first Constitution to the world. If it had done so, one would have become aware earlier that difficulties were bound to arise. For the Constitution drafted by Mother Clara and approved by the bishop gave as objectives not only the “care, education, and instruction of youth, but also the nursing of the sick in hospitals and in homes …” In the beginning, this second point did not come to the fore in the activities of the Sisters as can be learned from the fact that the people called them the “orphan sisters.” Also, the task of nursing was not sought by the Sisters themselves. It happened incidentally. It was really unavoidable.
When the Sisters on their begging tours entered the homes of their benefactors and saw a sick person who needed nursing care, it was but an act of charity to do more than just say a kind and encouraging word. When the families begged the Sisters to come again to see their sick, what else could the Sisters do? The sick are particularly attached to those persons in whom they have once confided. Could the Sisters refuse when people approached them to come and see their sick relatives? The instances increased. That aroused the feelings of the Sisters at the hospital and also those who saw in the Vincentians “their” sisters. Was not the newly established congregation forcing its way into the sphere of activity belonging to the long established charitable Sisters?
These feelings might have been augmented by the surprisingly rapid growth of the newly founded congregation. At that time Olpe was but a small town with a population of 2,200. Now if a really large motherhouse of the congregation should be established, could the Vincentians, who justly had priority, maintain themselves in Olpe? One must bear in mind that in October, 1859, the Sisters resided in the house of Widow Schuerholz; after Easter 1860, they moved into the Zimmermann house. On July 31, 1861, they moved into an established convent. Between these transactions there were negotiations for Elspe and the territory bordering on the Chapel of the Cross. Such restless activity could readily give opportunity for malicious talk.
Representing the interests of the Vincentians, Auxiliary Bishop Freusberg appealed to the bishop. The bishop presented his considerations to the superior of the Franciscans in Olpe. He announced by letter dated March 23, 1861:
As the activities of the Sisters of Charity are confined chiefly to the one special building, I do not believe that they suffer anything out of the ordinary if the Franciscans visit some of the sick to whom they are called. Likewise it is questionable whether the money bestowed upon the Franciscans would be given to the Sisters of Charity if the former were not there.
These words of the superior show quiet reflection. Unfortunately such careful thought was not the case of all concerned. For as the letter of the superior discloses, a strong apprehension had arisen that the Vincentians could possibly lose their successful operation and economic status if another congregation with great strength should develop in Olpe.
The situation did not quiet down. That occasioned the bishop to write to Mother Clara on April 18, 1861:
I have very carefully scrutinized the complaints leveled against your congregation in Olpe. The complaint is that the nursing of the sick in the homes is being usurped. I do not recognize this to be an established fact. On the other hand I see unfortunately that although your congregation should give no cause for dissention, the conflict will continue and grow into an uncontrollable scandal.… I assure you that I embrace your congregation with sincere pastoral benevolence and shall acknowledge it at all times; but because I heartily wish you well and would not like to see you, even though innocent, give occasion to scandalous conflicts…. I beg you through the love of Christ to offer this sacrifice to God: either change the location of your motherhouse from Olpe or refrain from nursing the sick in Olpe. I realize how very difficult either decision will be. My pastoral heart is greatly grieved to have to come to such a decision. But the greater the sacrifice the richer the reward that will rest upon your congregation.
The bishop’s letter was clear. Why were his urgent wishes not followed immediately and another site sought? In the first place the superior Dean Goerdes was of a different opinion. He was acquainted with the immediate and prevailing circumstances and knew that the Sisters in transferring the congregation out of Olpe would be hanging in midair. In Olpe they were established economically through the energetic assistance of widow Bonzel. Besides at this time negotiations were in progress for purchasing property that would provide a convent for the Sisters. Since widow Bonzel was prepared to finance the purchase of the property, stability for the new congregation could be realized. Should one disregard this possibility and begin in another place under great uncertainty? The repeated shifting of locale would prove a detriment to the young congregation.
But the opposition did not relent. Consequently, the bishop was induced to write a personally handwritten letter to Dean Goerdes in which he said:
More complaints have come from Olpe recently regarding the usurpation of the nursing activities by the Franciscan Sisters. These had the signature of the parish priest. As always I was unable to find guilt on the part of the Franciscan Sisters, but the Sisters of Charity are greatly irritated. The auxiliary bishop begged me most urgently to have the Franciscan Sisters move from Olpe, or at least forbid them to engage in nursing activities in Olpe. This is becoming very difficult. But on the other hand peace especially among religious communities is so great a good that I cannot but assume the responsibility to prevent scandalous conflicts, which under existing circumstances appear unavoidable if the Franciscans continue their activities in Olpe.
He added:
For the sake of peace, above all I wish the Franciscans would look around to see if they can find another suitable place in the surrounding areas outside of Olpe to make their foundation. I would be very pleased if Your Reverence would support them by counsel and advice in the choice of another special site. At my next visit I shall take the opportunity to confer with you and with the Sisters in person so that we can resolve this conflict favorably.
Shortly before writing this letter, the bishop had been in Olpe. He visited the convent of the Franciscans and held canonical visitation. On this occasion, August 26, 1861, he himself officiated at the investiture of nine candidates. The Sisters who had been invested on December 20, 1860, pronounced their vows. Among them was Sister Maria Theresia Bonzel. The bishop voiced his joy and praise that the young congregation developed so obviously under the blessing of God. Did he not endeavor at this time to guide the situation in such a way as to voice his expressed wish that the Sisters should not limit their activities to Olpe alone, but work prosperously within the confines of the entire diocese? Before he returned to Paderborn, he revisited the Franciscan convent. Certainly his words of appreciation, gratitude, and encouragement were not mere generalities. He undoubtedly informed himself of the existing situation and the controversial activity of the Franciscans. At all events this personal visit bore results. The bishop saw the situation in a different light although more time was still required to solve the controversy.
On March 21, 1862, the congregation received a new spiritual superior, Rev. Schmidt from Wenden. At the very beginning of his activities, he had to cope with disagreeable quarrels, as seen in a letter he received from Bishop Konrad Martin:
Acquainting myself first hand with the true conditions relative to the controversy in Olpe, I was favorably impressed. Even before I received your report I had to calm an apprehension. The district magistrate of Olpe had written a letter to the auxiliary bishop which he read to me in person. It was a scathing letter. In reply I wrote to the Board of Trustees of St. Martin Hospital informing them that I had no intention whatever of removing the Sisters of Charity from the hospital. This point had to be settled first. That the Franciscan Sisters do some home nursing should be no obstacle. They however are not to intrude themselves, but if their services are requested they may go in the name of God. It is hoped that in this way they may gain a firmer foothold in Olpe until something else can be worked out. Difficulties and obstacles will not harm the young congregation. These constitute a trial and bring out the good in the undertaking. You, dear Father, accept them with a kind and fatherly heart and consider the beautiful reward you will receive
