Mary Holway had wealth, youth, and a comfortable place in Chicago society.
Then, at twenty-five, she gave it all up.
Before the altar of a convent at 53rd and Laflin Streets, Holway took the vows of the Order of Poor Clares, pledging herself to poverty, seclusion, and near-total silence. For twenty-three hours of every day, she would speak no words.
But according to the report, her decision was not made for herself alone.
Holway believed her sacrifice might help bring about a miracle for her seven-year-old brother, who was deaf. After hearing of cures attributed to the cloistered nuns, she spent six months studying the order’s vows and duties before taking the veil.
In front of gathered relatives and friends, her bridal garments were removed, and the dark cloak of the Poor Clares was placed upon her.
For Her Brother’s Sake
CHICAGO, Illinois. — Miss Mary Holway, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. W.C. Holway, wealthy Chicagoans, yesterday took the vows as a member of the Order of Poor Clares, binding her to poverty and silence.
The initiation was performed under the service of the Holy Ceremony of Clothing, and took place before the convent altar at 53rd and Laflin Streets.
She is 25 years old and attractive in appearance. She is pledged under her vows to maintain absolute silence for 23 out of every 24 hours.
Miss Holway was led to take the veil in the hope that her sacrifice would lead to the ultimate cure of her seven-year-old brother, who is deaf. She had been told of the miraculous cures which had been performed by the cloister nuns, and six months ago she began the study of the vows and duties of the order.
The convent was crowded with relatives and friends. When the vows had been registered, the bridal garments were removed and the sable cloak of the order was donned by the new sister of the Order of Poor Clares.
Source: The Evening Times. Washington, D.C. February 23, 1900.
