather prevented
all
the Community from attending
.
On the 16
th
,
St. Peter's parish school held the
civil
celebration of the Centenary in
Columbus
Hall,
decorated for the occasion.
Speech by
Mr
.
J
.
Lavery, city notable, who develops the history of our Institute and
pays glorious tribute to the patriotism of Catholics during the United States wars.
The evening included: plays, songs, recitations, tableaux, etc.,
all
well performed by
the children of the school
From June 25 to July 2, 1
st
retreat preached by Rev
.
Father Salmon, C.S
.
E., full of zeal
and Marist sentiments.
July. From the 16
th
to the 26
th
Novices' retreat preached by Rev
.
Father Butler, S.J.
On the 23
rd
,
the Juniors join the retreat
.
On the 26
th
,
Mass of Communion, High Mass
.
At the ceremony afterwards
,
20 Postulants take the religious Habit and 20 Novices
pronounce their First Vows
.
The ceremony is presided over by Rev. Father Sheahan,
pastor of St. Peter's; Rev. Father O'Brien, pastor of St. Mary's, gives the Sermon, and



41
Rev. Father Dillon, S.J., minister at St. Andrew's, gives the Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament.
August. 14
&
15. Celebration of the Centenary at the Provincial House. On this
occasion we had from the Province of Canada: Bro
.
Joseph-Emerie, Provincial, BB
.
Cesidius, Chryseuil & Priscillianus, Provincial Councillors
.
The afternoon of the 14
th
,
all the communities gather on the
hill
next to the Novitiate,
decorated with flags and garlands, to assist at entertainment organized by some Brothers
taking summer courses.
On a platform set up outside but tastefully arranged and
decorated are presented one after another
:
a short comedy, songs & declamations; the
band offers its best pieces.
On
the 15t1i, religious celebration of the Centenary.
In the mormng, Mass of
Communion with hymns of Thanksgiving.
High
Mass
celebrated by
Rev.
Father Dillon, S.J
.
In the evening at 5 p.m., solemn
Vespers, special Senn.on
&
Benediction.
In the afternoon the Communities are once again gathered on the Novitiate hill for
entertainment offered by the Novices & Juniors .
.
At the very beginning a downpour
obliges us to transport everything to the Novitiate oratory where the program continues,
made up of songs, hymns, recitations and staging of 2 incidents in the life of the Founder
at the beginning of the Institute, and a play.
In the evening at 7
:
30 p.m., Rev. Father Coffey, S.J., opened the annual general
retreat.
September.
The Brothers in charge of the farm add 10 feet to the silo; it now
measures 30 feet x 10 feet.
On the 4
th
,
classes begin again in the Juniorate,
·
Novitiate & Scholasticate.
October.
On the 13
th
,
4 Juniors are confirmed in St. Mary's Church by Cardinal
Farley
.
On the 28
th
,
blessing of a statue of the Immaculate Conception for the Juniorate grotto.
December.
The 25t1i, Christmas with its ceremonies, songs, creche, tree, etc.
Beautiful Centenary observances, religious as well as civil, were celebrated in
all
the
Houses of the Province
&
in
all
the Provinces. God be praised!






Personnel
Bro. Dacianus, Provincial
Bro. Heribert, Director General
Bro. M. Anicetus, local & provincial Econome
42
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master of Novices, helped by BB
.
Zepheriny
,
Fred
.
Charles
&
Patrick
Nicholas, cook
.
20 Novices
.
Bro. John Casimir, Master of Juniors, helped by BB. Francis Regis, Jos. Severinus, Jos.
Walter, Edward Wilfrid, Louis
Mary
.
34 Juniors
.
BB. Ptolomeus
&
Leon Bernardin, professors at the Scholasticate. 12 Scholastics
.
To take care of the House: 12 Brothers
1918
January. A new year starts, as usual, with the good wishes and talks of our dear
Brother Provincial to all the communities of the Provincial House gathered together.
This gathering shows that family spirit is still well alive
in
the hearts of the Marist
Brothers of the United States.
On the 6
th
,
pleasant, short entertainment of songs, talks, violin and piano pieces
performed by the Juniors introduces some small break in the winter monotony.
March. On the 16
th
,
our devoted Bro. Fran~ois-Isidore, tailor and sacristan, dies in St.
Francis Hospital where, a few days before, he had been operated on for varicose veins
from which he had long suffered.
On
the 18
th
,
after the Requiem Mass for the deceased,
his mortal remains are taken to the Community cemetery
.
On
the 16tll of this month, when the Church celebrates the feast of St. Heribert, Bro.
Director General's patron, we cancelled
all
the preparations which had been made in
honor of the Superior of the House, as sign of our mourning
.
April. On April 11 we receive the official news that Bro. Heribert has been named
Provincial, replacing Brother Dacianus who, to the great scandal of all his subordinates,
had abandoned his vocation.
It
would not be out of place here to note that on the 14
th
of this month there took place
in our [word undecipherable] a family celebration on the occasion of Bro. Marie-
Cephas's 60tll birthday. This celebration brought joy to the Community and comforted
the Brothers whom the departure of the Provincial (Bro. Dacianus) had stunned
.
That same day 4 Juniors became Postulants, adding to their numbers.
June. On June 24 the first retreat, followed by 38 Brothers, is preached by Rev.
Father Aubin, S.S
.
E., great friend of the Brothers. His talks and conferences were as had



43
been expected,
all
heart and
all
soul. At the closing on July 1 there was a solemn
consecration of the Province to the Sacred Heart by our dear Brother Provincial.
July.
On July
2,
under the direction of Bro. Legontianus, director of our school in
Manchester, and with the help of BB. Francis Regis, Titien, Aubery and others, work on
the cement basin to receive the water from the stream coming from the Winslow property
is begun
.
Most of the cost is covered by entertainment and plays given in our schools
.
On the
16
th
,
opening of the Novitiate retreat, preached by Rev
.
Father Cronin, S.J. On
the
26
th
,
patronal feast of the property, the solemn closing takes place
.
10
Postulants take
the religious Habit and
20
Novices make their First Vows. The sermon is preached by
Rev. Father Burns, S.J., minister at St. Andrew's. Once again we could appreciate how
much this good Father loves us. He pointed out to these young men what they had to
become to do the good which the Catholic population expected of them
.
Talking next to
the parents, he encouraged them to complete the sacrifice which they had already done of
their sons, and he made them see the great reward promised by the Divine Master
.
The 31
st
of this same month, 5 Brothers who had prolonged
till
now the retreat
followed with the Novices took their Final Vows
.
August. The third retreat began on the l6t11, preached by Rev. Father Williams, S.J.,
one of the first chaplains of our House in Poughkeepsie and great friend of our work.
On the 31
st
of this same month, 12 Juniors enter the Novitiate
.
September.
Opening of school on September 3: 12 Scholastics under the direction of
BB. Ptolomeus and Legontianus; 12 Postulants and 10 Novices with Bro. Adolph Leo as
Master of Novices, Bro. Zepheriny as Sub-Master, and BB
.
Paul Acyndinus and Jerome
Vincent as teachers; 31 Juniors under the direction of BB. John Casimir, Jos. Severinus,
Jos. Walter, Joseph Godwin, Frederick Charles.
The personnel of the Provincial House is as follows:
Rev. Bro. Heribert, Provincial
Bro. Marie Anicetus, Director General & Econome
Bro. Marcellien Louis, infirmarian
And 12 Brothers doing various manual work
October.
The former barn being too small to hold all the hay harvested on the
property, the Brothers Carpenters add to it on the east side and make it accessible to
carnages.
During this same month the small building in mud bricks to the west of the garage is
built to house the batteries, a small dynamo, and the switchboard
.
. Nothing much of note
happened this month
.
The beautiful feast of Christmas is celebrated with its customary
solemnity. The year ends leaving the Provincial House some very useful improvements.





44
1919
January 1.
After the day's Mass Bro. Rudolph Xavier, who didn't have the
required age at the end of the last retreat to make his Perpetual Vows, makes them on this
holiday, chosen specifically to make them more solemn.
As usual, in the Juniorate
recreation hall well decorated for the occasion, New Year's best wishes and a talk by our
dear Bro. Provincial.
At
2:30 p.m. our dear Brother Legontianus gives a magic lantern
presentation on the life ofO.L.J.C. to the Communities gathered there.
February. On
the first of February, 2 Juniors move up to the Novitiate increasing
the number of Postulants.
On the 26
th
of this month the final installation of electricity
in
the Juniorate is made;
it's the dormitories' tum. Nobody misses the gas jets.
March.
On the 19
th
,
feast of St. Joseph, the Juniors put on a fine presentation: "The
Bells of the Forest," along with beautiful songs and interesting interludes. The young
performers well deserved the applause which the audience lavished on them.
May. On
May 20, 3 Juniors are made perfect Christians by receiving the Sacrament
of Confirmation in St. Peter's Church.
June. On
the 12
th
of the month, we receive the pleasant visit of dear Bro
.
Joseph
Celestin, delegate of the Rev. Brother Superior General for the establishments in South
America.
On
the 16
th
,
17
th
,
& 18
th
,
there are Regents exams in the Juniorate; the exams are
presided over by dear Bro. Francis Borgia, delegated by St. Ann's Academy
in
New
York, with which our Juniorate is affiliated with permission of the University of Albany.
Before that, our children used to go take their exams with the students
in
St. Peter's
which our Brothers run
in
Poughkeepsie.
On the 28
th
of this same month the first retreat begins, preached by Rev. Father Henri
de la Chapelle, Provincial of the Marist Fathers. This retreat, followed by 45 Brothers,
was
all
Marist, Father Preacher having applied himself to making it ours.
July.
4
th
.
Good Brother Cesidius, former Provincial and founder of the provinces of
Canada and the United States, having come from St. -Hyacinthe to visit us, followed the
retreat exercises. Since the Venerable Religious was celebrating his Diamond Jubilee
this year, all the Brothers present were happy to seize the opportunity: on the day of
closing they expressed their congratulations and feelings of veneration and affection to
the worthy Veteran. Besides the Low Mass, Holy Communion of the closing, the
renewal of Vows, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, there was also
High
Mass
with sermon in which Rev. Father Lebuff, S.J., eulogized the Jubilarian's religious life
and career. Under the tall trees of the Novitiate there were also compliments, songs,
instrumental music, as well as dinner and supper outdoors. A fine souvenir program with



45
the day's doings and the words of the songs executed had on the first page the photograph
of the good Brother
.
This beautiful celebration, all family, ended that evening in the
Juniorate yard with a wonderful small display of fireworks, paid for by the Benjamins.
From the 16
th
to the 26
th
,
the Novices' retreat takes place; it is preached by Rev. Father
Fox, S.J. On the last day 11 Postulants take the Marist Habit and the next day, the 27
th
,
Sunday, 3 Brothers make their Perpetual Vows and 6 Novices make their First Vows.
August.
From the 15
th
to the 22
nd
the general retreat is held; it is preached by Rev.
Father Hardagon, S.J. The retreat exercises having ended, each Brother, well disposed to
doing his best in the new school year, heads for his establishment.
On the 31
st
of the month, Bishop Bruneau, Bishop of Nicolet, Canada, accompanied
by Father Tetrault, pastor of Drummondville and former pastor of St. Jean-Baptiste in
New York, and two other priests, passing through Poughkeepsie, were kind enough to
visit us and spend two days at the Hermitage
.
We did everything possible to make his
stay as pleasant as could be
.
September. On September 1, 16 Juniors moved to the Novitiate; shaking hands with
the 40 remaining, they invited them to be exemplary in everything so as to come,
all
40
of them, to join them the following year.
On the 24
th
,
Mr. Charles, friend of our Brothers at St. Ann's Academy in New York,
brings us in his own car, accompanied with Brother Provincial, Bro. Paul Mary who had
undergone an operation for intestinal cancer in St. Francis Hospital, Bronx, NY. On the
29
th
,
our dear sick Brother receives the Last Rites with much resignation and in the most
edifying dispositions
.
On the 26t1i, seven Juniors receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in St. Peter's
Church, given by His Grandeur Bishop Hayes
.
December. On the 3
rd
,
Bro. Thomas Austin who had gone to the International
Juniorate on 16 September 1910, returns from Italy and is very happy to see St. Ann's
Hermitage once again where he had spent 2 and a half years as a Junior.
On the 14
th
of the month, according to the instructions of Rev. Brother Stratonique,
Sup. Gen., the Professed Brothers vote for the delegate who, with Bro. Heribert,
Provincial,
will
represent the United States Province at the next General Chapter which is
to take place in Grugliasco the following May. Brother Legontianus, Director of the
Academy in NY is elected delegate and Bro. Pierre Vincent, substitute
.
On the 25t1i, an evening of entertainment entirely Marist is given by the Novices and
Postulants.
"An
Evening with Father Champagnat and his first disciples;" such was the
title for the evening's Program.




46
The [undecipherable] feast of Christmas brought us with its solemnity all the
customary joy of the season.
1920
January.
The first day of the new year occasions the traditional greetings and good
wishes. Gathering of the various Communities at the Juniorate, presided over as usual by
dear Bro. Provincial who suggests 6 means to spend this new year in a holy way,
consequently
in
a happy way. Happiness and holy joy appear on every face, especially
the Berijamins.
On the 6
11
1,
feast of the Epiphany, two Postulants take the Holy Habit; the best wishes
of the entire Community for their perseverance go with them.
On the 20
th
,
Regents Exams are given in the Novitiate under the supervision of our
dear Bro. Legontianus, Director and delegate of St. Ann's Academy in NY.
On the 24
th
,
two of our Brothers from Mexico, returning from Europe and having
served during the entire Great War, pay us a pleasant visit; the account of their exploits
was most interesting.
On the 29
th
,
6 Juniors animated with excellents dispositions, enter the Novitiate.
February.
On the 2
nd
,
the Community is not celebrating; the flu epidemic raging in
the region makes its appearance at the Hermitage: Brothers, Novices, Postulants and
Juniors catch it each
in
tum
.
Two Sisters from St. Francis Hospital were kind enough to
help us. Day and night they worked to save our sick. Good Sister Madeleine spent 36
hours without a break at the side of Bro. Michel-Ange. The Good Lord did not judge it
proper to reward the zeal of this devoted religious
in
this world.
Our
doctor, C.J. McCambridge, gave us on this occasion countless proofs of his
affection and devotedness for our work. Neither the large amount of snow which covered
the ground nor the almost constant storms nor his numerous patients in town prevented
him
from visiting our sick Brothers and children 2 and even 3 times a day
.
More than 60
members of the Community are affected at the same time. Several lives were
in
danger,
but thanks to the devotedness of the Good Sisters, of the doctor, and of some Brothers
who stayed healthy: dear Bro. Provincial, Bro.
John
Casimir, Bro. Paul Acyndinus, Bro.
Marie Cephas, Bro. Altin, and dear Brothers Legontianus and Stylien, who came from
NY to reinforce the help, we had only one loss to mourn.
Our dear and devoted Brother Michel, counting on his strong health, having delayed a
bit too long before being cared for, became a victim of the epidemic; on the I 0
th
,
he
received the Last Rites and on the 15
th
in the morning he returned his beautiful soul to
God,
in
his 50
th
year. On the
17'1\
the Requiem Mass was said in the Novitiate, where he
had died, and from there his mortal remains were transported to the great Marist reliquary










47
of the Hermitage, next to the Brothers who had already left for the big Marist province in
Heaven.
On the 21
st
of this month, 6 Brothers from the Province of Canada returning from
Europe stop by to say hello.
On the 24
th
,
Bro. Adolph Leo returns to us after his Second Novitiate. He is named
assistant to the Provincial [ undecipherable; possibly Procurator].
March.
On the 3
rd
,
dear Brother Alphonsus
Mary, from the Province of New
Zealand, on his way to the General Chapter, spends two days
in our midst. He gives a
very interesting conference on our work, the mores and the products of New Zealand and
Australia.
On the 24
th
,
BB. Gabriel Marie and Marie Beatrix from the province of Canada and
delegates to the Chapter, together with BB. Classicus and Louis Joanny going on a family
visit, stop in Poughkeepsie.
On the 31
st
,
our dear Brother Provincial, accompanied by dear Brother Legontianus,
Bro. Jos. Emerie, Provincial of Canada, and the two delegates from Mexico leave for the
General Chapter, and also Bro. Marie Anicetus who is going to see his elderly parents.
We assure them of our best wishes and prayers for a Bon Voyage. Dear Brother
Ptolomeus, First Councillor, takes charge of the Province during the absence of dear
Brother Provincial, and good Brother Adolph Leo, for the time being, handles the
finances of the Province and the Provincial House.
April.
On
April 3, dear Brother Denis, Provincial of New Zealand, visits us briefly on
his way to the General Chapter. He says a few words to the Community which is happy
to listen to this Brother coming from such a far-away country.
On the 17
th
,
still another pleasant visit, this time from our Brothers in Oceania:
Brother Albano, Vice-Provincial of New Caledonia, also en route to the General Chapter.
He is accompanied by dear Brother Felix Eugene, one of his great friends, having worked
a long time together in those distant countries.
On the 24
th
,
Brother Jos. Cesidius, econorne in St. Ann's Academy, NY, installs an
electric dish washing machine in the Juniorate. The Juniors
will
no longer bum their
fingers in the boiling water.
May.
On the 26
th
,
we receive a cablegram from Grugliasco announcing the
nomination of dear Brother Diogene as Superior General of the Congregation.
June.
14. Dear Bro. John Casimir, Master of Juniors, having received permission to
go spend some time in his native country, says good-bye. Bon Voyage and Safe Return!




48
On the 15
th
,
16
th
,
I
ih,
and 18
th
,
Regents Exams are given, supervised by Bro. !slide
from the Academy in NY.
July.
On the 4
th
of this month BB. Chryseuil and Priscillian of the Province of
Canada, on their way to France, stop at St. Ann's Hermitage for part of the day
.
On the 8t11, after a good trip to Europe, Bro. M. Anicetus returns.
A few Brothers from Canada returning from Europe stop to visit St. Ann's Hermitage;
they spend a few hours withthe Community.
On July 2, good Bro. Paul Mary undergoes a major operation with great suffering,
which he bears with admirable resignation and heroic courage. Ten days later Rev.
Father Byrne, S.J., gives
him
the Last Rites. How the dear sick Brother counts himself
happy to be assisted by such a holy Priest and to have persevered in his holy vocation.
On
Sunday the 14
th
,
after having received a
final
blessing, the good Brother returns
his soul to God towards 7 p.m. The long and very painful sufferings which he so
patiently bore surely must have abridged his purgatory. The Requiem Mass took place
on the 15
th
and his mortal remains were transported next to those of the · good Brothers
who had preceded him.
On the 10
th
,
opening of the Novitiate retreat, preached by Rev. Father Corbert, S.J.
On the 20
th
,
we have the pleasure of welcoming dear Brother Provincial returning
from the General Chapter; what interesting things he had to tell us!
At the closing of the retreat, the day of the feast of Good St.
Ann,
presided over by
Rev. Father Williams, 21 Postulants take on Mary's livery. The next day at Mass Bro.
Abelus takes his Vow of Stability; BB. Emile Nestor and George Henry make their
Perpetual Vows; 10 Novices take their First Vows.
August.
The general retreat begins on the 20
th
and ends on the 27
th
;
it is preached by
Rev. Father Murphy, S.J. 81 Brothers make that retreat. At the closing Bro. Altin makes
his Vow of Stability
.
The last retreat takes place from August 30
th
to September 4
th
;
it is preached by Rev.
Father De La Chapelle, Provincial of the Marist Fathers. 39 Brothers are present. Bro.
Marcellien Louis makes the Vow of Stability and Bro. Victor
Aime
his Perpetual Vows,
delayed by reason of age.
The personnel of the [Provincial] House is as follows:
Bro. Heribert, Provincial
Bro. M. Anicetus, Director & Econome
Bro. Marcellien Louis, Infinnarian


Bro. M. Cephas; Bro. Pierre Augustin
Bro. Frederick Charles, Recruiter
Bro. Abelus; Bro
.
Frederick Etienne
Bro. Altin; Bro. Louis Sanctus; Bro. Onesime Gerard
Bro. Jos. Anthyme; Bro. Paul Gaspard; Bro
.
George Leo
The Personnel of the Novitiate:
Bro. Zepheriny, Master of Novices; Br. Paul Acyndinus, Sub-Master;
BB. Jerome Vincent, Jo. Arthur
Personnel of the Juniorate:
BB. John Casimir, Leo Anselm, Jos. Walter, Wilfrid Mary, Leo Mary
49
On
September 27
th
,
the Juniors are happy to wish a warm "welcome" to dear Bro.
John Casimir, their Director who is returning from Europe.
From October 6
th
to 9
th
,
a special retreat is held for the Juniors for the first time.
It
is
preached by Rev. Father Corbett, S.J.
On November 10
th
,
we learn of the death of dear Bro. Marie Sylvain. He died at St.
Ann's Hermitage, France. He was getting ready to return after a family visit when he got
blood poisoning. He succumbed after 4 or
5
days of sickness.
On the 29
111
of this same month, the improvement made to the shoe room and the
cabinets [toilets?] is finished. The changes made are appreciated.
On December 18, the automobile garage started in November is completed
.
On the 25
th
,
Christmas returns with its happy chimes; religious celebrations, open
cheeriness are the order of the day.
During the year 1920, especially in the Fall, the Novitiate surroundings were
embellished by planting trees, improving the roads, enlarging the Novitiate playground,
etc. We must note especially the splendid Calvary group of Christ, the Blessed Virgin,
St. John and St. Mary Magdalen, gift of Mrs. Dowd. The cement pedestal and stairway
are the work of Bro
.
Paul Acyndinus.
1921
To ask Heaven's blessings on the New Year, we begin the first day with a High Mass
very well sung by the Novices and Juniors. Next come the traditional good wishes.
On the evening of January 2
nd
,
anniversary of the founding of the Institute, there is a
very interesting production on the origins of the Congregation, the Venerable Father, and
our first Brothers.










On the 10
th
of this month, two Novices who had taken the Marist Habit on January 6
of the year before pronounced their First Vows.
On the 11
th
,
a Dodge, secondhand but very good, is put in the garage. The drivers
especially appreciate this acquisition.
On the I 8
th
,
I 9
th
,
and 20
th
,
Regents exams are given. On the 26
th
,
16 very happy and
well disposed Juniors enter the Novitiate; may they
all
persevere in the excellent
dispositions animating them all.
February. On Sunday 20
th
,
a huge snow storm obliges us to sing Vespers without a
priest. The next morning the ground is covered with so much snow that the little sleigh
which had not been used for a long time is returned to service.
50
March. On the 8
th
,
the rumbling of thunder is heard; it seems to announce the end of
winter; in fact, on the 13
th
,
the first game of "Base Ball" is played.
On the I 4
th
,
BB. Louis Humbert and Andreas, from the Province of Canada, returning
from Europe, spend the day at the Hermitage, happy to see the old Brothers once
again
and visit the property.
During this month the Brothers Carpenters embellish the walls of the cental part of the
chapel, putting in panels and moldings as in the sanctuary
.
The back remains the same
because it will shortly be changed by the addition to be made on the west of the present
building.
The new part
will
include a large refectory, an enlargement of the chapel, a study hall
for the use of the Brothers in the Provincial House, rooms for the Brothers, an
infirmary,
a dormitory for the Juniors, etc.
On the 29
th
,
the first pickaxe is put to the foundations.
April. On the 18
th
,
dear Brother Angelicus, Assistant General and delegate of the
Rev. Bro. Superior General for the visits to the provinces of the United States and
Canada, lands in New Yorlc
.
On the 22
nd
,
he arrives by car after having covered the 75
miles which separate Poughkeepsie and New York. The welcome he received was most
filial and somewhat grandiose.
After a few days spent at the Hermitage he went to New England and from there to
Canada.
·
Rev. Brother Stratonique, former Superior General, returning from visiting the
provinces of South America, and eager to see once again the work he had established in
North America when he was Assistant General, took the student road after his official
visit; June 24 he lands in New York. The welcome given to "Grandfather"-he loved to


51
call himself that-at the Provincial House in Poughkeepsie was most impressive and
filial. The response to the welcome speech given him by Brother Zepheriny showed how
deep were his affection and attachment to his children in the United States and Canad
.
a.
Very Rev. Brother Stratonique and dear Brother Assistant presided over the various
retreats. Needless to say that the Brothers were most happy to see these Venerated
Superiors once again and to listen to their lively words, penetrating and wholly paternal.
On July 16
th
,
the Novitiate retreat began, preached by Rev
.
Father
J.
McGuire, S.J. At
the end of this retreat 16 Postulants took the Marist Habit, 20 Novices made their First
Vows, and two Brothers made Perpetual Profession.
The general retreat which took place from August 19-26 was preached by Rev. Father
H.A.
Dalton, S
.
J. 78 Brothers
.
followed the exercises, three Brothers made Perpetual
Profession and Brothers Mary Florentius and Veterin pronounced the Vow of Stability
.
From August 30 to September 5 the exercises of the last retreat took place; 44
Brothers were present
.
Bro
.
Elie-Justin made the Vow of Stability.
Rev. Father
Maitraux, S.M.S., was the preacher
.
In order to intensify recruiting among the French Canadian population of New
England, Very Rev. Bro. Stratonique and dear Brother Angelicus strongly insisted that a
Juniorate be opened in the Boston area. To do this, we bought a property of some 200
acres in Tyngsboro, MA, at the end of August.
During the school year 1921-1922 the personnel of the
Provincial House
was as
follows:
Bro
.
Heribert, Provincial
Bro. M. Anicetus, Director
&
Procurator
Bro
.
M. Cephas
Bro
.
Altin
Bro
.
Abelus
Bro. Jos
.
Anthyme
Bro
.
Pierre Augustin
Bro. Jerome Vmcent
Bro. Louis Sanctus
Bro. Paul Gaspard
Bro. Frederic Charles
Bro
.
Frederic Etienne
Bro. Onesime Gerard
Bro. Ovide Francis
Bro. Andrew Bernard
Bro
.
Henry Omer
Bro. James Austin
On December 28 news of the nomination of dear Bro. Legontianus, Director of St.
Ann's Academy in New York, as Provincial is announced by Bro. Heribert, who
resigned. The next day the various communities of the Provincial House, gathered in the
Novitiate as one happy family, are happy to offer their homage and best wishes to the
Newly Elected, as well as their thanks to dear Bro. Heribert for the devotedness he
brought to the government of the Province during the time of his administration
.
During the course of the year our Brothers Carpenters: BB. Jos. Anthyme, Altin &
Abelus, put up the walls and installed the roof on the Juniorate extension: 100 feet long,
28 wide, and 4 storeys high.





52
1922
The 1
st
of the year brings the traditional ceremony of the-exchange of best wishes for a
good year.
In his chat dear Brother Provincial encourages the young Brothers, Novices,
Postulants, and Juniors to follow the right path which leads to perseverance.
On the date of January 6 Brother Heribert is named Director of the Provincial House.
Bro
.
Ptolomeus, director of St. Ann's Academy in NY, and Bro. Aloysius M., director of
the Juniorate in Tyngsboro.
Bro. M. Anicetus stays as local and provincial Econome.
Two entertainments are given during the winter, one by the Juniors, the other by the
Novices; the latter presented scenes taken from the life of the first Brothers.
In
the Spring the Brothers
in
charge of manual work begin a series of transformations
in the Scholasticate where soon only the tailors and the Brothers Scholastics under the
direction of Bro. Paul Stratonique will remain.
To have capable teachers and to foster the studies of the young Brothers, the
Provincial Council is of the opinion that certain Brothers chosen by Brother Provincial
take courses during the summer given by the Jesuit Fathers at Fordham
.
Brother Provincial buys a considerable amount of physics, chemistry, and biology
equipment in Germany.
In
the Juniorate the classroom for the first year of high school is improved by adding
two windows on the north side and by mounting two large slate blackboards
.
An
important annex for lodging the Community and enlarging the Juniorate is begun.
In
the course of the Summer Stations of the Cross are erected in the Novitiate woods.
The Stations in reinforced cement are made by Bro. Paul Acyndinus and the Novices who
also put them up. The bas reliefs in terra cotta are imported from Fance.
The Way of the Cross was blessed and indulgenced by Rev. Father Solanus Dowling,
O.F.M
.
Shortly afterwards, Bro. Paul Acyndinus, helped by the Novices, starts and completes
a wall in reinforced cement along Delafield Street. This work is done during the good
months of 1922 and 1923
.



53
The first retreat (July 16-26) for the Postulants and Novices is preached by the Rev. F.
X.
Doyle, S.J. 17 Postulants take the Habit and 16 Novices make their First Vows.
The second retreat is preached by Rev. Father Ch. F. Connor,
S.J.
,
and the third (in
French) by Rev. F. Bruneau, S.S.S., from August
29 to September 5.
At the end of these retreats
42 young Brothers renew their Annual Vows
,
7 make
Perpetual Profession and BB
.
Francis Regis, Joseph Cecilius and Francis Borgia make the
Vow of Stability
.
Towards the end of the year there is an exchange of correspondence between Brother
Provincial and the Knauss Brothers, owners of a slaughter house, over the pollution of
our water supply by the drainage from the slaughter house built a short time before to the
northeast of our property
.
Mr.
Thomas Lawlor
,
superintendent of the Bureau of Public Works of the city,
answers that our property being outside the city limits, he is not competent, but since the
drainage from the slaughter house flowing into the sewers of the former Fiat Co. risks
polluting the city reservoirs, he is as eager as we to
see
the present state of affairs
improve.
Brother Provincial is obliged to have Coudert Brothers intervene,
our
law firm in New
York.
On September 16 the Knauss Brothers write that their drainage system
will
be
modified and that the plans to be submitted for approval
will
have no conduits near our
property.
Another letter sent to Coudert Brothers by
Mr.
C
.
A. Holmquist, Director of the Bureau
of Hygiene in Albany, announces that the Knauss Brothers will have to obtain a written
pennission after inquiry before disposing of the waters coming from their slaughter
house.
1923
The projects to improve and enlarge the Juniorate are continued.
Eight Brothers in the Province obtain the "State Life Certificate
.
"
The February
Bulletin
is dedicated to dear Brother Angelicus, A.G., on the occasion
of his Golden Jubilee.
In this same
Bulletin
the Brothers are told that only those who have completed two
years of High School will be called to the Scholasticate.




54
On February 2 we receive the news that our Houses of Fonnation are recognized by
the Regents of the University of New York as "High Schools" with full rights.
The second edition of the Office Book is prepared by Bro. Francis Borgia, then
teacher at St. Ann's Academy.
Towards mid-March entertainment is provided by the Juniors. Shortly after that the
Scholastics also entertain us.
The Juniorate lab is enlarged. Bro
.
Louis Viateur sends a beautiful collection of birds
and some stuffed animals from Manchester.
The April Bulletin is dedicated to Rev. Brother Diogene, S.G., on the occasion of his
Golden Jubilee which will be solemnly celebrated on the 241h of the same month. A
superb Spiritual Bouquet is sent
him,
as well as 4000 lire for the chapel in San Leone
Magno in Rome.
In June Bro. Charles Honore receives the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the
University of Jefferson & Lincoln in Chicago, and the Brothers who are to follow courses
at Fordham are told that they have to notify Brother Provincial and that their names must
be sent to the Secretary before June 30.
The annual retreats take place on the following dates: the first, from July 16-26 for the
Brothers preparing their Perpetual Profession, and for the Novices and Postulants; it is
preached by Rev. X. McFadden, SJ.; the second, from August 17-24 by Rev. John G.
Mahoney, S.J.; the third, from August 29-September 5 by Rev. D. Barillec, O.P., who
preaches
in
French
.
At the end of these retreats 11 Brothers make their First Vows, 45 Brothers renew
their Temporary Vows, and 2 Brothers make their Perpetual Vows.
BB. Victor Hilaire, Frederick Charles, Alphonse Victor and Leo Hyacinth make the
vow of Stability.
Bro. Adolph Leo is renamed Master of Novices.
Before winter sets in, Bro. Paul Acyndinus, helped by the Novices, finishes the
cement wall along "Delafield Street."
1924
At the beginning of the year
Mr.
John
P. Murray gives
$
100 for church ornaments and
St. Ann's Academy in NY donates a beautiful chalice.
Moreover, St. Ann's Academy sends an adjustable bed for use
in
the infinnary.



55
The Brothers at St. Michel's in Montreal, whose school is being closed at the end of
the school year, send two small hand-operated movie projectors.
On February 25
th
,
an explosion near the garage sends rocks into the neighboring
property.
We take advantage of the winter season to repair the Novitiate floors at the entrance,
in the recreation hall, and in the cloakroom.
Showers and bathtubs are also installed. All this work is done by our Brothers without
employing unknown workers in the house.
In March we get a letter announcing the arrival shortly of dear Brother Angelicus,
A.G., who is coming for the regular triennial visitation
.
In April the chapel roof is finished after a month's work. Pews are put in
.
The Juniorate
has 55 Juniors
.
On April 19
th
,
Holy Saturday, welcome for dear Brother Angelicus at 5:30 p.m. The
Community meets
him
at the entrance and goes to the chapel to sing a "Magnificat."
Tuesday of Easter Week he feels a beginning of amnesia which makes
him
almost
unable to speak in public; his headaches are continual, and paralysis begins to settle in his
legs
.
On April 29
th
,
after consulting with
Dr.
O'Brien
in
Lowell, he goes to Manchester to
be cared for by a chiropractor who has an excellent reputation among our Brothers.
Novenas are made in our houses of formation.
As
soon as good weather comes, Bro. Paul Acyndinus, helped by Bro. Victor Hilaire
and the Novices, begins to build a grotto where a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is placed
and
in
an adjoining recess behind the grotto, a group representing
Our
Lord in agony.
The Novices' retreat is preached by Rev. Davis Cronin, S.J. Twelve young Brothers
take their First Vows
.
Dear Brother Columbanus, A.G., on his way to Australia, goes from Montreal to
Manchester to see dear Brother Angelicus. He stops by Poughkeepsie only for supper
and leaves for Vancouver where he is to take the boat.
The Postulants coming from the Juniorate are admitted to the Postulancy on July 28,
one month before the regular date. It's a group which offers little hope for the future.
None
will persevere.
The retreat from August 21-28 is preached by Rev. John Conway, CSsR.


56
From August 30-September 5 a retreat at the Novitiate for the Brothers who were at
camp and a few others is preached in English by Rev. J. Schmitt, S.J.
After these retreats 40 Brothers renew their Temporary Vows and 3 make Perpetual
Profession.
Bro. Edmund Alphonse makes the Vow of Stability.
We begin a translation of the Catechism of the Blessed Virgin. Bro. Francis Borgia is
in charge of that work.
The personnel of the House is as follows:
Bro. Leo, Provincial
Bro. Abelus
Bro. Fred. Charles, Recruiter
Bro. Heribert, Director
Bro. Altin
Bro. Louis Sanctus
·Bro. Charles Ernest
Bro. M. Anicetus, Econome
Bro. Pierre Augustin
Bro. Onesime Gerard
Bro. Edward Francis
Bro. Andrew Bernard
Bro. Bassus, Chef
Bro. Zepheriny, sick
Bro. Arthur Xavier
Bro. Marcellien Louis, Infirmarian
In the Scholasticate:
Bro. Adolph Armand, Director
Bro. Francis Gerard
Bro. Joseph Nathaniel
Bro. Louis Anselm
In
the Novitiate:
Bro. M. Cephas, sick
Bro. Thomas Austin, Prof
Bro. Francis Michael
Bro. Linus William
Bro. Thomas Leo
Bro. Anthony Charles
Bro. Francis Raymond
Bro. Thomas Edmund
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master of Novices
Bro. Leo Camille
Bro. Paul Acyndinus, Sub-Master
Bro. Victor Hilaire, Prefect
Bro. Paul Anthony, Chef
In
the
J
uniorate:
Bro. Paul Stratonic, Master of Juniors
Bro. Vincent Dominic
Bro. Arthur
Bro. John Philibert, Sub-Master
Bro.James Joseph
Bro. Joseph Albert, Prefect
Three Brothers in the Province as,k permission to study Latin. The General Council
grants them this permission. [Actually only to two. See 1926 below]
October 12. Blessing of the new Juniorate in Tyngsboro.
November 16. Very sharp cold. 15°.





57
December 8. Farewell to dear Brother Assistant, delegate, at 10:30 a.m
.
He
will
leave
for New York the next morning. His health is slightly better
.
December 31
.
According to custom, the Brothers who preside over the different
groups, Old Brothers, Scholasticate, Novitiate and Juniorate, offer their Good Year
wishes to dear Brother Provincial who announces that some American Brothers are asked
for in China. We
will
be able to send some as soon as the 25 Novices make their First
Vows at the regular time
.
1925
In January two Brothers from this Province are sent to Europe for their Second
Novitiate.
On January 15
th
,
a circular letter from dear Brother Provincial requires that the
Brothers who want low-cut shoes give their reasons for this preference; permission will
be given
if
the reasons are judged sufficient.
About 50 Brothers ask permission and give their reasons
.
A new floor is put
in
the laundry.
In February a
•
flu epidemic, rather mild
,
spreads through the Juniorate, Novitiate, and
Scholasticate.
With gifts received from our Brothers
in
the parish schools of New York we buy a
large ciborium able to hold 800 hosts for the chapel
in
St. Ann's Hermitage, a bellows for
the mediophone [organ] and some
fifty
books for the Scholasticate library.
March 16.
Feast of St. Heribert, patron of Brother Director.
The various
Communities of the House provide their share of the entertainment given on this
occasion
.
March 19.
Conference given by Rev
.
Jos
.
Williams, S
.
J., on Jamaica where he
worked a long time as missionary
.
April 20
.
Two handball courts are put up
in
the Juniors' playground
.
April 22. Visit from Rev. Timothy Foley, chancellor of the Savannah diocese. He
spends two days at the Hermitage
.
Rev. Bro. Jean Joseph, Superior General of the Brothers of Christian Instruction
(Lamennais Brothers), visits St. Ann's Hermitage on his way to Canada.
May 1
.
Inspection of the High School classes by
Mr
.
Seymour from Albany
.
He
shows deep satisfaction.



58
June 4. Sick Bro. Pierre Augustin is taken to St. Francis Hospital.
June 6. We receive news of the complete incorporation of the High School.
Fordham University gives us the privilege of taking courses preparatory to university
level at St. Ann's Hermitage during the summer
.
These courses include Algebra,
Physics, and History of Modem Times
.
Some High School courses-English, Mathematics and French-are given to those
young Brothers who have not yet obtained their diploma.
On June"29
th
,
9 Juniors arrive from Tyngsboro.
Our
retreats take place on the following dates:
in
the Novitiate for the Postulants and
Novices, from July 16-26, preached by Rev.
John
Corbett, S.J.; the second one, from
August 18-25, is preached by Rev
.
Albert Stem, CSsR; the third one, from August 28-
September 3, by Rev. F. Ledwith, M.S.
At the end of the Novices' retreat 9 of them make their First Annual Vows.
In all, at the end of the two other retreats, 45 Brothers renew their Annual Vows and
two make Perpetual Profession.
Brothers Bonaventure and Apollone make the Vow of Stability.
On August 25th, solemn celebration of Bro. Felix Eugene's Golden Jubilee.
At 6 a.m., High Mass
At 10 a.m., Reception
in
the Novitiate where a stage had been put up outside on the
north side.
At noon, fraternal agapes.
On
September 7t1i, we receive some beautiful church vestments bought in Europe.
During this month we receive the news that our plans for St. Michael High School
in
NY have been accepted by the General Council.
September 8. 20 Juniors begin their Postulancy. There are still 35 Juniors at St.
Ann's, and Tyngsboro has close to 60.
September 15.
Two Brothers from Canada visit us on their way to Grugliasco,
whence they
will
leave for New Caledonia.
At the end of the 2
nd
retreat Bro. Mary Florentius is named Director of St. Ann's
Academy
in
NY. Bro
.
Francis Borgia Sub-Director and Principal.



59
Camp Ile La Motte occupies 3 5 Brothers for 206 students. The number 200 holds
good the entire season.
September 26. Blessing of the first stone for St. Michael's
High
School in NY. All
the members of the Provincial Council are present.
Cement work at the entrance to the Juniorate refectory is finished towards the end of
September.
October. 1. Brother Provincial receives a telegram from Haverhill. Bro. Leo Victor
must be replaced immediately. [Perreault, a student there at the time, says Brother Leo
Victor hit a student too hard.] Bro. Ptolomeus is sent temporarily to lead the community
.
Personnel in the House at the end of the second retreat:
Bro. Leo, Provincial
Bro. Heribert, Director
Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov. Econ.
Bro. Altin
Bro. Abelus
Bro. Pierre Augustin
Bro. Onesime Gerard
Bro
.
Charles Ernest
Bro. Edmund Regis
Bro. Philibertus
Bro. Bassus
Bro. Edward Francis
Bro. Austin
Mary
In
the infirmary:
Bro. Marcellien Louis
Bro. Ptolomeus
In the Scholasticate:
Bro. Adolph Armand
In
the Novitiate:
Bro. Adolph Leo
Bro. Victor Hilaire
In
the Juniorate:
Bro. Paul Stratonic
Bro. Joseph Albert
Bro. Zepheriny
Bro. M. Cephas
Bro
.
Thomas Austin
12 Scholastics
Bro. Paul Acyndinus
Bro. Leo Camille
Bro. Aidan Francis
Bro. John Philibert
Bro. James Joseph
1926
Permission to study Latin is given to two of the Brothers who had asked.
It is decided that the Juniors
will
be authorized to spend 5 days home around New
Year before entering the Postulancy in September.




60
In March we begin work needed to provide the Juniors with a recreation hall: grading
the land to put it flush with the refectory, columns to support the roof, floor at ground
level, etc.
March 4. Bro. Ptolomeus is delegated to visit the establishment in Savannah; he
spends a week there.
March 20
.
We learn of the death of Very Rev. Bro. Stratonique, former Superior
General, on March 8.
The
Bulletin of Studies asks that the week of the 2
nd
to the 9
th
be a week of vocations.
During the summer 40 Brothers take courses at the Provincial House.
The Professors are Bro. Adolph Armand, Bro. Pierre Vincent, Bro. Paul Acyndinus,
Bro. Joseph Phil [Philip Joseph?], Bro. Joseph Robert.
The retreat for the Novices and Postulants is preached by Rev. M.L. Fortier, S.J.
BB. Ptolomeus, Adolph Leo, Francis Borgia, Tertullian, and Leo Victor make this
retreat.
Rev. G.A. Foley, V.G. of the Savannah diocese and pastor of the cathedral, presides at
the vesture; he had already spent a week at the Hermitage and visited St. Ann's Camp at
Ile La Motte.
At the end of this retreat 11 Brothers make their First Vows
.
During the retreat the
temperature went up to 104°.
The retreat from August 16-23 is preached by Rev. L. Whalen, O.P.
From August 6-26 a retreat is preached in Tyngsboro by Rev. John G. Kirchmayer,
S.J., for the Brothers preparing their Perpetual Profession.
In
all,
18 Brothers followed the exercises and 10 made Perpetual Profession.
On closing day
all
the Brothers left for a family visit. All the parents who had come
for the ceremony had their car.
The last retreat, preached by Rev. Peter Wartinger, CSsR, takes place from August 28
to September 3.
At the end of these retreats 40 Brothers renewed their Annual Vows.
Bro. Joseph Cadroes takes the Vow of Stability.



61
Sept. 13. Opening of the new school in the Bronx. They start with 108 students.
A few days later Bro
.
M. Florentius is solemnly installed as Director.
Almost
all
the Brothers from our schools in NY and 3 Brothers from Poughkeepsie
were present at the family celebration.
On Sept
.
13
th
,
we receive a legacy of $939.94 from Mrs. Durnin, who lived on
Delafield Street opposite our property.
An equal amount is bequeathed by the same person to the Sacred Heart Orphanage
[Cabrini
in
West Park].
October 4. Bro. Heribert, Director, accompanied by Brother Provincial goes to Oka
for his retreat. He falls sick and is cared for at St-Hyacinthe, then
in
Tyngsboro; he
returns to Poughkeepsie on November 15.
A report is sent to the General Council asking authorization to teach Latin in our
Houses of Formation. Granted.
On December 8
th
,
High
Mass sung by the Juniors and Novices.
Singing very
beautifully done
.
Snow covers the ground since Dec. 4
Penonnel of the House:
Bro. Leo, Prov.
Bro. Altin, Sub-Dir
.
Bro. Louis Sanctus
Bro. Charles Ernest
Bro. Edm. Francis
In
the Infirmary:
Br. Marcellien Louis
Bro. Ptolomeus
In
the Scholasticate:
Bro. Adolph Armand
In
the Novitiate:
Bro
.
Adolph Leo
Bro
.
Victor Hilaire
In the
J
uniorate:
Bro. Paul Stratonic
Bro
.
Edmund Conrad
Bro. Heribert, Dir.
Bro
.
Abelus
Bro
.
Andrew Bernard, Chef
Bro. Edmund Regis
Bro. Robert Francis
Bro. Zepheriny
Bro. George Robert
Bro. Phil
.
Joseph
Bro. Paul Acyndinus
Bro. James Thomas
Bro. John Philibert
Bro. Joseph Albert
Bro. M. Anicetus, P.Econ.
Bro. Pierre Augustin
Bro
.
Alexander Jos., Ass't Chef
Bro. Bassus
Bro. M
.
Cephas
and 8 Scholastics
Bro. Leo Camille
Bro. Victor Albert



1927
The number of Juniors being small in the highest class, one of the teachers is sent to
Tyngsboro to replace a Brother who
has
just taken over the 8
th
grade in St
.
Peter's
.
62
In January an organ obtained at a discount price because the church of[blank] where it
was thought to be too old ( 1820) and too weak is installed in the chapel and inaugurated
on the 20
th
of this month.
On this occasion a religious concert is given in the chapel for the community only
.
The pieces chosen were performed by our Brothers.
February 2. Golden Jubilee celebrations of Brothers Zepheriny and Marie Cephas.
High Mass and very beautiful sermon by a Jesuit Father
.
At 10 a
.
m
.
reception in the
Juniorate hall. Everything lasts until 11 :30. The program was very well executed.
At 4 p
.
m. Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Brothers M. Anicetus and Pierre Vincent had come from New York.
We learn that a third section of First Year of H.S
.
has been opened at St. Ann's
Academy, where the number of boarders reaches 125.
On February 12th, 3 young Brothers arrive here from Italy. They are accompanied by
the Brothers from Canada who are returning from the Second Novitiate.
On
March 4
th
,
we receive in Poughkeepsie a few Brothers on their way to Canada;
they spend a day with us.
Around March 11 very mild weather allows us to work in the fields; by the I (,
th
all the
snow has disappeared.
May 8. Blessing of the house at St. Michael's in the Bronx by Bishop Lavelle, V.G
.
Beautiful celebration helped by ideal temperature. Very many attend.
June 29. Rev. Brother Diogene, Superior General, arrives in New York, accompanied
by dear Brother Columbanus, A.G. for the provinces of Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa,
the British Isles
.
June 30. Reception for the Rev. Brother Superior General at St. Ann's Hermitage; he
arrives in the evening.







63
July 2. Rev. Brother Superior General, accompanied by dear Brother Columbanus and
dear Brother Leo, Provincial, leave for Tyngsboro at 4 a.m. by car.
They
will
hear Mass at the Jesuits in Colebrook; they intend to visit the Camp around
July 6 and return by the 8
th
after having greeted the Brothers in St.-Hyacinthe and
Iberville.
On July 26
th
,
18 Postulants take the religious Habit and 19 Novices make their First
Vows at the end ofthe retreat preached by Rev. W.F
.
Clark, S.J.
The next day Rev. Brother Superior General goes to Iberville, accompanied by dear
Brother Provincial.
The general retreat begins on August 16. Every day Rev. Brother Superior General
gives the 8:30 conference. He speaks in French.
This retreat is preached by Rev. [undecipherable] A. Kaspar and the third retreat is
preached by Rev. Edward Fox, O.M.S.
Every day Rev. Brother Superior General gives the morning conference as at the first
retreat.
In all 3 7 Brothers renew their Annual Vows, 9 make Perpetual Profession.
Vow of Stability. BB. Marie Petrus, Joseph Robert, Paul Stratonic, Henry Charles.
September 6.
Rev. Brother Superior General leaves us to go to New York,
accompanied by dear Brother Provincial and a Brother from Canada.
Rev. Brother Superior General and this Canadian Brother take the boat for Le Havre.
October 30. Visit from dear Bro. Pierre Vincent coming from Lowell where he gave
some high school courses to a few Brothers in New England.
November 8
.
Installation of dear Bro. Francis Borgia named director of St. Ann's
Academy, replacing Bro. Pierre Vincent who is named interim Director at St. Jean-
Baptiste.
On December 29
th
at 3:40 p.m. Brother Zepheriny falls unconscious in his room. His
death was sudden.
That same day two [Marianist?] Brothers from Beacon had come to see us; Brother
Zepheriny had been
very
happy with them. At two o'clock he went to his room; he didn't
look more tired than usual and nothing let us foresee his sudden death.


64
Personnel in the House:
Bro. Leo, Prov.
Bro. Heribert, Dir.
Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov.Econ.
Bro. Altin, Sub-Director
Bro. Pierre Augustin, farm
Bro. Alexander Jos., ass't tailor
Bro. Edmund Regis
Bro. Tarcisius, ass't chef
Bro. Paul Wtldrid
In
the Infirmary:
Bro. Marcellien Louis
Bro. Marie Cephas
In
the Novitiate:
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Leo Camille
Bro. Victor Hilaire
In
the Scholasticate:
Bro. Emile Nestor
In
the Juniorate:
Bro. Abelus
Bro. Andrew Bernard, tailor
Bro. Charles Ernest
Bro. Bassus, chef
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro. Ptolomeus
Bro. Edward Michael
Bro. Zepheriny
Bro. John Francis
Bro. Paul Acyndinus, Sub-Master
Bro. Philippe Joseph
Bro. Michael Norbert
Bro. Joseph Abel
with
11
Scholastics
Bro. Paul Stratonic, Master of Juniors
Bro. Victor Albert
Bro. John Philibert, Sub-Master
Bro. Joseph Albert, Prefect
1928
On January
2
nd
,
funeral for Bro. Zepheriny. Rev. Father Fox, his godchild, officiates.
Rev. Father John Tetreault, pastor
in
Washingtonville and Rev. Father Jacolucci from
Newburg were present.
Also came: two Marianists from Beacon, Dr. Charles McCambridge,
Mr.
McCann, the
Sisters from St. Francis Hospital, and representatives from our four communities in New
York.
We decide to admit to the Novitiate only those Juniors who have completed two years
of
High
School.
Mr.
Bennett, professor at New Paltz Teachers College comes every week to teach
literature to our Scholastics.



65
The course in Philosophy is given by Rev. Bruce McLean from the Oblate Juniorate in
Newburg.
At the beginning of April the construction of a new building at Mt. St. Michael is
begun.
Mr.
O'Hare is chosen as contractor general, even though his bid was high; he
offers better guarantees than the other bidders.
Plumbing and heating are given to
Mr.
McLaughlin.
The house occupied by our Brothers teaching at St. Peter's in Poughkeepsie being too
small for the ten Brothers of that community, we decide to enlarge it. The work will be
done by our Brothers in the Provincial House. The St. Peter's community will pay $600
rent per year.
The Brothers of the St. Peter's community
will have to pay the Provincial House for
the fruits and vegetables they pick on the property.
April 15. Brothers Heribert and Ptolomeus leave for Europe; they should be back by
mid-July.
Authorization for changes in the Scholasticate building [i.e. Greystone] having been
obtained, the work is confided to Michael Bogo, contractor in Poughkeepsie.
The changes consist of adding a storey, adding windows, putting a stairway in the
tower, replacing the wooden floors by reinforced concrete resting on iron beams. This
entails moving the laundry, installing a new furnace, etc.
The cost of this work for the Scholasticate only:
Transformations in the building: $10,000
Heating and plumbing: $2000
Steel and putting in the beams: $2600
Labor and materials for electric lighting are estimated at $1000.
Bro. Paul
Acyndinus who has taken an
ad
hoc course
will
do the latter work.
The sale to the Dutton Lumber Company of 150xl00 feet of river front on the south is
settled. Cost of the sale: $10,000 net.
Retreat for the Novices and Postulants from July 16-26 preached by Rev. J.F. Cox,
S.J. 17 Brothers make their First Vows and 2 make Perpetual Profession.
August 21. Closing of the retreat preached by Rev. Richard Fay, C.P. 46 Brothers
renew their Annual Vows.
The last retreat from August 23-30 is preached by Rev. Philip M. Finnegan, S.J. 6
Brothers renew their Temporary Vows, 2 of them for the fifth time, and another makes
Perpetual Profession.





66
The old plumber's shop located under the Scholasticate dormitory is changed into a
laundry, a building on the outside
will
house the furnace which has to supply hot water to
this laundry and heat the 3 storeys of the new laboratories and library of the
Scholasticate
.
A cement roof our Brothers put up over the building for the new furnace collapses
because the planks holding this roof up were removed too soon
.
Mr
.
Champagne, House employee, is slightly hurt; he has to spend a few days
in
St.
Francis Hospital.
Finally, the walls which were lightly damaged are rebuilt in part with artificial blocks,
together with a reinforced cement roof
Mr.
Boga
is
paid $300 for this work.
At the end of the retreat Brother Heribert is named Econome of Mt. St. Michael high
school in NY
.
He has to be replaced
by
Bro
.
Pierre Vincent as Director of the House.
Bro
.
Pierre Vincent happening to be in Europe and not returning to America, Brother
Ptolomeus is Director of the
Provincial House whose personnel is as follows:
Bro. Leo, Prov.
Bro. Altin, Sub-Director
Bro. Louis Sanctus
Bro. Charles Ernest
Bro
.
Robert Francis, laundry
In
the Infirmary:
Bro. Marcellien Louis
In the Scholasticate:
Bro
.
Emile Nestor
In
the Novitiate:
Bro
.
Adolph
Leo
Bro. Philippe Joseph
In
the Juniorate:
Bro. Paul Stratonic
Bro. Victor Baptist
Bro. Ptolomeus, Dir.
Bro. Abelus
Bro. Armand Desire, tailor
Bro
.
Bassus, Chef
Bro
.
Jerome Vincent
Bro
.
Marie Cephas
Bro. Joseph Abel
Bro
.
Paul Acyndinus
Bro. Victor Hilaire
Bro. John Philibert
Bro. Joseph Albert
Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov.Econ.
Bro
.
Pierre Augustin
Bro
.
Alexander Joseph
Bro. Tarcisius
and 17 Scholastics
Bro
.
Leo
Camille
Bro. John Berchmans
Bro. Victor Albert
December 11. Death of dear Brother Angelicus, A.G
.~
in Grugliasco, Italy.
1929
January
9
;
Slight flu epidemic. It strikes especially the Scholastics.



67
February 2. Brother Ptolomeus's fiftieth anniversary of the taking of the Habit. High
Mass. Beautiful sermon by a Jesuit Father. Reception by the assembled community.
March 3. Bro. Francis Borgia, director of St. Ann's Academy,
•
is elected Assistant
General.
After a visit to Poughkeepsie, he leaves for Canada accompanied by Bro. Paul
Stratonic.
May 29. Bro. Marie Cephas is found dead
in
his bed. Nothing had let us foresee so
sudden a death. He was 69 years old.
July 28. Blessing of the Provincial House
in
Iberville, Canada. The Province of the
United States is represented by BB. Leo, Provincial, Ptolomeus, Heribert, Felix Eugene.
Some 40 Brothers follow summer courses in Poughkeepsie and 25 at Fordham; they
stay at Mt. St. Michael's.
The cost for the work in the Scholasticate comes to $30,000 for the construction and
$10,000 for the furnishings.
In
August the Provincial Council decides to reopen the 8
th
grade in the Poughkeepsie
Juniorate.
Bro. Charles Honore, principal at St. Ann's Academy, is authorized to follow summer
courses at the Catholic University in Washington; he lives with the Marist Fathers.
Brothers are forbidden to leave the property in lay dress, i.e
.
without the Roman
collar.
The High School
in Lowell is closed; the Brothers' salary is raised from $450 to $550.
At
St. Agnes H.S. the Brothers'
salary is $900.
We decide to reprint the "Plan Book" or Class Preparation copybook.
Dear Brother Assistant recommends two monthly Recollections longer than usual.
One of them
will
take place on Friday after Thanksgiving Day, the other on Good Friday
if possible
.
The Saturday fast can be modified for those Brothers who go take courses outside.
The retreat for the Novices and Postulants is preached by Rev. Atlee F.X. Devereux,
S.J. Dear Brother Assistant gives a conference every day and on closing day he receives
the First Vows of6 Novices.




68
The big retreat is preached by Rev. James Molloy, C.P. Bro. Francis Borgia gives the
8:30 conference
.
Closing on August 20.
The retreat preparatory to Perpetual Profession is held in Tyngsboro from July 16-26.
It is presided by dear Bro. Florentius. Dear Brother Assistant receives the Perpetual
Vows of IO Brothers. Preacher: Rev. Van ... [undecipherable].
The last retreat takes place August 26-September 2.
It
is preached by Rev. Venantius
Buessing, O.F.M
.
Cap
.
Bro
.
Assistant gives the 8:30 conference
.
At the end of the various retreats 11 Brothers made Perpetual Profession and 44
renewed their Temporary Vows.
Bro
.
Tertullian took the Vow of Stability.
During the year the Dutton Company had asked to buy 600 more feet of our river front
on the Hudson.
The deal is concluded for the sum of $50,000.
We still have a piece of land
immediately to the north of what has been sold. It's about 180 feet long.
During
_
this year Rev. Bruce McLean, O.M
.
I., comes twice a week from Newburg to
teach Philosophy to the Scholastics.
Mr.
Pierre Marique, Professor at Fordham, comes once a week to teach the Scholastics
the History of Pedagogy. We
.
take him to St. Andrew's at 4 p.m. where he also teaches.
October 30. Bro. Francis Borgia, A.G
.
, takes the DeGrasse together with dear Brother
Celestin, recruter
in
Canada
.
They're going to Le Havre.
December 7. Death of Bro. John Francis
.
Two days later the funeral is presided over
by Rev. Francis Brennan, S.S.S.
Penonnel in 1928:
Bro
.
Leo, Prov.
Bro. Ptolomeus, Dir.
Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov
.
Econ
.
Bro
.
Altin, Sub-Director
Bro
.
Louis Sanctus
Bro
.
Alex. Josephat, Ass't Librarian
Bro
.
Bassus, Chef
Bro. Rob. Francis, laundry
In the Infirmary:
Bro. Pierre Aug.
Bro. Victor Hilaire, tailor
Bro. Charles Ernest, Econ.
Br. Tarcisius, Ass't Chef
Bro. Louis Frederick
Bro
.
Elie Justin, lnfinnarian, replaced by Bro. Eugene Francis
in
August
Bro
.
Marcellien Louis
Bro
.
Abelus
Bro. John Francis




In
the Scholasticate:
Bro. Emile Nestor
With 21 Scholatics
In the Novitiate:
Bro
.
Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Philippe Joseph
Bro
.
Victor Edward
In
the Juniorate:
Bro
.
Paul Stratonic
Bro. Joseph Albert
Bro. Joseph Abel
Bro. Paul Acyndinus
Bro. Gabriel Vincent
Bro. John Philibert
Bro
.
Hubert Joseph
1930
Bro. Francis Louis, Librarian
Bro. Leo Camille
Bro
.
Climacus Leo
Bro. Anthony of Padua
Bro
.
David James
January 1
.
Customary greetings exchanged
in
the Juniors' recreation hall
.
69
The community in Lawrence sends gifts in nature (300 volumes) for the Scholasticate
library. $65 (Christmas gifts) are sent by some Brothers in the establishments.
Scholarships were founded the year before for the Houses of Formation.
February 2.
Vermillion Jubilee [70 years] of dear Brother Cesidius
in
Iberville.
Brothers Ptolomeus and Felix Eugene are delegated to represent the Province of the
United States. Beautiful family celebration. Besides the Brothers from the area, the
priests of the parish were present.
March 4. A first contract to remove the stones from the Scholasticate playground is
given to
Mr
.
Bogos from Poughkeepsie for the sum of $750, $350 to be paid when
half
the work has been done and $400 at completion.
March 31. Another contract is given to the same
Mr.
Bogos to continue grading the
playground
.
In March the order is given to fill out the Bulletins of Information for the Vows on a
determined day, during meditation time. Requests for admission [to the Vows] must be
made at the same time.
Decision of dear Brother Assistant to
~xe
two recollections longer than the others:
the first on Good Friday and the other on Friday after Thanksgiving
.
The Brothers in Savannah send 60 volumes for the Scholasticate library
.





70
April 4
.
Dr. Heisler visits to be sure that the studies in the Scholasticate correspond to
the first two years of college.
·
April 9
.
Final certification by the Regents of the University of the State of New York
of the Scholasticate in Poughkeepsie as a Junior College under the name of "Marist
Training School."
~so, approval of the Religion course in the High School.
In April a plot of land of about
5
acres is bought in Washington, D.C. The land is
located at a short distance from the Catholic University. This purchase is made with the
intention of establishing a house of studies there later.
Bishop Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore, sees our arrival with pleasure. This prelate
is a former student of the Brothers in Athlone, Ireland
.
May 5. The
final
contract, $275, is given Mr. Bogos for grading the Scholastics'
playground.
A stone crusher is ordered from the New Holland Man [?] Co. Cost
:
$573, plus
freight charges.
A secondhand·tractor is bought for the sum of$100, plus $15 for delivery charges, and
$150 for repairs
.
On Easter Monday, visit of dear Brother Jules-Adrien, Provincial of Canada, on his
way to Europe with Bro. Jos. Germain of the same Province.
June 20
.
Brothers Joseph Abel and Philippe Joseph go to New York to represent the
community at the graduation exercises and awards at St. Ann's Academy.
July 3. Bro
.
Paul Acyndinus replaces Bro. Charles Ernest as local econome. Bro
.
Charles Ernest has been appointed to Mt
.
St. Michael's in the Bronx.
July 5. Eleven Brothers come to St. Ann's Hermitage to take college courses, and two
others to complete their High School.
July 16
.
Beginning of the retreat for the Postulants and Novices
.
It is preached by
Rev
.
Father Wheeler, S.J.
Very high temperatures for the first days
.
The closing
ceremony, July 26, is presided over by Rev. Joseph Crokes, Vicar General of Savannah,
GA. Eleven Postulants take the Marist Habit and twelve Novices make their First Vows.
The number of Juniors at the Hermitage reaches 56
.
August 14. Opening of the first retreat, preached by Rev. Father F.E. Cerrutte, S
.
J. 90
Brothers follow the exercises.



71
August 26
.
82 Brothers make the last retreat from August 26-September 3
.
It is
preached by Rev. Father Apollinar Baumgartner, Capuchin.
The personnel of the Provincial House is made up as follows:
Bro. Leo, Prov
.
Bro. Ptolomeus, Dir.Gen.
Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov.Econ.
Bro
.
Altin, D.D. [actually S.D.]
Bro. Abelus
,
gardener
Bro. Pierre Augustin
Bro. Paul Acyndinus, local Econ.
Bro. Victor Hilaire, tailor
Bro. Louis Sanctus, greenhouses
Bro
.
Alexander Josaphat, Ass't Librarian
Bro. Tarcisius, Chef
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro. Edward Francis, farm
Bro. Louis Frederick, farm help
Bro. Jerome Eugene, ass't tailor
Bro
.
Climacus Leo, Ass't Chef
In the Infirmary:
Bro. Eugene Francis, Infirmarian
Bro. Edmund Jude, sick
In
the Scholasticate:
Bro
.
Emile Nestor, Master
Bro. Adrian August, Professor
Bro
.
Joseph Abel, Sub-Master
Bro. Francis Louis, Librarian
21 young student Brothers
In the Novitiate:
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Marie Petrus, teacher
Bro. John Boniface, teacher
Bro
.
Emile Michel, tailor
Bro. Joannes Alexius, Ass't Chef
In the Juniorate:
Bro. Paul Stratonic, Master
Bro. Philibertus, H.S. I
Bro. Joseph Albert, Prefect
Bro. Leo Camille, Sub-Master/H. S. 3
Bro. Edward Wilfrid,
H. S.
2
Bro
.
Gabriel Vincent, Prefect
Bro
.
Austin Mary, Chef
11 Novices & 18 Postulants
Bro
.
John Philibert, Sub-Master/H.S
.
2
Bro
.
Owen Cuthbert, 8
th
grade
[56 Juniors]
October 20. We decide to repair the organ in the chapel. A series of pipes from an
organ recently dismantled in Rhinebeck was bought through
Mr.
Rose of Poughkeepsie.
Cost
:
$30. This same
Mr.
Rose oversees the work, for the sum of $100. Finding that that
sum was not high enough, he did only part of the work; Bro. Adrian August, with the
help of a few Brothers, finished the job
.
December 26
.
Bro
.
Leo, Provincial, goes to New York and returns on Saturday the
27
th
with Bro. Henry Charles, Director of St. Ann's Academy, who had been very
recently named Provincial.
The new superior is welcomed with the singing of the
''Magnificat"
in
the chapel, Brother Provincial joining the choir. That same day, Bro.
Paul Stratonic, Master of Juniors, goes to take over St. Ann's Academy. Bro. John







72
Philibert is maned Master of Juniors. Bro. Leo, fonner Provincial, replaces
him
as Sub-
Master and teacher.
1931
January I. In the Juniors' recreation hall and presided over by the new Provincial,
customary gathering to express good wishes for the new
year.
July 16-26. Novices' retreat preached by Rev
.
Father A.H. Raines, S.J
.
11 Novices
make their First Vows and 12 Postulants take the Holy Habit.
August 5-12. First retreat for the Brothers, preached by Rev. Father Charles F. Barry,
O
.
M.I.
August
4-28.
Great Exercises in Tyngsboro for the Brothers making Perpetual
Profession and
a certain
-
number of Brothers from the area.
4
Brothers make their Final
Vows.
August
17-24.
Last retreat, preached by Rev. Father Jos. M. Sullivan,
S
.
M. Brothers
Hippolyte, Constantin-Ernest,
Mary
Andrew and Joseph Ambrose take the Vow of
Stability.
The personnel of the House is as follows:
Bro. Henry Charles, Prov
.
Bro. Herbert, Dir.Gen
.
Bro
.
M. Anicetus, Prov
.
Econ
.
Bro. Altin, Sub-Dir.
Bro. Abelus, gardener
Bro
.
Louis Sanctus, orchards
Bro. Edward Francis, farm
Bro. Tarcisius, animals
Bro. Victor Hilaire, tailor
Bro. Jerome Eugene, tailor
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro.
Mary
Anthony, head Chef
Bro. Louis Boniface, cook
In the Infirmary:
Bro. Eugene Francis, Infirmarian
Bro
.
Edmund Jude, sick
In
the Scholasticate:
Bro. Adrian August, Master
Bro
.
Ptolomeus, Prof
Bro. Francis Louis, Librarian
In
the Novitiate:
Bro. Pierre Augustin, sick
Bro. Stylien, sick
Bro. Thomas Austin, Prof
Bro. Francis Michael, Prof.
18 Scholastics
Br
.
Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Leo Camille, Sub-Master
Bro
.
Edward Wilfrid, Prof
Bro
.
Marie Petrus, Prof
Bro. Gabriel Vincent, Prefect
Bro
.
Paul Ambrose, cook
12 Novices and 24 Postulants



In
the Juniorate:
Bro. John Philibert, Master
Bro. Philip Joseph, Teacher
Bro. Owen Cuthbert, teacher
Bro. Marcel Henry, Sub-Master
Bro
.
Aidan Francis, teacher
Bro. John Patrick, Prefect
73
Sept
.
17. Dear Brother Provincial, accompanied by Brother Ptolomeus, Director, goes
to make his retreat in Oka, Canada.
Sept. 22. During the com harvest the silo machine breaks down; nobody is hurt
.
A
new one is bought immediately. Cost: $180
.
Oct. 9
.
Bro
.
Ptolomeus, not feeling well for some time now, resigns as Director
.
Brother Heribert comes from the Bronx to replace
him.
Nov
.
8
.
Election for the Delegate to the General Chapter; no candidate obtains an
absolute majority.
Nov
.
22
.
Bro.
Mary
Florentius, Director of Mt. St
.
Michael's in the Bronx, being very
tired
,
has to take a rest. Bro. Heribert, Director, goes to replace
him.
Dec. 2
.
Good Brother Stylien, who was operated on at the beginning of October for
stomach cancer, after having felt much better falls asleep [in the Lord] almost suddenly.
Dec. 24
.
Christmas vacations having begun at Mt
.
St. Michael's and Bro
.
Marie
Florentius, feeling better, Brother Heribert returns again to Poughkeepsie.
Dec. 30
.
Second election for the deputy to the Chapter. Bro. Leo (Legontianus) is
elected and Bro. Tertullien is the Substitute.
1932
January 21. The Canadian Brothers going to the Second Novitiate stop here en route;
their confreres, returning, do the same in February.
February 24.
Bro. Archange, Assistant for the Lamennais Brothers, visiting the
establishments of their Institute in America, kindly comes to spend a day at St. Ann's
Hermitage
.
February 27. Bro
.
Paulin Alphonse dies in Manchester. He is buried in the Provincial
House cemetery on the following Tuesday, March 2
.
March 2
.
Rev
.
Father Tappin [sic], chaplain at Mt. St. Michael's in the Bronx, who
had known the deceased well, comes with 4 Brothers and sings another service
.
After
accompanying the mortal remains to the cemetery, they return immediately to New York.
March. This month the exercises of the month of St. Joseph take place as usual
.




74
March 13. Five working Brothers from the Provincial House go see the Passion Play
at the Passionist Fathers in Union City, N.J.
March 16. Feast of St. Heribert, Brother Director's patron. Accoding to Brother's
desires, nothing special is held anywhere; however,
in
the refectory Brother Procurator
judges it proper to add a dessert and coffee.
March 17. Feast of St. Patrick. That evening after supper, the Juniors provide some
entertainment.
•
March 19.
High
Mass and fervent Communion for the feast of St. Joseph. Recreation
in the afternoon.
April
13. Bro. Jules Adrien, Provincial of Canada, Bro
.
Marie-Stratonique, Visitor,
and Bro. Louis-Patrice, delegate, going to the General Chapter, spend two days with us.
April 24. Dear Bro. Henry Charles, Provincial, and Bro. Leo (Legontianus), delegate,
leave for the Chapter which is scheduled to open in Grugliasco on May 16
.
May 1.
In
its meeting on May I the local Council decided to hire
Mr.
Bogo,
contractor, for a day, with his
air
drill to remove the boulder in the Scholasticate
playground; this man asks $20 to drill; he brings the dynamite and blows up the holes; for
these two items he charges $20.
Mid-May
.
A tank is installed
in
the Juniorate tower, to supply water to the
dormitories, which don't have any when wanted. Capacity: 380 gallons
.
Cost: $13.
Mid-June. Since the city was having an embankment built along the Hudson River
near our property, we took advantage of this situation to have a platform built to serve as
diving place for the Scholastics during the summer. The company which was putting in
the pilings offered to sink four trees [trunks]
in
the ground and tie them with beams for
$47.
End of June.
Since
Mr
.
Bogo had removed only part of the boulder
in
the
Scholasticate playground, Bro. Francis Xavier, professor, with the permission of the
Director, arranged with Spoor & Lascher Company to provide a double
drill
for 2 days at
$15 per day. The professor, helped by several young Brothers drilled more than 350 feet
in two days. The Company supplied the dynamite and sent 2 experts to blow up the
holes. There was some surprise when we received the bill which came to $82.50; but the
boulder was completely broken up.
June 24. Return of the Brother Delegates from our province and Canada. The
Brothers from Canada, accompanied by a French priest, are our guests for two days.


75
July 2. Dear Bro
.
Clement, Assistant, on his way to visiting the provinces of Australia
and New Zealand, spends 5 days in our midst. By his interesting conferences he captures
fully our young people's attention. As he leaves he says he was delighted and edified by
his stay at St. Ann's Hermitage.
July 16-26. Retreat of the Novices and Postulants preached by Rev. Father Stephen F.
McNamer, S
.
J. 10 Brothers make this retreat; 9 Novices make their First Vows and 12
Postulants take the Cassock.
15 Brothers having completed 27 days of retreat in Tyngsboro make Perpetual
Profession here, at the same ceremony. Their retreat was preached by the Rev
.
Fathers
John E. Welch, Thomas F
.
Barrett, & Daniel H
.
Sullivan, S.J.
July 27. BB. Gabriel Marie, Saintin
&
Paul Henri, en route to a family visit in France,
stop here for two days.
August 5-12
.
First retreat preached by Rev. Father John W
.
Moran, S.J. 72 Brothers
follow the exercises. Bro
.
Oswald makes his Vow of Stability.
August I 7-24. 69 Brothers make the 4
th
and last retreat, preached by Rev
.
Father
Ronald McDonald, S.J. Bro. Louis Viateur makes the Vow of Stability.
August 25-28
.
Rev. Father John Corbett, S
.
J., preaches the Juniors' retreat.
On
Sunday
,
closing day, 20 Juniors go to the Novitiate
.
September. Before classes begin, the Scholastics paint all their rooms
:
dormitory,
halls, classrooms.
This same month the interior of the stable is renovated. The old beamed floor is
replaced by a cement one, the wooden shackles are replaced by others in wrought iron;
cost: approximately $90-$100
.
The House personnel is as follows:
Bro.
Henry
Charles, Prov
.
Bro
.
Heribert, Dir.Gen
.
Bro. Marie Anicetus, Prov
.
Econ
.
Bro. Altin, S.D.
Bro. Paul Acyndinus, Local Econ.
Bro. Abelus, gardener
Bro. Louis Viateur
,
horticulturist
Bro. Edward Francis, farmer
Bro. Tarcisius, animals
Bro. Frederick Charles, tailor
Bro. Placid Robert, ass't tailor
Bro. Thomas Edmund, ass't tailor
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro. Mary Anthony, Chef
Bro
.
Louis Boniface, Ass't Chef
Br. Anthony of Padua, Recruiter
In
the Infirmary:
Bro. Victor Hilaire, Infirmarian
Bro
.
Pierre Augustin,
.
sick
Br. Felix Eugene, sick
Bro. Edmund Jude
,
sick



In the Scbolasticate:
Bro. Adrian August, Master
Bro. Francis Xavier, Prof.
Bro. Francis Louis, Librarian
In
the Novitiate:
24 Scholastics
Bro. Francis Michael, Prof.
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Leo Camille, Sub-Master
Bro. Marie Petrus, Prof
Bro. Edward Wilfrid, Prof
Bro. Louis Mary, Prefect
Bro. Daniel Andrew, cook
12 Novices and 24 Postulants
In the Juniorate:
Bro. John Philibert, Master
Bro. Philippe Joseph, Teacher
Bro. Owen Cuthbert, Teacher
54 Juniors
Bro. Marcel Henry, Sub-Master
Bro. Victor Ralph, Teacher
Bro.
John
Patrick, Prefect
76
End of September. One of the horses having been seriously burned on his
flank
and
the veterinarian having decided that he would never again be able to work, the two horses
are exchanged for two others. Cost: $250 minus $80 = $170.
October. For a long time the Brother in charge of the animals had asked, not without
cause, that some improvements be made in the pigpen. During the month of October
Bro. Altin, helped by a few Brothers, enlarged and modified the old chicken coop behind
the barn. He turned it into a very convenient pigpen capable of holding 25 to 30 pigs at a
time. Every day St. Francis Hospital sent down its kitchen swill which, added to that of
our different houses, enabled us to
feed
from 20 to 30 animals.
The cost of the cement and wood needed comes to about $70 to $75.
October 20. The old dump truck, no longer any good for carrying the sand, rocks, etc.
which we needed to carry, is sold for $50; it is replaced by another one, secondhand.
Cost: $285.
October 26. The special Recollection recommended by dear Brother Assistant takes
place in the afternoon: A Jesuit Father comes at 3:30 to give a sermon which is followed
by Confessions.
December 20.
13 Graduales, 60 "Canctus" [Laudates?], costing $1.20 and $0.19
respectively, with
55
Masses for the feast of Christ the King and
55
others for the feast of
the Sacred Heart, are ordered from Desclee & Cie
in
Belgium.
End of December. The ceremonies and Offices for Christmas and the New Year take
place as usual.


77
1933
January 5
.
Ile La Motte sends us the statue of St
.
Ann
which had been bought ($80)
for the camp in 1929
.
Unfortunately, having been poorly packed, the head is broken in
several places. Bro. Aloysius Mary, recuperating in the
infirmary, was able to repair it
and return it to
a very acceptable condition. It was placed in front of the Scholasticate.
January
16.
Bro. Adrian August orders from Paris 35 No
.
I, 20 No
.
2, and 24 No.4
"Solfege de Limagne" [collections of vocal music]. Freight included, each copy cost 14
and a half cents.
The building fire inspector, having made his visit, asks that we install electric alarms
in the Juniorate
.
Bro
.
Paul Acyndinus puts in 4 bells in various places of the house; cost:
$72.
January. During January a secondhand tractor was bought to replace the old one
which was broken. The cost was $300 with the trade-in.
Brother Infinnarian, insisting on getting a new refrigerator bigger and more
convenient than the old one in the infirmary kitchen, a secondhand electric one replaced
the old one. Cost: $70
.
The mangle in the laundry being broken more often than not, and too small and
dangerous, was replaced by a bigger and safer one for those who press the linen. Instead
of paying $2,000 for a new one we paid $242 for one which had already been used in a
sanitarium in Goshen.
In the Novitiate the floor of the sink and the beams which supported it being rotten,
Bro. Altin relaces everything with new material after pouring a good cement base. The
wooden sink in use since 1908, leaking everywhere, was replaced by a new one in sheet
metal. Cost: $40
.
February 4
.
Two Canadian Brothers coming from the Second Novitiate stop here;
they leave by bus the following morning via New England.
April. To follow the desires of our Holy Father the Pope and the directives given by
the Cardinal ofNew York on the occasion of the opening of the Holy Year Jubilee going
from 3 April 1933 to 2 April 1934, in commemoration of the Passion and Death of
O.L.J.C., on Thursday April 6, from 5-6 p.m
.
there is a Holy Hour in our Juniorate chapel
consisting of various prayers interspersed with hymns and ending with a solemn Way of
the Cross
.
April 21
.
To help pollinate our numerous fruit trees, dear Brother Provincial bought
four beehives. Bro. Marie Petrus will be the beekeeper
.


78
April 29. Good Fathers Jos. Ouimet and Beat
Grnur,
S.S.S., accompanied by Bro.
Marie Clement-driver-and Bro. Alfred Eugene come to spend a most pleasant day in
our Hermitage.
May
3.
Rev
.
Father Hubert Campo, national secretary for the Society for the
Propagation of the Faith in the United States, residing
in
New York and chaplain of our
Brothers at St. Agnes, accompanied by Bro. Louis Hyacinth, Director, comes to pay us a
visit.
May 7.
Under the direction of Bro. Francis Xavier, the Scholastics put on a
melodrama called "The Seven Keys to Baldpate" in the first bungalow. The show was
very well done and enormously pleased the young people.
June 6. June 6, Tuesday, we learn the sad news of the death of
Mr.
John P. Murray,
the great benefactor of our Province. He died suddenly the day before in the morning.
On the following Friday dear Brother Provincial with BB. Ptolomeus, Heribert, and
Legontianus, former Provincials, attended his funeral which took place in St. Paul's
Church, Jersey City.
June 16. On June 16
th
,
dear Brother Provincial gives us the news that, this September,
the province
will
take over Central Catholic H.S.
in
Wheeling, WV
A.
July 16
.
Opening of the retreat for the Novices and Postulants
in
the Novitiate,
preached by Rev. Father Zema, S.J.
The same day
in
the Juniorate 97 Brothers, among them all the Directors of the
province, start their retreat. Rev. Father [blank], S.M., directs the exercises.
July 17. Monday morning dear Bro. Francis Borgia, Assistant General, arrives from
Canada where he had already presided over two retreats. All the Brothers here are happy
to hear a major superior speak to them in their language; consequently, the talks of dear
.
Brother Delegate are listened to with the greatest attention.
July 23. Closing of the Brothers' retreat at which Bro. Alfred Eugene made the Vow
of Stability; and 5 young Brothers, having made the Great Exercises in Tyngsboro the
year before, made Perpetual Profession.
July 26. Feast of our good Grandmother, end of the Novices' retreat. The ceremonies
are presided over by Msgr. Chidwick, pastor of St. Agnes in N.Y. Eight Novices make
their First Vows and 20 Postulants take the Holy Habit
.
May they
all
persevere
till
death!
July 27. Dear Brother Assistant returns to Canada to preside over still three more
retreats. He'll be back here on August 17 for the opening of the last retreat. Then he'll
stay
here to visit the province.



79
July 27. Brother Provincial and two other Lamennais Brothers, coming from Haiti
and going to their Chapter in Europe, pay us a short visit.
August 17. Opening of the last retreat. 99 Brothers follow the exercises, most of
them students from Fordham University. This retreat is preached by Rev. Father [blank].
Bro.
Mary
Feliciani makes the Vow of Stability. After this retreat dear Brother Assistant
stays in Poughkeepsie, waiting to begin his visit of the province
.
The personnel of the Provincial House is as follows:
Bro. Henry Charles, Prov.
Bro. Heribert, Dir.Gen. Bro. M. Anicetus, Prov.Econ.
Bro. Altin, S.D., general treasurer
Bro. Abelus, gardener
Bro. Paul Acyndinus, Econome
Bro. Frederick Charles, tailor
Bro. Sanctus, horticulturist
Bro. Edward Francis, farmer
Bro. Tarcisius, animals
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro. Jos. Orens, ass't tailor
Bro. Basil Norbert, ass't tailor
Bro. Jerome Vincent, cook
Bro. Louis Boniface, ass't cook
Bro. Anthony of Padua, Recruiter
In the Infirmary:
Bro. Victor Hilaire, Infirmarian
Bro. Pierre Augustin, sick
In
the Scholasticate: 22 Scholastics
Bro
.
Adrian August, Master
Bro. Ptolomeus, Prof.
Bro. Francis Louis, Librarian
Bro. Felix Eugene, sick
Bro. Edmund Jude, sick
Bro. Albert, Sub-Master
Bro
.
Francis Michael, Prof.
In
the Novitiate: 20 Novices, 24 Postulants
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master
Bro. Joseph Cadroes, Sub-Master
Bro. Leo, Prof.
Bro. Edward Wilfrid, Prof.
Bro. Marie Petrus, Prof.
Bro. Louis Mary, Prefect
Bro. Giles Marcellin, Chef
In the Juniorate: 56 Juniors
Bro. John Philibert, Master
Bro
.
John Patrick, Prefect
Bro. Victor Ralph, teacher
Bro. Marcel Henry, Sub-Master
Bro. Philippe Joseph, teacher
Bro. Thomas Alban, teacher
Sept. 17. Sunday morning a telegram from Iberville announces the sad news that
good Brother Cesidius is gravely
ill;
he was given the Last Rites the day before. Dear
Brother Assistant leaves Monday to go see and console the sick Brother.
Sept. 27. A second telegram Sunday morning tells us of the death of the Founder of
the two Provinces in Canada and the United States. He returned his soul to God around







80
5:30
a.m., surrounded by all the Brothers of the community. He was
88
years old and
had spent 73 years in community, 48 of them in America
.
Sept. 29. His funeral took place in Iberville the following Tuesday; it was most
splendid. Bishop Desmarais, Auxiliary of St-Hyacinthe, celebrated the Mass. Some
30
priests and as many Brothers from other Congregations and a large number of Marist
Brothers were present. Dear Bro. Henry Charles, Provincial, Bro. Ptolomeus and Bro.
Leo, former Provincials, and Bro. Paul Acyndinus represented the Province of the United
States. Bro
.
Heribert, who had spent some ten days with the dear deceased towards the
beginning of September, did not return to Iberville.
Oct. 7. Dear Brother Assistant having finished his visit to the different communities
of the Provincial House, leaves for New England where he'll spend most of the month.
November will be given to visiting the schools in and around New York and down South.
Nov.
28.
On
Nov.
28
th
in the evening, dear Brother Adonius, Master of Juniors in
Iberville for 23 years, returning from France, stops at St. Ann's Hermitage to meet dear
Brother Francis Borgia, Assistant General, and boards the Champlain with
·
him
on
December 2.
Nov. 30. The 30
th
,
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at 7 p.m. all the communities of the
Provincial House gather in the Juniorate recreation hall to thank dear Brother Delegate
for
all
his devotedness to the Brothers of the Province during the four months he stayed
with us. We wish
him
Bon Voyage and a happy return to the Mother House and Rev.
Brother Superior General. Dear Brother Provincial goes to New York with
him.
Dec. 1. The special Recollection of Thanksgiving takes place in the afternoon from
1:30
to Saturday morning after breakfast [lunch?]. The Jesuit Father not being able to
come for the morning conference, we followed the same schedule as the year before.
Dec. 7. Dear Brother Ptolomeus having had several weak spells
in
which he lost
consciousness, we send for the doctor, who declares the sick person
in
danger.
""CmISequerttly,-
ort'this't1t
1
t
ofthe-mo~th,,...,'fhlrlday:'Hltherolaser: Minister; came
10-
give
the sick man the Last Rites. All the Brothers of the community and the Scholastics were
present.
Dec. 19. At
8:30
p.m. a telephone call from Tyngsboro tells us that the Juniorate
house is on fire. The fire began in the linen room. Everybody is safe. Another
call
the
next morning informs us that the roof and part of the children's dormitory have been
destroyed and the rest of the house very badly damaged by water. Nobody has been hurt;
almost all the furnishings have been saved. The losses are covered by insurance. The
Juniors are sent home.
[1934]
July 16. Opening of the Novitiate retreat, preached by Rev
.
Father J.F. Haitz, S.J.


81
July 26. 15 Novices make their First Vows and 18 Postulants take the Holy Habit.
August 6. Opening of the first retreat for the Brothers. 83 take part. Rev
.
Father
[blank] is the retreat master.
August 24. At the end of the second general retreat dear Brother Leo is named
Director General to replace dear Brother Heribert, who resigned for reasons of health
.
The personnel of the Provincial House is made up thus:
Bro. Henry Charles, Prov.
Bro
.
Leo, Dir.Gen
.
Bro. Marie Anicetus, Prov.Econ.
Bro. Altin, S.Dir.
Bro
.
Paul Acyndinus, local Econ.
Bro. Anthony of Padua, Recruiter
Bro
.
Etienne Andre, music
Bro. Abelus, garden
Bro. Sanctus, farm
Bro. Edward Francis, farm
Bro. Tarcisius, farm
Bro. Frederick Charles, tailor
Bro. Basil Norbert, ass't tailor
Bro. Robert Francis, laundry
Bro. Andrew Bernard, cook
Bro. Daniel
Mary,
ass't cook
Bro. Eugene Francis, gen. work
Br. Heribert, gen. work
Bro. Ptolomeus, gen. work
In the Infirmary:
Bro
.
Victor Hilaire, informarian
Bro. Pierre Augustin, sick
In the Scholasticate:
27 Scholastics
Bro. Adrian August, Master
Bro. Victor
Aime
Bro
.
Felix Eugene, sick
Bro. Edmund Jude, sick
Bro
.
Paul Ernest, Sub-Master
Bro. Francis Louis, library
In the Novitiate:
17 Novices, 17 Postu.lants
Bro. Adolph Leo, Master
Bro
.
Joseph Cadroes, Sub-Master
Bro
.
Marie Petrus, Prof
Bro. Edward Wilfrid
Bro. Louis Marie, Prefect
Bro. Hugh Arthur, cook
In
the Juniorate:
46 Juniors
Bro. John Philibert
,
Master
Bro. Philip Joseph
Bro. Henry Joseph
Bro
.
Nicholas
Mary,
Sub-Master
Bro. Victor Ralph
Br. John Patrick, Prefect
August 24. Bro
.
Etienne-Andreofthe Canadian province
will
spend a year with us to
train the students
in
our different houses of formation in Gregorian chant
.
Sept. 17. Dear Bro. John Philibert, Master of Juniors, leaves by bus for his retreat
in
Oka
.
Dear Brother Provincial gets ready to follow
him
the next day
.




82
Sept. 20. We are painfully surprised to note that the bill for the water taken from the
city system during the summer amounts to $611. We conclude that there is a leak in the
underground conduits. We dig in 4 or 5 suspect places to fix them. The city authorities
agree to let us pay city rates
.
Consequently, we are paying only $305 instead of$61
l.
Oct. 6. Bro. Paul Acyndinus goesto Tyngsboro to wire the new Juniorate chapel for
electricity. We think this work
will
take about three weeks.
Oct. 20. Dear Brother Director goes to New England with dear Brother Provincial to
take part in the reunion of our former students from Lowell. Manchester and Lawrence,
which takes place in Lowell on the 24
th
of this month. Splendid religious and civil
demonstration.
Nov. 1. All Saints. Mass and Benediction in Gregorian chant impeccably executed.
Dear Brother Etienne Andre, music master, has done good work and has every intention
to continue.
Nov. 2. Msgr. Sheahan, pastor of St. Peter's parish, is found dead in his bed at 6 a.m.
We lose our best friend on earth; but we firmly expect that from high heaven he'll
continue to be interested in St. Ann's Hermitage. Besides the prayers prescribed in our
Rules
for
him,
we have a solemn Requiem Mass sung in our chapel
·
[The rest is
in
English in the original. We give it as is.]
Nov. 22. Splendid musicale on the occasion of St. Cecilia's Day. Everything was a
grand success, from the hand-made souvenir-programs, down to the last number on the
list.
It
serves to show the work accomplish in a few months
in
Church music and voice
culture under the able leadership of Bro. Etienne Andre.
Dec. 5. Bro. Stephen Regis arrives from Wheeling for a rest in the
infirmary.
Dec. 6. Beginning to-day the mail-man
will
deliver letters and packages at the parlor
door instead of the gate-house. A report sent the postmaster for securing this privilege
shows about 150 people on the property at this date: Juniorate, 6 Brothers and 44 juniors;
Scholasticate, 4 teachers and 27 students; Novitiate, 6 Brothers, 15 postulants, 15
novices; Prov. House, 24 Brothers.
Dec. 8. High Mass in Gregorian Chant. The rendering is very good and shows good
voice training.
END