No Cross, No Crown

"This intriguing book collects five biographies of women who became Mothers Superior in the early years of the development of the New Orleans' Sisters of the Holy Family, Louisiana's first religious community of women of African descent. Written by Sister Mary Bernard Deggs more than a century ago, the historical account covers its founding and early development by five very remarkable women. The title of the book comes from an entry in Deggs's journal in which she indicated that, though the early years were very difficult, the Sisters were blessed with many graces and also many crosses which were said to be the best of all graces, as no cross, no crown. In spite of the complexities of Deggs's journal, editors Gould (Our Lady of the Holy Cross, New Orleans) and Nolan (Archdiocese of New Orleans) managed to maintain its original tone, replete with admiration and concern for the Mothers Superior. No Cross, No Crown includes both a detailed preface that offers a biography of the author and an extensive introduction that provides a historical background to the founding of the religious community and the political context in which it took root. General readers; undergraduates, including community college students; professionals and practitioners."—M. F. Nefsky, University of Lethbridge , 2002apr CHOICE