One of the most poignant poems that appears in Mother Margaret Cecilia George's book is dated July 12, 1851. In it, she used the white rose as a symbold of the community as it was bequethed by Elizabeth Seton.
The white rose is drooping
Its leaves fall away;
Its pale form is stooping
And yields to decay –
How changed since you gave it!
'Twas then fresh and fair
My pains cannot save it,
'Tis past all repair.- Sister Margaret Cecilia George,
Metz and Wiltse, p.7
A Response
But wait, gentle Margaret,
The Gardener is here.
He sees the rose drooping
And gently draws near.He tenderly plucks her
But plants her once more
To bloom in bright splender
on Ohio's fair shore.And there she will flourish.
Your prayer has been heard.
Your sorrow's now incurred.The dark night you suffered
Has given her strength
She's braced by the storm's might
You've triumphed at length.Alleluia
- Sister Carita Kemble, SC
July, 1993


