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Angels of the Battlefield: A History of the Labors of the Catholic Sisterhoods in the Late Civil War
This reprint of an 1897 edition presents the story of the sacrifices and work of Catholic nuns during the Civil War. Before its original publication, nothing had yet been published concerning the self-sacrificing labors of Roman Catholic nuns. This biography describes the labors of the Sisters helping soldiers from North and South, without distinction.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 21, 2025
The volume I acquired (from a library) seems to be an original edition from about 1898, so quite delicate. As history, it’s priceless. I suppose there are more recent writings that cover much of the same territory, but there’s something special about a seminal work like this.
At the same time, it’s depressing to think that, despite the work of the Sisters during the Civil War, enough time had passed that anti-Catholicism was again rearing its head—the “Blaine Amendments” in some state constitutions come to mind—and that it seemed necessary to include the XIXth Appendix re-asserting the patriotism of Catholics.
But as the writer notes, neither major party was at that time likely to run a Catholic nominee for President or even Governor of one of the states—nor would they for decades—so, yes, sadly, it was necessary to remind people that those wings on the hats of the Sisters of Charity did not hide a pair of horns. It’s all so depressing. Pathetic, really. I wonder how many of those war-time hospital-bed conversions actually took root such that converts’ descendants remained Catholic through subsequent generations. Some, I suppose.
In any case, there must be an updated children’s version of this kind of work that I can buy my grand-daughters as a birthday or Christmas present. This would be a useful recruiting tool, I think, for the Vocations.
There are more than enough ‘Influencers’ out there. The world needs more holy Nuns.
At the same time, it’s depressing to think that, despite the work of the Sisters during the Civil War, enough time had passed that anti-Catholicism was again rearing its head—the “Blaine Amendments” in some state constitutions come to mind—and that it seemed necessary to include the XIXth Appendix re-asserting the patriotism of Catholics.
But as the writer notes, neither major party was at that time likely to run a Catholic nominee for President or even Governor of one of the states—nor would they for decades—so, yes, sadly, it was necessary to remind people that those wings on the hats of the Sisters of Charity did not hide a pair of horns. It’s all so depressing. Pathetic, really. I wonder how many of those war-time hospital-bed conversions actually took root such that converts’ descendants remained Catholic through subsequent generations. Some, I suppose.
In any case, there must be an updated children’s version of this kind of work that I can buy my grand-daughters as a birthday or Christmas present. This would be a useful recruiting tool, I think, for the Vocations.
There are more than enough ‘Influencers’ out there. The world needs more holy Nuns.
May 31, 2019
In a world where Catholicism is ridiculed (as much as it is today by some) the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy (and other Orders) demonstrated in horrific conditions what the true faith and believers brings to the table. Admiration from bitter protestants and secularists was the fruit of their heroic efforts. I pray that they are part of the beatific vision. This is a terrific book and well documented. One funny episode was a wounded soldier was asked where he was injured. He responded Monasses. The questioner was asking what part of the body, not the location, which I found a little humorous.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews