author

Sister Marie Antoine

b. 1889

A Belgian nun wrote a vivid first-hand account of how war shattered convent life in 1914. Her memoir stands out for its calm faith, sharp observation, and the human detail she brings to the invasion of Belgium.

1 Audiobook

About the author

Very little biographical information about this author could be confirmed from reliable online sources. The strongest evidence comes from the 1916 book From Convent to Conflict; Or, A Nun's Account of the Invasion of Belgium, where the author is identified as Sister M. Antonia of the Convent des Filles de Marie in Willebroeck, Province of Antwerp, Belgium.

In that book's introduction, she explains that she wrote to help readers understand conditions in Belgium after the German invasion of 1914. She also says that proceeds were intended to support the repair of the damaged school and convent, or to help establish charitable educational work for young women.

The book is dated Skaneateles, New York, April 3, 1916, which suggests she was in the United States at that time. Beyond those details, I couldn't confirm a trustworthy record for her birth in 1889 or locate a clearly verified portrait of this specific author.