When Mother Maddalena first found herself stranded in New York, she sought consolation in St. Francis Church, and seeing above the main altar the picture of Saint Francis going up to heaven, her heart told her: "you have to suffer, yet take courage; pick up your Cross and follow me." There she made the acquaintance of Father Isaac Hecker, who wrote to Mother Maddalena: "God has rewarded your resignation and patience, but the end of your difficulties has not come to pass. You have the task of laying the foundation of a community of St. Clare such as will approve itself to God and your holy Foundress. May the Holy Spirit be your guide in this important task!”