Mary Howard, of the Holy Cross facts for kids
Mary Howard, also known as Mary of the Holy Cross, was an English nun who lived from 1653 to 1735. She belonged to a religious group called the Poor Clares, a community of Catholic nuns. She spent most of her life dedicated to her faith and serving her community in convents in France.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mary Howard was born on December 28, 1653. She came from a very important English noble family. Her great-grandfather was Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. Her father was Sir Robert Howard, who was a playwright. Mary spent her early years living in the home of her grandfather, Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire.
Becoming a Nun
When Mary was about 18 years old, she decided to leave England. She wanted to live a quiet life away from the royal court and any difficult situations. She traveled to Paris, France, using a different name, Talbot, to keep her identity a secret. In Paris, she first stayed at a Benedictine convent called Val de Grace to learn French.
While at this convent, Mary decided to become a Catholic. This decision made her guardian in Paris, Lady Osborne, very unhappy. However, Mary remained strong in her new faith. She was later allowed to move to another convent, the Canonesses of St. Augustine at Chaillot, near Paris. She lived there for several years.
Life in the Convent
Eventually, Mary joined the English convent of Poor Clares in Rouen, France. To protect her identity even more, she used another new name, Parnel. In this convent, she took on different important roles. She was in charge of the choir, and she also served as a "portress." A portress was responsible for managing the daily business and finances of the convent.
Becoming an Abbess
Mary Howard showed great leadership and dedication. In 1702, the previous leader, Mother Winefrid Clare Giffard, stepped down. Mary was then chosen to become the abbess of the community. An abbess is the head nun of a convent, similar to a mother superior. She was responsible for guiding and caring for all the nuns in her community.
Her Writings
Mary Howard was also a writer. In 1726, she published a book called "Chief Points of our Holy Ceremonies." She also wrote several other works, which were kept as handwritten manuscripts. These writings were mainly books of spiritual exercises, prayers, and other religious devotions to help people in their faith.
See also
