En route to Canada   The crossing   Departure for Sainte-Adélaïde de Pabos 
 A Letter Instead of a Trip   Letter From Mother Marie-Fidèle   School opening 
Second  Departure to Canada   Arrival of the Second Group   Stay at Halifax   A trip to Rimouski 
  Letter March 26, 1903     1897, A difficult end of year    October 9, 1897   On the way to England 
  Arrival in Minehead    A decisive meeting   Seeking Answers to Puzzling Questions
 Sr. Marie de Jésus, delegate of Mother Marie Fidèle   From on attempt to the next  New attempts
Endeavors of Mgr. F.-X. Bossé   Unusual offers   Mgr L-N Bégin Accepts the SCSL
The North American Branch Takes Root

Was Mgr. Blais planning a final refusal?  Knowing his Bishop, 
Mgr. Bossé undoubtedly believed so for by April 1903 he wrote to some of his friends to recommend the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis, who enjoyed much success in his parish. 
Here are some excerpts of letters he exchanged to help our Institute.


 

Negative answer to Mgr. François Xavier Bossé’s request  
  Alfred, Ontario, April 2, 1903

Monsignor,

It would appear that I delayed to reply to your letter, but I wanted to consult and obtain information about the possibility of helping you somewhere in Ontario. I was told that the Bishops have received numerous requests from exiled communities, and each has come to his own decision on the matter.

I believe it would be harder to have recourse to the Ontario Irish Episcopate. {…} I think your best chance would be to refer your request to the Western Canadian Bishops: Archbishop Langevin, Mgr. Pascal, and Mgr. Légal. {…} (C-2)
(Illegible signature)

 

Negative answer to 
Mgr. François Xavier Bossé’s request
  Salmon River (Nova Scotia) 1903 

Monsignor,

My influence is nil in this part of the country where the Irish are in majority and English protestants are responsible for school legislation! My hands are tied, and I am truly sorry to be unable to welcome these good Sisters, exiled from France. The atmosphere would not be favorable here; {…} the people are prejudiced against Congregations. In such occurrence, there is nothing we can do. {…} For a long time I have been wishing for a convent here, but it is impossible for the time being…
Alphonse Côté, PP (C-2)
 
 

March 6, 1903, Mgr. Bossé wrote to
Mgr. Sbaretti, papal delegate in Ottawa
  Sainte-Adélaïde de Pabos, 1903

Excellency,

{…} Two teaching sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis,
arrived four months ago from Vannes, Brittany, with an excellent letter of recommendation from the Bishop of Vannes*, their Ordinary. At first, we thought we could use their services for a convent here. They even started to teach French and elementary English to boys and girls with great success. Circumstances beyond our control forced them to discontinue to their great regret and ours. Would your Excellency know of a vacant position for them somewhere? They take a special vow of education. Three of their Sisters are waiting at Halifax for a suitable offer; together they would constitute an entire staff for a school, boarding school, or orphanage for girls. Their number might increase. Their local Superior has full authorization from the General Superior to act so that arrangements can be made without delay.

Monsignor of Rimouski has expressed his regrets for being unable to currently use their services in his Diocese.
 *Mgr Latieule

F. X. Bossé, C.C.SS. (C-2)