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| ISBN 0-9749092-0-3 |
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Désirée Martin had a story to tell. Her book, published in 1877, is actually many stories of her evening reunions with her relatives, veillées, which are primarily directed at teaching her nieces and nephews. She joined the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1846 when she was only 16 years old, under pressure from her mother, and she left the convent in 1873. Using her life experiences—her childhood in Grand Point, Louisiana, her travels with the Society and her exit from the convent—she instructed her young audience on the values of home and heritage, acceptance of one’s place in society, good manners, parental and filial love and, especially, faith in God. In leaving the convent, Miss Martin petitioned for and received the proper papal release to return to her home in Grand Point. The local Church officials, however, never forgave her, condemned her book and encouraged everyone to burn it without reading. In fact, she had only praise for the institution that was her home for more than 27 years. Because the family, societal and spiritual issues covered in her stories are still mostly relevant today, we are fortunate some relatives and a few loyal friends hid away copies of her book. The readers—relatives, friends and strangers—who are introduced to Miss Désirée Martin in the pages of this book will surely satisfy her goal: To stamp her work with a seal of love and affection, of legitimate immortality, that will undoubtedly sanctify her through eternity. We are delighted to be involved in bringing it to audiences everywhere today.
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