t

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
DISCOVERY AND
SETTLEMENT OF
WESTERN
NORTH AMERICA
^^
COLLECTION OF
WILLIAM
ROBERTSON COE

I

MEMOIR

OF REV. MOTHER

Mary Teresa Comerford,

Foundress of the Convents of the Presentation
Order on the Pacific Coast,

And the Missionary Novitiate, Kilcock, Ireland.

SAN FKANCISCO :
P. J. Thomas, Publisheb, 505 Clay Street.
1882.

COPYBIGHT SECUKED.

Preface.

f^HIS Memoir of Rev. Mother Mary Teresa
Comerford was never intended for the press,
and has been written solely at the desire of
the religious children of the venerated Found
ress, who requested the writer to collect reminis
cences of her life. The fact that these pages have
been penned by one whose privilege to know
Mother Mary Teresa was delayed until the latter
years of her beautiful life, and that at an immense
distance from the scene of her childhood and first
years in the cloister, may account somewhat for the
brevity and incompleteness of the Biography. Filia]
affection, lingering by the grave still moistened
with the tears of her children, would fain produce
in worthier language this sketch of one who is
revered more for what she was than for the great
things she achieved in behalf of the free (religious
and literary) education of the female youth of San
Francisco. It is to be regretted, too, that the
circumstance of time is the cause of the omission
ot many interesting and edifying details recorded
of Mother Mary Teresa in the annals of her

Liv]
Communities, which may be recounted at a later
period. Other deficiencies, too, owing to the
writer's having no pretensions to " book-making,"
will, it is hoped, be rectified in some future edi
tion of this little work, and by some more com
petent and favored biographer.
For the rest, if the following pages be accepted
at the Throne of Mercy as Gratitude's humblest
tribute to the memory of Mother Mary Teresa,
they will have served their purpose.
Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, 1881.

NOTE.
Many of the lives of the holy daughters of
Nano Nagle might be published as perfect models
for the cloister; but the Presentation Nuns credit
ably deem it their modest privilege to seek that
" the world should never know them for praise or
blame." A poet of our days justly writes of them:
"Their lives are little known or praised,
Their labors never done;
It rarely comes their way to hear
A word — would seem to prove
That they, are recognized on earth
As souls who work for love.
* * * *
Their place is still behind the desk,
Their labors in the school;
Their whole perfection twined about
The one unvarying rule."
And Mother Mary Teresa, true to the spirit of
her Order, begged that no eulogies of what she
termed her " humble deeds" should be permitted
after her death. For she was amongst the number
who look for their "reward not partly here, but fully
and entirely hereafter." The request of the vener
ated Foundress demands an apology for the appear
ance of her Memoir in print, which will be found,
we hope, sufficient, in the fact that Mrs. Joseph A.
Donohoe, of the city of San Francisco — an intimate
friend and generous benefactress of Mother Mary
Teresa — wishing to add still further to her many
testimonies of esteem for, and admiration of the
revered- Reverend Mother, asked " the privilege"
of placing the manuscript in the printer's hands
and defraying the entire expense of the publication
of this little volume.

Nano Nagle.

"j)HE following notes from the London Tablet
K) on the Foundress of the Presentation Order
of Nuns may not inappropriately precede the
Life of one of her most worthy daughters,
Mother Mary Teresa Comerford:
"The life and labors of O'Connell and Nano
Nagle had a singularly close historical and religious
connection. Miss Nagle was born in 1728, by
the Blackwater, east of Mallow, of an old patrician
Anglo-Norman stock, descended from Gilbert de
Angulo, who, with his two sons, Jocelyn and Hos-
tilio, were amongst the Knights who accompanied
Richard de Clare (or Strongbow) at the invasion
of Ireland, in 1 169. The Nagles, barons of Navan,
and the Munster Nagles, were alike of this family.
Sir Richard Nagle was Speaker of the Irish Parlia
ment and Secretary of State to James II., whom he
accompanied to exile in France, by which act he
forfeited his estates. His brother, Pierce Nagle,
was High Sheriff of Cork in 1668, being the last
Catholic who held the office until after the passing
of the Emancipation Act in 1829, a period of up
wards of one hundred and sixty years. The Nagles
were intermarried with the Llandaff family, the
Matthewses of Thomastine, County Tipperary,

[viij
one ot whom was the great preacher of Temperance.
The eldest son of Edmund Spenser married a
Miss Nagle; the poet wrote " The Fairie Queene"
at Kilcolman Castle, within a few miles of the resi
dence of her family. But one of the most illustri
ous alliances of which the Nagles could boast is that
with Edmund Burke, the first philosophic statesman
of modern times. Richard Burke, the father of
Edmund, married Mary, daughter of Patrick,
brother of Janet Nagle, father of Nano, so that the
venerable foundress of the Presentation Order of
Nuns and the celebrated Edmund Burke were first
cousins. " Miss Nagle, like all persons of her class in
those days, was educated in France, where she
appeared in the gay Court of Versailles. Finding
that she had a vocation, and acting under advice,
she determined to return home and devote herself
to the instruction of the neglected female youth ot
her country. She introduced the Irish Ursuline"
Nuns into Cork, and obtained in 177 1 episcopal
sanction for their establishment. She saw that the
mass of the poor were without provision for Chris
tian knowledge, moral culture, or industrial train
ing. To these objects she determined to devote
her fortune and her life, and, having secured the
sympathy and co-operation of a few ladies, she
formed a society in 1775 for the instruction of the
poor, and on the 29th of June, 1776, received the
holy habit of religion in her new congregation at

fviiij
Cork, consisting of herself and three companions.
They did not, however, enter into residence in their
new convent until Christmas Day, 1777.
" A glance at the progress of the Order affords
a gratifying retrospect of the history of Catholicity
in Ireland during the century. About twenty years
before Miss Nagle was born there were only four
* religious' priests in the city of Cork. When she
first opened her schools, Catholic education, abroad
as well as at home, was wholly illegal, entailing the
most severe punishment. Subsequently, Catholic
schools were allowed to be opened, with the license
of the Protestant Bishop, provided the teachers
subscribed to the required oaths and admitted no
Protestant pupil into their schools. Such licenses
for the Presentation Convent Schools in the cities
of Cork and Waterford were obtained in 1799, and
.form highly interesting records of the Penal Laws
against Catholic education. Yet the extension of
•the convent schools went on until they were estab
lished in most of the dioceses, and in all the lead
ing cities and towns in at least three of the prov
inces. When O'Connell was born in 1775, Dr.
Moyland, one of the earliest friends of Miss Na
gle and of her aims, was Bishop of Kerry, and
when he was translated to the See of Cork in suc
cession to the unfortunate Lord Dunboyne, he
was the means of planting in Kilkenny, in 1793,
the first branch of the Presentation Order in Ire
land. O'Connell was the greatest friend to the

Order, and in 1840 subdivided a branch on his es
tate in Cahirciveen, while the diocese of Kerry has
now nine houses, or more than any single diocese
in the country. There are nearly sixty convents
in fifteen dioceses in Ireland; while there are others
in Manchester, Madras, Victoria, Wagga Wagga,
Tasmania, Newfoundland, New York and San
Francisco, or about eighty houses in all. These
convents stretch from Labrador to the Southern
Ocean, over two hemispheres.
'' An Irish writer, summarizing the fruits of
that Foundation, happily says: 'The daughters of
Nano Nagle, who may be said to have feloniously
opened schools and founded a convent in Cork,
more than a century ago, are now spread from the
confines of the arctic region to som; of the highest
inhabited latitudes in the southern hemisphere.
On the American continent they occupy the Golden
Gate, on the Pacific, at San Francisco; they have
the largest schools in the Empire City, on the
Atlantic; almost all the daughters of the hardy
fishers of Newfoundland are brought up at their
knees; for nearly forty years the oolored and the
European children of Madras have learned to bless
the memory of the Munster nun; upon the south
ern shores of Australia, in St. Kilda, near Mel
bourne, and Wagga Wagga, near Goulbourn, the
voice of Nano Nagle is heard; while across the
Straits, in Launceston and Hobart Town, in the
streets of Tasmania, the Presentation Nuns diffuse

I*]
culture and civilization in that remote antipodean
region. They are found among the busy marts of
Manchester as well as those of New York, San
Francisco and Madras. Neither arctic region nor
torrid zone can deter them ; while every dell in her
native Desmond holds in benediction the valiant
woman, born by the Blackwater in 1728, in whose
noble schools so large a portion of the mothers of
the ten millions of Irish Catholics dispersed over
the globe received that solid Christian training, and
largely learned to prize those domestic virtues that,
amid the vicissitudes of their history, remain the
proud and glorious inheritance of 'the name and'
the fame of the sea-divided Gael.' "

Rev, Mother Mary Teresa Comerford,

CHAPTER I.

Her Birth and Childhood.
"You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and have appointed
you that you should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. "
-*^^)HESE words of our Divine Lord may serve as an intro-
' " duction to the modest memoir we attempt to write of
the venerated Foundress of the Presentation Convents
on the Pacific coast; for God had bestowed on her all
the dispositions of nature and grace which were neces
sary for the accomplishment of the mission for which He des
tined her.
She was descended from one of the ancient Anglo-Norman
families in Ireland, more illustrious for its inviolable attachment
to the Faith than for the nobleness of its origin.
Of this family the late Sir William Bethem writes: " Sir
Henry de Comerford and his nephew, Sir Fulio de Comerford,
came over with John, son of Henry II. T)f England, a. d.
i i 89. Sir Fulio returned to England; Sir Henry remained in
Ireland and became the ancestor of the Comerford families.
At a later period the chief branch or main line of the house
settled in county Kilkenny, and were styled Lords, or Barons,
several of whom suffered much from the tyranny of England,
in consequence of their attachment to their Faith and loyalty
to their country."

I 12]
The late Nicholas Comerford, Esq., of Coolgrany, county
Kilkenny, father of Bridget Mary Teresa Comerford, during
his long career of 85 years, proved worthy of his illustrious
progenitors by his true Catholic spirit, his paternal affection and
his benevolence and charity towards his dependents. " He
possessed the confidence of all who knew him and exercised
an extensive influence in the county in which he lived." His
amiable wife was not less beloved. Rare merits, joined to
genuine piety, endeared her to all in her own circle, while her
charity caused her to be regarded by the poor as a ministering
angel. Heaven blessed this happy union with a numerous
family. Their third child was born on the 1 9th of February,
in the year 1821, and on the 2 2d of the same month she
received at baptism the name of Bridget, to which in religion
was added that of Mary Teresa. The^ pious parents gave the
name of their National Patroness to their privileged child in
conformity with the desire of our Holy Mother the Church
that her children should, on the day of their baptism, be placed
under the protection of some great and illustrious Saint. It
was a kind of presage of their child's future destiny when, like
that Saint whose name is so dear to every Irish heart, she should
become the mother of many virgins, and found a convent in
that county of the Emerald Isle once illumined by the virtues
of St. Bridget.
The rudiments of her religious and literary education she
received in her parental home with her brothers and sisters.
The former was scrupulously attended to by her pious parents,
who, regarding the treasure of innocence above all those which
opulence confers, were careful to exclude from their household
everything that might be a stumbling block to their dear little
ones, whom, like the mother of St. Aloysius and St. Francis of

[i.3l
Sales, they would have preferred to see expire a thousand times
rather than know they had besn sullied by one^in. From this
we may judge hovv careful they were in the selection of gover
nesses and tutors for their children.
As Bridget advanced in age her character gave evidence of
genuine qualities and natural gifts, which correspondence with
grace and religious training were hereafter to perfect. When
about nine years of age she was presented for admission to her
first Communion in her parochial church. The Vicar-General,
Very Rev. F. Nolan, a man of rigid principles, at once concluded
she was too young. He, however, examined her in Catechism,
and her replies giving evidence that her religious instruction
was carefully developed, she was soon permitted to receive the
Bread of Angels, which infused into her soul new grace and
light, leading her to rest in that Sacred Heart for whose honor she
afterwards labored so faithfully in a foreign land.
About this time she conceived a great affection for St. John
the Evangelist, having heard his life read by her good father
who was accustomed to assemble his household for spiritual
reading on Sundays and, festivals. This devotion to the Beloved
Disciple served to enkindle a love for that Divine Heart for
which she was, afterwards distinguished.
In her youth, too, she had a very remarkable dream, which she
sometimes related in after life. She thought she was walking
in the verdant and woody lawns which surround her early
home in the Isle of Saints, when suddenly she perceived a tall
figure approach her. The unknown personage wore a lose hair
garment. Beside him walked a milk-white lamb; and in his
hand he bore a beautiful wreath of flowers which he seemed to
present- to Bridget. But, when she approached to receive it, he
withdrew it, smiling and saying: "When you earn it you will

get it," and then disappeared. She told her wonderful dream
and was informed that the strange personage represented St.
John. Thinking her interpreter meant St. John the Evangelist,
she was in great delight, for at the time she knew of no other St.
John, and felt somewhat disappointed when shown a picture of
St. John the Baptist, in which she recognized the subject of her
dream .
Trifling as this incident may ,appear, it nevertheless made a
lasting impression on the guileless young girl who made serious
reflections on the best manner to earn the " Mystic Crown."

CHAPTER II .
Her Education and Entrance into Religion.
j RIDGET had now reached her twelfth year, and it was
considered full time to place her in some seminary where
she would receive an education which would prepare
her to occupy at a future period that position in
society to which her birth and station entitled her.
Her eldest brother ( Very Reverend Doctor Comerford ),
who was a few years her senior, was about to commence
his collegiate studies for the priesthood, to which he felt him
self called. These circumstances necessitated a separation
from parents so dearly loved and a home so fondly cherished.
Accordingly Bridget was sent to one of the first academies in the
city of Kilkenny which was under the superintendence of Mrs.
Doyle, a highly educated and accomplished lady.
There Bridget fully realized the expectation of her parents
and was soon prepared to continue her more advanced studies
in the Bridgetine Convent, Tullow, whither she was sent with
her elder sister to complete their education. Being gifted with
superior talents Bridget's progress was rapid and her mind
quickly developed, giving promise of a rich harvest, which was
soon afterwards devoted to the service of God in the humble
school of the Presentation Order.
Having finished her studies she returned to her home a beau
tiful and accomplished young lady. Here her amiable gaiety,
j oined to her gentle bearing and unaffected, innate dignity, won
her general affection and esteem. Still her noble instincts and

[i6]
genuine piety rendered her insensible to her attractions and
placed her above vanity. Her happy character led her to prefer
literary to more enlivening amusements. Tenderness of feeling,
however, towards all God's works was manifested in the care she
took of plants and flowers; she also had her pet lambs and dogs.
The latter often practically returned her affection, and in after
life she sometimes told her novices anecdotes illustrative of their
care and protection of their young mistress. Her pious aspir
ations prompted her to take particular care of oratories in her
own home, and this solicitude she soon extended to the altars in
neighboring churches, sensible of the honor conferred by being
allowed to minister to the person of our Lord in preparing the
sanctuary for the sacred mysteries.
Bridget had now spent some years in the parental home and
mingled in that gay and refined society of which she was a
brilliant ornament. She was not dazzled by its vanities and
allurements; her piety and good sense were her shield; her
virtues expanded rather than contracted under its fascinating
influence. She heard in her young heart the Divine Voice
bidding her " Hearken, O daughter, and forget thy people and
thy father's house!" Her generous nature knew no delay when
God spoke, and, docile to his warning, she determined to
leave all.
She informed her estimable parents of her intentions, and
though their daughter's choice was not surprising, as they knew
her pious attractions, yet the consequent separation was a severe
blow to their affection for their favorite daughter. Nevertheless
they were too good Christians to place any impediments to the
Divine call when it inspired their children to devote themselves
to the immediate service of God. Bridget seemed drawn to the
Carmelite Order, and consulted a holy Priest with a view to

1 17 1
entering therein. He was unacquainted with her previously,
but he prophetically replied that she was not called to a contem
plative Order, that God intended for her a more active vocation
in which she should do great things for His glory. There
were many inducements presented to her to enter an Order not
bound to inclosure, but her first preference for the contempla
tive triumphed over the persuasion of friends, and she finally
determined to select the Presentation, as its seclusion from the
world affords a special facility to unite the meditations of Mary
with the action of Martha. The love of God and a desire for
his glory made her wean herself from her exclusive love of
solitude, and thus choose the laborious life of the Presentation
Nun, " Whose life's so little known or heard.
Whose labor 's never done. "
With the permission of Right Reverend William Kinsella,
Bishop of Ossory, she was admitted into the Presentation Con
vent, Kilkenny. This worthy prelate, recommending her as a
postulant, amongst her other good qualities, remarked espe
cially her sincere humility, and described her as " the excellent
daughter of Mr. Comerford."
The 1 7th of July was the day fixed for her departure for the
Convent, and though Bridget had always intended to be a reli
gious, now, at the moment when she was to sacrifice all that was
dearest, nature revolted, (for grace does not extinguish our
natural feelings, but leads us to rise above them,) and so, with
the courage which grace only can give, she bade " Good-by"
to all.
The parting of her father with his favorite daughter was truly
affecting. Both wept. Bridget knelt to receive his bless
ing, and the noble parent, not wishing to be surpassed by

Li8 1
the generosity of his child, suppressed his emotion, freely acqui
escing to the decrees of Providence, and confided her to the care
of Very Reverend Doctor Nolan, who accompanied her to the
Presentation Convent, Kilkenny. The pious postulant made no
reserve in her offering to God, and, from her entrance to her
happy death, might be applied to her the words of Scripture:
" The path of the just is like the sun, which goeth forward and
increaseth in brightness even unto perfect day."

CHAPTER III.

Sister Mary Teresa Goes on the Foreign Mission.
IN the 18th of January, 1842, she received the holy
habit of the Presentation Nun. Her noviceship was
one of holy fervor. Her cheerful demeanor and zeal-
ous conformity with the rule, notwithstanding her deli
cate constitution, was truly edifying. Her confidence
in, and humble submission to Superiors, to whom alone she
confided the secrets of her conscience, was the source of her
peace of soul and constancy of purpose.
As the time of her profession drew near, the fervent novice,
still more deeply impressed with the sublimity of her vocation,
prepared for her sacred espousals with all the ardor of her
generous soul. The ceremony took place on the 17th of Jan
uary, 1844. The venerable Bishop Kinsella, having previously
prepared (as he used to call her) " His Lamb,'' received her
vows, Mother de Sales Meighan being Superior at that period.
Sister Mary Teresa's love for prayer, for which she was remark
able during her whole religious career, became more manifest
after her profession. Her zeal for God's glory and the good of
souls urged her to utilize -every moment of spare time in storing
her mind with useful information, that she might afterwards
use it in promoting God's glory and the salvation and happiness
of her pupils. She had a particular talent for drawing and
needlework of every description, and the classes taught by her
in the Kilkenny Presentation Convent showed superiority in
those arts. Many of the latter useful acquirements were eagerly

L20J
purchased from the poor children by the wives of the English
officers garrisoned from time to time in that city. Sister Mary
Teresa possessed many attractions of which neither age, climate
or crosses deprived her, and which she made use of only to
promote the glory of God.
Her mild and sweet appearance, joined to her dignified and
winning manners, gave her an unusual influence over all with
whom she came in contact. Her friends never left her presence
without feeling consoled and edified, while the poor revered
her as their heaven-sent Instructress and Benefactress; and, years
after her departure for the Foreign Mission, when meeting other
members of her family, they recited their obligations to her, and
their grief that she had gone.
She had passed seven years in the cloister when it pleased
God to summon to Himself the amiable spirit of her justly-
loved mother, whose memory for many years after was held
in benediction by the poor of the district in which she lived.
This trial deeply affected Bridget's affectionate heart, while
at the same time she meekly and lovingly acquiesced in the will
of Heaven, consoling by her word and example her afflicted
father and his sorrowing children. From her mother she in
herited a great devotion to St. Francis Xavier, and from reading
his Life and the accounts of his missionary labors, she became
very zealous for the promotion of the Association for the Propa
gation of the Faith. She read the Annals of this Society with a
holy eagerness, inspired by that love of God which made her
yearn to spread the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in distant lands.
The Foreign Mission seemed indeed to be the special calling
of the three members of her family who were consecrated to God ;
for we find her brother, Very Rev. Dr. Comerford, with burning
zeal laboring under the tropical sun of the Mauritius, where

I 21]
his, devotedness to his priestly duties made him the edification
and idol of his flock; and, later, we shall see her sister joining
her in the "Land of the West."
For many years, Sister Mary Teresa awaited an opportunity
to accomplish her desire to labor in lands beyond the seas. In
the meantime she occupied herself with her own sanctification,
making herself a fitting instrument for such a high destiny. In
1854, a clergyman going to travel on the continent of Europe
acquainted her of his intention to visit the Cur6 of Ars, whose
sanctity is one of the marvels of the nineteenth century. She
asked this priest to consult the holy Cure regarding her vocation
for the Foreign Mission; and, in reply, the servant of God
directed her to make a Novena, to know God's will.
A few months previous, the Rev. Hugh Gallagher came to
Ireland on business connected with the Archdiocese of San
Francisco. He proposed to the Superioress of the Presentation
Convent, Midleton, County Cork, to send some members of her
community to found a branch of the Order in California. This
holy religious having begged light from the Almighty and con
sulted the Bishop, the Mission was determined on.
Five religious were selected for the undertaking — Mother
Mary Joseph Cronin being appointed Superioress, and Mother
Mary Xavier Daly, Assistant; Mother Mary Augustine Keane,
Bursar; Sister Mary Clare Duggan and Sister Mary Ignatius Lan-
igan. As they were to sail for the New World from Liverpool, it
was necessary they should proceed thence by Dublin. Arriving
at that ci£y they were hospitably received by the Presentation
nuns of George's Hill. Their passages were taken on the
steamship " Arctic;" but as it could not afford proper accom
modation, it was thought advisable to wait two weeks longer for
the next steamer.

L«]
In the interim Sister Mary Ignatius fell sick and was obliged
to return to her Convent in Midleton . Her Superioress, Mother
Mary Teresa Maloney, not having any one to send in her stead,
wrote to the Presentation Convent, Kilkenny, earnestly entreat
ing Sister Mary Teresa Comerford (of whose desire for the
Foreign Mission she was aware) to supply the place of the sick
Sister and to proceed without delay to join the jnissioners, who
were to sail in two days. This entreaty was received on the
very last day of the Novena directed to be said by the holy
Cure of Ars, and was regarded as an unmistakable manifesta
tion of the Divine Will to the young religious, who so long and
ardently desired to consecrate her life to the education of female
youth in distant lands. The only difficulty was to obtain the
permission of her Superiors. The lately-elected Superioress
of Kilkenny Convent, who knew and appreciated the virtues
and worth of Sister Mary Teresa, was slow to allow her leave
her community, and sought an interview with the Bishop, Right
Rev. Dr. Walshe, to prevail on him to withhold his consent to
her departure for some time.
It so happened that Sister Mary Teresa was the first to meet
his Lordship that evening. She informed him with much ardor
of the opportunity presented for the accomplishing of her wish
to sacrifice every tie for Christian education. With much re
luctance, his Lordship at length consented, saying : " Though
your services are required in your own Convent, I will not op
pose what is manifestly the will of God." But, as there was no
time to investigate matters the good Bishop added, emphatically,
" In case your rule cannot be carried out, or that you wish to
return, I give the permission only conditionally." In this sub
stitution of Sister Mary Teresa for Sister Mary Ignatius we are
forcibly reminded of that providential arrangement of the Om-

[23 J
niscient, which, three centuries previous, by a similar accident,
caused a Saint Francis Xavier to take the place of Bobadilla.
With a hasty farewell to her beloved father, and a magnani
mous courage, this worthy daughter of Nano Nagle quickly
prepared to join the missioners, all of whom were strangers
to her, and proceeded to Dublin, from' whence she was to sail
on the following day.

•CHAPTER IV.
The Journey to California.
T the period of which we write that portion of the ' 'Far
West," for which the little band of cloistered nuns was
destined, was comparatively little known in Europe.
San Francisco, it is true, owing to the discovery of gold
in 1849, had grown rapidly until 1854, when business
received a check and property began to decline in value.
These local disadvantages, with many other circumstances, were
not calculated to encourage the establishment of a cloistered
convent in that diocese; and many friends endeavored to
dissuade Sister Mary Teresa from her holy purpose — urging
her return to Kilkenny, as it was apprehended the mission
would not succeed. Having but a few hours to deliberate, she
placed her confidence in the "good God" and continued the
journey. On the 2 ist of September, 1854, these Presentation nuns
left the shores of their native land, which for centuries had
given apostolic souls to plant the seeds of heavenly truth and
useful lore in distant climes. The voyage was a pleasant one.
Their party consisted of Rev. Fathers Gallagher, Cassin and
Cody, Mother Agnes, Superioress of the Convent of Mercy,
New York, and cousin of Sister Mary Teresa, with eight Sisters
of Mercy, who were also bound for California. They landed in
New York on the 5th of October and there learned the sad
fate of the "Arctic," and its passengers, who were nearly all
lost. Here was a new motive of gratitude and confidence in

[*5 1
God, whose merciful Providence had prevented their embarka
tion on that ill-fated steamer.
Want of accommodation obliged Mother Mary Agnes reluc
tantly to consent to the Presentation nuns seeking hospitality
from the Sisters of Charity while waiting for the steamer that
was to convey them to Panama. Two weeks later they went
on board the *' North Star," bound for Aspinwall. The voyage
was favorable. On landing there, they found that the railroad
had been laid only through a part of the Isthmus and that the
remainder had to be crossed on mules, trained to travel over
hill and dale, through marsh and river, without other guide than
their instinct. This journey was most trying and perilous. The
nuns, too, were all ladies of refinement, whose long residence
in the cloister was little calculated to render them suited to such
a mode of traveling. A train conveying i ,000 passengers was
nearly wrecked on the brink of a precipice from want of proper
force to propel it. No refreshment of any nature, an indiscri
minate mixture of travelers hurrying to the Land of Gold, the
fear of meeting in the wilderness Indian robbers who had lately
plundered and massacred a party of whites crossing the Isthmus,
the sloughs through which they had to ride, were some of the
principal features of this original mode of travel in Central
America. At the starting point for Panama the mules were assembled
in hundreds waiting their burdens and accompanied by their
Indian masters. The poor nuns stood bewildered, and would
probably have been left behind but for the kindness of some
gentlemen who advised them to mount the animals and proceed
without delay, their only security being to keep up with the
other travelers. The religious wished to dispense with the
Indian guide assigned them, but, to prove that he was neces
sary, he purposely drove Sister Mary Teresa's mule into a deep

[26]
slough. She was thrown off and sank to the shoulders in mud,
unable to extricate herself. Fortunately, one of the government
officials, who saw the accident, came to the spot and assisted
her to get out, all besmeared. He directed an Indian who was
coming near with a pail of water to throw its contents on her
head, which he did. Remounting, she overtook the other Sisters
who, after a little time, were obliged to separate.
As each mule chose his own route, and as it was impossible
to procure more than one guide, they were forced to trust to
the sagacity of these animals, which sometimes carried them up
steep precipices and then through the dense woods that at this
time covered the Isthmus.
After some hours, Mother Mary Xavier and Sister Mary
Teresa found themselves on the banks of the Chagres river.
Looking around for some track or road to guide them they des
cried amongst the trees a half-clad red-man in the distance.
He was looking at them and yelling, either with surprise or
anger. The Sisters were terrified. Suddenly, the providence
of God came to their aid; in the distance they perceived some
of the travelers advancing towards them, who, with loud cries
of "Come on, Sisters! Plunge into the river!" encouraged
them to attempt crossing. Both Sisters expecting death every
moment, recommended their souls to God; and Sister Mary
Teresa, leading the way, forced her mule into the water. The
terror of these moments was so great that they knew not whether
the mules trod on the bed of the river or swam. But great was
their gratitude to God when they found themselves landed
safely on the opposite bank, though wet through and through.
They continued their journey, however, heedless of their dis
tressing situation.
These two Sisters were the first to reach the city of Panama,
where they looked with fearful anxiety towards the woods for the

[27 1
other nuns, who joined them before darkness set in. During
the dreadful ride they were without refreshment, all day under
the scorching rays of a tropical sun, exposed to wild beasts,
and, still worse, to the Indians watching to waylay travellers.
Now they find themselves in a strange city, not knowing where
to look for shelter or assistance. At this critical moment
a strange gentleman, named Du Quesne, seeing the Sisters
alone in the streets, came and politely offered his services.
He conducted them to the Bishop's house, where they were
received by his Lordship with much kindness and hospitality.
After resting awhile they retired for the night to a sort of open
or unfurnished house, where the Bishop directed them to lodge.
Next morning his Lordship paid them an early and unexpected
visit. He treated the nuns with truly paternal kindness, spoke
encouragingly and took a lively interest in all that regarded their
comfort and safety. Gladly would he have retained them in
his diocese, had they not been pre-engaged.
At nine o'clock a. m. they were told that the steamer for
California would sail at n a. m. Their habits — which, owing
to the tropical rain, had been covered with mud while cross
ing the Isthmus — they had placed in the laundry to be washed;
and now the notice is so short, and as they cannot have access to
their trunks, they have no resource but to wring out their habits
and put them on, dripping wet. The last difficulty of "cross
ing the Isthmus" had then to be encountered. No wharf hav
ing been yet constructed, in order to reach the steamer they
must either go on foot through the water or allow themselves
to be carried in the arms of the brawny Indians, who waded
through the surf, each depositing his burden on the small
boat destined to convey them to the steamer. The poor Sis
ters were forced to submit to the latter alternative

CHAPTER V .
The First Presentation Convent in the United States.
FTER an agreeable voyage of thirteen days the Sis
ters arrived in San Francisco, where "they were cor
dially welcomed by the ecclesiastical authorities and
"laity, without distinction of creed; but they were somewhat
disheartened at finding that there was no suitable con
ventual establishment prepared for their reception." His Grace,
Most Rev. Archbishop Alemany, however, encouraged and
consoled them with much paternity, and in the course of a few
weeks established them temporarily in a small house in Green
street. There they opened school on the ist of December,
1854, and soon had an attendance of 200 children; but so
limited were they in space in their "shanty," that they had to
teach on the stairs. and lobby, and even in a small yard twenty
feet square, their only recreation ground. Many were the pri
vations of the Sisters in these early times, when the city was
only beginning to be "laid out;" oftentimes were they in
want of common necessaries, while their cloisters con
cealed them from the inhabitants. By degrees Divine Provi
dence raised up benefactors to aid them. Among the first of
these was Rev. J. F. Harrington, who showed the Sisters much
kindness; and Mr. Patrick Fenton, who, besides substantially
aiding the new community himself, enlisted also the sympathies
of many other kind friends. The number of pupils attending
the Sisters' schools increased more and more, and the people
of, the Parish, being pleased with the improvement of their

1 29]
children, soon formed a society of gentlemen to maintain the
community and build a convent, the principal members of
which were, the Hon. Judge Robert J. Tobin; his brother,
Mr. Richard Tobin; Mr. Peter Chrystal, Mr. F. Buckley, Dr.
P. M. O'Brien, Messrs. John and Patrick Dunn, and Mr. Myles
D. Sweeny. Later, Mr. John Sullivan became a generous
benefactor to the community. A lot was now chosen for the
building of the new convent. Rev. Father Harrington and
Mr. John Sullivan, being the first names on the list of sub
scribers, generously contributed $1,000 each. The building
was commenced on the ioth of August, 1855. Whilst it was
in course of erection, the Sisters of Midleton, discouraged from
the beginning by the crosses and trials of their new mission,
(which are detailed in the Annals of the Order, but do not en
ter into the subject of our present brief sketch), and Mother
Mary Joseph being in feeble health, determined on returning
home. The Archbishop, however, considering that the Pres
entation Order would be a serious loss to the spiritual welfare
of the poor children, who at that time had few educational ad
vantages and had wonderfully improved under the meek train
ing of the Sisters, earnestly requested Sister Mary Teresa Com
erford to remain. Being the youngest of the missioners and
dreading responsibilities, though she never faltered at difficul
ties encountered in doing God's work when guided by
obedience, she answered: "My Lord, as the other Sisters are
leaving, I prefer returning with them." His Grace then en
treated her to continue the work which had been commenced
by the disposition of Divine Providence, promising to support
her with his episcopal patronage, etc., and never to interfere
with their holy Rule. In a spirit of obedience she finally con
sented to remain, and, at her request, Sister Mary Xavier

[30]
Daly " volunteered for the same glorious mission" and con
tinued for years her faithful auxiliary and co-laborer.
A postulant named Miss Cassian, who had entered the pre
vious October, proved a great blessing to these ttwo valiant
souls. On the 8th of November, 1355, Mother Mary Teresa Comer
ford, as we shall henceforth call her, was formally appointed
Superioress. Feeling that her new task was of God's impos
ing, she assumed her responsible duties with all zeal and energy,
accompanied with that humble diffidence in self which, joined
to reliance on the Divine assistance, marks the true servant of
God. Some time previous to the return of Mother Mary Joseph
Cronin and Mother Mary Augustine, who had sailed for Panama
on the 5th of November, Dr. O'Brien, Superintendent of Public
Schools, through his influence obtained for the Sisters from the
Board of Education the sum of $100 per month. When Mother
Mary Teresa was about two months Superior, the officers of the
Board were changed, and the Sisters were asked to appear in
the City Hall to submit to examination and have their schools
visited by public officers. But the courageous Superior replied
that since these requirements were not in keeping with their re
ligious state, they were ready to make any pecuniary sacrifice
rather than submit to them. In the absence of the Archbishop on
a distant visitation of his extensive diocese, a clergyman, more
zealous than prudent, urged herto compliance with these demands
of the Board of Education, telling her that circumstances were
sufficient to exempt them from enclosure. Faithful to the spirit
of her vocation, she positively refused, emphatically saying:
" We are ready to return to Ireland rather than act against con
science." He then tried to compel her to relinquish her desire
to enforce the rule on this point. Being piqued at her refusal, he

[3i ]
said that, in the absence of the Archbishop, he would command
her to comply ; and she calmly replied to him: " I do not con
sider your authority sufficient, and cannot act according to your
directions without due dispensation from the Holy See." Her
praiseworthy firmness created many trying contrarieties for the
time, which she bore with her usual calmness ; when suddenly
the Archbishop returned, and, becoming aware of what had
taken place, his Grace hastened to the Convent, reassuring the
Sisters, to their" great consolation, of his fatherly protection.
The building of the new convent went on so rapidly that Mother
Mary Teresa hoped to remove thither on the 3rd of December,
the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, to whom, as we related before,
she had a particular devotion. Besides, if the Sisters remained
one day beyond that date in the house then occupied by them,
they would have to pay $1 20. The upper part only of the new
building was habitable, the lower part being still in the work
men's hands, having neither doors, windows or stairs. Not
withstanding these inconveniences, and much opposition on the
part of friends who feared for the health and safety of the Sisters,
the zealous determination of Mother Mary Teresa prevailed.
Accordingly, at 6£, P. M., a carriage conveyed the Sisters to
their new home, where they were welcomed by Rev. J. F. Har
rington and other friends. The gentlemen benefactors of the
community, who were from amongst the most wealthy and dis
tinguished of the citizens of San Francisco, on this occasion
gave an example of charity rarely met with. They conde
scended, at that advanced hour, to carry the Sisters' furniture and
other requisites through the streets from their late residence —
no easy task in the " rainy season," at a time when streets were
neither graded nor lighted, the city being only in its infancy.
Mother Mary Teresa's gratitude to God was indeed very great,

I 32]
when she found herself within her new cloister ; and setting
aside every consideration as to the rest required after the fatigue
of that memorable day in the annals of Powell street, as soon
as Rev. John Harrington and the other kind friends withdrew,
she proceeded to erect an altar for the celebration of Holy Mass.
The good Archbishop, with fatherly kindness, came next morn
ing, at 5 o'clock. He was received by the nuns and conducted
to their little temporary chapel, where, assisted by Rev. Father
Harrington, His Grace celebrated the first Mass in the new
Convent, on December 4th, 1855. Then the most Holy Sa
crament was, with great respect, deposited in the neat little
tabernacle. Such was the humble commencement of the first Presentation
Convent on the Continent of America. And it is easy to recog
nize the hand of Providence in the succession of events and
circumstances which concurred to prepare its foundress, Mother
Mary Teresa Comerford, for her glorious mission. In the
school of the Cross, and by the salutary trials of contradictions,
privations and disappointments, her holy soul was trained for
the accomplishment of God's design in the establishment, in
the Far West, of the useful educational Order of which she was
a worthy member.

CHAPTER VI.

Opening of the Powell Street Schools.
tN January, 1856, the schools of the Presentation Convent'
Powell street, were first opened. A numerous attend-
p.^0 ance of pupils gave great encouragement to Mother
Op Mary Teresa Comerford and her assistants, whose success
w as efficient and gentle teachers became so manifest that
children of every religious denomination and social rank sought
admission into their classes. At this period the friends of the
Community " urged them to accept payment from the pupils
who could afford it;" but Mother Mary Teresa; reposing her
confidence in the goodness of God for the providing of the ma
terial as well as the spiritual means to perpetuate His ownvjork,
and wishing to maintain the spirit and practice of her holy rules,
resolutely declined to make any charge.
Her wise firmness in this instance was so consonant with the
¦ ideas of the "liberty-loving Californians,'' (to whom she knew
an invidious distinction would be distasteful), that a few years
later it was necessary to build an additional class-room, owing
to the great increase of pupils. And up to this time the four
Communities founded by Mother Mary Teresa still retain their
schools entirely free, notwithstanding many pecuniary difficulties
which might seem to warrant an exemption from the rule in
this country.
Meanwhile, the building-debt was gradually liquidated by
means of Fairs and other resources created by the energy and
influence of Mother Mary Teresa. She had always had a special
devotion to the Sacred Heart, and in this pious attraction was
the secret of her success. Placing her whole confidence in Its

1 34 I
bounty, she commenced to raise funds for the erection of the
new schools already referred to. Her hope was not in vain.
A meeting of gentlemen was assembled, presided over by the
Archbishop, and before it terminated $4,000 were contributed.
Mr. Daniel T. Murphy, the late Mr. James Donahue and Mr.
John Sullivan loaned $3,000 each, without interest, besides
giving as their subscriptions $250 each. The two first-named
gentlemen finally donated their loan to the Convent. The
building was completed by the Spring of 1 860, and soon again,
through the tact and prudence of Mother Mary Teresa, debts
contracted in its erection were entirely cancelled ; and, encour
aged by her zealous Community, she directed her attention
towards providing a school for the negro children of San Fran
cisco. After a few months trial, however, this project proved
impracticable, as it alienated the white pupils, whose parents
refused to send them to the Convent should the blacks continue
to attend. This, with other obstacles, rendered it advisable to
convert the class-room used for the negroes into a school for
infant boys. This change proved very advantageous, the school
and yard being separated from the girls; boys were retained
until they were fully instructed for the reception of the sacra
ments. Many instances could be given of the perseverance of
those boys until manhood in the pious practice learned at the
Convent School. If God has promised to reward even " a cup
of cold water given in his name," how much brighter will be
the recompense of those who provide immortal souls with
their aliment in contributing to establish Catholic schools for
their instruction; and, surely, the unprecedented munificence
of the gentlemen who aided Mother Mary Teresa with their
ample subscriptions must excite in others feelings of respect
and admiration and stimulate them to do likewise for the
" greater glory of God."

CHAPTER VII.
Mother Mary Teresa Visits her Native Land.
)N the preceding chapter we have seen how God favored
the establishment of the Presentation Convent schools.
The great increase of pupils necessarily demanded an
increase of teachers, and volunteers for the San Francisco
mission offered to come to the field of labor. In 1856,
Mothers Mary Magdalene Gore and Mary Ursula O'Callaghan
arrived from the Presentation Convent, Kilkenny. Soon after
their arrival Miss Cassian, the first postulant already mentioned,
made her solemn profession, assuming the name of Sister Mary
Joseph. This young lady was the first Presentation nun pro
fessed on the Continent of America. In the year i860, Mother
Mary Bernard Comerford, younger sister of Mother Mary
Teresa, who had always cherished a desire for the foreign mis
sion, came from the Presentation Convent, Midleton, under
the escort of Right Rev. Dr. O'Connell, Bishop of Marysville
Other young ladies, following the example of Miss Cassian,
entered the novitiate, and Mother Mary Teresa filled the double
office of Superior and Mistress of Novices — -duties for which she
seemed admirably qualified, and of which she acquitted herself
with great credit. As Superior, she was beloved and respected
by her Community, and her kindness of heart, joined to a
gentle firmness and energy of will, led all to obey with pleasure
and alacrity. As Mistress of Novices, she possessed a clear in
sight into the dispositions and attractions of souls — patience,

[36]
self-control, and a sympathising spirit, which led beginners in
religious life to filial confidence in, and loving obedience to her
directions. This confiding and submission to Superiors she
always inculcated in her instructions to them, knowing that these
virtues are supereminently essential to happiness and perfection
in the religious life. But she corrected and trained her subjects
more by the influence of what she was than by what she did.
Amidst the pressing occupations of her double office, and the
anxieties attending the erection and organization of new schools,
which were so calculated to create distractions and solicitudes
of a perplexing nature, she seemed content and happy every
where, because she referred all to the glory of God. Her
amiable disposition, graciousness of manner and wise decisions
led many seculars to the Convent to seek counsel or consola
tion, on" which occasions her almost irresistible influence in
promoting the good of souls was fruitful in results for their
spiritual welfare, and often for their temporal advantage.
After many years of toil and in face of opposition of every
kind, she at length saw the Powell-street Convent firmly
established and the conventual discipline so perfect that a holy
dignitary, well acquainted with the nuns, pointed out that Con
vent as the " abode of the spirit of God." The schools were
in a flourishing condition, and Heaven manifested its approval
of the foundation by the spiritual and temporal blessings be
stowed on the Community. Undismayed by the series of trials
through which she had passed in the establishment of her first
Convent, and becoming better acquainted with the necessity of
religious instructions for the children of San Francisco, her
ardent zeal inspired her to promote the glory of God and the
welfare of her Community by undertaking the foundation of
another Convent in San Francisco. In this she was greatly en-

137]
couraged by the Jesuit Fathers, who had, from the beginning,
evinced a holy interest in the Presentation mission, and now
earnestly desired her to f&und a home at the southern end of the
city, where a good convent school was much needed. After
much prayer and consulting holy and experienced persons, the
new foundation was set on foot. With the munificent donation
of $20,000 from Mr. Daniel T. Murphy, and contributions from
Mr. Michael J. O'Connor and Mr. Joseph A. Donohoe and Mr.
j ohn Sullivan, a lot was purchased on the corner of Taylor and
Ellis streets, which proved a most suitable location for a con
vent. While God was thus favoring her new project, He was
also preparing a new trial for herself and her Community. In
the fall of 1866, Mother Mary Teresa was attacked by a serious
illness ; physicians declared her life in imminent danger, and
ordered a sea voyage, as the only hope of restoration. His
Grace the Archbishop, anxious to preserve so precious a life,
permitted no delay in complying with this recommendation
of the doctors, and accordingly, on the 19th of January, 1867,
Mother Mary Teresa, accompanied "by her faithful companion,
Mother Mary Xavier Daly, left San Francisco for Ireland. The
friends of the Community having previously heard of the in
tended departure of Mother Mary Teresa, flocked to the Con
vent to receive a parting word from their friend and consoler,
and were liberal in their gifts to the travelers. One gentleman
sent $1,000, whilst two others paid all the expenses of the jour
ney. The sorrow of the Community at parting with their be
loved Foundress, under such trying circumstances, was very
great; and as she loved all her nuns tenderly, this separation
was very sensibly felt by her. The two travelers had a pros
perous voyage, and, arriving in Ireland, they proceeded to the
Presentation Convent, Midleton. There Mbther Mary Teresa

[38 1
became dangerously ill; but, by the kind care of the nuns of
this C-mmunity, she gradually grew better, and, after a few
weeks, was able to remove to Kilkenny Convent, where she
was cordially welcomed by the Sisters.
The special object of this visit to her native place was to ob-
ii.:n the medical assistance of her esteemed brother, Dr. Ed
mund H. Comerford, an eminent physician. Under his skilful
care her failing health was almost completely restored. Whilst
at this convent, which was so dear to her as having been the
place of her entrance into religion, her reception and profes
sion, and in whose peaceful seclusion she had passed the first
thirteen years of her "religious life, she had the great consolation
to meet her venerable father, then in his 8 2d year. She felt
the greatest love and reverence for this dear parent, whose noble
life merited the honor and respect, not alone of his children,
but of all who knew him; and great was the joy of the happy
father to behold once more his favorite daughter. By a happy
coincidence her brother, Very Rev. Pierce Michael Comerford,
D. D., Vicar-General of Mauritius,* happened at this time to
be in Ireland, and came to see his sister when she arrived in
Kilkenny. This interview was a desirable one for Mother Mary
Teresa, not merely because they were brother and sister, for
long ago each had accepted the call of the Lord to ' ' leave
all and follow Him," in an apostolic vocation to distant missions,
and, we might add, to opposite extremities of the globe. But
well might souls such as these seek each other, that their mutual
sympathy might lead to more ardent aspirations after eternal
happiness and the self-sacrifice that attains it. This distinguished
ecclesiastic gave her much encouragement, and exerted himself
to enlist young subjects of refined education for the San Fran-

*A few years previous this worthy priest declined the Bishopric of the Mauritius, to
which the Holy dee had nominated him with the title_of Bishop cf Migara

[39]
Cisco Convent. Dr. Edmund H. Comerford's noble generosity
on this occasion was also of great service to his sister's mission
in the Far West. Her health having been re-established, she
prepared for her return to California, having succeeded in getting
accomplished young ladies to accompany her as postulants, who
were subsequently of great assistance to the Communities here,
as vocations to the " Cloistered teaching Orders" are rare in
America. Her relations and friends would gladly have retained
her in her native land, but her heart was in the labors of the
Foreign Missions, and thence she would return. During her
absence, death deprived her of one of her dearest religious.
This was Sister Vlary Joseph Cassian, her first postulant, and the
first nun trained under her gentle sway and the first professed
in Powell street Convent, She was fondly cherished by Mother
Mary Teresa, because of her many virtues and sterling qualities,
which were thus briefly recorded at the time of her decease :
" From the time of her profession, in 1858, till the beginning
of her last illness, seven years later, Sister Mary Joseph labored
with unsurpassed zeal and assiduity in the education of the chil
dren committed to the care of the Order, and was conspicuous
for a gentle and tender charity which endeared her to all. Her
observance of rules, her simplicity of character, her obedience
to superiors, her exactness in the performance of duties, her
tender love of the state of perfection which she had embraced,
were virtues which shone with extraordinary purity and brightness
in the deceased religious. The peace and consolation of the
last hours of the Sister's life were such as might be expected
from tine who had served God so faithfully. Her sufferings
seemed a joy to her ; the rewards of another life seemed rather
an object of vision than of hope ; and she prayed, upon learn
ing that her dissolution was near at hand, that she might be

L40]
freed from the bonds of this world, to celebrate the approaching
feast of Saint Peter (February 2 2d) in heaven. The prayer was
granted — Sister Mary Joseph died on the eve of that feast."*
On the day on which Sister Mary Joseph died, Mother Mary
Teresa was sailing on the waves of the Atlantic, but she had a
presentiment, nay, a conviction, that her child in California had
expired, and said emphatically to a per.- on near her, "Mary
Joseph is dead." The sorrow for the loss of this dear child was
soothed by the hope of her happiness, as the reward of her pure
and useful life.

*S. F. Monitor.

CHAPTER VIII.

Foundation of Taylor Street Convent.
FTER an absence of nearly five months, Mother Mary
Teresa and Mother Mary Xavier, with their band of
postulants, arrived in San Francisco on the 24th Jan
uary, 1867. The joy of the Community in Powell
street on this occasion exceeds description. From an
early hour in the morning Mother Mary Bernard Comerford,
who acted as Superior in the absence of her sister, had sent
escorts to await the arrival of the steamer from Panama, and
every manifestation of gladness which gratitude and affection
could suggest was availed of by the nuns to welcome their be
loved Foundress and her companion. The pupils shared the
sentiment of their religious teachers, and vied with each other
in similar demonstrations of welcome. The warmth of Mother
Mary Teresa's affection for her children reciprocated all their
filial devotedness, and she repaid their fondness by new tokens
of her maternal love. Her health being now fully restored, she
allowed herself no rest, and soon commenced preparations for
her second foundation.
On 26th September, 1868, the cornerstone of the new Con
vent was laid, the plans of the building having been previously
sanctioned by her. And here we may observe, her architectural
¦tastes were very remarkable. She re-copied the plans of her
Convent and modified them with as much skill as judgment.
Whilst the building was in course of erection, our beloved
Foundress, accompanied by Mother Mary Xavier, visited it to see

I 42 | '
if all was in keeping with her conventual views for the new es
tablishment. The building was completed by May, 1869.
Eight Sisters for the new foundation were then selected, and his
Grace Archbishop Alemany appointed Mother Mary Teresa
Comerford Superioress of the Sacred Heart Presentation Con
vent. She knew, from experience, the weight of the burden
imposed on her, but accepted it as coming from the hands of
God, who had so bountifully aided her to bear the trials of that
same office for twelve consecutive years in her first foundation.
Like the saints, she was far from soliciting or assuming the mis
sions for which Providence destined her ; she rather shrank from
them, and it was with a deep sense of her own unworthiness>
and not without reluctance, she humbly submitted to bear the
responsibility of the double office of Superior and Mistress of
Novices to the end of her life.
The Vigil of Pentecost, which, in that year, occurred on the
1 5th May, was the day selected for the departure of the mis
sioners. Presentation nuns, on account Of their strict inclosure,
feel a separation very sensibly; and who will be surprised at this
when we read in the Annals of Citeaux that " tears streamed
from the eyes of the monks, and sobs broke forth from their
breasts " when Saint Bernard led his first foundation to Clair-
veaux ? On this occasion the exodus of missionaries was pecu
liarly trying for those who remained behind, and felt that tbey
were parting with their beloved Foundress, perhaps forever.
After Mass, the Community assembled to bid farewell. All were
eager to get a last advice and a last blessing from Mother Mary
Teresa, who, in her missionary spirit, went courageously through -
the partings with an encouraging woru 10 every one, though feel
ing deeply this separation from the nuns and the house she so
tenderly loved. She followed her companions to the carriages

L 4-3 1
which awaited them. His Grace the Archbishop, his Vicar-
General, Very Rev. Father Croke, three other clergymen, and
some distinguished friends of the Community, accompanied the
nuns to Taylor street, and, as the carriages drove through the
city, they resembled a religious procession. When they arrived
at the convent they were met by numerous friends who welcomed
tfiem to their new home.
The new Community having received the Archbishop's
blessing and the congratulations of the clergy, the assem
bly dispersed, and Mother Mary Teresa immediately set the
Sisters to work to prepare for the dedication of the convent,
which was to take place next day, the Feast of Pentecost. Pre
vious to the removal of the missioners the benevolent Mr.
Daniel T. Murphy, (now honored with the title of " Marquis"
by favor of the Holy See), brought from Rome and presented
to Mother Mary Teresa for the next convent two magnificent oil
paintings. They were life-size copies from the Old Masters, re
presenting "The Annunciation" and the " Last Communion
of St. Jerome." The nuns were surprised to find that kind
benefactors, too, had already provided the house with usefu'
articles of furniture, and some fine pictures. But there was no
altar at which the Mass and other ceremonies of the coming
feast could be celebrated. The chapel was large and beautiful
but not in a condition to receive the expected congregation, nor
was there a choir for the nuns. They were obliged to carry
away portions of the scaffolding and other working materials
left by the mechanics in different parts of the building, to clean
the room from mortar, and erect a temporary altar. Mother
Mary Teresa was everywhere, directing, assisting and cheering
the Sisters. They worked till midnight, scarcely giving them
selves time to take the frugal refreshment that the fast of the

[44 J
vigil permitted. Next morning they rose unusually early, and
were fully prepared for the clergyman sent by the Archbishop
as his substitute to bless the altar and celebrate Mass, previous
to the ceremony of Dedication. The Holy Sacrifice was offered,
and again did Mother Mary Teresa, like her holy patronesss,
rejoice that the Most Blessed Sacrament reposed in another
sanctuary and was worshipped in a new temple. The consola
tion this afforded her made her easily forget the labor and anx
ieties attendant on the raising of the magnificent structure which
was that day to be solemnly dedicated under the title of her own
choosing, the " Sacred Heart Presentation Convent."
At 2 p. m. the ceremony of Dedication was commenced by
His Grace the Most Rev. Archbishop, assisted by Right Rev.
Thaddeus Amat, Bishop of Monterey. In the procession were
twelve priests and a number of practised acolytes. The pupils of
Powell street Presentation Convent, who had been previously
trained by the nuns, composed the choir for the occasion, the
Rev. John Valentini, a faithful friend of the Presentation nuns,
acting as organist, or rather pianist; for there was no organ till the
pupils presented a very fine one to Mother Mary Teresa on the
celebration of her holy Patroness' Feast Day, the 1 5th of Octo
ber, 1869. The congregation of the faithful who assembled to
witness the ceremony was so great that every apartment, and
even the piazza in the vicinity of the chapel, was occupied.
The nuns gave up their places and took refuge from the crowd
behind the altar. The sacred ceremony of blessing the con
vent concluded with an impressive discourse that proved to the
people the great blessing they had received that day in the
founding of a convent whose inmates would be the devoted
teachers of their children for generations to come. After the
sermon a large collection was taken up, which clearly manifested

[45]
that the audience duly appreciated the self-sacrificing efforts of
the Daughters of the saintly Nano Nagle in the cause of Chris
tian education.
Mother Mary Teresa, allowing herself no rest in her new
house save the moments she spent before the Tabernacle, now
turned' her attention to the internal direction of her Community
and the preparations for the opening of the schools. As the
nuns were obliged to give the first week to cleaning and arrang
ing the house, the schools were not opened till the 24th of
May, Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians. On that day
nearly four hundred children were admitted. The number
continued to increase beyond all expectation, and the two ex
tensive rooms already prepared for them no longer afforded
sufficient accommodation. By the 2nd of June, pupils had
become so numerous it was found necessary to give up the
chapel for a school, the refectory being converted into an In
fant School, and every available spot applied to school purposes,
each- sister having nearly one hundred children to teach. This
large attendance was attributed to Mother Mary Teresa's having
placed the commencement of the schools under the protection
of the Blessed Virgin, to whom she was singularly devout. She
now saw the imperative necessity of additional school-room,
many children having been denied admission, owing to the
impossibility of accommodating them. Mother Mary Teresa,
it would seem, must have exhausted every pecuniary resource
in the building already erected; but that courage (superior to
most of her sex) with which nature had gifted her she elevated
to a virtue; and, placing all her confidence in God, she com
menced a Novena to the Sacred Heart, to obtain means for en
larging the schools, that she might receive all the little ones
who presented themselves.

I 46]
When the Archbishop was asked for leave to build, and hav
ing considered the matter, his Grace granted the petition, sent
a letter to Mother Mary Teresa with permission for a Fair and
collection . The new schools were rapidly built and were ready
for the pupils by January, 1870, so, that the nuns who had used
the community room as a choir for the past seven months were
now able to return to their beautiful chapel.
A saint tells us in one of her writings that those who do
something for God are sure to be rewarded with a portion of
His Cross; and soon the blessings which were bestowed on the
new foundation were followed by salutary afflictions. The
harvest was now rich but the laborers were few. Mother Mary
Teresa's prayer that "the Lord would send laborers into his
vineyard" was quickly answered. Two young ladies from
"Kildare's Holy Shrine," sisters to Rev. Father Cooper, joined
the community. Their elder sister had a few years preceded
them. All three were efficient and gentle teachers; but the
Angel of Death seemed to have marked them for his victims
from the beginning of their religious life. Sister Mary Evan
gelist, the second of these young ladies, became ill in six months
after her arrival in California and one week from her reception
as a novice. During her postulation she manifested great
sweetness and amiability. Her purity of conscience was such
that Mother Mary Teresa, in speaking of her, would say :
"I felt humbled to have the direction of such an angelic soul."
The Mother Foundress' grief at this bereavement was deep, as
she had hoped this holy religious would prove a bright example
and useful auxiliary in the young community. But those who
witnessed the gentle patience and calm resignation of the fer
vent novice assured her that if she lost a treasure on earth she
had gained an intercession in heaven. Everything that maternal

[47]
affection could suggest was done to preserve the life of this dear
child by Mother Mary Teresa ; but rapid consumption had
already carried its ravages beyond the power of medical skill,
and Sister Mary Evangelist breathed forth her pure soul to God
on the ist of March, 1870, at the early age of eighteen years.
She was scarcely laid in the tomb when it became painfully
evident that her sister, Mary Patricia, would soon be called to
follow her. She rallied, however, and was sent to Powell street
Convent, in the hope that the change might still further improve
her health. But she was destined never to return to Taylor
street. This child was only fifteen when she joined the novitiate.
Highly talented and of a very cheerful disposition, she bore her
tedious illness with edifying patience. Her wish was to die
young, and she manifested a holy envy that her sister should
have ' ' got her crown before her." By special dispensation she
was professed one year after reception. From that time she
sighed still more earnestly for her release, and a few months
later, fortified by all the consolations which the Church affords
to her departing children, she was summoned to the reward of
her innocent life.

CHAPTER IX.

Continuation or Taylor Street Mission.
)HE year 1870 brought many trials to Mother Mary
Teresa. The loss of young subjects, from death and
other causes — temporal difficulties; too, with many per
plexing cares — occasioned her much anxiety. In these
afflictions she sought consolation in the Divine Heart
of Jesus, for which, as we before remarked, she had a deep de
votion. Neither obstacles nor contradictions could shake her con
fidence in Its goodness. In every necessity It became her re
source, and her trust was amply rewarded. A Novena was com
menced to the Sacred Heart that substitutes might be sent for the
departed Sisters ; and ere its close a letter was received from an
eminent Jesuit in Dublin, stating that he had made arrangements
with a professed Sister from a ccSnvent in the suburbs and two
young postulants to leave for San Francisco. They came soon
after under the. care of the Rev. Mother's intimate and esteemed
friend, Right Rev. Eugene O'Connell, Bishop of Marysville, who
was just then returning from the Vatican Council. His Lordship
showed them every kindness and attention, from Dublin to Cali
fornia. This worthy prelate gave Mother Mary Teresa many
other testimonies of his_ paternal interest in her missions, which
are recorded elsewhere. Towards the close of this year she re-
c eived the sad announcement of her venerable father's death at the
patriarchal age of 85. She felt this new trial keenly. But
three years since she had knelt to receive his blessing, which he
gave from the fulness of a paternal heart, whose affection for his

[49 1
favorite daughter had not been chilled by either time or distance.
Nor did he forget her on his death-bed, for his attendants heard
him call "Bridget, Bridget, the child I loved !" and the old
man wept. His death, like his life, was that of a most edifying
Christian ; and fittingly was it said of him that " he transmitted
his truly Catholic sentiments to his numerous children, who, at
home and in foreign countries, may justly feel proud of his
memory. Mother Mary Teresa calmly offered this new sacrifice
at the foot of the altar where she poured forth her sorrow in fer
vent supplications for the repose of her dead father's soul.
The year 1871 began under more favorable auspices than
the preceding one. The princely benefactor of the Taylor street
Convent, Sir Daniel Murphy, paying another visit to the Eternal
City, had purchased a magnificent set of altar vessels and church
ornaments, which reached San Francisco on Easter Monday.
Every thing that contributed to the beauty of God's home gave
real pleasure to Mother Mary Teresa, and great was her joy when
these handsome Easter gifts were presented to her, which sht
had immediately blessed and used on the altar of the reception
of two novices the next day. "lam glad," she would repeat,
" that our dear Lord has something more worthy of His sacred
service now."
Two months later she was much consoled by the arrival from
Ireland of another professed religious from the convent alluded
to in the beginning of this chapter. She was accompanied by
four young ladies, whose entrance into the novitiate was a great
benefit to the schools, as they eventually proved to be accom
plished and successful teachers. Other young ladies from San
Francisco joined the novitiate, soon after which increased the
maternal cares of Mother Mary Teresa. Besides, whilst the
sisters were occupied in the schools, she was busily engaged

L 50 |
with the instruction of adults, and in preparing for the sacra
ments children who were not pupils of the convent school; or,
again, instructing converts for baptism, some of whom received
the sacrament of regeneration in the convent chapel. These
multiplied engagements did not prevent her frequently visiting
the schools to see that all was carried out there in the spirit of
the Rule, and with profit to the children. In the fall of this
year her health became very much impaired, and, after a few
weeks, physicians considered an immediate change of air the
only remedy to ensure restoration. This was a severe trial to
the still young Community, who dearly loved their excellent Su
perior. Yet they felt no sacrifice was too great to prolong a life
so precious and so essential to the welfare of the Institution.
Therefore, having obtained the Archbishop's permission, she
left for the Convent of Notre Dame, San Jose. She was accom
panied by a Sister from Powell street, who was then in delicate
health, which prompted the maternal kindness of the Foundress
to select her as a companion, that she might also be restored.
Rev. Mother Teresa, the Superior-General of the Congregation
of Jesus and Mary, then on a visitation of her convent in
Oregon and Oakland, was the guest of the Sisters of Notre Dame
at this time, too. The spiritual and cheerful society of this
venerable religious, together with her kind attentions and those
of the good Sisters of Notre Dame, contributed much to hasten
the physical improvement of Mother Mary Teresa Comerford.
Her letters to Taylor street, though few, were expressive of her
affectionate solicitude for her absent children, who treasured
every line as valuable souvenirs, each trying to get a portion of
the little missive from the actual recipient. After a few weeks
she returned, though not quite well, for her desire to be in the
midst of her own Community overruled the taking of necessary

1 51 I
relaxation. On her arrival, her religious felt and manifested as
much joy at again embracing their beloved Superioress as if she
had been years absent. She immediately resumed her arduous
duties, and, not least of those, was her directing the erection of
a magnificent and expensive marble altar which had been just
sent her from Rome by a liberal benefactor, Mr. George Conroy.
A devoted client of Mary and an ardent lover of the Order
which takes its name from the Presentation of Mary in the tem
ple, Mother Mary Teresa was all eagerness to do homage to
" our Immaculate Lady," by having this beautiful monument
of her friend's generosity ready for the offering of the holy
sacrifice on the 21st of November, the day on which the Church
celebrates the Feast of our Lady's Presentation ; and she attained
her desire. Some months later, the benevolent donor of the
altar, who watched its erection with zealous care, and seemed
justly proud of his offering to the chapel of the Sacred Heart,
died after a few day's illness. A solemn requiem Mass was
celebrated at this altar for his " happy repose." Mother Mary
Teresa never allowed her Community to forget offering their
prayers and Holy Communions for the same intention on the
anniversary day of his death. She always remembered a favor
bestowed, and the spirit of gratitude she encouraged in her re
ligious ; for she considered that noble quality of the heart as the
offspring of a virtuous soul. Alive or dead, her benefactors
were never forgotten. When the marble altar was consecrated
by his Grace Archbishop Alemany, her ardent soul, so appreci
ative of the solemnities of our holy religion, was deeply im
pressed by the imposing ceremony, and she would some
times say: "Since the consecration of the altar by the holy
Archbishop, I cannot help feeling that the majesty of the mos
Sacred Trinity dwells in our little chapel "

[52]
In the beginning of the year 1873, Mother Mary Teresa's zeal
to promote the glory of God led her to have the Association of
the Apostleship of Prayer established in the Sacred Heart Con
vent, the members being the pious ladies of the city who assem
bled in one of the convent reception rooms every first Friday
of the month. The meetings terminated with Benediction of
the Most Holy Sacrament, and an instruction given by Rev.
Michael Accolti, S. J., of happy memory, who was an old and
venerated friend of Mother Mary Teresa. Soon, however, the
death-roll of her esteemed family was again to be unfolded to
receive the name of her youngest brother, Nicholas Comerford,
Esq., of Killeen, who, on the day that his sister was laboring
to propagate the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, was called to
his eternal reward. " In the prime of life he had passed away,
leaving a bereaved and beloved wife to mourn his premature
demise, and leaving also a memory to his friends of as gentle
and kindly a heart as ever throbbed in human breast." When
this sad intelligence reached her one of the Sisters found her
weeping before the tabernacle, obedient to the Rule of her In
stitute, which tells its members " in all their sufferings and
afflictions to seek, at the foot of the altar, their comfort and
consolation." She raised her tearful eyes and said: "Nicholas
is dead. It is God's will. My child, write to N  to get
prayers for his repose."
The following March she had the Sodality of the Children of
Mary established in the schools. The Most Rev. Archbishop
appointed Very Rev. A. Masnata, S. J., Director of the Sodality.
He received as members nine young ladies, who were the first
graduates from the Institution, and the most edifying children
from the other classes as aspirants. The fruit of this devotion
among the pupils was so very marked that priest and people

[53 I
visiting the convent would say: " We can easily distinguish your
children in the streets by their modest and ladylike demeanor."
When Mother Mary Teresa attended their meetings or gave
instructions, all listened in breathless silence. On the eves of
the Festivals of the Holy Virgin, she assembled some hundreds
of the pupils and gave them lengthened discourses on the pre-.
rogatives of their Holy Mother, always insisting on the imitation
of her virtues as best calculated to win her protection. On these
occasions she suffered from a painful delicacy in the throat; but
her love of Our Lady and zeal for the salvation of the pupils
hindered her yielding to the Sisters who had many affectionate
disputes with her trying to prevail on her to allow herself some
respite. True devotion to Jesus Christ produces a filial devotion to the
Church and its Visible Head, and Mother Mary Teresa was fer
vently devoted to both of these, and gave substantial proofs of
it on more than one occasion. In the year 1870, when the
world was rejoicing over the Jubilee of Pius IX., she was the
first on the Pacific Coast to organize any public recognition of
the great event. The account of the celebration of the Papal
Jubilee in the Sacred Heart Presentation Convent will be found
in the appendix. In the year 1873, Right Rev. Monsignor Kris-
toffy, Domestic Prelate of his Holiness, being in San Francisco,
visited our schools many times, expressing his highest approba
tion of their organization and the proficiency of the pupils. At
this time the loyal devotion of the Mother Foundress to Pius IX. ,
and her sincere sympathy in his many sorrows, which deeply
touched her, led her to avail of this dignitary's kindness, to send
by him contributions to the " Peter's Pence" fund, which she
collected herself from the pupils and others. With a delicacy
of taste, all her own, she concealed the gold coins between the

I 54 I
leaves of an illuminated album, which was presented to his
Holiness, with an address from the children. On its receipt,
his Holiness sent his blessing to herself and Community, the
formula of which is printed on parchment, signed by his Holi
ness' venerable hand. This special mark of the Holy Father's
.paternity she received with great joy, and said she felt it would
be productive of many blessings. She labored to communicate
her veneration for the Visible Head of the Church to her reli
gious and pupils, and seldom left the schools without having
elicited the sympathy of the children for the suffering Church
and her persecuted Shepherd, exhorting them to fidelity to their
holy religion, and begging their prayers for the conversion of
its enemies.

CHAPTER X.

Trials and Deaths.
(EV. Mother Mary Teresa's presentiment that the " Papal
Benediction would be productive of blessings " was
fully realized. The Community and novitiate increased
beyond expectation, which supplied the schools with
teachers for every literary branch and brought a large
attendance of pupils; and many externs came for private lessons.
She attached so much importance to the great duty of Teaching,
that she afforded the Sisters every opportunity to fit themselves
for the labors of the class-room. She could not brook the idea
that any teachers should surpass in efficiency those who taught,
not for mercenary views, but for the " Glory of God " and the
salvation of souls. " My dear Sisters," she would say, "you
have to account for the souls of these children, and you must
do everything to promote their progress by teaching each branch
well. For, as the enemies of religion hold forth intellectual
baits to draw them from us, we must counteract their influence
by the same means. But, while educating in the higher studies
and accomplishments, keep ever in view that they are but the
means, not the end of the Presentation Nuns' teaching, whose
ultimate object is the preservation of the innocence of the souls
of the dear little ones committed to your care and their eternal
salvation." In the Taylor-street Convent her many duties did not permit
her to regularly attend class ; but, as long as her health allowed,
she superintended the examination and classification of pupils.

[56]
She was happy when she found her schools supplied with a suf
ficient staff of teachers, for she felt that if the intellectual de
velopment of the pupils were not carefully attended to, the nuns
could not promote advantageously their religious training.
" Everything you teach, teach well and often," was her maxim.
' ' Have patience with the dear children, after the example of
Jesus, who was never weary of repeating the same lessons to his
disciples." Her visits to the Infant School were frequent. She
loved to sit in the midst of " her little angels," and listen to
their quaint answers to her many questions, which she after
wards related at recreation.
St. Alphonsus tells us that " it is by the patient endurance of ill
health we weave a great part of the crown that God destines for us
in heaven." God only knows what abundance of merits Mother
Mary Teresa must have accumulated by patiently accepting her
frequent illness. Scarcely had the year 1875 commenced when
she had again to carry the cross of serious sickness, which, however,
yielded to medical treatment after a few weeks. A more severe
trial awaited her. The tomb, which was but a short time closed
over her beloved brother, Nicholas, was again to open to receive
the mortal remains of her estimable brother, Edmund H. Comer
ford, M. D. " He was, both in public and private life, one of
those true Christian heroes, who, united with rare professional
talents, exceptional virtue." Brilliant prospects seemed to fore
shadow his earthly fame and fortune at the time that God called
him, we trust, to never-ending bliss, on the 7th of January. In
him our communities lost a kind friend and benefactor. The
sad announcement did not reach his sister in California till the
29th of the same month, on which day the Most Rev. Arch
bishop was making his episcopal visitation of the convent, and
the Sisters were consequently allowed a little extra recreation.

[57 I
When .Mother Mary Teresa received the mourning letter she
deferred the opening of it till the afternoon, fearing it contained
any notice that might cast a shadow on the festivity of the Com
munity ; for the afflictions of this Mother, which she could net
always succeed in concealing, were also the sorrows of her chil
dren. Great was her surprise and grief when she discovered
that her dearly-beloved brother, who but a few weeks since was
full of life and hope, had been summoned from amongst his
kindred on earth to receive the reward of his exemplary life in
heaven. Receiving, as was her custom, every tribulation as
coming from the hand of God, she had recourse to prayer for
the Divine assistance to bear this new trial, not only patiently
but lovingly uniting her sorrows to those of the Sacred Heart.
In her humility she attributed this affliction, as she did all others
that befell her, to her sins. " It is the good God that is pun
ishing my pride," she would say. " I must begin a new life."
The Community had by this time increased considerably in
numbers, so that there was very little cell accommodation,
some of the sisters being necessitated to carry their beds into a
class-room at night and remove them in the morning. It be
came evident that additional sleeping-room should be provided.
The Foundress appealed to the Mother of God for help, which
was not slow in coming. On the Feast of the Visitation of the
Blessed Virgin, she wrote to the Archbishop for permission to
build, and the next day she received a favorable answer to her
petition. But God willed to put his own seal on the work by
sickness and death. The building was scarcely commenced
when Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart, a former pupil and one
of the first postulants of this new foundation, who had been
ailing since Spring, now became dangerously ill. The maternal
heart of the Mother Foundress was ingenious in devising means

L 58 ]
to alleviate the sufferings of the dear child whose hectic blush
and short cough told plainly she would soon fall a victim to
hereditary consumption. She was constantly by her bed-side,
soothing and encouraging the invalid, while at the same time
she was careful to exclude everything that could distract or dis
turb a soul so near God, with whom alone she wished her
dying religious to be occupied. And well did this dear child
profit by the instructions and care of her venerated Superior.
Though still young, she sighed for the moment of her dissolu
tion, and, holding out her crucifix to the Sisters who visited
her, she would repeat, "Behold my crucified Spouse! He is
soon coming for me." On the 7th of September, the vigil of
the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary's nativity, she sweetly ex
pired in the arms of Mother Mary Teresa, while her Sisters
surrounded her bed reciting the mid-day "Angelus."
The death of this dear young sister was a severe wound to the
feelings of. her kind Superioress, who loved all her children
with the devotedness of a mother; but Sister Mary of the Sacred
Heart's sincere humility and genuine piety, during the five
years of her religious life, and the peace and holiness of her last
moments, were a sad but real consolation. At this time Sister
Mary Gertrude Cooper, whom she had lent to her former
Foundation to fulfil the office of Mistress of Novices, was sup
posed to be near her departure to eternity; and we may learn
from the following letter of Mother Teresa's how she felt this
additional trial. We copy it verbatim.
" My dear Mother Gertrude :
"lam sorry to hear that you are in a dangerous illness ; but
God's holy will be done — He is a tender Father and knows
what is for our greater good; and you, dear Mary Gertrude,
should feel consoled at the recollection of the grace Me gave

[ 59]
you to make the little sacrifice He demanded of you. You are
in His hands; leave yourself at His disposal, life or death.
Often remember that He loves you and will repay you abun
dantly for the little you have done for Him. My dear Mary
Gertrude, my poor heart is now full of- sorrow, and I would
wish to sit by your bed and speak to you of the dear Sacred
Hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; but ' Fiat voluntas tua.'
However, count on my poor prayers. I'll be with you inspirit,
and we can often meet in the Sacred Heart. I send you our
manual of ' Perpetual Intercession,' and our little pictures, which
I'll value more and more when it comes back. All unite in
most affecionate love and assurance of earnest and frequent
prayers for you, dearest Mary Gertrude, and for your intentions.
I know I need not ask you to think of my poor soul.
" Adieu, dearest Mary Gertrude.
" All yours in the Sacred Heart,
" Mary Teresa Comerford."
In the midst of these sorrows she finds strength to rise under
the cross and to cast herself with a confiding heart into the
arms of Providence. Sister Mary Gertrude was spared another
year. The building of the new addition already spoken of now
occupied Mother Mary Teresa. It was quickly finished at the
cost of $9,900. The funds were collected from private bene
factors by the Foundress, and Mrs. John Mackey kindly pre
sented a silver brick, the raffling of which realized nearly $1,000;
thus enabling her to cancel all indebtedness.
In the fall of 1876 Mother Mary Teresa recalled Sister Mary
Gertrude Cooper to the Sacred Heart Convent, as her delicate
state of health unfitted her for the duty of Mistress of Novices.
The change seemed to benefit her for awhile. The pupils were
delighted to see their amiable teacher again, and eagerly testified

[6o]
their joy at her return. Brief, however, was their rejoicing.
As it frequently happens with the sick in the chill season of dull
November, Sister Mary Gertrude again relapsed, and in a few
days she was brought to the verge of the grave. In loving and
tender language did the Mother Foundress soothe the last
moments of the dying religious, constantly suggesting to her
aspirations containing the holy name of Jesus, such as "My
Jesus, mercy !" and passages from the Scripture, encouraging
hope in the mercy of God. "I am thine; save me !" "In
Thee, O Lord, have I hoped. I shall not be confounded for
ever !" This edifying and useful religious prepared for the
awful passage from time to eternity With perfect tranquility.
Her nights of racking pain were spent in thanking God for the
grace of her vocation, and, above all, for the privilege of dying in
the Sacred Heart Presentation Convent. She calmly expired at
midnight on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, 1876. She was
the last of Mother Teresa's religious children whom she should
see die in the Sacred Heart Convent, and the last of the three
Miss Coopers who had sacrificed everything to join the Foreign
Mission. Mother Mary Teresa's feelings at this time came, as it
were, in conflict. While her affection bade her mourn for her
departed religious, her faith and love for God led her to rejoice
that He had selected her dearest children to join the virgin
band in Paradise; and thus she found it easy to yield her claim
to keep them on earth when " He called them home."
We have seen the alternations of prosperity and adversity
which she experienceu in establishing the Sacred Heart Presen
tation Convent. Such also were the vicissitudes, if we may so
call them, of consolation and desolation within her holy soul,
which, though generous and lofty in its aspirations, was yet
humble and diffident of self.

[6i]
At one period her deep sense of what seemed to her her own
unworthiness led her to partake of the dereliction of her Divine
Spouse. Referring 'to this time in after life she said to one of her
favorite children : "Whilst in that state of aridity, my dear
M  , I thought I should have died, so great were my interior
sufferings." Yet, unaer the weight of this crushing agony, she
was a model of religious perfection. Each point of the Rule
was fulfilled with the greatest exactitude, and she gave to others
encouragement and consolation, though deprived of every solace
herself. Amid all her trials she loved God ardently with a deep
and trustful love that thirsted to serve Him yet better, and
which made her repeat with the " Model of Patience," " even
though Thou shouldstkill me, I will hope in Thee still." It was
by these trials that her virtue was perfected and her soul became
more and more pleasing to God.
The Lord, who delights to make use of the humble to accom
plish his ends, was soon to call her to new labors in his vine-
• yard; and the Convent of the Sacred Heart will send forth its
members to open new Seminaries for the religious and literary
training of youth, as we shall soon learn.

CHAPTER XI.

Last Years in Taylor Street.
}E have seen in the preceding chapter how Mother
Mary Teresa founded and matured the Convent of
the ?acred Heart into a perfect Institute. Everything
she planned and 'arranged for this establishment
seemed to have been directed by a wonderful fore
sight. The schools were declared by tourists and others to be
the most perfect in accommodation of any in the United States,
while the proficiency of the pupils, as proved at the various ex
aminations, seemed to take people by surprise. A contempo
rary, commenting on one of these examinations,, writes: " They
called forth a display of talent and taste which must have been
highly gratifying to every one concerned. Visitors who, for the
first time, witnessed examinations in the schools conducted by
the good ladies of the Presentation, expressed their astonishment
at the facilities which San Francisco offers to Catholic girls. It
is, indeed, a consoling reflection for the Catholics of this city
that there are ladies in our midst so capable of imparting a
thorough secular education, interwoven with the beautiful truths
of our holy religion. Never before was it our happiness to be
hold neater, more modest, amiable or happier-looking children
than the pupils of the Presentation nuns. In vain may we
search outside the Sisters' schools for that air of modest confi
dence, that amiable self-possession, that impress of innocence
which play about the countenance and direct the movements of

L63]
the pupils. ^But why should it be otherwise ? Who should be
better adapted to train the youthful mind; by precept and ex
ample, in the ways that lead to happiness, than those who have
abandoned the world and staked their salvation on the instruc
tion of youth ?"
Mother Mary Teresa Jwas obliged, reluctantly, to submit to
these public examinations of the pupils in order to manifest to
the prejudiced minds of parents that secular education imparted
in the Convents, if not superior to that given in the Public
Schools, was fully equal to it, as had been proved more than once
when the graduates of the former institution obtained first-class
certificates as Public School teachers. On the occasion of public
exhibition Mother Mary Teresa would say: " My dear Sister, it
would, I know, be much easier for you and me to be occupied
with God alone, content that He only would be the witness, and
His pleasure the recompense of our labors in the school. Such
however, is not His holy will. Shut yourselves up in the Sacred
Heart, and Jesus will protect you and will bless your efforts for
His glory."
Being as desirous as ever to extend her Institute, she was eager
to found a convent in the suburbs. Various locations were pro"
posed. She decided, however, on going to Berkeley ; and the
recently-appointed Pastor^of that place, Rev. M. Gualco, en
couraged her to do so, as he hoped the schools would provide
his congregation a suitable place to hear Mass till a church
should be built. Mr. Curtis and Mr. James Magee immediately
offered lots for the building. As the property of the latter gen-
man was larger and in a good locality, his ground was accepted.'
In the beginning of the year 1877, Mother Mary Teresa
visited Berkeley and made preliminary arrangements for the
erection of the convent. Like all the works of God, obstacles

164 I
arose to hinder the progress of the building, which were, how
ever, ultimately removed through the kind interest taken in the
Foundation by Rev. Michael King, Pastor of Oakland, an old
and valued friend of the Presentation Convents. Accordingly,
on the 27th of May, his Grace Archbishop Alemany, accompa
nied by many clergymen, proceeded to Berkeley to lay the corner
stone. The people's appreciation of the advantages derived
from the gratuitous education of girls by the Presentation nuns
was fully testified on the occasion.
Hundreds crossed the bay to witness the first public Catholic
ceremony in Berkeley, and to give their contributions to this
new undertaking of the revered Foundress, who had so " de
votedly given her time and energies to the literary and moral
training" of female youth."
At 4.50, p. m., on this beautiful May evening, the congrega
tion assembled in the open plain in Center Berkeley. Beside
the venerable Archbishop might be seen a youth who had scarcely
reached his teens. He wore a mason's apron of no coarser tex
ture than white satin, beautifully ornamented with the aquerelle
painting of the nuns. In his hand he. held' a silver trowel, with
which he aided the Archbishop in the laying of the stone. This
young gentleman was Joseph Donohoe, son of one of Mother
Mary Teresa's most generous and faithful friends, Joseph A.
Donohoe, Esq., of San Francisco, of whom we shall have oc
casion to speak again.
The ceremony having terminated, Rev. Brother Justin, Presi
dent of St. Mary's College, San Francisco, delivered in the open
air an eloquent address, which was substantially responded to by
liberal donations towards the building expenses. The crowd
dispersed as the orb of day was gathering his crimson rajs
into the placid waters of the Golden Gate. 'The building was

[65r
raised under the watchful eye of Mr. James Magee, who had
the interest of a father in all that concerned its erection. His
good wife encouraged him in his charity and had hoped to see
a convent established; but she was called to her reward the week
previous to the laying of the corner stone.
Meanwhile, Mother Mary Teresa was with indomitable
energy collecting the funds to defray the expenses; and all this
in the quiet seclusion of her cloister. Nor was she less active
in investigating the progress of the building. Every wee.k
she received reliable reports as to the attention and efficiency
of the mechanics engaged. Mrs. Margaret Lynch, of Virginia
City, besides other kindnesses, gave a large contribution towards
the building fund. Another good lady of San Francisco gave
$1,000; and Mr. John Parrott loaned $1,500, without interest,
while the good gentlemen already mentioned in the course of
the Memoir contributed .$250 each; so that soon she was en
abled to cancel the indebtedness incurred by this new establish
ment. The disinterested, whole-souled generosity with which her
friends responded to this, her " last appeal " to San Francisco,
elicited many grateful prayers from the devout Foundress for her
benefactors. Berkeley, too, sent its subscriptions, as evidence
of the joy of its good inhabitants to welcome to their midst, at
a future day, Mother Mary Teresa and her "virgin band."
It was in the beginning of this year that the Saintly Pius IX.
was called from his " earthly prison to the freedom of the elect."
The news of his death sadly touched Mother Mary Teresa.
Her devotion to the Church and filial reverence for the deceased
Pontiff led her at once to offer her suffrages and those of the
community for his repose, while at the same time she had fre
quent prayers recited that God might send a worthy successor

t [66]
to this wonderful Vicar of Christ. Soon the election of Leo
XIII. caused her to rejoice with the whole Church in the happy
choice of the Conclave, and she assembled the community to
chant a solemn Te Deum when the announcement reached her.
In memoiy of the deceased Pope she designed a beautiful em
blematic picture of the thirty-two years of his Pontificate, which
was lithographed in colors and eagerly sought by numerous
Catholics, whose houses it may now be seen adorning in frames
of varied workmanship. The picture is 18 x 12 inches. In the
centre is an excellent likeness of Pius IX. , surrounded with a
wreath of golden vine. About this are the Pontifical emblems;
then a circle of medallions, on which are sketched briefly the
events of the thirty-two years of his glorious life. The whole
is surrounded by a wreath of oak-leaves and acorns, with pen
dent scrolls here and there.
In 1878, the city of San Francisco was surprised by a visit
from the Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. Dr. Conroy. He visited
the Sacred Heart Presentation Convent on Thursday, the 28th
of March, at 8 a. m., and celebrated the holy sacrifice of the
Mass in the Convent Chapel, (that " gem of neatness and
beauty,") assisted by his chaplain, Rev. Father O'Connell. At
this Mass over one hundred children received their First Com
munion. These occupied the centre portion of the chapel, and
were all dressed in white and covered with bridal veils.
After Mass they joined the nuns in Canticles of thanksgiving,
and then assembled in lines on the spacious verandah, where,
kneeling, they received the Papal benediction from his Excel
lency. ' Then, with most amiable condescension, he distributed
memorials of the occasion, and, perceiving the anxious desire
of the children to kiss his ring and pectoral cross, he handed
both to Mother Mary Teresa, that she might present them to

1 67 1
each, and thus satisfy the young communicants. His Excel
lency kindly expressed himself extremely gratified by the scene
he had that day witnessed.
Meanwhile, the Berkeley Convent was near its completion,
and the Foundress, knowing that she would soon be called to
leave her dear Sacred Heart Convent to go to another in "the
Athens of the Western shore," she assiduously instructed the
Sisters in all the sacred principles of the religious life. This
she had repeatedly done before ; but now her words possessed
a singular kindness and unction. She explained the Rule, page
by page, dwelling especially on those points that were calculated
to establish the reign of the solid virtues of humility and charity
which she regarded as the foundations of real happiness in the
religious life. Her great love for order and regularity arose
from her desire of perfection. Hence she made her religious
adopt practically the maxim of her patroness, St. Teresa, to " do
always and on all occasions that which is most perfect." She
did not confine her instructions to the spiritual life. And if her
humility made her shrink from teaching the Sisters literature,
she was careful to appoint competent Sisters to train the younger
members of the Sisterhood in all the secular knowledge required
for the respective duties in the school, from the teaching of the
primary classes in the Infant School to the more advanced studies
in the higher classes, including music and painting.

CHAPTER XII.

Foundation of St. Joseph's, Berkeley.
)HE 27th of May, 1878, was the day settled upon for the
departure of the mission for Berkeley. Six of the
Sisters were chosen to accompany Mother Mary Teresa.
She wished the exit to be as quiet as possible, and
for this reason very few knew the day on which she was
to leave. She assembled the sorrowing community from which
she was about to part the evening of the 26th, and gave them
her blessing and last advice: " Keep your Rule, and your Rule
will keep you." " Love one another as I have loved you."
After Mass on the morning of the 27th, a hurried repast was
partaken of, and then the Sisters assembled on the private piazza
to take leave of Mother Teresa and her companions. All were
in tears as they presented themselves to receive the blessing and
embrace of her who was the soul of the community. Even
she whose spiritual, generous and ardent heart delighted to make
sacrifice, could not restrain her sorrow when the moment of
parting came.
But this was only for a moment. " All for God," were her
concluding words, and she entered the carriage which was to
convey her to Berkeley Ferry with the same buoyancy and zeal
which brought her, nine years previously, from her first Convent
to Taylor street.
When the missioners landed in Berkeley they were conveyed
to the convent in good Mr. Magee's carriages, and here some
kind ladies awaited the nuns. Amongst them were Mrs. Curtis

[69 J
and Mrs. Lynch of Berkeley, both of whom have since con
tinued kind friends to the convent. The latter lady, a few days
after, gave a donation of $200 to Mother Mary Teresa. The
Sisters had much labor that day in clearing and cleaning the
apartments, particularly that portion which had been used as a
chapel since Christmas Day, when the holy [Mass was celebrated
for the first time in the convent. An old rustic altar had to be
pulled down. The natural flowers decorating it had been left
on from Sunday to Sunday, and the young Sisters were aston
ished to find that no amount of sweeping could clear away the
insects they had generated. However, scrubbing-brushes and
hot water at length succeeded in banishing " the swarm."
Mother Mary Teresa, whose first anxiety was to provide
a becoming place for the offering of holy Mass and the
repose of the blessed Sacrament, had a suitable altar ar
ranged for the morning Mass. It was the one which had
been used in Taylor street before the erection of the marble
altar. In the choir she placed some oil paintings formerly used ,
in the chapel of that convent. And here it may creditably be
said that the community of the Sacred Heart Presentation Con
vent have been generous benefactors to the Berkeley Mission,
In that year, 1878, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
was celebrated on the 28th of May; and great was Mother Mary
Teresa's joy to have the convent founded on that day, so dear
to her, when Rev. Father Gualco celebrated Mass at 7 o'clock,
and placed the Blessed Sacrament in the little tabernacle.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the good pastor returned and
gave Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament to the nuns and
the children.
The Sunday following (30th May) the convent was solemnly*
dedicated. We take the account of the ceremony from the
San Francisco M-viitor, published at the time:

I 70]
" The dedication of St. Joseph's Convent, Berkeley, was at
tended by a large number of persons from this city and Oak
land. The day was unexceptionably fine, and everyone seemed
to enjoy it. His Grace the Archbishop missed the regular train,
and a two hours' delay prevented his reaching the grounds early
enough for the ceremonies. Rev. Father King, of Oakland,
assisted by the Rev. Fathers Prendergast, V.G., Gualco, McNally
and Serda, proceeded with the blessing. Father Prendergast's
sermon was, as usual, forcible and argumentative. He dwelt on
the necessity of schooling society, morally as well as mentally,
in order that civilization and society itself could be maintained.
The Church is admirably endowed with the intelligence and
power to do this. It is a physician, having a diploma from God,
while secular physicians have their diplomas from men. Which,
then, is the best teaching ? It can be seen at a glance that the
Church is the best. The reverend father ascribed the prevailing
corruption in high places to the lack of a suitable moral educa
tion, which teaches us that a life of suffering virtue will
be rewarded with unceasing glory. The men in high places have
not learned this. What wonder, then, that a restless and a dis
satisfied spirit is growing ? Already the sounds of discontent
and the muttering of the gathering storm are heard. With a
judicious education, society would not now be in danger.
Father Prendergast complimented the Presentation Nuns for
their faithful work, in gratifying language, saying that these
' refined and educated ladies ' possessed the learning and high
judgment requisite in the lofty degree of society (generic term)
education which they administered.
"After the sermon and vespers, the priestly procession was
formed, and the building apartments, site and grounds were
blessed under the name of the Convent's patron saint, St. Joseph,
whose name it now bears.

I 7i 1
' 'Archbishop Alemany arrived at the conclusion of the cere
monies, when he took occasion to congratulate the Sisters on
the beautiful site of the convent, its symmetry and situation
and expressed his deep gratitude to the generous Irishman,
Mr. James Magee, for his liberality in donating the lot on which
the convent is erected. As we noted last week;j this benevolent
man was not contented with the gift of five acres of the choicest
1 and in Berkeley, but he has aided materially in the building,
and, as the Sisters say, his large charity is still continuing to aid
them. The Nuns of the Presentation have been fortunate in
gifts since they moved to their new location. A.ntisell, of
Market street, San Francisco, we have just learned, has donated
a handsome and valuable organ for the new convent. The
building is two stories high, the rooms large and lofty, and are
well adapted for the purpose intended. The lot is enclosed by
a substantial picket fence, inside which are planted closely all
around some hundreds of cypresses and pines, which will in a
few years make a dense and well-shaded enclosure. Mother
Mary Teresa Comerford, Superioress of the Sacred Heart, will
have charge of the convent and will open its school on the 15 th
inst., with an attendance, it is expected, of about one hundred."
The Foundress gave the convent the title of "St. Joseph's,"
in gratitude to this great Saint for many favors which she ob
tained through his intercession. She was accustomed to have
daily devotion in his honor during the month of March, and it
was remarkable that each day the community was the recipi
ent of many temporal blessings.
The benevolent lady, Mrs. Joseph A. Donohoe, presented to
Mother Mary Teresa for this convent, in the names of her dear
children, a very handsome chalice and ciborium and various
sets of vestments of considerable value. Later, Mrs. and the

[72 |
Misses Parrott sent to Berkeley a case of ornamental vases to
decorate the ahar on feast da vs.
How pleasing to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament must be the
solicitude of those good Catholic ladies, who, in a spirit of
faith, interest themselves about the " beauty of His earthly
Tabernacles," where dwells the most precious treasure of the
Church Militant J And what a mystery that God allows His
creatures the high, noble, heavenly work of adorning His
material temples; and when they avail of this privilege He re
cords the homage offered, " not in words but in deeds," "as
crowns of glory to rest on their brows forever !"
Rev. Mother Baptist, the amiable lady Superior of the Sisters
of Jesus and Mary, Oakland, and her community, gave many
pratical proofs of their sincere friendship for Mother Mary
Teresa, in their sisterly charity towards the new Foundation.
Not many pupils presented themselves the first day, and the
good nuns, who had been accustomed to teach in ihe city classes
of fifty or sixty children each, felt somewhat odd in sitting at a
desk surrounded by ten or twelve girls. But Mother Mary
Teresa encouraged them, frequently saying: "If we commence
with Good Friday we shall go forward to Easter Sunday, which
after all is better than beginning with joy and ending with sor
row." Indeed, she, too, missed the hundreds of happy faces
that greeted her in her city school, especially her favorite little
"Infants." 'This small attendance was owing to the scattered
residences of the inhabitants and the lack of conveyance; be
sides, the Public School influence had prejudiced the people
here, as elsewhere, against convent schools. Half an hour's
instruction was considered too much for the immortal soul; and
a short prayer at the beginning and end of school duties a
"dreadful loss of time!" Soon, however, people "saw for

I 73 I
themselves," and the pupils daily increased. Mother Mary
Teresa was much consoled to find that the lending of the schools
for a church on Sundays induced a greater number of people to
attend holy Mass than hitherto. This weekly change of the
class-rooms into a church, however, gave the Sisters much ad
ditional labor and inconvenience. The Sunday School for boys
and girls is in charge of the Nuns, and has been well attended
from the commencement.
The Foundress was not long in organizing every particular
regarding this little community and schools at Berkeley. Here,
being disengaged from the multifarious duties which occupied
her time in the city, she paid long visits to the chapel. It was
before the tabernacle she found her greatest peace, and on days
of the Exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament (which were
frequent in Taylor street) she spent hours together in silent ado
ration, and would often say: " I cannot understand how Sisters
do not spend every spare moment on those days making repa
ration for the whole world and our own infidelities." Hers was
a spirit of perpetual reparation, and she established in St.
Joseph's many practices amongst the Sisters to promote this real
devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The poverty of the Berkeley convent in its beginning fur
nished many occasions for the practice of this religious virtue,
to which she cheerfully submitted. Often would she say: " It
is delightful that one has so many opportunities of feeling the
effects of holy poverty in this seclusion from the world." She
wished to aid in the manual labors, and would stealthily go into
the laundry to join the lay Sisters at the ironing. Once she
begged a choir Sister to allow her to assist in sweeping the cor
ridors, and said to her: "Ah, Mary! would it not be happy for
us that we had been professed as lay Sisters, then, occupied with

[74 |
God and our work, we would have no cares, no responsibilities!
But you know, my child, some one must bear the burden
for the love of God."
Sir D. T. Murphy, being at this time in Rome, obtained for
Mother Mary Teresa and her community the Apostolic Bene
diction of Pope Leo XIIL, the formula of which was printed
under a small oil painting of the Pope, to which his Holiness
signed his name.
She was only four months in Berkeley when she got an attack
of whooping-cough — an unusual disease at her age. The med
ical remedy prescribed caused her intense suffering. To this
she submitted without a murmur.
After a few weeks, however, the cough disappeared, and the
salubrious climate of Berkeley improved her health rapidly.
She then directed her attention to another great work, which
had for a long time been a subject of anxiety to her.

CHAPTER XIII.

Founding of the Novitiate in Ireland.
¦jESIROUS to keep her schools in advance of the Public
School system,* and knowing, consequently, that the
Sisters engaged in teaching the intelligent children of
America should be energetic, refined, and thoroughly-
educated, she conceived the idea of founding a general
Novitiate, where young Sisters might be trained to meet all the
requirements of the United States missions. Perhaps no place
affords a better location for such an Institute than the " Island
of Saints." For there true vocations are numerous amongst
ladies of independent rank, who receive refined literary educa
tion corresponding to the spheres in which they move in the
world. These are induced to enter the Presentation Convents
by a desire to devote themselves exclusively to the gratuitous
teaching of girls. This vocation is one which requires much
activity and unceasing self-sacrifice, especially on the American
Continent. Very Rev. Thomas Geoghegan, Vicar-General and Pastor of
Kilcock, built from his private resources a magnificent convent
in his own parish, and generously offered it to Mother Mary
Teresa, to establish there her Missionary Novitiate, which she
joyously accepted. The Holy Father approved of its founda
tion, and sent to it his Apostolic Blessing, in perpetuity. Ne-

*The emissaries of the Public Schools, regarding the Presentation Convents with a
jealous eye, seek to draw the pupils from their schools by the attraction of science, while
tbey wholly neglect the culture of the heart. The Presentation Convents unite in their
teaching the enlightenment and guidance of the heart and conscience, a profound
respeet for duties to God and man, with a sound literary education.

[76]
cessary delays, however, prevenLed Mother Mary Teresa going
to Ireland till September, 1879.
Meanwhile, death u visited her community in Berkeley, and
carried away Sister Mary of Lourdes, who was only one year
and four months professed. During her last days Mother Mary
Teresa scarcely ever left her bed-side. She was consoling her
and sweetly disposing her for that supreme end which awaits aP
human existence. And the young Sister, docile to the teach
ings of her tender Mother, courageously awaited the hour of
her departure, which took place at 2 a. m., on the ;th of May,
1879. At that moment a smile of unearthly beauty passed over
her pale young face, and, like a ray from the invisible world,
lingered awhile to soothe that Mother who was soon to be laid
beside her in the little cemetery of St. Joseph's. She was
attended in her last illness by Very Rev. Dr. Comerford,
who had been recently appointed Pastor of Berkeley.
A few months later, the Foundress obtained the permission of
Pope Leo XIII. to go to Ireland to found the Novitiate Home
at Kilcock. This mission had, as it were, in the end, been
carried by storm.
Mr. Daniel T. Murphy, with great generosity, defrayed all
the expenses of the entire journey from San Francisco to Ire
land. With only a few days' notice, Mother Mary Teresa, ac
companied by two Sisters from the Sacred Heart Presentation
Convent, Taylor street, and one from Berkeley, left California
on the 1 2th of September, 1879.
Mother Mary Teresa, who long ago had abandoned every
thing to labor for the salvation of souls, never faltered at diffi
culties in pursuit of their advantage. She aimed at the summit
of detachment, and, at the advanced age of over fifty years,
joyfully left all that was dear to her in the land of her adoption

"Mr. F. S. Wenninger of San Francisco, always a liberal and devoted friend of
Mother Mary Teresa's, became one of the first benefactors of the Missionary Novitiate
in Ireland.

[77 I
to undertake greater labors in the home of her childhood, for
the benefit of her foundation in California. In her was verified
the maxim that "the more a mother suffers for her children the
more she does as a proof of her love for them." Did she not
suffer in collecting around her so many religious children ! How
many pangs had not her solicitude for them cost her ? Will she
not now waver at the perils of a voyage across the continent and
ocean for their advantage? No! Her spiritual motherhood
and her affection for her children was rendered supernatural by
grace, and that same grace will lead her to cross and re-cross
the scorching plain and trackless seas — yea, and even to offer
her life as a sacrifice for them.
The Missioners were hospitably received in New York by the
Presentation Nuns of St. Michael's Parish, where two of the
Sisters remained while awaiting the vessel which was to take
them to Ireland.
Mother Mary Teresa and another Sister were with great kind
ness entertained by the ladies of the Sacred Heart Convent,
Manhattanville, as the nuns of St. Michael's were then building
and could not accommodate all. Here she met Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph A. Donohoe and Mr. Henry Murphy, all of whom were
exceedingly kind and manifested an interest in the new mis
sion. On September 24th, under the protection of Our Lady of
Mercy, the little band of missioners sailed for that Island
which had sent out thousands of her children to spread the faith
in other lands. The voyage was somewhat rough, owing to the
prevalence of equinoctial gales at that season, and Mother Mary
Teresa suffered much from sea-sickness. They arrived in
Queenstown on the 6th of October, and thence proceeded to
visit the South Presentation Convent, the first of the Order —

r >.q -
I is I
the Home of Nano Nagle. Here her worthy daughter, Mother
Mary Teresa, rested a few days with that estimable community
which preserves with jealous care all the traditions of the
saintly Foundress of their Order.
The missioners were not many hours in Ireland when the
cross greeted them. They were informed that Very Rev.
Thomas Geoghegan, the Founder of the new convent, was
dangerously ill. The trustful Mother Mary Teresa accepts the
trial with resignation. " This excellent clergyman, no less re
markable than his revered cousin (Mother Mary Teresa) for his
zeal for souls — -a distinguished ornament of the priesthood and
a devoted and loving Pastor, whose goodness no words could
exhaust because it can never be fully known" — was spared yet
longer. His recovery was attributed to the intercession of our
Lady of Lourdes. .
From Cork the Sisters proceeded to Kildare. Rev. Father
Nolan, the venerable Pastor, met them at the railway station,
gave them a most cordial welcome, and conveyed them to the
convent. The tender care and sisterly charity of the good nuns
of Kildare were most beneficial to the health and added much
to. the happiness of Mother Mary Teresa and her companions
after the fatigue of the voyage.
On the 14th of October the eve of the Feast of St. Teresa —
that ardent lover of Jesus — they resumed their journey to Kil-
cock. On their arrival they were met by Very Rev. Father
Geoghegan, who welcomed them in the kindest and most
affectionate manner. As the carriage drove along, the peasan
try congregated and invoked Heaven's choicest blessings on the
Presentation nuns who had come over the seas to open a school
for the religious training and useful education of their children.
The Very Rev. Pastor conducted the nuns to the parochial

[79 I
church, which is within the convent grounds. Here a number
of the parishioners and all the children awaited them.
After the singing of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, the
children passed into the sacristy to greet their future teach
ers, whom they regarded as representatives of Angels.
The nuns were then conducted to their magnificent convent.
Its architectural proportions are graceful and symmetrical, while
its internal arrangements are admirably suited to conventual re
quirements. The finishing of the interior wood-work is ex
quisitely neat. The convent is also beautified by stained win
dows, representing the "Crowning of the Blessed Virgin," "Our
Lady of Lourdes" and the "Presentation of Mary in the
Temple," (the first is the gift of Mrs. Colgan of Cappagh.)
The surrounding grounds are tastefully laid out and planted
with ornamental trees.
On the Feast of St. Teresa — the seraphic lover of the Sacred
Heart — two masses were celebrated and the Sacred Heart
Presentation Novitiate was founded, under the auspices of
the Patroness of the Foundress, in the county of Kildare, where
the Baptismal Patroness of Mother Mary Teresa had once shed
the aroma of her virtues and became the mother of those
illustrious virgins whose praises are commemorated by saint
and bard from time immemorial.
The Foundress eagerly commenced her labor of love in her
new convent. Applications from postulants of virtue and abil
ity were numerous, and a good supply of competent teachers
were soon admitted. The Board of Education transferred the
pupils of the National School at once to the care of the nuns.
The paternal interest of the devoted Pastor of St. Coca's con
tributed much to rapidly advance the Missionary Novitiate to
"full working order." His Lordship, Right Rev. Doctor

[8o]
Walshe, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin granted many
privileges to the new establishment, and Right Rev. Dr.
Moran, Bishop of Ossory, manifested a deep interest in its
success; also Rev. Mother Teresa's esteemed friend, the Most
Rev. Archbishop Herbert Vaughan, of Salford, England. The
Sisters of the various Presentation Convents in the vicinity of
Kilcock gave many affectionate tokens of their deep apprecia -
tion of the grand work of their co-religious, and sent them
letters expressive of encouragement and co-operation.
The Foundress soon endeared herself to rich and poor by her
sweet amiability and humble charity. The latter, especially,
were impressed by her benign and gentle bearing, and came to
her to seek consolation and relief, and were never disappointed.
After her death a Sister wrote from the Novitiate House: "It
was quite remarkable the number of cures that were attributed
to the application of the relic of the Apostles, Saints Peter and
Paul, by Mother Mary Teresa, during her last brief visit to Ire
land. Her love and affectionate charity towards the poor were
most edifying. She sympathized in their sorrows and comforted
them in their afflictions. On one occasion, after she had gone
to California, I met an old man who said he wanted to see
Rev. Mother Mary Teresa. When asked for what purpose, he
replied, ' I want her to give me my hearing.' Another said:
* I am coming to my mother.' And another: 'I am going to
tell you all the sorrows in my heart, just to make my confession
to you.' She did much to promote devotion towards the Irish
saints, that their children might be led to follow their footsteps
— not by imitating their extraordinary ways, but by copying their
unselfish lives, seeking to live for God in the position in which
their Redeemer had placed them, by purity and uprightness of
intention, tending steadily towards the supreme good, which is

[8i ]
the true way of sanctity. She related, with an allowable pride
and satisfaction, ' the Christian zeal, great sacrifices and mis
sionary labors of the Irish saints' in by-gone days."
Her habit of prayer and union with God seemed to increase
under the fervent influences of the "Isle of Saints." After
school hours, if she met a Sister passing through the convent
and found her disengaged, she would beg her to go to the chapel
with her for a few moments as she wanted to obtain some favor,
and, in accordance with our Lord's words, " where two or three
are gathered together," she hoped the union of prayer would
prove fruitful.
Her affection for her children in California was unalterable,
either by time or distance. She wrote to them as often as her
health and time would permit, and her letters were expressive of
the tenderest solicitude for the absent ones. This affection was
indeed mutual. " My dear Sisters," wrote she, "be assured,
you are always remembered, where alone we can be of any use
in this vale of tears — before the altar. No day passes without
a fond memento and an earnest petition for all your wants."
Or, again, in 1881: "Your Christmas letters and greetings were
truly welcome. We had a happy Christmas, but many thoughts
about dear California, and earnest prayers to the Divine Infant
Jesus and the Blessed Virgin. The Sacred Heart knows how I
love you all, and desire only to see you happy."
She did not confine her maternal devotedness to words.
Every opportunity she sent sweet souvenirs — now it is a useful
book, and then some sacred music or other gift. She suffered
much from the cold during the severe winter of '80 and '81,
and had a serious attack of illness six months after her arrival,
which brought her to the verge of the grave. Even the attend
ing physician lost hope of her recovery. Her children placed

[82]
their confidence in prayer, and God restored her. The joy of
the poor and the pupils was great to see again their cherished
Mother, who seemed to them to be surrounded by a kind of
holy prestige,' which won their respect and love.

CHAPTER XIV.

Mother, Mary Teresa Returns to California.
|\N the missionary novitiate, Mother Mary Teresa possessed
many consolations, which, to a less perfect soul, might
seem a sufficient cause to induce her not to return to the
country of her adoption, where, it is true, she had ex
perienced many joys, but where also she had endured
many contrarieties. But duty and devotedness to her first mis
sion triumphed over every other consideration, and when she
received the permission from the Holy See to leave her cloister
once more and cross the uncongenial Atlantic, she knew no
hesitation. She wished still to tread the path the saints had trod,
who thronged the way to Calvary for eighteen centuries, eager
to sacrifice all, to die for and with Jesus.
Here she leaves an affectionate brother, loving sisters, and
fond relatives. She places her new community under the pro
tection of the Sacred Heart, and in the care of their good, kind,
disinterested Father, the Rev. Thomas Geoghegan, who had for
his dear cousin an affectionate esteem, which but increased the
pain of separation.
On the 8th of May she sails forever from her native isle, then
in comparative good health. Soon, however, her delicate con
stitution yielded to the terrible nausea of the voyage, which
seemed to be more unmerciful than ever before. The journey
proved a weary one, and she took but two days' rest in New
York, when she resumed travel on the railway cars to Chicago.
Here she and her companions were hospitably received by the

1 84 1
Ladies of the Sacred Heart, and met the benign and beloved
Archbishop Feehan, who is a relative of the Comerford family.
His Grace showed much paternal kindness to Mother Mary
Teresa and the Sisters, expressed the deepest interest in her
missions, and eulogized the advantages of the Missionary Novi "
date. In a letter from Chicago, she says:
" I have been very ill on this journey, and needed rest. I
feel much improved this morning, and will, D. V., start to
morrow for California. You can have some one to meet us at
Berkeley, and then, please God, we can talk over the wonderful
ways of God, and how the dear Sacred Hearts of Jesus and
Mary watch over us."
On the 24th of May she left Chicago for her home. By some
postal error none of the letters announcing her coming reached
their destination till some days after her arrival. The pupils
had seen her name on the passenger list of the daily papers, and
ran breathless to tell the dear Sisters, who, not having received
any previous information on the subject, could scarcely credit its
veracity. Yet, they knew of no other " Mother Mary Teresa
Comerford " but their- own. At last, on Friday, the 27th of
May, a few lines reached Taylor street from New York, stating
that she had arrived there, and would reach Berkeley on the
29th. A dispatch to that effect was all the intelligence the
Sisters in St. Joseph's received The joy of all her children in
the Califomian convents was indescribable.
On Sunday, the 29th of May, at 11.50, a. m., the nuns were
delighted to recognize in Mr. Magee's carriage, as it drove up
the convent avenue, the amiable countenance of their beloved
Foundress, and, after a fond embrace and maternal blessing for
each, she expressed her joy to be amongst them once more.
The convents in Powell and Taylor streets had sent their repre-

[85]
sentatives to greet and welcome her, which Cheered her much.
Everything in Berkeley charmed her. Nature, at this lovely
season, had clothed the trees in their richest robes. The
ground that appeared a wild, uncultivated field when she took
possession of it, and which she afterwards laid out in tasteful
walks, had, under the careful culture of the convent's founder,
Mr. Magee, become a beautiful lawn, and the plants she had
sown before she left for Ireland were now stately trees. Prov
idence seemed to have blessed and fructified her labors here in
a very special manner.
Through the zeal of her brother, Very Rev. Dr. Comerford,
the Pastor of Berkeley, a new school for boys had been erected
that brought a good attendan.ce of small boys, to be taught by
the nuns. Other less material consolations greeted her in the
society of her little community.
The annual public examination of the pupils had been arranged
for Monday, the 30th of May, the day after her arrival, the notice
of which was so short, that the nuns could not postpone it to
another time ; neither would the Foundress consent to have the
children disappointed. She ' ' wished to see what progress they
had made in her absence." The pupils, jubilant for the privilege
of her presence, acquitted themselves so creditably in their ex
aminations, that they gladly surprised her. She went around to
each to express her approbation, and they commenced their
vacation with the brilliant hope that her maternal smile would
bless them again at its termination. Her communities in the
city, meanwhile, anxiously awaited her, and Mr. and Mrs.
Eugene Murphy, of San Francisco, came to Berkeley, when she
had been scarcely twenty-four hours there, to take her " across
the bay."

[86 1
This cast an unaccountable sorrow over some of the Sisters
there. Was it a foreshadowing that this was her last visit in life ?
She promised to return to her dear Saint Joseph's to rest awhile;
and as the carriage drove away her look was earnest and im
pressive. The Sisters, in Powell street, whom she had not seen
for nearly ten years, had previously entreated her to pay them a
short visit, before she would enter her enclosure in Taylor street.
She complied; and the welcome she received surpassed descrip
tion. A few brief hours were all she allowed herself here, and
then, with a fond blessing to each, she left them for her dear
convent in Taylor street. The delight of this community was
only equalled by the joy of their fond Mother to meet them
again.

CHAPTER XV.

Mother Mary Teresa's Illness and Happy Death.
Aj^ji"1* news of Mother Mary Teresa's return, which she
i & ' begged might be kept as "quiet as possible," spread
rapidly notwithstanding, and numbers of visitors came
to the Taylor street convent to get ' ' only a word from
her," as some of them said. There is one who " wishes
to see again her whose timely aid or sympathy had saved himself
and family from ruin." Another, " rejoiced to hear the consol
ing voice that encouraged her to meet the trials of life with
Christian fortitude," and so on; but, alas! this extreme joy soon
yielded to its measure of sorrow.
She seemed in very good health for ten days after her arrival,
when she sank on the bed of sickness from which she never
rose. Of a constitution always delicate, the unwholesome effects
of the voyage at her advanced age, and the many mental trials
which she encountered in the execution of her designs, hastened
the close of her beautiful and useful life, by the painful disease,
" gastritis." When her illness became known, the crowds that
flocked to offer their prayers and good wishes for her proved
how deeply she was beloved by priests and people. Mrs. Joseph
A. Donohoe was daily at the convent, inquiring what alleviations
the physicians had prescribed, and deemed it a privilege to pro
cure them herself. Deeply did Mother Mary Teresa appreciate
the kindness of this estimable lady, who always proved " a friend
in need." Mrs.. Parrott, Mrs. C. D. O'Sullivan, and many other
good ladies, gave tokens of their sincere friendship in this hour
of trial.

188 1
Not content with the care of the skilful physician, who was
all anxiety for the recovery of the invalid, they procured other
medical advice, but the opinion of all the doctors coincided
with the decision of Dr. Buckley. She suffered considerably
in the beginning of her illness. She bore all with most edifying
patience, often saying to the Sisters: "My pains are nothing
when one thinks of what our dearest Lord endured for us.
Heaven is worth all, and much more."
The attending physician, after two weeks, informed the
Mothers of Taylor street that he feared her disease would take a
fatal turn. From the beginning of her illness she seemed to
have a presentiment that her death was approaching, and she
felt grateful that the opinion of the doctor was not concealed
from her, thanking over and over the venerable mother who
announced it to her. She was the first to commence her pre
parations for the long journey with a calmness and devotion
astonishing in one so ill. She begged that the last Sacraments
might be administered without delay. On Sunday, the ioth of
July, she received them in sentiments of ardent humility and de
votion, in presence of her whole community, who, with lighted
candles and tearful eyes, assisted at the ceremony. " Never,"
say they, " shall we forget her edifying example as she repeated
the words of the sacred unctions with the Priest." She lingered
three weeks after this date, and, till the moment when she ex
pired, her tranquility and self-possession were perfect. A youth
ful and lovely expression frequently radiated her countenance
and the attendants were forced to exclaim: " How young and
beautiful our Mother looks."
She wished to see the Sisters individually, and gave to each
the counsel suited to her spiritual necessities. Later, she asked
to see the Sisters together. When they assembled, kneeling

[89]
around her bed, she begged pardon for any pain or disedi-
fication she thought she might have given them. Then gave
them her last advice, quoting the words of our Divine Lord:
' ' Learn of me that I am meek and humble of heart," ' ' Love one
another, as I have loved you;" and saying, "That is all I de
sire. Pray for me, and ask the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, and
the holy angels, to help me in the awful moment of death. My
dear sisters, you are making my death a happy one — yes, a
truly happy one ! Yes, happy, happy, happy ! I give you all
my 'poor blessing. Always repeat the aspiration, ' Jesus, meek
and humble of heart, make my heart like Thine,' and you shall
be happy."
She had letters written to her absent children with apologies
which only humility like hers could dictate, and assuring each of
her love and blessing.
Her crucifix, rosary and relics she kept constantly in view,
on her bed, and often asked for the holy water. The Archbishop
and Bishop O'Connell came to see her. His Grace gave her
permission to receive the Holy Viaticiurh daily — a privilege
which she prized beyond all others, and prepared for it each
day as fervently and carefully as she did when in perfect health.
From the time her danger was announced to her, she seemed to
detach herself perfectly from everything. Even anxieties about
her young communities, which had occupied so much of her
solicitude till then, appeared all to be absorbed in her trust in
Providence. To one of the Sisters she sweetly said: " I am
going, now, to our dear Lord;" and then, " ' Vanity of vanities,
and all is vanity, save God alone.'" The sister replied, weep
ing, "There is hope yet, dear Mother ! We cannot let you go 1"
" My child," she responded, " Would you keep me from God ?
I must not see any tears !"

[90]
A holy priest, for whom she had a great esteem, asked if he
might see her for a moment. She quietly told the Superioress
to "say to him I am in my agony, and would rather not be dis
turbed; but beg his prayers for my happy death." She
calmly stretched out 'her hands to say " good-by" to her sister,
Mother Bernard, on the Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel.
She was attended by the Jesuit Fathers, principally Rev. Fathers
Raffo and Demasini. She received the last absolution many
times. When her brother, Very Rev. Dr. Comerford, gave it to
her for the last time, he said: " My dearest sister, is there any
thing you desire of me ?" She replied, " may God bless you !
Get me out of Purgatory !" and she bade him a last " Farewell " —
"that supreme word of life, the last word addressed to us by
those who are going to await us in Heaven !"
Like the saints, her idea of God's sanctity made her fear she
would be a long time detained in Purgatory, and she told the
Sisters the names of the prelates and bishops they were to write
to, " the moment I breathe my last," as she said, " to get me out
of Purgatory." ?She could not endure the idea of giving trouble,
and every little service rendered her was requited with a sweet
" God bless you !" " God will reward you !" She wished the
prayers for the dying to be frequently recited by her bed-side,
and her nights were one continued prayer. "Invoke the Sacred
Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary," she would
say. "I never separate them and dear Saint Joseph, and all the
Irish Saints."
Were all that was edifiying and interesting regarding her holy
"death related, it would outstrip the limits of our little memoir;
therefore we must reluctantly omit much that may yet be told
in a more extensive biography.

1 91 1
Towards the end of July she rallied a little. A glimmer of
hope was held out to the community; it was as a sunbeam before
the darkness which was about to lower. But Mother Mary
Teresa felt her task was ended. She loved to hear the words
of the Church, " Depart, Christian soul," and said: " I want to
be familiar with them, for my last moments," and, like her holy
Patroness, she gloried in dying a child of the Church. The
doctor came at 4 p. m., on the 2d of August, and as there were
no visible symptoms of dissolution, he said: "I must change
the prescription." After he had gone, she appeared even cheer
ful for about'an hour. Some of the Sisters in attendance with
drew, not expecting the end to be so near. But, at a quarter to
6 she said to the Mother who watched beside her, "I am
dying." Yet there was no apparent sign that such was the case.
She then said in a loud voice, " God alone ! Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, I offer you my heart and my soul ! Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, assist me in my last agony ! Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
may I breathe forth my soul to you in peace !" She then became
faint, and the blessed candle and relics, as she requested, were
placed in her hands. The community immediately assembled,
and she breathed her last without an effort, as the evening
" Angelus " pealed from the convent belfry, in the arms of one
of her dearest children.
The death of Mother Mary Teresa Comerford, like her life.
was humble and sweet. The poor Sisters, so lately rejoicing in
her return to her loved mission, had now recourse in their sor
row to the Throne of Mercy, to obtain her speedy entrance into
her " glad eternal rest," and to beg for themselves grace to be
come worthy children of their holy mother, and resignation in
their deep affliction. For a moment, the thought that she, who
had been the light of their path — their stay and support in

[92]
moments of trial, had gone — seemed to overwhelm them with
a boundless grief, and as their hearts, bereft of their dearest and
purest earthly treasure, went forth towards God to ask His pro
tection, they ended with a tranquil' "fiat," uniting their spirits
with hers, for whom they mourned. They felt that she saw and
loved them, and was praying for them !
The body of Mother Mary Teresa, habited in the costume of
the Order and holding her vows and crucifix in her clasped
hands, was exposed in her cell for one day, where it was visited
by the Sisters. It was then conveyed to the chapel. Pious
persons of every rank thronged the chapel and' begged the
portress to let them get " one look at the saint." Her counte
nance in death was as sweet and serene as in life.
With the most delicate foresight, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A.
Donohoe attended to everything regarding the funeral. We
take the following account of the obsequies from the San Fran
cisco Monitor:
"From an early hour on Friday, the 5th inst., the friends of
the deceased flocked towards the beautiful Convent Chapel of
the Presentation Sisters on Taylor street, which was heavily
draped in mourning for the occasion. The casket of the deceased
Religious was becomingly surrounded with the most beauti
ful and varied floral decorations ever seen in San Francisco —
all the gifts of devoted and distinguished friends of the lamented
Rev. Mother. Among the most notable of these costly offer
ings were the gift of Mr. D. T. Murphy, which consisted of a
cross and crown of exotic flowers of beautiful design; a pillar
supporting a dove, the gift of Mrs. E. Murphy; a couch of rare
flowers, over which was suspended the word ' Rest.' All the
numerous designs of these appropriate surroundings of the vener
ated remains were sweetly emblematic of the many gracious

[93 I
qaalities and noble virtues of the deceased Religious. It was
impossible to find even standing room for half those who pre
sented themselves, and stood in waiting for the funeral.
" At 9^ A. M. the Requiem Mass was commenced by his
Grace the Most Rev. Archbisbop Alemany, assisted by the Rev.
Fathers Lagan and Cottle, Bishop Raymundi, Very Rev. Dr.
Comerford, brother of deceased, late a V. G. of the Mauritius,
Very Rev. A. Varsi, S. J., Rev. Fr. Vincent Vinyes, Fr. Mont
gomery, Fr. Largan, Fr. Valentini, Fr. Morrissey, and Fr. King
of Oakland. Over forty Priests were present.
" The Very Rev. J. Prendergast, V. G., delivered a short
and impressive funeral oration, in which he spoke of the excel
lence of the state of virginity at length, and said, amongst many
religious Orders, one dear to all was the Presentation Order raised
up by God in Ireland, at a time when that country was about to
emerge from the dark night of religious persecution. The Rev.
Father spoke of the glorious foundress of this Order — Nano
Nagle; dwelt particularly on her extraordinary vocation, and
likened the dear and venerated deceased to her whose worthy
daughter she was, saying that, even in character, there was a
striking resemblance; that Mother Mary Teresa was the child
of a highly respectable family, of rare mental endowments,
educated and refined. In 1841 she sought admission to the
Order of the Presentation, and, being admitted, received and
professed, passed the first years of her religious life in the quiet
tranquility of her cloister home. Suddenly on the shores of the
Pacific a wonderful city sprang up; all were flocking thither for
purposes of gain, and the Pastor of the flock knocked at that
convent door to ask for laborers for his vineyard. This young
religious at once responds. Home, country, friends, to all she
bids adieu, to save souls for her Lord in this distant land.

[ 94 ]
Through- innumerable difficulties she founds, after a year, her
-first convent — the first of the Order on this continent — on
Powell street, of which she was long the beloved Superior.
Then, seeking to extend the glory of God, she founded this
Convent of the Sacred Heart, on Taylor street, and St. Joseph's
Convent, Berkeley — that child of promise — the third fruit, and,
last and greatest, that missionary Convent in Ireland, which a
short time since she left this country of her choice to establish.
All was joy at her unexpected return. But, alas! she came
back to die. Her death was the echo of her beautiful life-r— full
of trusting humility, calm resignation and amiable sweetness in
her sufferings, with no desire but to be ' dissolved and be with
Christ.' The Very Rev. preacher, in conclusion, remarked:
' I have not said much of Mother Mary Teresa; I have said
what I thought she would wish, in speaking of the glorious state
to which she belonged, and praising the Order of which she was
the ornament. We all know her worth. What the saints have
done we cannot do, and God even permitsi that they should
have co-operators to accomplish their great works, to keep them
humble; yet we may aspire to imitate their virtues, and by do
ing so we shall all attain to be associated with them in a bliss
ful eternity.'
" 'The music during the Requiem Mass was under the direc
tion of Mrs. Virginia Nippert, organist of St. John Baptist's
Church, who, together with the choir, consisting of Miss M. J.
Burns, soprano, Miss Julia Nippert, alto, Mr. V. Kingwell,
tenor, Mr. T. Murphy, basso, kindly volunteered their valuable
services for the occasion, and acquitted themselves creditably in
the well-selected pieces.
"The funeral procession, which was one of the largest ever
seen in San Francisco, commenced at 1 1 a. m. in the following

I 95 I
order: The Religious, carrying lighted tapers; the casket, borne
by the following pall-bearers: Joseph A. Donohoe, Eugene P,
Murphy, John Sullivan, C. D. O'Sullivan, Robert Tobin, sen.,
Richard Tobin, Peter Donahue, Myles D. Sweeny, Gustave
Touchard, Tiburcio Parrott, F. S. Wensinger, P. McAran and
M. J. O'Connor, followed by the young ladies who had gradu
ated at the Institution, and children from other Institutions in
the city, wearing crape scarfs; then the younger pupils, wear
ing bows of black and white ribbon. Having passed along the
spacious piazza and school hall, the casket was placed in the
hearse. The religious withdrew to their convent. The pro
cession of children and pedestrians formed four abreast, and
reached from Sixth street to the wharf, followed by sixty car
riages. From the wharf it proceeded, by the Creek route, to
Oakland; thence by San Pablo avenue to Berkeley. The pro
cession was joined at Oakland by priests and numerous friends
at the other side of the Bay. Long before it reached Berkeley
the convent grounds there were thronged with persons awaiting
the funeral. When the hearse reached its destination, the cas
ket was carried in procession up the principal avenue into the
modest and neat little chapel of St. Joseph's Convent, which
was appropriately draped in black, trimmed with mourning flow
ers. Here the funeral services were repeated by Rev. Father
Prendergast, with many assistant priests, after which the nuns
of the convent passed in procession around the casket. The
clergy, clad in soutane and surplice, followed the nuns; then
the casket was conveyed to its last resting place in the cloistered
cemetery of this beautiful spot.
" The attendance atjthe Solemn Requiem and funeral evinced
the high esteem in which the deceased Rev. Mother was held
by all classes of society, and this assembly testified, by their

[96 I
sighs and tears, their heart-felt regret and deep affliction for the
unexpected departure of one so universally beloved, whose
death has left a blank in the large circle of her friends, not
easily filled. The sad intelligence of her decease will cause a
pang in many hearts beyond the Atlantic Ocean — for there are
affectionate hearts that loved her — the Religious of the Convent
she had last founded, as well as her estimable relatives and the
poor and afflicted whom she consoled and relieved."

Requiem Masses.
On Thursday, September ist, there was a solemn High
Mass in St. Joseph's Convent, Berkeley, for the repose of the
soul of Mother Mary Teresa Comerford, the celebrant being
her brother, Very Rev. Dr. Comerford. This little church was
again draped in deep mourning for its venerated foundress.
Many ot the pupils and parishioners communicated, offering
the spotless Lamb, in union with her beloved brother, for the
eternal rest of her to whose indefatigable zeal they will be for
ever indebted.
Friday, the 2d of the same month, the month's memory
of the venerated foundress of the Sacred Heart Presentation
Convent, Taylor street, was fittingly celebrated in this magnifi
cent monument of her missionany labors by a succession of
Masses from 6 to 9, at which numbers of the pupils and many
of the friends communicated.
Monday, September 5th, the nuns of the Presentation Con
vent, Powell street, had a solemn High Mass celebrated in St.
Francis' Church, at which nearly 1,000 children assisted. On
this occasion Very Rev. J, Prendergast, V. G., delivered an ap
propriate discourse.

IN MEMORIAM.
Rev. Mother Mart Teresa Comerford of the Presentation
Order.

Submissive to her summons sweet,
One bright autumnal day,
I sought with sad, yet willing feet,
Her new-built cloister's calm retreat,
Across the shining Bay.
It was, she said, " to bid adieu
But for a season's space."
Alas! alas ! I little knew,
O friend so tender, pure and true,
That on thy living face,
So bright, so fresh with holiest life,
Whose glance could banish pain,
Whose smile with saintly sweetness rife,
Could soothe my wildest spirit-strife,
I ne'er might look again !
She uttered words of counsel wise,
And consolation sweet :
With soul outshining from her eyes,
She spake of Duty's high emprise,
And calm Perfection's heights that rise
Above Earth's desert heat.

[98]
And then she breathed her fond farewell;
And o'er the shining Bay,
Back, where the world's "drear noises" swell,
Back, where its careworn legions dwell,
Once more I took my way.
And she unto her native land
Rejoicing sped, to train
Her glorious missionary band,
Her toilers for the harvest grand,
Far o'er the Western main.
Time passed — till she, whose heart so yearned
Their Westward guide to be,
Whose spirit's zeal too fiercely burned
For its frail shrine, for rest, returned
Unto that sunset sea.
She found it — dreamless, calm and deep —
A never-ending rest !
Where Love doth ' 'give His loved ones sleep" —
Where white-robed throngs their Sabbath keep,
By life's "still waters" blest.
Submissive to a summons sent
From out her loved retreat,
With sad, reluctant steps I went
Where thou, O heart, with sorrow rent,
Hadst hoped, when exile's time was spent,
Her glad return to greet.

[99 I
Alas ! from out her mourning band
No smiling mother came
To tell of hopes and prospects grand,.
To shrine with tender clasp my hand,
And fondly breathe my name.
They led me to a coffin, dressed
With blossoms' bright array,
And there, in Death's mysterious rest,
With cold hands crossed on pulseless breast,
Serene and still she lay.
The sad and solemn rites went on —
The requiem low was sung —
The takers shed soft rays upon
The placid features, pale and wan;
And then, while dirges rung,
They bore, still draped with blossoms sweet,
That silent form away,
Where rev'rent hands its grave-bed meet
Had made, within her loved retreat,
Across the shining Bay.
There, treasured by her orphaned band,
Her holy dust shall be —
And there her softly-breathed command
Shall seem to sound; her guiding hand
In dreams they still shall see.

[ ico I
0 holy tomb ! from world-unrest,
Its "burden and its heat,"
'Twere well to seek thy silence blest,
And find repose for tortured breast,
And rest for way-worn feet.

And from the soul, whose casket lies
Within thy depths, to learn
The charm of Duty's high emprise,
And where Perfection's heights arise,
With steadfast steps to turn.
And from those heights to Life's home, near,
To pass, when toil is o'er —
And with her, through the endless years
To dwell, nor weep sad, farewell tears,
Nor mourn death's partings more. Marie.
San Francisco, August, 1881.

CHAPTER XVI.

Conclusion,
)HE sad news of Mother Mary Teresa Comerford's death
spread rapidly, and expressions of condolence, regret
and admiration poured into Taylor street from every
quarter. Sir Daniel T. Murphy sent a telegram from
New York to her brother, Very Rev. Dr. Comerford,
and her bereaved sister and the community in Taylor street.
Then followed letters from prelates and priests. We will quote
a few words written by an eminent Archbishop beyond the At
lantic: " She was, indeed, one of the grandest and most gener
ous souls I ever met in the religious life. Her latter years were
laden with the Cross which prepared her for eternity ; she now
rejoices in all that she suffered. Her one desire was to advance
the cause of God according to her ability. May God supply
her place to you all." And from Kilcock a friend writes: "The
sorrow amongst the people here for Mother Teresa's death is
deep and wide-spread."
What wonder that the grief for the death of such an intrepid
champion of religious education as Mother Mary Teresa should
be " wide-spread," when we consider that it was only her trust
in Divine Providence that could have enabled her, with means
apparently so inadequate, to attempt and successfully accomplish
all that she undertook for the glory of God and the gratuitous
education of girls. This was the secret of her success. She
had one aim, and one desire — to please God and do His holy
will. She devoted herself, body and soul, to do her Master's

I I02 I
work with an undivided heart and an unwavering purpose ; and
He whom she loved seemed ever with her, blessing her efforts,
and therefore she succeeded.
Who can estimate what she achieved in the teaching of those
thousands of children who had passed through her schools within
the (nearly) thirty years of her life in California ? — in those
seminaries which she raised, where the standards of religion and
intellectual education pace side by side. Nor will her deeds be
limited to what she performed during her earthly career. Her
labors still grow, prosper and flourish in the communities she
established, and taught to walk in the faith of religious perfec
tion, more by the example of her holy life than by precept.
She still shall live in hex works, and her spirit shall guide them.
We have no hope that this little memoir will answer to the
faintest outline of the picture * impressed on the minds and
hearts of those who witnessed the life and labors of Mother
Mary Teresa, and were edified by her ardent love for God
and her charity towards her neighbor which even ingratitude
failed to alter; her patience in suffering, mentally and physically,
which knew not how to complain; her obedience, which in
spired her to accept the responsibilities of the California Mis
sion and led her even on her death bed to ask the most trivial
permission of the Mothers or Infirmarian; her esteem for re
ligious poverty which caused her on the verge of the grave to seek
for the dime that remained in her travelling purse that she might
give it up to die poor like Jesus; and last, but not least, her sin
cere humility, which attributed all that was good in herself and
her works to God alone.

* Mother Mary Teresa Comerford was tall, erect, and well proportioned; her move
ments dignified and graceful; her complexion fair; her feitures well formed, serene
and intelligent, and the whole expression of her countenance was benignant and energetic

1 103 ]
Our little task of love is ended. Would that it were more
worthy of the beloved and revered subject. All that we may
dare desire now is that these few pages may tend to the greater
glory of God.

APPENDIX.
The Papal Jubilee.

HE Sacred Heart Presentation Convent, on Taylor street,
was the scene of a very interesting commemoration of

the Pope's Pontifical Jubilee. The pupils formed a
handsome procession through their various study-halls
and recreation-grounds, which were gaily and tastefully
decorated. The most attractive adornments were placed around
a life-size bust of the Pope at the termination of the spacious
verandah. The bust rested on a white pillar, ornamented with
gold and natural flowers, while above was a graceful arch of
laurel leaves, intermingled with roses and lilies; and in the
background were various decorations, consisting of Papal ban
ners and other Pontifical emblems. Here and there might be
seen the "Star-Spangled Banner" and the " Harp of Erin."
As the youthful processionists passed before the representation
of the Pope, they placed beneath it floral crowns and baskets,
while their child-voices caroled forth their jubilant notes of
" God Bless our Pope." An address to the Pope, written by the
gifted poet, " Marie," was then read. A copy of the address
had been previously illuminated on parchment by the nuns of
the convent, and forwarded to Rome, in due time for the cele-
bration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Holy Father's Conse
cration, through the exiled Bishop of Lower California, Mon-
signor Raymund Maria Moreno. The illumination of the va-

[ io6]
rious pages were appropriately chssen, the richly-colored floral
borders being interspersed with the Papal emblems and insignia.
The binding was in morocco, gold and blue, with golden tas
sels. The procession next proceeded to the handsome chapel
of the convent, where Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament
terminated the commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of
the F.piscopate of His Holiness Pius IX.

Poems.

)HE following poems, from the graceful pen of the gifted
Miss Harriet M. Skidmore, are appended to this little
volume, since they relate to incidents of the life of
Mother Mary Teresa while in the Taylor street Con
vent, San Francisco:

ADDRESS
To the Holy Father Pope Pius IX., on the Fiftieth Anni
versary of His Episcopal Consecration, 1877.

Dearly loved and Holy Father,
From beyond the boundless sea
Speed the gladly-welcomed tidings
Of thy coming Jubilee.
Happy morn's the " Golden Milestone "
On the pilgrim path of time,
'That shall show the glad completion
Of an age's wondrous prime ;
That shall bring the blessed vision,

I 107 I
Framed within that noon-day glow,
When the Apostolic mitre
Rested first upon that brow,
Whence the triple-crowned tiara
Sheds its mystic splendor now.
Favored subjects of Spoleto,
Favored by his holy sway,
Sweet to hear your holy Pastor,
Sweet his mandates to obey.
E'en the sword of wild sedition
Fell from fierce rebellious hand,
When that voice of strength and sweetness
Spoke the language of command.
And what wealth of fervent blessings
Did his grateful flock outpour
On their tender-souled Archbishop
In the time of evils sore —
In the time of woes unnumbered,
By the dreadful earthquake wrought,
When his hand divinely loving
Fullest, sweetest, solace brought!
Happy Tinola! that won his
Glorious labors for thy fold
Only in the angel record
Fitly are these labors told.
There the orphan band was sheltered,
'There the holy Levites trained,
And the sinful soul repentant
Boons of blessed peace regained.
Thus the true and faithful pastor
Trod the pathway of his Lord,

I io8 |
Winning, through long years of labor,.
Love's unlimited reward.
Came at last the glorious guerdon
Of that servant fond and true ;
" Many things to him entrusted
Who was faithful o'er the few."
Bowed a willing throng before him
'Neath Saint Peter's mighty dome,
" Hail! O Pontiff, King and Father
Of the universal Rome !"
But his road is as his master's,
Blessings changed to cruel blows,
Scarce had ceased the loud evivas
When the fierce revilings rose.
Died again that wrathful clamor,
Silenced for a blessed space,
While from out the broken storm-cloud!
Came the sunny beams of grace.
Lo! the throng of deeds resplendent
Pictured in the golden light —
First, the figure-star encircled,
Clad in robe of stainless white.
Mary! Hail! Immaculate!
Peerless title, won for thee,
By the longed-for Definition,
By our Pontiff's blest decree.
Next, a radiant form upraiseth
From the everlasting rock —
Church of God, alike thou scornest
Artful snare and battle shock;
For the voice that speaketh for thee

[109 I
Erom thy Pontiff's changeless throne,
As the voice of truth unerring
All thy faithful children own,
And a guardian true and tender
Stands thy shining form beside;
He, the Child-God's fond Protector,
Will His church securely guide.
He was named the world-wide Patron,
By the Pontiff's potent voice,
While enraptured earth applaudeth
Evermore that welcome choice.
Blessed visions ! deeds resplendent
Of the Universal King,
Every heart in ceaseless pt'ans
Shall His name forever sing.
But his road is as his Master's:
Blessings crowned him yesterday;
O'er the " Via Dolorosa "
Leadeth now his weary way,
Ingrate children bind and scourge him,
Bid him wear the thorny crown,
While the dew of grief and anguish
Flows his wounded face adown.
But, O bravest, grandest Ruler
Of the universal flock,
.Still thy mystic throne remaineth
Firm on Truth's Eternal Rock;
StiU thy children cling around thee —
Closer cling thy throne beside,
For thy woes but make thee dearer,
Likeness of the Crucified.

I no |
And while round the herald echoes
Of thy crowning Jubilee,
Lo! we send our joyous answer
Spreading o'er the Western Sea —
Answer of congratulation
From the hearts that fondly glow,
Grateful for thy consecration
Offered fifty years ago.
Once Columbia knew the presence,
Once she shared thy labors blest:
By that memory, King and Father,
Give thy blessing to the West.

THE BANQUET OF THE KING.

[Suggested by witnessing the first Communion of one hundred and ten children in the
Sacred Heart Presentation Convent, on the feast of the Annunciation.]

I knelt within a "garnished room,"
Where shone the banquet fair,
I saw the festal garlands bloom
In fragrant beauty there.
I heard the glad, triumphant strain
In clearest chorus ring,
Of hymns that hailed in fond refrain,
The coming of the King.

I III I
He came adown His path of light,
To keep His royal feast —
A Monarch, hid from human sight,
The Victim and the Priest.
In bridal robes and garlands fair
The favored guests I saw;
Bright youthful forms assembled there,
And bowed in love and awe.

A happy multitude they knelt
Beside that table blest:
'Twas o'er, in each pure heart He dwelt
Their King, their Food, their Guest.
How blest each soul wherein He found
A " swept and garnished shrine,"
How sweet to know His peace profound,
His happiness divine !
O radiant morn! O blissful day!
When heaven descends to earth !
And Love doth hide, in homes of clay,
His gems of priceless worth.
O guests of God ! keep watch and ward
Around your treasure fair,
And day and night his temples guard
With fond, unceasing care.

| 112 |
On altars decked with fragrant bloom
Keep bright the vestal flame,
And close from earth the " upper room,"
Wherein the Master came.
That so, enrobed in bridal white,
And crowned with festal flowers,
Your souls may tread the aisles of light
That lead through fadeless bowers.
There, decked and wreathed, the temple stands
Of heaven's eternal Priest —
His banquet hall where angel hands
Shall spread your nuptial feast. Marie.

THE ALTAR AND THE OFFERINGS.

[Suggested on witnessing the ceremony of the Reception of four Novices in the Sacred
Heart Presentation Convent, Taylor street, soon after the erection of the beautiful mar
ble altar donated by Mr. George Conroy. It was decorated for the occasion with the
ornaments recently brought from Rome by Sir D. T. Murphy and presented to Mother
Mary Teresa. A few weeks later a Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of the
soul of the benevolent donor of the akar.]
Earth rendered up her richest store,
Her treasured marbles rare3
And Art her magic chisel brought
To carve an altar fair.
O precious giftl O wondrous work !
From out the shining stone

I "3 I
Was hewed Love's'fitting sepulchre,
Was reared His mystic throne.
A bounteous hand that boon bestowed
Within a cloister calm,
Where dwell in sacred solitude
The spouses of the Lamb.
Earth sought again her hidden store,
Far in the darksome mine,
For gleaming gold and silver rare
To deck that stately shrine ;
Another gift-conferring hand
These peerless boons bestowed,
And bade their blending glory shine
In Love's serene abode.
First on that fair and fitting shrine
The "clean oblation " shone;
First offered, lay the Victim-Lamb,
On that purejaltar-stone.
A chosen band, in^bridal robes;
Here_ breathed the sacred vow,
And bowed before their King divine,
The meek, adoring brow.
Here offered lay the willing hearts,
The consecrated soul ;
Here courage broke the gods of clay,
And spurned their base control —
Sweet offerings for that altar fair,
Pure gems to deck the shrine
Where gleams the jewel earth hath won
From heaven's courts divine !

i i>4 I
While yet its Summer's early glow
With promise sweet was rife,
The bloom of glad completeness crowned
A rare and glorious life;
And so the swift-winged angel sped
Adown his path of gloom,
To treasure, in his Master's sight,
That fair, perfected bloom.
And he, whose generous bounty gave
The rare and costly shrin;.
To guard the gracious holocausts,
The sacrifice divine —
While yet his early Summer shone
With earthly promise rife,
Gave sweetly to the Giver's hand
His pure and perfect life.
They twined the fair and fragrant crown,
They wove the cross of flowers,
And strewed upon his sacred bier
The gems of earthly bowers ;
They brought the deftly-woven cross,
They brought the blooming crown,
And, at the shrine his zeal bestowed,
They laid the offering down.
O touching tribute, fondly placed
Before the captive King
Enthroned upon that altar fair,
His servant's offering!
There soon shall speed your fragile life,
( ) frail and fleeting flowers !
But fadeless are the spirit-blooms

I'i5 I
Of glad immortal bowers.
Grow there, O pure and generous soul !
Amid the joys Elysian,
To bloom at Love's eternal shrine,
To " gladdden in Love's vision;"
For sweetly thou hast heavenward sped
Upon the path of prayer
Traced by the consecrated band
Beside thy altar fair.
And still for thee the incense-breath
Of supplication sweet
Shall rise and wreathe a fragrant cloud
Around the Mercy seat.
No fairer monument to thee
Can fond affection raise,
No truer epitaph can trace
Thy well-earned meed of praise
Than the pure altar thou hast reared.
Within the cloister calm,
Where dwell the chosen bride's of Christ,
The spouses of the Lamb,
There shall the Victim offered be,
The " clean oblation " shine,
There shall the vestal band be brought
To serve the King divine.
And while the hosts of Israel strive
With Canaan throng of sin,
There lifted hands shall aid the right
Its victory to win.
And justice, when the pure shall plead,
Shall sheathe its vengeful sword,

[ "6]
And stay the whelming tide of wrath
That chafeth to be poured.
Thus shall the grace that saves a world
Around that altar cling,
And heaven uprear its earthly throne
On the blest offering.

Marie.

JUNE 24, 1877.
CENTENNIAL OF THE PRESENTATION NUNS.

A Greeting from the Presentation Nuns
in California.

Aye, let us keep our birthday feast,
O dearest Sister band ;
From North to South, from West to East,
Ring out the peans grand;
Let heaven's pure joy resound on earth,
And bid the nations hear
The strains that hailed our Order's birth
That greet its hundredth year.
O worldly hero! tears and blood
Blot out thy shining name';
Thou swim'st ambition's gory flood
For evanescent fame,

I 117 I
Dark desolation marks the path
That felt thy blighting tread —
Thou sweep'st o'er earth in conquering wrath
And fill'st her plains with dead.
But when thy banners cease to wave
O'er vanquished land and sea,
Earth smiles above thy pompous grave
To know that she is free;
Free from thy ceaseless battle roar,
Thy fiendish battle scene —
Free from the ghastly floods of gore
That dyed her fields serene.
But she around whose blessed name
Our fitting wreaths we twine,
Hath won an everlasting fame
In heaven's court divine.
For her's the fair and fragrant life
Of duty nobly wrought;
And her's the pure and peaceful strife
'Gainst vice and error fought.
From the gay tumult of the world
She turned in scorn away,
And from her soul's pure altar hurled
The idols of its clay,
Blest Angela ! thy holy rule
First won her offered heart —
She formed therein a blessed school
To learn the better part.

[ i,81
One want that tender heart discerned —
The poor alone it sought;
For fehem its tender pulses yearned,
Its deeds of love were wrought,
Upon her own dear native soil
How ample was the field ;
How rich might be the fruit of soil,
How vast the harvest yield !
And so her Presentation band
Their wondrous work begun ;
And 'neath the guidance of her hand
What noble deeds were done !
But dangers thronged their early path,
And thorny barriers rose—
The blame of timid friends, the wrath
Of fiercest bigot foes ;
But from the source of strength above
Came strength to do and dare,
And in the blessed beams of love
The vineyard ripened fair.
Dark danger vanished from their path,
The thorny barriers fell,
And coward chill and fiercest wrath
Soon owned the softning spell ;
And thus by sweet celestial art
Full many a shrine appeared —
And ah! in many a darkened heart
A fairer shrine was reared,

I "9 I
That bade all own the cloistered nun
Most potent influence hath
Upon the young and wayward one
She trains in Learning's path ;
For kept in calm seclusion free
From worldly strife and care,
Her mind a fitter shrine must be
For Learning's treasures rare.
And o'er her consecrated brow
A halo seems to shine
That bids the youthful spirit bow
As to a light Divine;
And for the world she winneth gifts
From Heaven's own casket fair,
For she, like Israel's leader, lifts
Unceasing hands of prayer.
But Erin could not keep alone
The Presentation bands ;
Behold! they pass from zone to zone,
They toil in farth'est lands;
To distant India's torrid clime
The dews of grace they bore —
Their convent bells ring out their chimes
On bleak Newfoundland's shore.
Far o'er the fragrant Southern Sea,
Beneath Australian skies,
Their homes of peace and purity
In sunlit beauty rise.

I 120 ]
E'en here within the golden West,
On El Dorado's soil,
They've built their sacred convent nest —
They've wrought with ceaseless toil —
And now, from out that Western home,
Across the crested sea
They bid their white-winged herald roam
To join the Jubilee —
To share the bliss, without alloy,
Of Erin's Sister band ;
To swell their pean notes of joy
From out the sunset land;
To bid Heaven's strains resound on earth,
Heaven's smile reflected glow;
And thus they hail their Order's 'birth
One hundred years ago.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 08954 9696

,.,.;•' v., -;.:.-„-. ...¦¦-.

¦: ' \.Uc

'•¦¦ ' :.¦.¦¦: ¦'".