There were nine children in the family, seven sons, two of whom became priests in the Archdiocese of Wellington, and were well-known to the sisters in later years.

Mother Aubert knew Mrs Carmine she had sent her some of her herbal remedies. Two letters, which had been preserved by Father Pat Carmine of Broken Hill, and handed to the Sisters there, are now in our Archives. The letter written to Kate from Mother Aubert, before her coming to Wellingtons to begin her Postulancy gives a clear insight as to what the work of a Sister of Compassion would be. The letter reveals Mother’s spirit, and what she desired to find in those who wished to answer God’s call. It also affords evidence of the principles on which Suzanne founded her works.

Kate Carmine was a much-loved postulant who entered the Sisters of Compassion some months previously before coming very ill, almost unperceived at first. A severe cold developed into pneumonia, and then tuberculosis. Kate was so uncomplaining, so sweet and self-sacrificing that everyone loved her dearly. Kate was professed on her death-bed, and was given the name of Sister Mary de Lourdes. She died the same day.

Sister Angela in the Reminiscences gives an account of the death of Sister de Lourdes, which occurred on the 17 October, 1908. Kate was the first Sister of Compassion to die. She is buried at the Sisters of Compassion original plot at Karori.

Born      Entered    Professed     Died     
1890     1908      17.10.1908 17.10.1908