Mother Anna and the Missing Mare
Sisters of the Humility of Mary
In the summer of 1864, the entire religious community of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary arrived in America. The nine vowed sisters and two novices saw themselves as missionaries from France. Arriving with them were three orphaned girls in their care. Father John Joseph Begel, their chaplain and co-founder, was in communication with Bishop Louis Amadeus Rappe of Cleveland who graciously welcomed the entire community of sisters to his diocese to serve any and all needs.
Due to their limited finances the sisters established themselves on an abandoned farm which had previously belonged to the Cleveland diocese. It was just across the state line from Youngstown in New Bedford, Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, now called Villa Maria.
Mother Anna Tabourat’s leadership and foresight in those early days in New Bedford was critical. Surprisingly she was a trained and gifted musician, a church organist prior to joining several others to become one of the founding members of the new community in France. Her violin and bow, music that she composed along with fancy lacework made for altar linens are precious relics of this dedicated woman that are treasures in the community’s archives. Yet one of the most interesting and special items in the archives is able to tell an important story all on its own.
By 1870 the community was growing both with new members and additional orphans. The entire community relied on farming and tending animals for survival. The printed poster represents the desperation felt at the loss of Mother Anna’s sorrel mare. The poster would have been distributed throughout New Bedford, strategically placed to be seen by all in the local area.
Unfortunately the rest of the story will never be known as there is no record indicating that the mare was recovered.
