Mother Francis Raphael OsdMother Francis Raphael, OSD was born Augusta Theodosia Drane, near London in 1823. Her parents were both Protestants. Her remarkable natural gifts were developed by wide reading at a very early age. In 1847 that she grew uneasy as to her religious beiefs. She eventually consulted a Vicar and confided to him a scheme called Ideal of a Religious Order. He told her that such an order existed in the Catholic Church, the Third Order of St. Dominic. This made a profound impression on her and she was drawn to the Catholic Church.

In 1850 she was received into the Church. She then entered the Third Order of St. Dominic and professed vows. She was employed in teaching and in writing various books, appointed mistress of novices, mistress of studies, eventually becoming a Prioress, then Provincial.

Her character was well summed up by Bishop Ullathorne, when he described her as one of those many-sided characters who can write a book, draw a picture, rule an Order, guide other souls, superintend a building, lay out grounds, or give wise and practical advice with equal facility and success. She passed away in the odor of sanctity on April 19, 1894.

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