Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter spoke of Mother Maddalena on August 12, 1959, at the Dedication of our monastery here in St. Louis:
So, I think we have in our foundation the true spirit of Saint Clare, the true spirit of the Poor Clares as wished by Pope Pius IX. It was the secularization and persecution of Religious in Italy that made it possible for us to have the Poor Clares in the United States. Remember always that persecutions are permitted by God to accomplish a greater end. Today the Poor Clares are established in Italy and here because of persecution. And now today we are dedicating these buildings and this lovely chapel with true Franciscan simplicity. (See also June 7th)