al-maslub 11

On August 21, 1870 [24j. oud]... 

a small group of Carmelite nuns sail for India to found a monastery in Mangalore. 

Sr. Mary of Jesus Crucified had requested to be part of this group.

Of the six that left, only three survived the trip. Reinforcements were sent, and the Carmel was established. The novice received unanimous votes, and made her profession of vows on November 21st. She remained there only two years.

September 23, 1872- Return to Pau Carmel

From the time of her return from Mangalore... 

Sr. Mary of Jesus Crucified dreamed of a Carmel in Bethlehem.

One day when the Lord was renewing His confidant the assurance of the foundation, she boldly asked for a sign: “As a proof that this foundation of Bethlehem will be made, and that I will go and die there, make this geranium leaf take root.” 

With that, she thrust the leaf she was holding in her hand into a pot filled with soil. 

The sign was granted: soon after, a magnificent geranium grew up from that leaf. 

She called it Jeremiah.

The foundation was sponsored by a benefactor, Berthe Dartigaux.

Sr. Mary of Jesus Crucified- regarding the foundation: 'The monastery will not be built in the city, but in a low mountain facing Bethlehem. The Lord said: 'where My father David was born.' I will not live to see it completed. Before it is finished, I will go to heaven."

[bron]