No cross, no crown: Black nuns in nineteenth century New Orleans
Book Description
In the vibrant, complex landscape of nineteenth-century New Orleans, where French-speaking Catholic Creoles of all backgrounds created a unique cultural tapestry, one religious community stood apart as a source of profound inspiration and curiosity. The Sisters of the Holy Family dedicated their lives to serving slaves and free people of color, caring for the poor, sick, and elderly with unwavering devotion.
This remarkable chronicle emerges from the pen of Mary Bernard Deggs, herself a member of this extraordinary sisterhood, who felt compelled to preserve their sacred story for future generations. Writing between 1894 and 1896, near the end of her own life, Deggs understood the importance of documenting the spiritual journey these women had undertaken in service to their community.
Having been educated at the sisters' early school on Bayou Road, Deggs possessed intimate knowledge of the community's origins and personally knew foundress Henriette Delille and the pioneering women who joined her mission. Her firsthand account offers readers a window into the courage, faith, and determination required to establish and sustain a religious community dedicated to uplifting marginalized populations.
Through Deggs' testimony, we encounter women who chose a path of service that demanded both spiritual strength and practical wisdom. Their legacy continues today, demonstrating how dedication to others can create lasting transformation across generations.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 304 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Create spiritual family harmony
- ✓ Explore Nuns
- ✓ Explore Nuns, biography
- ✓ Explore African Americans
- ✓ Explore Sisters of the Holy Family (New Orleans, La.).
- ✓ Explore African American women
- ✓ Explore African americans, louisiana, new orleans
