When Father Jean-Baptiste Debrabant, founder of the Holy Union Sisters, wrote this letter on February 13, 1872, France was still reeling from catastrophe. Just nine months earlier, the Paris Commune had been brutally suppressed following France's humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. German troops occupied French territory, political chaos reigned, and no one knew whether France would become a monarchy or remain a republic. For religious congregations, the future of their mission—and their very existence—hung in the balance. Father Debrabant's words capture this moment of profound crisis, anchoring himself and his sisters not in political circumstances, but in faith and gratitude for their vocation.
“When I think of the sort of times we are living in today, I tell you, my dear Daughters, you are indeed fortunate to have left the world to consecrate yourselves to the service of God. In that lies true peace and the only real and lasting happiness in this life. It gives me the greatest joy to see how you respond to the great favor shown you by a life of devotion and courage in this work for the salvation of young people.
You should appreciate this happiness all the more when you see what want of faith and piety is found everywhere in the world, enough to make one tremble (…).
In our painful state of suspense, not knowing what may happen, let us strengthen our faith and try to value, yet more deeply, our vocation for which we should never cease to be grateful to God. For what would have become of us in these dark, disturbed times where all is disorder and corruption. Seek consolation in prayer before the Altar and in your work and your spiritual exercises. Love to pray and to receive Holy Communion; make your meditation well, preparing for it by humble dispositions and a sincere desire to draw fruit from it and grow daily in holiness”.
Debrabant
Director General of La Sainte Union
Douai, 13th February 1875