USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume I > Part 9
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In the afternoon the Catholic societies assembled and formed a procession nearly a mile in length. The Irish societies composed the first division and the German societies the second. Between the divisions were Bishop Chatard and other clergymen in carriages.
Rev. Denis O'Donaghue, in behalf of the societies, arose in his carriage and, in his own eloquent style, welcomed the bishop to the diocese. He delivered the following address:
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IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.
REV. FATHER O'DONAGHUE'S ADDRESS.
On the part of our Catholic societies and Catholic people, I have the pleasure and privilege of extending to you a hearty welcome to the capital of Indiana. We have for some time looked for your coming among us, and we are glad that you are now here. We have come together this evening to testify our appreciation of your high qualities and to thank you for the favor you do us in making this city your permanent home. We would wish to know better how to receive you and how to honor one occupying the exalted station you do, but we are sure you will ascribe any deficiency in this regard to inexperience rather than to any lack of good will on our part.
You come to us from the Eternal city, clothed with authority from the vicar of Christ, and as such we bow to you in filial reverence and obedience. Your presence in this important city will be productive of good, not only to your own flock, but to many others besides. The great church of which you are a bishop will become better known, its doctrines will begin to be more thoroughly examined by a community that does not understand them, and its teachings will satisfy the minds of sincere searchers after truth. Statesmen and philosophers of this day are beginning to recognize the great truth that the Catholic church is the strongest conservative element that human governments can find to rely upon. But yester- day the chancellor of Germany was ready to trample on the church of his ances- tors, and thought no law unjust that looked to its overthrow; now this eminent statesman shows signs of readiness to negotiate with the authorities of Rome.' The stability of his empire, built on irreligion, is threatened by the socialistic ele- ments whom he has taught to forget God, and who have themselves learned to disregard individual rights and human laws. The Catholic church here has a mis- sion to fulfill equally as important as in the old world. Infidelity is overleaping the barriers that held it in check in this land, and those who would escape the ravages are looking to the church as the only power to stay its progress. The gospel of Christ, preached by those whom he has placed to rule his church, will triumph in this important conflict. We greet you, Monseigneur, as a soldier of the cross, whose mission is a mission of peace and good-will to all men. We trust you will never find us unmindful of your wise counsel, and we assure you that you will not have reason to regret the confidence you repose in us as dutiful and grateful subjects. Accept this slight testimonial of respect which we wish to pay you on this, your first day among us, and allow us to indulge the hope that we may long possess the privi- lege of being guided by your good advice and pious direction. In the death of your sainted predecessor we lost a father who loved us. In the person of your- self, Providence has sent a successor worthy to walk in his footsteps. We promise that the respect and love we gave him will be given to you, and in return we ask your prayers and blessing for our temporal and eternal welfare.
The bishop's response was in his happiest vein and was along the lines of the address of welcome.
The welcoming ceremonies over, Bishop Chatard at once set- tled down to the business of governing a diocese of nearly 90,000 Catholics, having in it 127 priests and 151 churches and missions.
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He saw the great work he had to do, and, humanly regarding it, he must have quailed before it; but, trusting in help from on high, and in the power of prayer, as he declared in his sermon and addresses, he resolutely entered upon his arduous labors.
Recognizing the need for a synodical gathering of his priests, Bishop Chatard called them together on the 10th of the following December, 1878. This synod, the first under the present bishop and the second in the diocese, met in St. John's church, Indian- apolis. Of the 127 priests in the diocese, eighty-two were present. The following were in attendance.
Rev. H. Alerding.
Rev. Alexander Koesters.
Ernest Audran.
T. X. Logan.
Denis Abarth, O. S. F.
Joseph Lesen, O. M. C.
Very Rev. Aug. Bessonies, V. G.
Eugene F. McBarron.
Rev. Ferdinand Bergmeyer, O. S. F.
D). Marzetti.
Leonard Brandt.
.
John McCabe.
Bernard Brueggemann.
C. McEvoy, O. M. C.
L. M. S. Burkhardt.
Patrick McDermott.
Clement J. Conrad.
J. Mougin.
John B. Chassé.
Andrew Michael.
Daniel Curran.
J. M. Missi.
Francis De Langie.
Aegid. Merz.
Januarius M. D'Arco.
Denis J. McMullen.
Aloysius Danenhoffer.
Joseph Merckl.
John W. Doyle.
Alphonse Munschina.
Francis M. Mousset.
Joseph Dickmann.
Timothy O'Donaghue.
William Doyle.
D. O'Dongahue.
Julius J. Duddenhausen.
Leo Osredkar. O. S. F.
C. Elison, O. M. C.
Hippolite Pierrard.
Bernard Ewers.
Hugh Peythieu.
Edward Faller.
James Pfeiffer.
Arsenius Fahle, O. S. F.
Frederic W. Pepersack.
P. R. Fitzpatrick.
Bartholomew Piers.
Joseph Fleischmann.
Meinrad Fleischmann.
Francis J. Rudolf.
John P. Gillig.
Victor A. Schnell.
John J. Gabriel.
J. P. Sassel. Anthony A. Schenk.
Francis X. Girolt.
Francis Seegmueller.
Louis Gueguen.
J. B. H. Seepe.
John Gueguen.
Caspar Seiler.
Michael Guthneck.
H. J. Seibertz.
Isidore Hobi, O. S. B.
66 Anthony Scheideler, V. G.
Michael Heck.
" E. J. Spelman.
Ferdinand Hundt.
Florentine J. Sondermann.
Henry H. Kessing.
16 Francis Torbeck.
Frederick Viefhaus.
John B. Kelley.
\V. Kemper.
Roman Weinzoepfel.
Francis Ignatius Klein.
George Widerin.
John Dion.
Denis O'Donovan.
= John H. Diestel.
Michael Quinlan.
Mathias A. Gillig.
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Immediately following the adjournment of the synod, the bishop issued a pastoral letter in which he treated on such topics as then were needful to be discussed, and on which, doubtless, the synod had taken action. These topics were: The Church of God, The Clergy and the Laity, The Sacrament of Matrimony, Catholic Schools, Secret Societies, Catholic Societies.
The evils resulting from mixed marriages becoming quite glar- ing and numerous in the diocese, the bishop, a short time after- ward, found it necessary to disapprove of and condemn such mar- riages. To do this most effectually, he issued another pastoral replete with instructions to both priests and people, especially exhorting and directing the former to see to it that purely Cath- olic marriages become the order-the strict rule-thereafter; and that mixed marriages be tolerated only for good and sufficient cause.
The Third synod was held at St. John's church, Indianapolis, November 30, 1880. At this gathering of the clergy seventy-nine were present. The matters concerning which action was taken were the schools, the orphans and cemeteries.
The Fourth synod took place, also at St. John's church, Indi- anapolis, November 9, 1886. There was an attendance of ninety- six priests. The regulations of the Baltimore council of 1884 were put in force, and the division of the diocese into seven deaneries or districts was effected. The districts named were Vincennes, Evansville, Cannelton, New Albany, Madison, Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis. A dean was later appointed to have charge of each district; that of Indianapolis was not given a dean. The law relat- ing to irremovable rectors was also adopted, and the following ten parishes were named, the pastors of which were declared subject to the law: St. Mary's, Indianapolis; St. John's, Vincennes; St. Mary's, Richmond; St. Andrews's, Richmond; St. Simon's, Wash- · ington; Assumption, Evansville; Holy Trinity, Evansville; St. Mary's, New Albany; St. Patrick's, Indianapolis; Holy Trinity, New Albany.
The Fifth synod was held at St. John's church, Indianapolis, May 3, 1891. There were ninety-four priests present. The busi- ness attended to was regarding the regulation of schools and
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school books, making provision for the maintenance of infirm priests, and the establishment of rules touching Christian burial.
It is as difficult to give statistics touching the spiritual as it is- to photograph a soul. Yet there are signs which indicate results in this respect, and which may be consulted if we wish to arrive at conclusions regarding the great influence of the Catholic church among its adherents in the southern half of Indiana.
In the diocese of Vincennes, since the advent of Bishop Cha- tard, twenty years ago-1878-1898-there have been but two public interruptions of good order-disturbances by two priests in paro- chial temporalities. These have been happily righted, and the parties thereto have submitted to the governing ecclesiastical authority and are now at their posts, zealous for the cause of relig- ion, and are as warmly regarded by the authority as if no disagree- ment had occurred. This shows what religion can accomplish, and how justice and mercy, together with charity, can work won- ders among men. While such troubles are to be avoided and regretted, yet, when properly adjusted, good often results, since the healing process is an object lesson, not only to the faithful, but even to those not of the faith.
That the governing spirit of the diocese is of God, and that it has been alert and cautious in all things pertaining to both the spiritual and the temporal, can be seen in the increase and pros- perity which have marked the affairs of the Vincennes diocese thus far. In the last twenty years, or since the present bishop took charge, in 1878, there have been twenty-six new parishes organized, and in each of them a new church (and in many instances a new school) has been erected. Each of these parishes has its resident priest. The estimated cost of these improvements exceeds $550,- 000. Beside these, there have been ten new missions established, and a church built in each; and in nineteen of the old parishes new churches have been erected, the cost of which, including new schools, will not fall far short of a half-million dollars. . It would be safe to say that one and one-fourth million dollars would not exceed the amount expended in making temporal improvements during the past twenty years in the diocese of Vincennes. The people who have contributed this money, and the men who have (102)
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IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.
looked after its judicious expenditure, give the evidence that the- spiritual is not neglected, but fostered and furthered in connection with these temporalities. The temporal is often an index to the spiritual.
The twenty-six new parishes and churches referred to are located or named as follows:
At Indianapolis-St. Bridget's, St. Francis, Holy Cross,. Assumption, St. Anthony's, SS. Peter and Paul's.
At Evansville-St. Boniface, Sacred Heart, St. Anthony.
At Terre Haute-St. Patrick's.
Then follow those at Bedford; Navilleton; Cedar Grove; Clin- ton; Henryville; Sullivan; Poseyville, Posey county; Siberia, Perry county; St. Ann's, Jennings county; St. Denis, Decatur county; St. Joseph's and St. Martin's, Martin county; St. Michael's, Daviess county; St. Thomas, Knox county; Yankeetown, Warrick county, and Boonville, in the same county.
The nineteen new churches erected since 1878, in parishes previously organized, are located or named as follows:
Columbus; Connersville; Greensburg; Greenfield; Hayden,. Jennings county; Huntingburg, Dubois county; Martinsville; Mt .. Vernon; Princeton; Rockville; Rushville; Morris, Ripley county; St. Anthony, Dubois county; St. Croix, Perry county; St. John's, Warrick county; St. Benedict's, Terre Haute; Troy, Perry county, and St. Simon's, Washington, Daviess county.
The ten new missions and churches are: Coxville, Fontanet and Rosedale, Park county; St. Michael's, St. Peter's, Laconia and. Locust Point, Harrison county; St. Joseph's, Crawford county; Linton, Green county, and Adyeville, Perry county.
Of the 1.72 priests active in the diocese at this time (1898), 1 30 are of the diocesan clergy proper, as distinct from the mem- bers of religious orders. Those ordained by Bishop Chatard and now laboring in the diocese are as follows:
Rev. C. Conrad. M. Guthneck.
Rev. F. Roell. H. Fein.
A. Riehle.
P. Baron.
J. J. Macke.
J. F. Bauer.
¥ A. Feigen.
J. Hegger.
" F. Luebbermann.
A. Schaaf.
C. Bilger. J. Thie.
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Rev. C. Schwartz. -
Rev. J. F. Weber.
M. Andres.
J. F. Stanton. .
66 C. Curran.
J. F. Mattingly.
P. Hommes.
"
Jos. Chartrand.
T. Mclaughlin.
Chas. A. Clever.
J. Ryves.
Stephen Donohue.
Wm. Wack.
J. Scheefers. 66
A. A. Kaelin.
Wm. Jochum.
A. Peckskamp.
J. Haskamp.
J. Matthews.
L. Fichter.
M. Bogemann.
Jos. Gerdon.
J. M. Zoglmann.
J. A. Kohlmann.
Geo. Loesch.
66
E. Ledvina.
Theo. Mesker.
.€
J. P. O'Connell.
F. H. Gavisk.
66
J. J. Wade.
J. A. Urich.
60
J. Gorman.
K. Schott.
M. Toelle.
F. J. Neuhoffer.
F. X. Unterreitmeier.
C. Stricker.
Wm. Liesen.
J. H. Hillebrand.
F. W. Wolf.
Jas. Byrne.
Jos. Haas.
F. B. Dowd.
J. Loibl.
J. H. Boersig.
Jos. Schaub.
H. Moss.
E. Ketter. -
From information at hand, and from careful estimates made by Very Rev. Chancellor O'Donahgue of the diocese of Vincennes (in 1898) the following facts and figures are of consequunce, since they more fully set forth the state of the diocese:
1. Priests, both diocesan and religious, 172.
2. Churches, not including chapels, 175.
3. One diocesan seminary, with thirty-three students.
4. Two Novitiates for religious communities for men, twenty-five students.
5. Two colleges and academies for boys, students 200.
6. Eighteen academies for young ladies, pupils 3,000.
7. Ninety-seven parochial schools, pupils attending 13,934.
8. Two industrial and reform schools and one charitable institution.
9. Three hospitals and two homes for the aged poor.
10. Total number of young people under Catholic care in the diocese, 16,550.
11. Total marriages during previous year, 952.
12. Total baptisms
2,657.
13. Total burials
" 1,755.
14. Catholic population, liberally estimated at 120,000.
15. Total expended in twenty years, in making temporal improvements. $1,250,000.
Among the events of note in the diocese was the investing of Rt. Rev. Mgr. Aug. Bessonies as domestic prelate to the Pope by Bishop Chatard, April 28, 1884. He was appointed the 22nd of the previous January. Another event was the celebration of his (104)
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. golden jubilee by Mgr. Bessonies February 22, 1890. This grand old man of the diocese, while not the oldest in years, is yet the old- est in service as a priest.
In 1887 the golden jubilee of Pope Leo XIII was grandly cele- brated in Indianapolis. A public meeting of 5,000 Catholics was held in Tomlinson Hall, which was addressed by Bishop Chatard, Very Rev. A. Scheideler, M. W. Carr and George Wolf.
In the spring of 1898 the brief from the Holy Father, Leo XIII, was received by Bishop Chatard, granting permission to change the name of the diocese from that of Vincennes to Indi- anapolis, entailing all the legal changes that must result as an effect of the brief. It makes Indianapolis not only an episcopal city, but also the see city and seat of the ecclesiastical authority for the diocese. It also empowers the erection of a cathedral, which long-expected work will be undertaken in the near future. The issuance of the brief referred to is the latest event of importance in the history of the former diocese of Vincennes and the present diocese of Indianapolis.
The following letter announcing the change in the title of the diocese was addressed to the priests by Bishop Chatard:
REVEREND SIR: A brief from the holy see, bearing date March 28, 1898, for reasons approved of by his Holiness, and on the recommendation of the Most Rev. Archbishop of Cincinnati and of all the right reverend bishops of this province, changes the title of the diocese of Vincennes to that of the diocese of Indianapolis. We notify your reverence of this act for all legal effects following from it, and that all communicatians to the ordinary of the diocese may be so addressed.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., April 30, 1898.
FRANCIS SILAS, Bishop of Indianapolis.
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CHAPTER VII.
SKETCH OF RT. REV. FRANCIS SILAS CHATARD, FIFTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF VINCENNES, NOW THE DIOCESE OF INDIANAPOLIS -- HIS FIRST PASTORAL LETTER SENT FROM ROME.
T THE fifth and present bishop of Vincennes, now the diocese of Indianapolis, was born in Baltimore, Md., December 13, 1834. Following the example of two generations of his family, he became a doctor of medicine, and after graduation, in 1853, he practiced for two years in the Baltimore infirmary attached to the university, and in the city alms-house hospital as one of the resi- dent physicians.
Without becoming dissatisfied with the medical profession as a profession, or losing to any degree his love for it as a science, he forsook the calling to devote himself to a higher one. He felt himself called to the ministry that concerns itself about the soul rather than the body, and he forthwith applied to Archbishop Kenrick, then of Baltimore, to be permitted to proceed regularly in obedience to the "kindly light" that would lead him on.
Having graduated in the classics from Mount St. Mary's college before he began his medical studies, he was therefore well prepared . to begin his divinity studies, to complete which Archbishop Ken- rick sent him to the Urban college of the Propaganda, at Rome, Italy. During six years he applied himself assiduously to the study of philosophy and theology, and in 1863, after a rigid public exam- ination, he won and received the title of doctor of divinity. Shortly afterward he was appointed to the vice-rectorship of the American college at Rome, which position he held until 1868 when he became rector of that famous institution.
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For ten years Dr. Chatard presided over the American college as its rector, concerning himself, not alone about its sphere as an educational institution, but also about its finances, which, owing to multiplied demands, stood much in need of atten- tion. On account of failing health his physician recommended a change of climate. This change was had by making a visit to his native land. While thus recuperating, Dr. Chatard, by authority of Pope Pius IX, made appeals to the American bishops in behalf of his college. He was gratified with the responses he received and was thereby enabled to relieve the institution from embarrassments occasioned by insufficient revenue.
Dr. Chatard's remarkable success in managing the American college attracted the attention, not only of the bishops of his native land, but also and especially that of the Pope, who gra- ciously recognized him on all occasions, and signally honored him when opportunity offered. Besides presenting him with a large- sized gold medal of exquisite design and finish as a token of approval, and of his own personal regard, he further honored him by appointing him one of the chamberlains at the papal court, giving him authority to arrange for all audiences for Americans with the Pope. The conferring of these distinctions was followed by his appointment as bishop of Vincennes, which occurred (1878) while he was in the United States in the interests of the American college.
These facts and this outline of the career of Dr. Chatard are an index to the ability and character of the man, while they serve at the same time to indicate the things upon which his ripe scholar- ship is based. Besides the advantage of six years of training as a student in the Urban college, he has had fourteen years of experi- ence in conducting the American college, and also the opportunity of consulting the Vatican library and the rich archives of St. Peter's church. Mingling with the greatest men of his day, many of whom he met during the Vatican council, and having learned, by obser- vation and contact, the things essential to the administration, both spiritual and temporal, of the greatest institution in the world, the Catholic church, he found himself thoroughly equipped to govern the diocese of which he was appointed bishop.
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Always a diligent and patient student, and from his acquaint- ance with books, knowing where to look for the widest informa- tion on nearly all questions; appreciating knowledge both for its own sake as well as for the good uses to which he invariably finds occasion to devote it, Bishop Chatard stands forth a man whose mind is well stored with the ripe fruits of more than fifty years of earnest inquiry and study. A doctor in divinity as well as in medi- cine; a philosopher, and a scientist of no mean attainments; a stu- dent of human nature and a master in sacred science; a fluent speaker; a profound thinker; a linguist of note, and a writer of elegance and force, he combines grandeur of soul with superiority of intellect.
By nature Bishop Chatard is a dignified man. With dignity he possesses force and decision of character. As a man among men his distinguished personality and great learning render him eminent. The high office of bishop loses nothing by his filling it, nor would a higher be unbecoming to him. Religion with him is a reality-a fact, not a sentiment. It is a business -- the most seri- ous business of his life. It implies obligation, and obligation ful- filled is duty done. While serious almost to the point of severity in dealing with grave matters, and resolutely fixed in his rulings. where new information to the contrary is not forthcoming, he yet manifests a patience so christian, a tolerance so remarkable, and a gentleness of character so peculiarly his own that no one has ever mistaken them for mere yielding or weakness. Firmness, force of character, great executive ability, rare culture, refinement and charm of manner are elements so notable in the personality of Dr. Chatard that even those who know him best find it difficult to say which one is the most prominent. The fact is, each is superlative when occasion calls.
While all may not love Bishop Chatard, since all are not equal. to understanding or compassing either him or his official acts, there is yet to be found any one who does not respect, admire and revere. him both as a man and as a christian bishop.
During the twenty years which Bishop Chatard has ruled as. . head of the church in the diocese of Indianapolis, his spiritual zeal and his great mental vigor, backed by a healthy body, (108) 1
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inclined and enabled him to both speak and write much in his capacity of bishop, and along lines purely spiritual. He began his career as bishop by addressing a pastoral letter to his diocese, dated at Rome and written immediately after his consecration. That letter has been esteemed as among the ablest of modern times, connecting our day with the times of the early fathers and the immediate successors of the apostles.
His discourses, too-his sermons -- have been replete with profound thought, apt in application to times and occasions, and happy in arrangement of the matter. That one delivered on the occasion of the re-entombment of the remains of Bishop Hailan- diere was of such rare merit that the desire of Archbishop Elder, of Cincinnati, to have it published in pamphlet form was carried out. All of Bishop Chatard's lectures are rich in thought. While excellence in arrangement and choice of language as to fitness and force are always in evidence, yet it can be seen that thought is invariably given first place. It can therefore be said of Dr. Cha- tard that, when he speaks, he says something.
In giving some extracts from a few of his lectures and dis- courses, we will begin with his first pastoral, which, because of its importance as well as because of its being his first, and, besides being sent from Rome in advance of his coming, has special claims upon space in a history of the diocese. It is as follows:
BISHOP CHATARD'S FIRST PASTORAL.
Francis Silas, by the grace of God and favor of the Apostolic See, Bishop of Vincennes, to his clergy and people, health and life everlasting from the Lord:
Raised by the voice of our Chief Pastor to the see of Vincennes, it has seemed to us most fitting, dearly beloved brethren, to follow the custom of those bishops, who receive episcopal consecration in the Holy city, and address you in a few words, as a pledge of that charity of Christ which fills us with zeal for your welfare; and as a means also of recalling efficaciously those, counsels that regard the direction of your life, the prosperity of our church, and the diffusion of our holy religion.
We set about this very useful work all the more willingly, because we have before our eyes the lives and actions of our predecessors of most worthy memory. In them was to be seen a remarkable zeal for souls. They belonged to that chosen band of apostles who, following the footsteps of the saints, left home, rela- tives, their native land, that they might bring the Catholic faith into our beloved country; that they might reveal the light of truth to our people; that they might teach the sound principles of right living; that they might be to us, God so dispos-
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