Anne Cary facts for kids

Anne Cary (baptised 14 October 1614 – 1671) was a British Benedictine nun. She is known for founding a special place for nuns, called 'Our Lady of Good Hope Convent', in Paris.

Life Story of Anne Cary

Early Life and Family

Anne Cary was born in 1614 and baptised in Berkhamsted, England. Her mother was Elizabeth Cary, Viscountess Falkland, a very important woman who was the first to publish an original play in English. Her father was Henry Cary, the first Viscount Falkland. He worked for the King. Anne grew up in Aldenham and London.

In 1622, when Anne was about eight years old, her family moved to Dublin, Ireland. This happened because her father became the lord deputy of Ireland, a high-ranking official representing the King.

Life at Court and Family Faith

Anne returned to England in 1625. She spent time at the royal court, where she became good friends with Queen Henrietta Maria of France. The Queen was Catholic, and this friendship lasted Anne's whole life.

Anne's mother, Elizabeth Cary, became a Catholic in 1626. Anne's father, who lived separately from her mother, died in 1633. After his death, Anne's mother worked to get her children back. In 1634, Anne and three of her sisters — Elizabeth, Mary, and Lucy — became Catholic. This was helped by their mother's priest, Father John Fursdon.

King Charles I was told about the girls changing their faith. He decided that the four sisters should move from their mother's home. They went to Great Tew, an estate owned by their brother, Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland. However, their mother later arranged for six of her children to move to Cambrai, a city in France. There, Henry, Lucy, Mary, Elizabeth, and Anne joined religious communities. Anne and her sisters Mary, Elizabeth, and Lucy became nuns in the 'Our Lady of Consolation' convent.

Becoming a Nun and Founding a Convent

On March 8 or April 3, 1639, Anne joined the Benedictines in Cambrai as a choir nun. It's interesting because her father, while in Ireland, had been strict with Catholics. Yet, his wife and several of his children later chose to become Catholic.

By 1651, the convent in Cambrai had too many nuns and was becoming difficult to manage. So, Anne and her sister Mary, along with one other nun, were sent to Paris. Their mission was to start a new convent there.

Anne was able to get in touch with her old friend, Queen Henrietta Maria. The Queen helped the three nuns by arranging for them to receive money regularly. This support continued until the Queen's death in 1669. With this help and the support of others, Anne successfully established the new convent. However, she chose not to be the leader (abbess) of the new convent.

Anne Cary passed away in Paris at 'Our Lady of Good Hope Convent' on April 26, 1671.

Works

Anne Cary was also involved in writing and translation. Some of her known works include:

• eight Collection Books
• Spiritual songs...in three parts
• Psalms (translation)

A book called "Second Booke of Dialogues" was also dedicated to her in 1638.