May. 6, 2009 - Fr. Sebastian Rale
This week I've been reading a fascinating book on Fr. Sebastian Rale, Black Robe on the Kennebec by Mary R. Calvert. I first heard about Fr. Rale several years ago, and now am so pleased to have found a well-written biography by a Maine author. Calvert's home town of Madison, ME, was once home to the Norridgewock Indian village where Fr. Rale's mission was located.
To sum up, Fr. Rale was a French Jesuit priest who came to the New World to spread the faith. After years of studying the core Indian languages, he created an Abenaki dictionary (over 500 pages) to assist other missionaries. After many years of service to the Abenaki, he and most of the village were slaughtered by the British with the assistance of the Mohawks. We simply cannot begin to imagine the privations and sufferings Fr. Rale endured during his long missionary years. Yet he was able to write to his brother, "You may well believe, my dear brother, that, whatever hardships a missionary may undergo, he is well repaid for his trials by the sweet consolation he experiences at haveing admitted an entire tribe of Indians into the way of salvation." (Calvert, p. 133)
I'm designing a quilt square for my American history redwork quilt in honor of Fr. Rale, and we are planning a trip to see the monument in his honor at Madison. We've also been fortunate to see the items housed in the Maine State Museum which were stolen from the village during the masacre of Fr. Rale and his flock - items such as his strongobx, inkwell, chapel bell, and the very crucifix he wore around his neck during his martyrdom. (Interestingly enough, the Maine State Museum lists these objects as having been the property of "Sebastian Rale" but fail to mention he was a Catholic missionary or any details of the destruction of the village at Norridgewock.)
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Feb. 27, 2009 - Preparing Hearts Resource List
Feb. 18, 2009 - A visit with my sister
Catherine and I recently spent a day visiting my sister. She's been having fun decorating and her home looks just like an English cottage! Lovely! Be sure to check out the little mouse door she added at the base of her stairs. I think it's the cutest thing I've ever seen!
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Feb. 17, 2009 - Encouragement for Homeschooling in Hard Times
Be sure to check out the Patchwork Cottage blog, written by another single homeschooling mom here in Maine. I really appreciate her encouragement and commitment to homeschooling. The article on Homeschooling in Hard Times is great!
While some have expressed concern that certain families may no longer be able to homeschooling, with moms needing to return to the work force, we also have heard stories of families who can no longer afford private school during these tough times. What are you seeing in your area?
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