Page:Life and life-work of Mother Theodore Guerin Foundress.djvu/63

In 1809 the Sisters of Providence were introduced to the parochial needs of Thoré and Prunay; the succeeding years houses were opened also at Montoire, Vendôme, and Azé; yet progress was not rapid. After an existence of twelve years, while there were seven establishments, they were all very poor and had very little prospect. There was no longer any apparent advance in any line; and because progress was not the order, retrogression had to take place. It is true, hands there were that were willing to work, hearts there were that were willing to suffer; but there was no leader to direct and systematize the work. Abbé Dujarié saw this lack and realized the inefficiency of his little band. Friends predicted that the organization must fail; ridicule even was added to sage counsel, which made the Abbé doubt the expediency of continuing the work. A period of great anxiety then disturbed the repose of his usually peaceful mind; he was on the point of abandoning all when the mercy of God intervened. Providence of God, resource in all our necessities! How the providence of God proved to be, to the distressed Abbé, the unfailing resource in his great necessity will be seen in the following chapter.