In addition to sources documenting some of the statistics and activities of S. Antonia Kirkels, there are writings which give more information about the kind of person she was. Some of the sisters with whom she lived wrote about her. The first of these was S. Lina Hoster who, in “The Flower Garden”/”Blutengartlein,” gave an account of S. Antonia’s vocation story.
Before sharing the actual story, S. Elisa Ackermans first talks a bit about the origin of S. Lina’s work. Mother Magdalen’s death in 1858 aroused much interest on the part of the sisters in the early days of the congregation. Their stories (an oral history of sorts) moved Mother Aloysia Lenders to ask S. Lina to write them down. She was supervised by S. Crescentia Lenders, secretary to Mother Aloysia, “to prevent that reality was strained too much.” German by birth, the young S. Lina began her work in 1862, but completed only the first part before her death at the age of 27. S. Elisa writes:
What she left us is a precious piece of work, written in German, rich in contents, elegant in form and colour. Every chapter starts with a decorated capital of the first word, in which the core of the chapter is designated. In the chapter about the vocation of Antonia you see a capital D in black and white and in that capital she drew the admittance of Sr. Antonia by Mother Magdalen. Sr. Clara is working at the table.
She then goes on to explain that she has chosen to relate the story in its entirety because, I think that only then (can) you taste something of the sphere. In my opinion it is a sublime tale and although it will not be related totally according to reality, it shows the way in which the first sisters experienced their community life.
The God designed life of Catherina Damen was admired and esteemed by all sincere Christians. Gertrudis Kirkels also belonged to them. This young woman, born the fourteenth of March 1790, had taken the penitential robe of the third order of St. Francis. God fearing as she was, she was especially interested in what they told about the edifying life of Catherina Damen. Therefore she had looked in the church very often at this praying virgin. She loved Catherina more and more, asked about her way of life and heard that she had so much work in the school that it was impossible for her to do the work in the house. “Oh” Gertrudis thought, “could I offer her my service, how diligently would I work for her.” But Gertrudis did not guess that Catherina had looked already a long time for such help and through ongoing prayers had asked God fervently for it.
In the meantime the devout longing of Gertrudis grew stronger every day. She thought about her intention for some time, asking God for enlightenment and resolutely addressed the parish priest. “My father,” she said, “I have felt for a long time an aversion to the world. I would like to serve my God in seclusion and wish therefore to live in company with the good Catherine and to do the housework for her.” The priest answered her curtly, “You are not fit for that life. You can better serve God in the world and do what you did up till now, take care of the cattle.”
Totally disappointed Gertrudis went home but she did not lose all hope. When she saw Catherine again in church she hastened to be near her when they left and gave her the holy water respectfully but not without fear. The good Father Almighty who loves the humble so strengthened at that moment the weak hope of Gertrudis (that she spoke to Catherine): “You are very happy that you may serve your Lord in solitude by fasting and much prayer. I also wish to live only for Him and share your happiness. But you should know that I am ignorant and not learned, but as a compensation I have a pair of strong arms that will work for you in honour of God day and night, if only you would give me as my wage a place in your house and a piece of bread.
Catherine, surprised by what had happened, could not restrain herself (from embracing) Gertrudis tenderly and to press her with much love to her heart. After this expression of friendship Catherine said as she clearly saw that her prayer was fulfilled, “Well, my child, be welcome, God bless your entering. He sent you to me because I am in want of help.” Gertrudis needed no second request but soon she entered Catherine’s house with the few things she possessed and she rendered her much service because she worked untiringly.