Ode To Mother Mathilde
words & music by Claire Thamboo & Jessie Goh
We celebrate the Life of Mother Mathilde,
Mother Superior and founder of the IJ schools
A journey begins with but a single step.
Let us journey with Mother Mathilde
And discover what that first step was.
I grew up in an old farmhouse
in a French countryside.
Like you, I played with dolls but my dolls
I dressed as nuns.
I led them on missions to lands across the seas.
I went to an IJ Convent school, run by Sisters.
Inspired, I wished to be one.
My father blessed me with these words
"Follow the path to which God has led you."
So I did.
I was a teacher for many years
in the IJ schools in France.
Yet deep inside me, was a longing,
to be a missionary in the East.
How wonderful are God’s ways, my child,
How wonderful are His ways.
He turned my hopes and dreams,
my child, into reality.
Mother General appointed me
to lead a Mission in the East.
After a very long journey by sea,
our mission work began
Say:
We were given Caldwell House,
with only a few supplies
But God provided as we built
a school and orphanage.
Within 10 days we were ready
to open the doors of our school
To 16 orphans, 9 boarders, 14 paying pupils.
we offered love and hope and
a Catholic Education.
Simple in virtue, Steadfast in Duty
Look how we have grown
160 years of IJ, eleven schools in all.
The vision of Blessed Nicholas Barre.
