Sister Louis Gabriel

Sister Louis Gabriel of the order of "The Sisters of The Holy Names of Jesus and Mary”, arrived at the convent of Mary Immaculate on the evening of August 25, 1897. She spent the next 51 years dedicated to her work, the service to God and to her fellow man. Her life exemplified the wonderful contribution of the many nuns who served the Key West community. Her teaching career was interrupted in April when the convent became a military hospital during the Spanish American War. With her fellow nuns she nursed the sick and wounded. From 1904 to 1914 she managed the kindergarten and gave private art lessons. In 1917, she became bursar of the convent. As bursar she was acquainted with everyone. Reflecting on her work She said “I knew everyone in Key West, except transients.” She was a tireless worker whose motto might have been, “Better to wear out than to rust out.” Her leadership by example and her teaching skills sent many young men and women into adult life well equipped to handle life's trials. On the 25th anniversary of her religious profession, Sister Louis, with the help of the citizens of Key West erected a Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette. Sister Gabriel prayed Key West would be protected from the ravages of a major hurricane. Sister Gabriel died on September 13, 1948. Three Weeks after her death, as if God had confirmed her prayer, the most dangerous hurricane since 1919 struck with little damage. Since then, Key West has been spared the destruction of a major storm.