Bresa, Gabriel

Documents concerning the petition of Gabriel Bresa for a dispensation from the diriment impediment in the second and third degree, unequal, of consanguinity with Susana Ravale.

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1795 ? 25

Bresa, Gabriel
(Pointe Coupee

to Bishop Penalver y Cardenas
(New Orleans)

1. Gabriel Bresa from the parish of Pointe Coupee notifies the Bishop that he desires to marry Susana Ravale from the post of Avoyelles, but that he cannot do so because of the diriment impediment that exists between them. He asks, accordingly, the Bishop to receive information concerning the following points.
2. Gabriel Bresa set forth the information as follows:
a) That he is the legitimate son of Joseph Bresa and Antonia
Lemoine.
b) That Susana Ravale, his intended wife, is the legitimate
daughter of Juan Bautista Ravale and Luisa Buchar.
c) That Antonia Lemoine, Gabriel's mother, is the legitimate
daughter of Guillermo Lemoine and Tereza Richard.
d) That Linsa Buchar, mother of his intended wife, is the
legitimate daughter of Luis Buchar and Luisa Lemoine.
e) That Antonia Lemoine, Gabriel's mother, and Luisa Lemoine,
maternal grandmother of his intended wife, are the legitimate
daughters of Guillermo Lemoine and Tereza Richard, from which
results, the impediment of consanguinity in the second and
third degrees respectively.
f) That the parents of his intended wife are poor and have
nine children so that if their marriage does not take place
she would be exposed to other ends.
3. That since these facts are considered sufficient, Gabriel Bresa begs the Bishop to grant them this dispensation and that the Pastor of Pointe Coupee may marry them in the usual form.
--To this is added a note by Rivas, on the top of the first page, certifying that the above document was presented by the party on Jan. 25, 1795 who could not sign.
--To this is added a decree by the Bishop Cardenas ordering the information be received, the witnesses to appear and the results brought in. This is signed by the Bishop.
--To this is added a note by Rivas certifying that the above decree was issued and signed by the Bishop on Jan. 23, 1795.
--To this is added another note by Rivas certifying that, on the same day, he notified Gabriel Bresa of the above decree.

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1796 Jan. 23

Rivas, Dr. Joseph Maria de
(New Orleans)
Rivas certifies:
1. That Gabriel Bresa appeared before him, and, under oath, answered the questions asked as follows:
2. a) That his name is Gabriel Bresa from the parish of Pointe
Coupee.
b) That he is the legitimate son of Joseph Bresa and Antonia
Lemoine.
c) That he is 26 years old, unmarried and engaged only to
Susana Ravale from the parish of Aboyelles.
d) That he knows of no other impediment.
3. Finally, Gabriel Bresa expresses that all he said is the truth, and did not sign because he could not write. This is notarized by Rivas.
--Immediately appeared Guillermo Marre, a witness presented by Gabriel Bresa, who, under oath witnessed to the points set forth by Gabriel Bresa in his petition to Bishop Penalver y Cardenas. He swore also that he is 60 years old. This is signed by Guillermo Marre and notarized by Rivas.
--Immediately appeared Achille Carraby, another witness presented by Gabriel Bresa, from whom Rivas received sworn testimony to the truth of the same points witnessed by Guillermo Marre. He swore also that he is 28 years old. Signed by Achille Carraby and notarized by Rivas.

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1796 Feb. 4

Penalver y Cardenas, Luis Bishop
(New Orleans)
The Bishop decrees:
1. That having examined the documents concerning Gabriel Bresa's petition for a dispensation to marry Susana Ravale, he dispenses them from the impediment of consanguinity, and considers as legitimate any children they may have.
2. That the parties must cease living under the same roof and make a general confession, so that they may restore with their example all they have destroyed by their scandal.
3. That to absolve them from their fault, they must pray daily, during two months before the marriage, the rosary of the Most Holy Mary and, besides the general confession, make three particular ones. Gabriel Bresa will have to be present in the church every Holy day.
4. Finally, that information be sent to the Pastor of Pointe Coupee to marry them in the usual form. Signed by the Bishop of Louisiana and witnessed by Rivas.
--To this is added a note by Rivas certifying that, on the same day, he notified Gabriel Bresa of the above decree.
--Another note is added by Rivas certifying that information was sent to the Pastor of Pointe Coupee.

IV-5-f D.S. 10pp. 4to. (Spanish)
2

1796 Feb. 4

(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

to the City Council
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

For the spiritual welfare of the people Penalver has arranged a fair every Sunday of Lent at 4:30 P.M. in the cathedral. Since the presence of the officials has the most powerful influence on the people, he asks the council to attend. They may choose a different day and hour.

IV-5-f L.S. 3pp. 8vo. (Spanish)
1