Blust v. Sisters of Mercy

I cannot concur in the opinion of Mr. Justice Potter.

August 26, 1927, plaintiff joined the Sisters of Mercy, a Roman Catholic charitable organization, as a probationer, intending to qualify for admission to membership in the sisterhood, and as “dowry” provided herself with clothing and contributed money for “reception expenses.” At the expiration of six months she became a “novitiate,” wore the habit, and was called “Sister” by members of the order. Her relation as a novitiate was that of free will devotion of efforts and talents to the religious and charitable purposes of the order. She…