St. Joseph's Valley Camp: “I did not see it multiplied, but saw it there!”

History: As June 1863 drew to a close, the grounds around Saint Joseph's Valley were covered with soldiers. Sister Mary Jane Stokes had charge of the farm and farm workers at St. Joseph's Central House and recorded, "The poor fellows looked half-starved, lank as herrings, and barefoot." The Sisters gave the soldiers bread to eat as fast as they came. Sister Mary Jane was concerned there would be no bread left for the Sisters' supper or breakfast the next morning. But there was. She wrote, "The baking of the day was there. I did not see it multiplied, but I saw it there!"

More to Explore: Nearby on the grounds of Mount St. Mary's University is the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, America's oldest replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes in France. The beautiful garden walk on the hillside offers seekers a contemplative, natural respite and views of religious sites. The grotto was proclaimed a Public Oratory and National Shrine in 1965 by Pope Paul VI.

Photo Credits:

1. "St. Joseph's Academy in Emmitsburg, Shortly after the Civil War."
2. "Union drummer boy Charles T. Barnes, attached to the Fortieth (Mozart) regiment from New York, part of the Army of the Potomac III Corps that camped on the grounds of St.Joseph's Central House before the Battle of Gettysburg." Photos courtesy of Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louis Archives, Emmitsburg, Maryland.
3. "St. Joseph's Academy and St. Joseph's Central House, July 1863. Union Cavalry and Infantry encamped on these grounds from June 27 through July 1," by photographer Alexander Gardner.
4. "St. Joseph's Academy, July 1863. Union Cavalry and Infantry encamped on these grounds from June 27 through July 1," by photographer Timothy O'Sullivan. Photos courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.