USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume I > Part 16
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Very Rev. Joseph Dwenger, second bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne, was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1837. When about three years of age his father died; the mother then moved to Cincinnati. The boy received his early education in the schools of Holy Trinity church in that city. At the age of twelve years the boy lost his mother, and he was cared for by Rev. Andrew Kunkler, the provincial superior of the religious com- munity known as the Congregation of the Precious Blood. With these Fathers the boy completed his collegiate course, but in the higher branches, theology and the accompanying studies, he grad- uated at Mount St. Mary's provincial seminary, Cincinnati. He was ordained to the priesthood for the community above named, by Most Rev. Archbishop Purcell, at the early age of twenty-two years, by papal dispensation of course, on the 4th of September, 1859. The young priest was immediately appointed professor and director in the seminary of his order, a position which he held for three years, and he also founded the new seminary at Carthagena, in Mercer county, Ohio, which to this day is a flourishing institu- (170)
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tion. The young clergyman was next engaged in parochial work, from which, after five years, he was called to a more difficult duty.
In 1866 Father Joseph, as he was then familiarly known, accompanied Archbishop Purcell to the second plenary council of Baltimore as the representative of the order to which he belonged, and also in the capacity of theologian to the archbishop. From 1867 to 1872 Father Dwenger was exclusively occupied in preach- ing missions throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He also held the office of secretary and consultant, in the meantime, in the community of the Precious Blood. Upon the death of Bishop Luers, Rev. Joseph Dwenger, at the age of thirty-four and a half years, was appointed second bishop of Fort Wayne. He was con- ·secrated for the exalted position, in the cathedral of Cincinnati, by Archbishop Purcell, April 14, 1872, and without any delay took charge of the diocese entrusted to him.
In 1874 Bishop Dwenger went to Europe with the first Amer- ican pilgrimage, of which he was the acknowledged head. The objective points of visits were Rome and Lourdes. In 1875 he undertook the erection of an asylum in which he intended placing orphan boys, who, up to this time, had been cared for, together with the orphan girls, at the orphanage at Rensselaer. He pro- ·cured fifty acres of land adjoining the city of LaFayette, upon which he erected a commodious four-story brick building, at a cost of $30,000. The new asylum is called St. Joseph's orphan asy- lum and manual labor school, and has an average of IIO boys; ten Sisters of Charity and two Brothers have charge, under the direction of a reverend chaplain. In 1879 the bishop appointed a diocesan school board, selecting ten clergymen, to whom he gave the supervision of matters pertaining to the parochial schools of the diocese. There is a president and secretary of the board, though the bishop is ex-officio the superior officer. The diocese is ·divided into seven school districts, and all the schools in every dis- trict are visited once a year and examined by one or more members ·of the board. A printed pamphlet of about 100 pages, containing a report from all the schools, is annually submitted to the bishop. This is known as the diocesan school report. This same system wasafterward adopted by the provincial council of Cincinnati and by
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the plenary council of Baltimore, and in its main features is estab- lished in many dioceses of the United States .:
In 1883 the right reverend prelate paid his official visit to Rome. During his absence Very Rev. J. Benoit was administrator of the diocese. In 1884 Bishop Dwenger celebrated his silver jubilee, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priest- hood. All the priests of his diocese, and a number from other parts, gathered in the cathedral to attend the ceremony. Rt. Rev. Bishop Rademacher, of Nashville, preached on the occasion.
In November and December, 1884, the bishop attended the. third plenary council of Baltimore. Among the thirteen arch- bishops and seventy prelates, he was the nineteenth bishop in point of rank and seniority. The council lasted about six weeks. In March of the following year; he left for Rome in the interest of the late Baltimore council, as the representative of the American hier- archy. The bishop spent seven months in the Eternal city. To his indefatigable labors, and to his knowledge of affairs pertaining to the church in America, are due to a great extent the sanction of the college of cardinals, and the approbation of the Pope, of the deliberations of the last council of Baltimore. During his stay in Rome, the bishop was the guest of the North American college. The 4th of July was at hand. The authorities of the college were. somewhat timid about hoisting the American colors in such close proximity to the Quirinal palace, almost in sight of King Humbert's. dwelling. But the bishop came to the fore, and as an American citizen commanded the flag to be sent to the top of the staff, amid. the joy and patriotic exuberance of all the students, who, though beneath Italian skies, never forget their native America, nor allow an occasion to pass without singing the praises of fair Columbia's. shores.
In 1886 Bishop Dwenger carried out a long cherished plan of erecting a suitable home for orphan girls. The asylum was built on a twenty-five-acre plat of ground within the limits of the city of Fort Wayne. A special notice is given this asylum in that part of this work devoted to the Catholic church in Fort Wayne.
Bishop Dwenger again went to Europe, in September, 1888,- on an official visit, and was in consultation with the cardinals, and.
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RT. REV. JOSEPH DWENGER. (DECEASED.)
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also had private audience with Leo XIII. The immense debt that rested upon the diocese when Bishop Dwenger took charge has been canceled long since. Thousands upon thousands of dollars passed through his hands in meeting demands that came upon him in the earlier history of his régime; also thousands upon thousands, again, were carefully expended in the erection of two commodious orphan homes. Large amounts of money were placed at his dis- posal during the years, but all found their way into channels that provide bread for the needy, and charity for the homeless child.
The diocese over which Bishop Dwenger presided comprised about one-half of the state of Indiana, being the northern portion, and contained forty-four counties. At the time of his death there were in his diocese 120 priests, 130 churches and twenty chapels, beside one university, sixty-five schools and about 9,000 pupils; two orphan asylums and five hospitals. During his administration as bishop, Mgr. Dwenger conferred the order of priesthood upon many young men. He had traveled over his entire diocese as a rule once in every two years, sometimes oftener, either to admin- ister confirmation and preach, to dedicate a church or perform some other episcopal function. He was altogether a man of won- derful energy and vitality and strength, but finally succumbed to an attack of la grippe, and for nearly three years prior to his death had transferred to his vicar-general, Rev. Joseph H. Brammer, the more active duties of the bishopric. The lamented death of Bishop Dwenger took place January 22, 1893. For some months prior to his death the very reverend bishop had in contemplation (and so provided in his will at the time) the appoint- ment of the very Rev. Joseph Henry Brammer as his executor and administrator of the diocese, and this office the latter worthily filled from the date of the death of the late lamented bishop until the installation of the Right Rev. Bishop Joseph Rademacher, . October 4, 1893.
At the funeral of Bishop Dwenger (January 27, 1893), the fol- lowing distinguished prelates were present: Most Rev. William Henry Elder, archbishop of Cincinnati; Most Rev. Frederic X. Katzer, archbishop, Milwaukee; Rt. Rev. Joseph Rademacher, bishop of Nashville; Rt. Rev. Henry Joseph Richter, bishop of
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Grand Rapids; Rt. Rev. John S. Foley, bishop of Detroit; Rt. Rev. Camillus P. Maes, bishop of Covington; Rt. Rev. John Jans- sen, bishop of Belleville; Rt. Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, bishop. of Cleveland; also 175 priests. The relatives of the bishop, con- sisting of Joseph Dwenger, a nephew, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Specker, of Cincinnati, cousins, and a few others were seated in the ordinary pews.
At the hour of 8:45 all the reverend clergy assembled in the sacristy of the cathedral, and, after vesting, proceeded to the sanctuary and began the ceremony known as the office of the dead. This impressive right consists of that part of the Roman breviary which is said only for the repose of the soul of some one of the clergy. The hebdomadaries were the Very Rev. A. B. Oechtering and Rev. L. A. Moench. The bishops, eight in number, wore. their miters, which are always used for ceremonials of this nature. The vestments of the priests were also those used on such occa- sions. Immediately after the conclusion of the office of the dead,. the pontificate requeim mass was begun. The huge organ poured- forth its solemn strain of Wilt's masterpiece, and the choir. re- sponded, as the celebrant, the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, D. D., began the intonation of the mass. The archbishop's assist- ants were as follows: Assistant priest, the Very Rev. J. H. Bram- mer; deacon of the mass, Rev. John Bleckmann; sub-deacon of mass, the Rev. John R. Quinlan; first master of ceremonies, the Rev. John R. Dinnen; second master of ceremonies, Rev. W. J. Quinlan.
The elevation of the host was particularly impressive, all the uniformed knights kneeling upon their swords. At the conclusion of the mass, the archbishop took his seat upon the throne, opposite and to the right of that of the late bishop. The sermon was deliv- , ered from the heavily draped pulpit by the Most Rev. Bishop Rad- emacher, of Nashville, Tenn. He had been a life-long friend and, was probably nearest to him of all the other prelates. He said: " I am requested to announce that on to-morrow there will be an: anniversary requiem mass said in this cathedral for the late Mgr. Benoit." Bishop Rademacher then read the ninth chapter of Maccabees, choosing for the text of his eulogy the sentence, " How" (176)
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is the mighty man fallen that saved the people of Israel." He continued :
Eight years ago in this cathedral a scene was enacted very similar to the occasion for which we are now officiating. Then, as now, the remains of a prelate -the good Mgr. Benoit, builder of this house of God, the earnest pioneer mission- ary-were conveyed to their last resting place beneath the sanctuary. Before the communion rail upon that occasion, uttering the words of light in the midst of his people, and proud in manly vigor, you all remember the scene, how your beloved Bishop Dwenger announced a most touching eulogy and deplored the loss of the good Father about to be laid at rest in the tomb. Now we have again been called to mourn the loss of one whose tongue was as eloquent as any heard, whose heart was so true, so gentle, so tender, and so noble that we are again reminded " How is the mighty man fallen that saved the people of Israel."
If the Israelites had cause to mourn the loss of their mighty leader in the old law, how much more have we of the new law to mourn the loss of our beloved bishop, for no ties are so tender as that spiritual union which unites the heart of a priest to his people. And as the ties which bind the bishop to his people are higher than those of a priest by virtue of his great responsibility, therefore we have more reasons to mourn and exclaim " How is the mighty man fallen that saved the people of Israel."
He was your bishop, he was your father, he was your spiritual adviser; he was your spiritual wall of protection against every enemy. He is now no longer; and although cut down in the prime of life, we have reason to rejoice, for the words. of our text serve to edify the memory of his life and bid us draw a lesson from his illustrious example and to ever cherish his memory.
Bishop Rademacher then gave a brief sketch of the life of the deceased, telling of his parentage, who, he said, were poor in worldly goods, but were rich in Christian virtues. He concluded his sermon with the following eloquent words:
Bishop Dwenger was cast by nature in a grand mold. He was a perfect specimen of manhood. His powers of endurement were wonderful. His capacity for hard work was enormous. His strong faith was an index of a mind clear and logical and his memory was prodigious and his will was strong and unbending, when he knew it to be directed for the right. His heart was as pure as gold and as noble and generous as the world is wide. His love of country was great, not- withstanding it had been said to the contrary. He was accustomed to say, in speaking of himself, that he was born under an oak tree and his love of his native America was as deep-rooted as the roots of the sturdy oak. His work for the lambs (the orphans) of his flock alone is a monument which should forever keep his memory fresh in the hearts of the people. He had an open eye and a tender hand for every need of the diocese over which he ruled. He was an advocate and champion of the education of the children, and the perfection of the schools under his charge was his constant aim.
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Three years ago he was stricken with la grippe, and the long months of suffering which followed as the disease developed other complications brought him closer to the foot of the cross to suffer, as did our dear Lord, the coronation of the bitter crown of thorns. He once said to me "I know that God is good, be- cause He has sent this to me. I know that He is merciful to me now, because He makes me suffer;" as gold is cleansed and purified by fire, so has he been pre- pared for his reward. We mourn, but yet have reasons to rejoice. Think often of his example. Keep green his memory. Pray for his soul that he may soon be admitted to his reward. Amen.
The following members of the Episcopacy, who were to offici- ate as pall bearers, disposed themselves about the casket: Very Rev. E. P. Walters, Very Rev. M. E. Campion, Very Rev. A. B. Oechtering, Very Rev. B. Kroeger, Very Rev. D. Duehmig, Very Rev. J. Decks, Rev. J. H. Hueser, Rev. J. H. Oechtering, Rev. B. Weidau, Rev. H. Meissner, Rev. H. Koehne and Rev. E. Koenig: The remains were then conveyed into the sanctuary, to the vault, and carefully lowered to their last resting place with great solemnity. Bishop Dwenger was loved in every part of his diocese. He was in many respects a wonderful man. A well known banker of Fort Wayne remarked recently that the late bishop was the greatest financier he had ever known, yet he was not great alone in temporal matters, but in the spiritual. The numer- ous charitable institutions founded by him will always remain a monument to his memory.
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+ for Rademacher Bishop of Fort Wayne
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CHAPTER XI.
THE PRESENT BISHOP OF FORT WAYNE-THE RIGHT REVEREND JOSEPH RADEMACHER, D. D .- HIS ADMIRABLE ADMINISTRATION.
THE Right Rev. Joseph Rademacher, D. D., third bishop of Fort Wayne, was born on December 3, 1840, in Westphalia, Clinton county, Mich. In 1855 his parents sent him to St. Vin- cent's college, near Latrobe, Pa., a famous institution of learning in charge of the Benedictine order, where he completed his clas- sical and philosophical course, and entered upon the study of the- ology. He completed the latter discipline in St. Michael's semi- nary at Pittsburg, Pa. Becoming affiliated with the diocese of Fort Wayne, he was promoted to the priesthood on August 2, 1863, - by Rt. Rev. Bishop Luers.
His first charge was the village of Attica, Fountain county, Ind., together with a number of missions in the adjoining counties. After laboring there with signal success for six years, he was trans- " ferred to Columbia City. Soon, however, his sterling qualities of mind and heart won for him from Bishop Dwenger the well mer- ited promotion to the important parish of St. Mary's in the epis- copal city and the office' of diocesan chancelor. In June, 1880, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's church, LaFayette, to further the interests of that large and important congregation.
The Nashville, Tenn., diocese having been left without a bishop after the translation of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Feehan to Chicago, in April, 1883, Father Joseph Rademacher was appointed to that see, and consecrated bishop of Nashville on June 24, of that year. His administration of that see was a singularly success- ful one, and he added materially to the equipment of his diocese. Dr. Rademacher was one of the two American prelates, who, in 1889, went on the pilgrimage to Palestine, and he was the only
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bishop who accompanied the pilgrims through the whole journey, the other prelate, Dr. Wigger, of Newark, N. J., falling sick at Rome and being obliged to discontinue the pilgrimage. After his return Bishop Rademacher continued his administration of the diocese with renewed vigor, until, on July 13, 1893, Pope Leo XIII appointed him to Fort Wayne, Bishop Dwenger having been called to his reward on January 22 of the same year.
His installation in the cathedral of Fort Wayne on the even- ing of October 4, 1893, was a demonstration ever memorable in the annals of the city. The entire population seemed to have turned out to welcome the prelate, who had endeared himself to all during his former residence among them.
It was 7:50 o'clock, P. M., when the special train arrived at the south depot. A great crowd of people had assembled; red fire and other fire works added to the animation. Uniformed Knights kept back the crowd at the depot and allowed the guests to reach their carriages. The carriages soon formed at the head of the pro- cession of uniformed and non-uniformed Catholic societies which awaited the arrival of the bishop, and the parade. then moved toward the cathedral in the following order: City band, committee on reception, Wayne commandery, C. B. L., Indiana Command- ery, C. B. L., Emmett commandery, C. B. L., St. Julian council, C. B. L., A. O. H., and clergymen in carriages.
At the cathedral steps a great throng was encountered. Over the doorway the word " Welcome " had been formed from hundreds of flashing electric light bulbs and just beneath hung a red cross in living light. As the carriage conveying the bishop and archbishop drove up, Father Brammer and other clergymen came down the steps from within the cathedral. In his purple robes Bishop Rad- emacher, accompanied by Archbishop Elder, halted at the steps, where the bishop was addressed by Father Brammer, who extended a most hearty welcome on behalf of the clergy at Fort Wayne. "Ever since the death of Bishop Dwenger," said Father Brammer, "it has been the earnest wish of every Catholic of this diocese that you would be chosen bishop. For this reason, and because we love and respect you, our welcome is all the heartier."
Attorney William P. Breen then stepped forward, and on (182)
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behalf of the laity addressed the bishop. Among other things, he said:
You come no stranger to the threshold of Fort Wayne's cathedral. You have adorned its altar and graced its pulpit in years gone by. As a distinguished, learned priest, it was once your cathedral, and when exalted to the episcopal dig- nity we always thought that this sacred place, the enduring and beauteous monu- ment of Bishops Luers and Dwenger, had for you an attractive aspect.
The wisdom of Divine Providence enlightened the deliberations of the pro- vincial council and illumined the action of the Holy See in your preferment to this see, and we are profoundly grateful to your distinguished episcopal proteges of the province of Cincinnati for your choice. Ten years of the purple, under the trial, labors and honors of another diocese, attest your possession in'an eminent degree of the parts which make the American Catholic bishop. The dio ese of Fort Wayne has taken no backward step, but holds rank with the leading sees of this country. And while the papers may have been premature in the announce- ment of the erection of the archdiocese of Fort Wayne, we have faith enough in your ability to believe that the great state of Indiana shall soon possess a Catholic archdiocese and that you shall be its first archbishop. In the firm assurance that your success in Nashville is an earnest and a promise of the success and honor which shall surely follow your episcopal endeavors here, we extend to you the broad, deep welcome of the Catholic heart of your diocese of Fort Wayne.
Bishop Rademacher bowed his acknowledgments and passed on into the cathedral. After the singing of the Ecce Sacerdos and brief services at the altar, Bishop Rademacher ascended the pulpit. Among other things he said:
I need not assure you of my warm appreciation of the welcome which you have accorded me, despite the inclement weather. Yours is an ardor which no rain can quench. Yours is an enthusiasm which no water can dampen. Yours has been a magnificent demonstration of faith, and I accept the welcome as a guar- antee upon the part of the clergy and laity. I earnestly ask for your prayers, not only at this time, but in years to come, that I may faithfully perform the duties of my high office in a manner befitting the glory of our faith In conclusion I cannot but allude briefly to the good people of the "Sunny South" from whom I have just parted. Theirs are warm hearts, and my ten years' service in their midst were years of joy. Yet I am glad to be among you here in Fort Wayne, for it was my home before I left for other fields.
After benediction and the singing Te Deum the congregation was dismissed and the visiting clergy were assigned to the episco- pal residence, Wayne and Rich hotels.
At 9:30 o'clock, October 4th, the cathedral was crowded and a few moments later all the visiting clergy entered the sanctuary and the ceremony attending the installation and pontifical mass
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was begun. The officers of the mass were as follows: Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Joseph Rademacher, D. D .; assistant priest, Very Rev. Joseph Brammer; deacons of honor, Very Rev. E. P. Walters and Rev. E. Koenig; deacon of mass, Rev. John R. Quinlan; sub-deacon of mass, Rev. C. B. Guendling; master of ceremonies, Rev. W. J. Quinlan; chaplains to Archbishop Elder, Very Rev. Provincial Corby, C. S. C., and Very Rev. A. B. Oechtering.
The installation having been announced by Father Brammer, the mandatum, or bull, of Leo XIII, appointing Bishop Rade- macher to be bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne was read by Rev. J. H. Hueser, D. D., of Huntington. The document was read in the language in which it was written-Latin. The bishop was then escorted to the throne at the left of the altar, where Arch- bishop Elder bestowed the customary kiss on each cheek. This was followed by the kneeling of each priest in turn at the feet of the new bishop in token of submission. The bishop having already been consecrated at Nashville, the installation ceremonies were brief, but nevertheless very impressive. After this ceremony was concluded the bishop was clothed in the proper vestments and began the mass, intoning in a clear, strong and beautiful voice, which bespoke perfect health and physical strength. Wiegand's mass in honor of St. Patrick was sung, and the Veni Creator was a fine tenor solo by Adolph Schulte. The offertory selection was a baritone by Messrs. Weber and Bensman.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Foley, of Detroit, delivered the sermon, which was a masterpiece of eloquence. He chose his text from . St. John, chapter sixteen, verse fifteen, beginning, “ You have not chosen me, but I you. Go forth, therefore, into the world, teaching all men in my name, for lo, I am with you even unto the consum- mation of the world." Bishop Foley then said " Christ came down from Heaven to fulfill the will of His father. The prophets and the patriarchs of ages before his coming pointed the advent of our Blessed Redeemer, who was to come for the salvation of man." Continuing, he spoke of the early history of the church, and how it had been founded by St. Peter, the first Pope, who was the most beloved of the disciples of Christ. The speaker then elaborated upon the admirable government of the great Catholic hierarchy, and (184)
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said that had it never been founded and nurtured by the Divine will it could never have stood the shocks and storms of two thou- sand years. To-day the church is flourishing and powerful and the Rock of Peter was as solid as it was when the promise was made to the first Pope, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her." Concluding, Bishop Foley paid a glowing tribute to Bishop Rademacher, paying him as high a compliment as it was possible for one distinguished prelate to pay another of equal rank.
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