JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS, BROTHER (Michael Mitchell)
"Died March 7th, 1878. This good Brother was an excellent baker by trade. Cheerful and amiable, he was much liked in the Community. But his constitution was very weak, and could not stand long hardships. He took much at heart the death of his dear friend Brother Richard and survived him but a short month. He died of a cold, or rather of consumption. Aged 29." GRANGER MEMO
"It is our painful duty to chronicle this week the death of Brother Joseph Calasanctius (Michael Mitchell) a native of Ireland, but for the last seven years a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and a resident of Notre Dame. He has been for some years past th director of the bakery here, where by his cheerful, kindly disposition and unaffected manners he had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. Although not possessed of a robust constitution, this good Brother had until within a few days of his death enjoyed excellent heatlh; a neglected cold, however, settled in his lungs, beinging on fever, and probably congestion, thus causing almost sudden death at the age of 29. His father, a nonagenarian, and until recently attending to business in Dublin, is a convert to the Faith, nad has had the happiness of seeing four of his children devoting their lives in a special manner to the service of their Divine Master, one of the oldest sons is, we believe, Provincial of the Franciscan Order in Dublin; a daughter a professed nun of the Order of the Assumption, an educational community at Nice, in France, and another a professed member of the Sisters of Notre Dame in this country.
"Diverse though our path in life may be
Each is sent some mission to fulfill;
Fellow workers in the world we are,
While we seek to do our Master's will;
But our doom is labor while the day
Points to our tasks with blessed ray.
For the Night Cometh."
Brother Joseph closed a useful and edifying life by a holy death, strengthened by the Divine Consolations of our holy religion" SCHOLASTIC, March 16, 1878 ST. JOSEPH -- DEVOTION TO:
(Circular Letter, 1869; Sorin) "I wish that this year be an occasion of general renewal of zeal and devotion to St. Joseph. Let it suffice to say that I expect from his signal marks of his protection upon our work. And be not surprised at this confidence on my part; for when we sailed for America in 1841, we exected to see ourselves cast in the midst of 'savages' and Protestants; but by a singular favor of Providence, we arrived without premeditation, and fixed our tents in the rich valley of St. Joseph, on the borders of the beautiful St. Joseph river, in the County of St. Joseph. In the domain of Notre Dame du Lac, the center of our work, see today the beautiful Novitiate of St. Joseph upon the borders of the limpid waters of the Lake of St. Joseph. It would be impossible to find in the New World another site where devotion to St. Joseph is more wonderfully called for." 1869 ST. JOSEPH -- ASSOCIATION OF:
"Because Father Moreau now thought it best to unite the temporal interests of the two Societies, a Fundamental Pact was drawn up and on March 1, was signed by 8 priests and 51 Brothers. As public confidence increased, the organization grew; and the Brothers were aided particularly by a society, formed at this time which had for its purpose to aid financially poor young men who wished to become members. The Congregation still remembers the Society gratefully by an Ave Maria said daily after the Particular Examen for the "Associates of St. Joseph" ON THE KING'S HIGHWAY, Mother M. Eleanore, 1836
"Having established the Society of the Brothers of St. Joseph at Our Lady of Holy Cross, the Superior had to provide for the support of thir novitiate. The postulants became more numerous, as the Institution grew in the confidence of the public through the renown of its Director (Father Moreau) and the public ministry of the Auxiliary Priests, who attracted vocations by making known Our Lady of Holy Cross throughout the diocese. The majority of these aspirants were from families of very moderate means. They could not pay their board during their novitiates and during their preparation for teaching. To meet the expenses of the Mother House, the Institute had only the profits from the schools, and these were small on account of the easy conditions made at their first foundation. The necessary expense of the construction begun at Holy Cross amounted to a considerable sum. Basil was then inspired to establish for the benefit of the novitiate of Our Lady of Holy Cross, a pious and charitable association. It was organized on the same plan as the Society of the Good Sheperd, and was enriched with the same spiritual treasures. He placed it under the auspices of St. Joseph, patron of the Institution, and the special protector of the schools, and theperfect model of the religious life, in whom Basil had unlimited confidence, a confidence which was justified by the very important favors which he had obtained in many trying circumstances. Long ago, he made his own 'St. Theresa's profession of faith' in this great saint, which he was fond of quoting in his instructions to the Community, in his writings, and in his public sermons. 'I do not remember ever having prayed to St. Joseph for anything without obtaining it. I Ask, in the name of God, those who do not believe what I say to make a trial, and they shall find out by experience, how advantageous it is to have recourse to this great Patriarch.'
"Basil took the oportunity of the ecclesiastical retreat to make known to the diocesan clergy the plan of his association, which was unanimously approved; then, September 13, 1837, he published the statutes with Bishop Bouvier's approbation. He based his appeal for prayers and alms on these serious and pressing considerations: 'Man is what he is made; as he grows older he only developes and practices the doctrines with which he was inbred in his infancy, the sentiments that were placed in his heart, and the habits he was made to contract. Consequently, the future depends on us, men of the present; we must answer for it. The future depends entirely on the education of the present generation. The enemies of order are on the alert; they know that, to strengthen and prosper, the reign of evil, its seeds can not be planted too early in the hearts of the young. Meanwhile, what are men of faith -- Catholics -- doing; we, strong in the possession of the truth, strong in the help which is asured us from above, we, children of that religion which has come down to us through the centuries, and which must be transmitted by us to future generations, which are we doing?'
"'O Youth, so bright with hope, the future of religion and Society! Yes, if our voice can be heard and understood, we shall open pure sources whence you will come to drink in truth and life, and learn the way to real happiness. It is also your desire, pastors of this diocese, worthy and venerable associates who have approved with solemn and unanimous approbation, the plan of the Association which we proposed to you during your retreat, with the confidence that, through you our voice may reach all religious and political opinions. Who, indeed, will not appreciate the great hopes of our Institute? Who will not admit, today, the superiority of the Christian schools?
"'Far from us the intention of undermining other schools, which promise happy and great results. The professors we offer to the young, behold them, judge them, they are called your Brothers; such they are by the love they bear you fathers of families, and your children. Rich proprietors, magistrates, statesmen, they are your Brothers, by the devotedness by which tey sow in the minds of youth, not the search for material interests and cold egoism, but for the great principles of equity and the charity of Jesus Christ, for social order and respect for law. They are more especially your Brothers, country people, and you, the poor of every condition. You are frowned down upon by the world and your schildren are neglected; but you are our brothers and it is in your midst that we take our delight. We shall go, then, we shall present ourselves to your children; we shall form them to a Christian and laborious life; we shall make them obedient and faithful, and we hope, we shall make peace abide in your hearts and happiness in your home.'" LIFE OF FATHER MOREAU, pp. 78-9, 1837
(Indulgences) "The Association of St. Joseph was cannonically erected in the Church of Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix. Gregory XVI had granted it numerous rich indulgences. Our present Association of Saint Joseph is a distinct entity since its center is not in the church of Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix." NOTE TO LETTER 86: MOREAU
"Work to spread the Association of St. Joseph which I am at last about to organize. We have some pictures of St. Joseph which you could present . . . .to the Associates" CIRCULAR LETTER OF FR. MOREAU, 1837 (Papal Approval) "By an indult, dated March 12, 1838, Pope Gregory XVI vouchsafed to confirm the statutes of the new Association, erected in the chapel of Our Lady of Holy Cross, under the title of the Association of St. Joseph. The chief object of this Association was to render easier the conditions of entrance into the novitiate of the Brothers of Saint Joseph, and thus permit young men (orphans particularly) who had aptitude for teaching to become good professors in the schools. The Association had to recite the invocation, 'St. Joseph, pray for us.' every day, and to make an offering of at least one cent, once a month to the zealous promoters who formed the Council of the Association. The first officials were: Mrs. Pasquier, of the Castle of Coulans, President; Mrs. Thomas Gauvin, vice-president; Mrs. Chauvin, secretary; Mrs. Desgraviers, assistant secretary." LIFE OF FATHER MOREAU
"In 1837 the Founder and first Superior General of the Congregation conceived the project of forming a lay auxiliary to assist the work of his teaching and coadjutor Brothers with prayers and alms. His plan was enthusiastically approved by Bishop Bouvier and by the diocesan clergy. Father Moreau's purposes were revealed to his fellow priests in a prospectus issued by him at this time and from which we quote the following passages: 'One of the most profound students of society,Leibnitz, said ('I have always thought that society would be reformed if the young people were reformed by education. Man is as we make him; as he advances through life, man but developes and applies the teachings with which we enrich his childhood, the sentiments we put into his heart, and the habits we make him acquire; . . . the future depends entirely upon the education of the generation now beginning.')
"'The enemies of order, says a celebrated writer, the children of darkness, as the Gospel calls them, more clever in their ways than the children of light, do not mistake their names; they know that, in order to asure the continuance of evil, the germs of it cannot be sown too soon in the hearts of youth. We must note their efforts -- far reaching, prodigious, persevering -- which threaten a future of horror no one hastens to prevent. Shall we remain insensible spectators before these efforts and schemes of hell? . . . .
"'O Youth, so bright with hope!..(see foregoing identical phrases) . . . . Already your insight, your zeal, the love you bear your flocks pledge me your cooperation and your energetic protection for the work of the Brothers of St. Joseph, whose direction has been confided in me. When I saw with what sincere and unanimous approval you received the proposal of this Association at your retreat, I could not delay any longer the executing of my plan . . . .
"'The Association which we propose to you is enriched with indulgences and with spiritual privileges . . . We have desired that it should become popoular, that all classes might be enrolled in it, poor and rich alike . . . Thus, with everyone working for it, our great educational enterprise will take root, will grow, will soon bear fruit. Yes, we are sure that this religious foundation will rise strong and firm, because everyone will contribute to it his store, because Our Lord will bless the object of our common prayer. Fellow Catholics, let us unite! The impious are leagued together to destory; let us combine our forces for the defense and restoration of the truth! God is with us; who can doubt of success? . . . .
"It is our privilege today to witness the accomplishment of Father Moreau's dreams for his Brother, his Congregation, his Association, and for Catholic youth -- a well-established foundation doing battle with less open and cruel, perhaps, but no less numerousand insidious enemies of God and God's children..
"December 28, 1929, Archbishop Messmer of Milwaukee cannonically established the Association of St. Joseph at Sacred Heart Postulate, Watertown, Wisconsin. From the very beginning there has been a steady growth in the number of co-workers among the laity who through the Association have united themselves materially and spiritually with the Mission of the Brothers under the powerful patronage of St. Joseph" ASSOCIATE OF ST. JOSEPH; 10:2
"The Association of St. Joseph mourns the loss of a true friend and benefactor in the death of its 're-founder', Rev. James A. Burns, Assistant Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and one time President of the University of Notre Dame. It was he who at the suggestion of Brother Aidan, c.s.c., reorganized in 1930 the Association as a medium through which the Brotherhood might grow and flourish in the United States. And it was through his instrumentality that the organization became a storehouse of treasured indulgences for its members. He had ever been -- to his dying day -- devoted to all those who made the Association popular. And it stands as a fitting tribute to his memory" ASSOCIATE OF ST. JOSEPH, October, 1940
"I ask you, likewise, to spread the Association of St. Joseph and, beginning with this year, to keep carefully your Chronicles and the various deeds of your foundations, all the Circular Letters and Visitor's Regulatins which you may receive from me." MOREAU: LETTER 17, 1843
"The development of your institute has been greatly aided by the Association of St. Joseph, which the Sovereign Pontiff, at the express wish of the good Bishop of the diocese, has designed to encourage by the grant of numerous indulgences" MOREAU: LETTER #14, 1841
"(January 5, 1844) In the midst of these trials, however, my heart has overflowed with joy, my dear sons in Jesus Christ, as I beheld your zeal in accomplishing the trying duties of your vocation. I found consolation in the sustained efforts of our promotors in spreading the Association of St. Joseph" MOREAU: LETTER II, p. 78
"I feel impelled to recommend to you once more our Association of St. Joseph. I beg you to have it approved, if need be, by your Ordinaries, as it has alredy been approved by the Bishops of Le Mans, Laval, Angers, and Rennes. I ask you to try to spread it still more and get it on a firmer footing for the future. Do not forget that the Holy See has enriched it with indulgences, and that in consequence it enjoys canonical existence. In making this Association known, you spread a devotin that is most rich in graces for parents, children, and religious communities. You share, too, with our Associates, the merit of fostering vocations, which, without its help, would be lost because of our inability to meet the ever-growing temporal needs of an increasingly large family. Besides, you procure alms and prayers in favor of a work which is dear to you for many reasons, and you acquire a sacred right to all the fruits of supernatual life which this work produces. You, likewise, share in everything which subjects so recruited for the Congregation undetake for the salvation of souls. You have a part in all their success and sufferings, and in all their sacrifices, for the glory of God and the perfection of His elect. Consequently, redouble your zeal for this pious work. Establsih it in your schools, as some of our dear students have done among their schoolmates. Points out its spiritual advantages; gain friends and promotors for it. Wherever obedience may send you, be its apostles and promotors. See to it that every one of our schools and every locality where you preach to the people or instruct the young, knows about the Association of St. Joseph." LETTERS OF MOREAU, LETTER 86
(See also "Letters of Moreau, II, p.320"--"Bishop Neumann, Philadelphia.") 1857
"I also owe congratulations to those of you, my dear Brothers, who have cooperated with my plans and efforts to establish the Association of St. Joseph. I am more than pleased since it would sadden me to see you less zealous in this regard than our students. On their own initiative, they have undertaken to organize and develop the Association among themselves; Under the direction of Father Dufal, they have organized a council which, in addition to its private sessions, meets with the Promotors four times a year..I fondly hope that you will neglect no opportunity to establish this pious Association in your localities, or, if it is already functioning, to guarantee its continuation and assure its future through all the means suggested by persevering zeal.
" . . . it would be well to show that membership in this Association helps to provide young men with means of embracing the religious life. Thus by with- drawing them from the world, we assure their salvation, exempt them from military service, train them for primary teaching by the well-organized exercises of the Novitiate, and shall, perhaps, make them useful auxiliaries to our missionaries in foreign countries . . .
"Aside from the merit of prayer and alms thus obtained, they will share indirectly in all the good will which the members of the Congregation accomplish in foreign lands, as well as in the special prayers offered for their intentions at the Mother House. They will also gain the good will of the great Saint whose intercessions with God are so powerful, especially at the decisive hour of death" LETTERS OF MOREAU, II, pp. 48-9, 1858
(Provincial Archives) "I got a few books for the boys, but I forgot to tell you that I bought them our of the money received from the Association of St. Joseph, which you gave me and all the Brothers permisison to use to secure premiums and other means of emulation in our schools" BROTHER DANIEL, Toledo, 1860
"(July 17, 1860) Since we received your command to stay in Toledo during vacation I commenced to prepare for next year . . . I am getting up a banner and badges for the Association of St. Joseph, which will cost me over $80 . . . One each badge, which will be of silk, will be a picture of St. Joseph in bronze or blue, with the words, "St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo". For this purpose I sent to Baltimore for an engraving plate of the picture of St. Joseph . . . .The money for defraying the expenses of the banner I got from the Congregation, and if we have no banner next year we will have no Congregation either. The children have nothing to induce them to be members, only the indulgences and other spiritual advantages gained by being members they will never join it. During the past year I had to coax them by giving them tickets, etc. to pay their society money. Some said they do not want to pay a penny a week for nothing, and others said that the Association was nothing but a plan to get money. But when the banner can be seen, everybody will be anxious to become members" Ditto, Provincial Archives
(See also: "Philadelphia", "Association of St. Joseph -- On the King's HIghway", "Provincial Chapters -- 1861; 3" "Fr. Moreau and the Association".)
" . . . .7) The disposal of the funds accruing from the Association of St. Joseph, now established in several of our schools" to be considered by the provincial chapter. 1837
"The Brothers are allowed to reserve one half of the proceeds of the stationery and of the Association of St. Joseph, to procure premiums" MINUTES OF PROVINCIAL CHAPTER, 1861
"When premiums are not awarded, the Brothers are allowed one half of the proceeds arising from the sale of stationery of books, and one half the revenue accruing from the Association of St. Joseph" PROVINCIAL CHAPTER, 1861
"Catholic Action had its place in those early days. To provide for the education of poor children of the parish (St. Mary's), the Association of St. Joseph was organized in 1859 and functioned for some years" SR. M. RENATA, OUR PROVINCES, p. 246, Laporte, Indiana; 1859
"I cannot conclude without thanking all those who have succeeded in establishing the Association of St. Joseph and recommending all of you to watch carefully over the vocations you may find" MOREAU LETTERS, II, p. 189, 1861
"I cannot praise too much the admireable zeal of some of the members of the Congregation in maintaining and propagating the Association of St. Joseph.
"It will be understood that hereafter all money proceeding from the Association of St. Joseph be sent to Brother Gregory, who will emply it exclusively for the benefit of the novitiate of St. Joseph, the primary object of these alms" SORIN, LETTER #4; February 24, 1869
"What will render the present narrative particularly interesting is the fact that the opportunity was given to the writer to utilize an entirely original document, which authentically contains the full narrative as it came from the lips of one of the two sole participants who formed the earthly part of this drama in which Mary deigned to assume her celestial role. The document is here carefully translated.
"It so happened that on December 8, 1863, Maximin Giraurd, of blessed memory, paid a visit to Notre Dame de Sainte Croix, Le Mans, France, cradle of the Congregation of Holy Cross, whose present Mother House is at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. During his visit he told the story of our Blessed Mother's coming to him on the mountin side, of the result of that visitation on him and on his people, and of a further experience he had of St. Joseph's fatherly care. The story was narrated by him in the presence o fhte Very Reverend Basil Moreau, Founder and First Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and of the Coucil of the Association of St. Joseph.
"The latter Association of laymen and women, it may be explained here by way of interlude, was organized by Father Moreau for the benefit of the novitiate at Notre Dame de Sainte Croix, under the protection of the august Patron of the Brothers of St. Joseph. Its chief object was to render easier the conditions of entrance into the novitiate of the Brothers, support the houses of formation, and permit those naturally qualified, to become good teachers. Its members paid a small monthly fee and gave besides whatever their means and generosity permitted. . . . . "The sons and daughters of Holy Cross in the Untied States must be forever grateful to the Association of St. Joseph for its members did much to help finance the pioneers of the Congregation during the first twenty-five years in this country. Never were they deaf when Father Moreau turned to them when his poor children in America called for aid. The following narrative has for them a special interest, therefore, along with the interest born of love of Our Lady and St. Joseph" MARY, pp. 92-95, (MOTHER M. ELEANORE'S BOOK MARY) in an extract from the Minute book of the Association of St. Joseph under date of dec. 8, 1863, records an account of the visit of Maximin Giraud, Shepherd of La Salette, to Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix. M. Giraud, having come to Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix, in LaMans, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, was invited into the reception room of th Father Superior, where he found assembled the Council of the Association of St. Joseph" See "Association", 1837
Association of St. Joseph -- Founding of it -- see "Life of Father Moreau", Chap. XVII, p. 76 . . . 1837
1857: "It is my ardent desire to see the Associatin of St. Joseph established in all our boarding schools and among the faithful in places where we have houses" FATHER MOREAU, LETTER #90
1858: "Association of St. Joseph", -- see Moreau's Letters:2:48-9
"In Memoriam"--"ASSOCIATE", 10:4
"Items for an Association History"--"ASSOCIATE", 10:2
See the "Associate", January 1936. ST. JOSEPH, BROTHERS OF (See also p. 301 of this MS.)
"Diocese of Vincennes: The Brothers of St. Joseph, lately arrived from Europe, intend to open a school in Daviess county, where the novitiate of the institution will be kept. The Rev. E. Sorin in Superior. THE METRAPOLITAN CATHOLIC ALMANAC AND LAITY'S DIRECOTRY for the year of our Lord, 1842". Published by Fielding Lucas, Jr., 128 Market St., Baltimore.
"The members of this community are twelve in number. The following institution has been opened under their direction: School for Young Men.. under the patrongage of the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Vincennes, and directed by the Rev. E. Sorin, a school will be opened for the reception of young men, on the first MOnday in September. Young men of any religious profession will be received, without preference or distinction. The location is on an eminence, and one of the most healthy in the State, situated six miles from the town of Washington, Indiana.
"The course of instruction will comprise all the branches of a sound, current, correct, and practical English education, as follows: Orthography, Reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, algebra, mathematics, geography, history, both ancient and modern, bookkeeping etc.
Terms:
Tuition and board, including washing and mending, per quarter, payable in advance, $18. German or French Language, $2//or both included, $3."
1843: See copy of "Freeman's Journal" article in Large File.
1843: See first 'ad' of Notre Dame School under "Free Schools."
(Brothers of St. Joseph and Father Moreau)-- 1835. See "Life of Father Moreau", by his new nephew, Chap. XII, p. 55; Chap. XIII, p. 69; Chap. XIV, p. 65; Chap XV, p. 69.
1843: For advertisement of first school at Notre Dame, see under "Brothers of St. Joseph" in the Large File.
(Incorporation of the Brothers of St. Joseph, 1844) "Section 3: The legislature reserves to itself the right to revise or amend or repeal the provision of this act or incorporation at any time. Section 4: This Act is declared to be a public Act, and the same shall be construed favorably for every beneficial purpose therin indended. Section 5: This Act to be in force from and after its publication in the 'South Bend Free Press', at the expense of said corporation"--
See also under "Father Dujarie and Brothers of St. Joseph".
(Adolphus -- Sorin; 1872) "Here apparently land was deeded to us in the will of a Mr. Corby. Conditions of gift: a school was to be established, a cemetery opened. A road to the property, which lay outside the city is sorely needed. No house to live in, but Bishop freely offered Brother Adolphus, the pioneer sent by Father Sorin, the use of his residence and table. No funds available from Notre Dame, it seems. Brother Adolphus received little cooperation from there. Only source of income was from sale of timber on property, which sufficed to keep body and soul together. Brother Adolphus didn't care much to use offer of Bishop's hospitality. It was planned to open a school in September 1873; didn't come to pass. Father Demers was out to take care of Catholics at French settlement in the vicinity. He gave out word which spread that the school would no open as planned. For months, Brother Adolphus pleads with Father Sorin to come out and decide exactly what was to be done. Misunderstandings regarding this. Brther Adolphus wants to mortgage property to secure funds for support and improvements. Much suffering due to severe winter of 1872-3. Brother Adolphus wishes to go to Notre Dame and stay until March. Welcomes Christmas gift of $40 from Fr. Sorin. He finds natives sincere and good Catholics who feel they are being badly treated by being left without a priest or school. Br. Adolphus says he came to Missouri three months too soon, that was in October. "I learned that three Catholic girls have given their names in to be baptized by a Baptist preacher who came every Sunday. I went to their residence and talked awhile alone with their father who seemed indifferent; then with the girls and their mother, a Protestant. I went there again last Saturday and again yesterday, and gave a little instruction on the Catechism in their chapel. As another instance of the protection of our Blessed Mother, these three sisters disappointed the preacher yesterday -- they are yet saved to the Church . . . you cannot send them a priest too soon. Andnot only a priest but a teacher is absolutely necessary to them".
Father Demers arrived in May, 1873. Had to buy on credit provisions, furniture, corn, horse and wagon, farm and garden tools, etc. Mrs Corby offered to lend us money at 10%! She expects to have church ready in a few weeks. No word of cemetery. Both the Bishop and Mrs. Corby want to see you (Sorin) here. Our prospect here is good, provided you send efficient and able members. Visitors here daily -- numerous on Sundays, many of them non- Catholics. Promise support and patronage. 'I myself alone could have a nice school here now (September, 1873) if that design hadnot been opposed from Notre Dame.' Ultimately, Brother Adolphus was appointed canvasser for the Ave Maria, which due to his age, and inability to walk distances, he reluctantly accepted. Sinceno move is being made to start school he fears that Mrs. Corby will cause trouble over the will. County grantsthe road. Community: Father Demers, Brother Adolphus, Brother Leonard, Brother Damian. The last was a Kansas boy sent by the Bishop. Father Granger approved of his being admitted. 'With Father Granger's approbation we gave him the holy habit on the Feast of St. Bartholomew, August 24.'"
"January 20, 1873) "There are two log houses on the farm which I intend to repair with a part of the rent for the clear land by a share for the crop. Altogether we must expend at least $1500, not including provisions, before we can open a school . . . The Bishop has given me the insurance policy on the house..The property is taxed at $75.55 . . . " Provincial, 1873
"At a meeting of the Provincial Council held today after much deliberation it was decided to relinquish the establishment at St. Joseph, Missouri, for the reason that there is no means in that locality to establish an educational institution, and the Community is unable to advance so large a sum as would be required for that purpose. The Council deeply regrets having to take this step, but feels that the interests of the Community demand it." June 5, 1874
(Visitor's report) "A mission presided over by Father Demers. About 30 families, mostly poor. Cannot support a priest ashe must have a horse to visit his parish.
"The Establishment is about three miles from St. Joseph and is reached by roads which after rain are almost impassible. Corby's chapel, as it is called, when completed, will be a beautiful edifice. It is built of stone.
"The dwelling house is a neat two-story frame building erected by the Alexian Brothers at a cost of $4,000 . . . of the six rooms upstairs two might serve as classrooms. Both on the upper and lower story is a hall, 8' wide, running through the building. Besides this house andthe chapel there is no other edifice on the property except a stable. This and the privies were built by Brother Adolphus at a cost of $800. With present accommodations I see no possibility of having a boarding school. If a day school should be opened, desks, etc. must be provided.
"The Christian Brothers have a fine building containing a boarding and day school in town. Still, Brother Adolphus assures me that he could hve some day scholars from the neighborhood as well as boarders if only we had means to receive them. I would be in no hurry to take boarders. The community has ben living here on salt pork and the products of their garden. It is not very convenient to go daily to town for fresh meat and vegetables.
"About forty acres have been cleared and under cultivation for many years. As it was rented, the soil is now worn out.
"The only resources at present would be the sale of timber and having a small day school.
"There is a stone quarry on the property" J.M. TOOHEY, C.S.C., VISITOR, July 21, 1873
(Bishop Hogan -- Sorin) "..I have seen some of the young men anxious o become priests of whom I sent you word by Brother Adolphus, who I am glad to say, is well and at work . . . .
(Dec. 1, 1874) "Your deed of the cemetery property here, made to me without my knowledge or consent, and sent to me through the Post Office, has come to hand. I do not by any means accept it as releasing you from stipulated obligations; for this, among other reasons, because the conveyance does not give back to me what I give to you. You still owe for the wood you sold off the place, the sum of $4,000., pending the non-payment of which I hold you to the obligation of the daily Mass, without, however, implying that this is your only liability, . . . PROVINCIAL ARCHIVES, 1874