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The Early Days October 21, 1859 "When Sister M. Alphonse and Sister M. Febronia, who had gone shopping for essentials, arrived home, our first day in Portland was declining. We had been kindly invited to supper at Mrs. Robinson's and Mrs. McCormick's homes. As the latter resided nearer to the convent we decided, after thanking Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, to accept Mrs. McCormick's generous offer. It required the well served table that our host and hostess had prepared to satisfy the hunger of travelers whose only food that day had been a light breakfast." On October 22, 1859 at St. Mary's Academy, Portland,"two Irish women came to offer us their assistance and from their own limited resources presented us a flat iron, two plates, two spoons, three hens, three little chickens, half a dozen napkins, and two pillow cases. These generous givers were not the first, however. Yesterday a Mrs. O'Brien sent her little girl with an apron full of onions." Dr. John McLoughlin married a Native woman and built their home in Oregon City. On February 25, 1860, Sister Mary Alphonse, Sister Mary Florence, and Sister Mary Febronia arrived to assist the aged widow in her last days. She spoke with them and asked them to pray for her, which they did, remaining there for several days. With their assistance, she asked to see a priest and to receive the last sacraments. The Sisters remained with her through her death and attending her funeral. In 1865, three Sisters were missioned to Jacksonville. They were Sister Mary of the Seven Dolors, Sister Mary Febronia, and Sister Mary Zotique. When they arrived several ladies offered lodging, as the only furniture in the house they were to occupy, was a piano, six chairs, and a table. The Sisters declined, preferring to sleep on the floor in their Convent. "Mattresses and bed clothes for the night were kindly sent by Mrs. Patrick Donegan. On Saturday morning after going a block's distance to the Church to assist at the Holy Sacrifice and be fortified by the Bread of the Strong, the Sisters returned to their house and found a good lady with a well-filled basket for their breakfast; she also offered to accompany the Superioress who wished to make some necessary and indispensable purchases. It would be difficult to find greater charity than that displayed by the Catholic ladies of this Congregation towards the Religious placed in their midst; for a whole month meals arrived in time prepared to be placed on the table."
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