Catholic-author Quote by Caryll Houselander
““Soeur Marie Emelie" Soeur Marie Emelie is little and very old: her eyes are onyx, and her cheeks vermilion, her apron wide and kind and cobalt blue. She comforts generations and generations of children, who are "new" at the convent school. When they are eight, they are already up to her shoulder, they grow up and go into the world, she remains, forever, always incredibly old, but incredibly never older... She has an affinity with the hens, When a hen dies,she sits down on a bench and cries, she is the only grown-up, whose tears are not frightening tears. Children can weep without shame, at her side... Soeur Marie Emelie... her apron as wide and kind as skies on a summer day and as clean and blue.””
About This Quote
A timeless caretaker who embodies compassion, allowing children to express grief freely, symbolizing enduring nurturing across generations.
In simple terms: Compassionate elder guide
Key Takeaway
Nurture without judgment
Themes
compassion
generational wisdom
caregiving
emotional safety
symbolism
Mood
reverent
warm
reflective
Type
poetic
descriptive
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- convent school children
- new students adjusting
- children mourning a loss
Key Concepts
mentor
guardian
emotional anchor
Practical Applications
- counseling support
- educational mentorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a stable, caring presence shape emotional development?
- In what ways can we emulate such unconditional support?
