Brother Aidan's Extracts 408

Archives

MOREAU, FATHER (Basil)

"During the retreat of 1836 Father Moreau interviewed all the Brothers personally and then divided the Community into teaching Brothers and working Brothers. The members, then 60 in number, bound themselves by perpetual vows."

-- On the King's Highway , Mother Eleanore, p. 20 (1836)

"Here, then, are Africa and America, opened to the zeal of the Brothers of St. Joseph. What an immense harvest! But how few the laborers." January 1, 1840

"On July 24, 1839, Msgr. de la Hailandiere, Vicar General of Brute, had written Father Moreau for a group of Brothers of St. Joseph for this Mission."

(Moreau -- Hailandiere) "I am willing to send you next May another Priest, 2 Brothers, and 2 Sisters, if you wish. But allow me first to tell your Lordship that, conformably to your letter of October 13, 1841, I desired to make our foundation dependent on Holy Cross, because such is the spirit of our Rules and the wish of my Council and mine likewise. Then, my Lord, you will have the advantages derived from this work without having the burden, and you'll have the enjoyment of it so long as you will protect it; for I pledge my word not to withdraw our confreres and our Brothers from your dioceses long as they can live there."

-- On the King's Highway, Mother M. Eleanore, p. 111 (1841)

"After having accompanied them (the seven missionaries) to the public carriage that was to take them to the port, Father Moreau, very much moved entered his office; asked his companion to sit down near him and said, 'What a sacrifice I have just made!' 'What seeds of merits!', a prophet would have answered. August 5, 1841

-- Live of Father Moreau , by his nephew, Chapter 5

(On Union) "For in a great work of charity, as in the erection of a great building, one man alone does not build it, nor is it constructed out of a single stone, not out of a single beam of wood. On the contrary, the various workmen make their separate contributions, each stone is cut to fit into the place for which it was destined, and each piece of wood is arranged and placed as to add to the beauty and the strength of the entire building. Union, then is the powerful lever with which we can move, direct, and sanctify the world, if the spirit of evil to whom it is permitted to exercise his power over this earth does not oppose the wondrous effects of this moral force."

-- Circular Letter to the Brothers, No. 14

(Moreau -- Sorin) Fr. Moreau wonders where he will get money to send Priests, Brothers, and Sisters. Fr. Moreau tells Sorin to prepare a Professor of English, to stay independent of Msgr., and to remain dependent upon Ste. Croix. November 25, 1842

"Fr. Moreau sent a copy of Bishop of Vincennes' letter which suggested that Fr. Moreau wrote that the Bishop received the Brothers badly, but the Bishop says what he did for them: Bishop says he received them 'chez lui', carried their packages and trunks, made their beds, gave them the last of the pennies he had.... Bishop says he has always been frank -- can't authorize a college near that of the Eudists."

(Prayer for Missionaries) "For the future I would ask you to recite in all our houses at morning prayer the ejaculation, 'St. Augustine, pray for us', for our dear Brothers in Africa; and those in America, 'St. Peter, pray for us.'"

Circular Letter to the Brothers, No. 16a February 4, 1842

(Sorin -- Moreau) "...I wrote to Mr. Martin (later Bishop) saying that I shall never consent to the admission of small girls into the Brothers schools, but the Bishop (de la Hailandiere) wishes to reserve the privilege of making exceptions when certain localities demand it. That privilege he will not have."

-- Provincial Archives (1844)

(Moreau -- Sorin) "Brother Vincent in Le Mans this summer -- sending Priest, two Brothers (tailor and shoemaker), and 3 Sisters."

August 30, 1844

"Borrowed 3000 francs for Sorin when Brother Vincent left. Moreau asked Propagation of the Faith for 70,000 francs, and Propagation asked if it was the last request for money. Expects 15,000 to 20,000 from Propagation.

"Advises against expanding outside of the diocese as long as Bishop is reasonable and consents to reasonable conditions. Nothing obliges us, however, except a certain decorum, because of the Bishop's gift. Important thing to do is to build a good novitiate and get along with the Propagation of the Faith."

(Moreau -- Hailandiere) "In extraordinary meeting of Moreau's Council particular, Moreau announces the measures taken with Bishop de la Hailandiere concerning relations on Notre Dame to the diocese:

a) Hailandiere approves Priests and Brothers in his diocese and allows free exercise of their constitutions approved by Hailandiere on the following conditions:

b) Priests, Brothers and Sisters in the diocese will remain subordinate to the Superior General and will depend on the Mother House at Le Mans, as the same time considering the Bishop of Vincennes as Local Superior, to whom they owe obedience in religion and according to the Rules of their Congregation, agreeing with the Ordinary for all foundation in the diocese.

c) Sisters employed at the College of Notre Dame du Lac will leave as soon as possible the Novitiate, and the Brother Novices, who occupy it at present, will be transferred as many as can be to Indianapolis, and they will employ Sisters of proper age at said College.

d) No Brothers' School to be founded outside of diocese without ordinary's permission, and the Brothers local superior will be the priests who obtained them for schools, not obeying him in anything against the Rules and Constitutions not approved by the Superior of the United States in agreement with the Ordinary.

e) The Brothers receive nothing for foundations but $50 a year per Brother for traveling and upkeep.

f) Hailandiere disposed of property at Notre Dame du Lac in favor of the Congregation on the condition it is not used for other purposes that it has today, otherwise, it reverts to the Diocese.

g) Hailandiere to give 2,500 francs and 375 acres if the congregation transfers its Novitiate to Indianapolis.

h) Hailandiere agrees to ordain men presented by Rector of Congregation (Moreau)and the rector agrees to dispense from Article of his 1st Constitution.

Native Brothers or Irish Brothers judged useful to diocese in the Congregation ....

On this occasion (Father Sorin had sent the superioress of the Sisters to France on begging tour without Father Moreau's authorization) Father Moreau decreed: 'That no money (demand for) be made in France, that no construction , no foundation be undertaken without a written authorization from the Superior General of the Congregation." Life of Father Moreau, Chapter 15 (1845)

"The Superior of Notre Dame du Lac acknowledges his debt of 10,000 francs to the Mother House. This debt is remitted on condition only that the House of Notre Dame du Lac be not separated from the Mother House. In the future the Superior of the said house will not undertake any work foreign to our Rule."

-- On the King's Highway, Sr. M. Eleanore, p. 147 (1846)

(Moreau as General Visitor) "The major Chapter desires and entertains the certain hope that Reverend Father Rector should visit in person our establishment." Local Council Resolutions, December 27, 1847

"But should this not be the case, its members would believe it more advantageous to the Institution to send themselves a deputy to France, than to receive any other visitor because this visitor could not during the time of his stay, acquire a sufficient knowledge of the state of things in this country, nor would he have enough authority to regulate all doubtful affairs so as to satisfy everybody, and to induce all, to abide by his decisions.

-- Local Council Resolutions, December 27, 1846

"On the 14th of September, 1847, the members of the Minor Chapter (Local Council) of Notre Dame du Lac, assembled under the presidency of Father Sorin, the local superior, and in the presence of Father Sauliner, submit the following requests to the Reverend Father Rector and to the Major Chapter of Our Lady of Holy Cross:

1) Considering the distance of places which necessarily occasions delays in their transactions with America, the loss of many opportunities of doing good and often creates difficulties, because before an answer reached Notre Dame from Holy Cross, circumstances may change; for instance, individuals destined for certain employments may become unfit for them, or be absolutely necessary elsewhere; the season may no longer allow the erection of buildings for which Notre Dame has petitioned Holy Cross (in view of a real necessity); considering the need of a greater union between the various foundations in America and especially those of the United States, that they may, for example, transfer individuals from one house to another, as circumstances require; and help each other in their pecuniary difficulties; considering that this union is impossible, if each house, instead of depending upon a principal establishment in America, corresponds directly with the Holy Cross Administration, pleading its case with a natural selfishness, which is very liable to create jealousy and suspicion both here and in France; considering the example of the Jesuits, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, etc., who transact their American affairs in America; considering the unfortunate experience of Notre Dame du Lac, considering, in fine, that to judge properly American affairs, one must be in America, and that the decisions of the Holy Cross Council for the government of their American houses can rely only upon the reports and decisions of Notre Dame du Lac, which can never be expressed in writing with sufficient clearness, and which are frequently misunderstood, the Minor Chapter of Notre Dame requests with respect and submission, not to separate from the Mother House but merely that Father Rector and the Major Chapter should name a superior, who, with a Chapter composed of the Minor Chapters of the various Houses or their deputies, might pronounce without appeal upon all American Affairs, except such as the Father Rector and the Major Chapter might believe absolutely to reserve their authority, and that the said Superior, thus appointed by Our Lady of Holy Cross and his Council might alone have the right to treating with the Mother House both for temporal and spiritual affairs.

2) If the Holy Cross Chapter grant to their American establishments that power so necessary to the welfare of religion, Notre Dame du Lac and Louisville might be of great service to each other, Notre Dame du Lac in sending various individuals to Louisville, and Louisville by assisting the Lake with its pecuniary resources. However, considering the great temporal advantages of Louisville, Notre Dame du Lac entreats the Mother House to take the establishment, the Lake promising to found it without the assistance of Holy Cross." (St. Mary's College, Lebanon, Kentucky, is in question here.)

-- Local Council Minutes, September 14, 1847

September 16: "...The resolutions of the preceding session were read; but the first part of the petition to France, respecting the Visitor (Fr. Saulnier?) , was rescinded for the present, lest it should occasion the refusal of the second demand."

-- Local Council Minutes (1847)

September 16: "The solutions of the preceding session of the Minor Chapter were read, but no vote was taken on the propriety of submitting the second part of the petition on the 15th to the Mother House, Father Saulnier desiring that it should not be sent.

Resolved: whereas Brother Vincent has been kept here, notwithstanding the orders of the Mother House, and as Brother Vincent cannot be sent to Indianapolis, the Mother House shall be informed of the fact.

-- Minutes of the Chapter

"At this moment when the whole of France has been shocked by the terrible disclosures of the government regarding the conduct and teaching of so many school masters, everyone of us feels the need of providing genuinely religious teachers for the masses. The rich will always find able teachers...Teaching the poor, however, offers no attractions. It held out very little prospect of financial compensation...There is not even the hope of being understood and rewarded with gratitude, for only too often, suffering and misery embitterment harden their hearts.

"Where, then shall we find intelligent, zealous, and devoted teachers for the poor? Only in the inspiration of religion. For religion not only promises that those who have taught justice to their brethren shall shine as stars in the firmament, but likewise wands among the proofs of the divinity of Christ's mission the fact that the poor have the Gospel preached to them.

"The Brothers of St. Joseph are striving to walk in the light of these noble truths and to warm their hearts in the fire of evangelical charity."

-- Circular Letter, To Our Friends February, 1850

(Notre Dame Deaths) "I was about to finish this Circular when a second letter from Notre Dame brought me news of two more deaths. Brother Ceasaire and Brother Joseph, both Novices. Father Sorin misses them both, especially the second, whom he regarded as a real treasure. 'We are reduced,' he says, 'to burying our dead secretly. Every day for the past week we have been going in silent processions to the cemetery.'"

September 19, 1854

(Missionary Qualities) " As you see, my dear sons in Jesus Christ, the tree of the Cross has been planted in the land where our worthy religious dwell. At times it roots are the fewness of subjects and lack of funds; at others sickness and contradictions. But these religious (Algeria) have learned to savor its life-giving fruits; and if God in His goodness preserves them in the admirable dispositions which they have shown thus far, they will never taste death, for the fruits of the Cross are the same as those of the Tree of Life which was planted in the Garden of Paradise. But this fruit is better for a time, and how few there are who wish to feed on it. (Apostolic Spirit)

"It is my fond hope that all of you who have so generously offered yourselves for these far-away missions are already filled with this life. In order to be a foreign missionary, one must know the mystery of the Cross. From the Cross the missionary must draw the apostolic strength of those generous imitators of Jesus Christ, whose life here below was but a continuous martyrdom. You are called, my dear Brothers to share in this brilliant apostolic work by devoting your lives, where ever obedience places you, to the instruction and education of youth, according to the spirit of your Rules and Constitutions. Try, then, to become perfect copies of the Divine Model, and nothing will ever shake your vocation. Not only will you carry whatever crosses you encounter in accomplishing the duties of your holy state, but you will love these crosses. Yes, you will even desire them and, after the example of Our Lord, will choose them in preference to everything else.

"May you be ever more convinced that, of yourselves, you can do nothing to advance the numerous activities in which our Society is engaged! May you appreciate also the honor and privilege of your vocation to participate in so sublime a mission!"

-- Circular Letter, p. 33. November 11, 1841

"In Countries still farther away, in Africa, in Canada, and on the shores of Lake Michigan, our virtuous priests, our beloved Brothers, and our dear Sisters... have continued and are continuing to labor ardently for the development of the works confided to them. From Father Drouelle, whom I have appointed to make an official visit to these far-flung foundations, I have received a report which has greatly edified the Mother House. It contains a detailed account of the Regular Visit which this worthy priest made to our houses in the United States and Montreal. From the official information which is submitted to me, three conclusions stand out.

"First, the harvest is great in these foreign countries and the number of evangelical workers is far too small. Second, Providence is blessing the houses of the Association, and much good is being accomplished by the apostolate of the Brothers, Priests and Sisters; if we are to judge from the report of the Visitor, this good is considerable; orphans are cared for; the poor are housed; and souls are snatched from heresy and schism. There, venerable men are awaiting peacefully their last hour, and young novices and professed members are storing up merit for heaven. God is glorified, and even Protestants are obliged to acknowledge the strength of virtue and the marvels of true religion. Third, all these consolations are accompanied by trials, whereby Our Lord plunges the roots of these works deeper into the fruitful soil of the Church. There, Poverty reigns supreme: the food, the lodgings, everything breathes a spirit of want like that of the Savior of men during

His mortal life. In spite of all this, at Notre Dame du Lac, they have succeeded in building a Church which is quite beautiful for those parts, and there are also hopes of enlarging the University buildings."

-- Circular Letter, By Moreau, p. 35 (1849)

(Concerning Moreau and Sorin) "There is not infrequently in human affairs a collision of interests, each of which has a moral right, according to the individual standpoint, and when this is the case there is more or less of the tragic in the results. Father Moreau wished to be superior in temporal, as in matters spiritual, over the Congregation of Holy Cross in the New World; he claimed the final word as to the profession of subjects: Priests, Brothers and Sisters; his sanction was required for the acquisition or the alienation of property; and he delegated to no one the privilege of appointments in the Community. In none of these claims did he demand more that he felt was his right by virtue of his office. The Community in this country, represented by Father Sorin, was willing to render all due respect to the Mother House, but it was not to be expected that France would fully understand conditions in the new province. The distance made it impracticable to submit many of the business questions that naturally arose, -- questions peculiar to the conditions of the times and demanding immediate settlement. The Councils at Notre Dame were better qualified than were strangers to decide upon the admission of subjects; and finally, in the appointments to the various offices and missions, intimate knowledge of circumstances as well as delicate tact was necessary, the first of which essentials was impossible to anyone not on the grounds..."

-- Story of 50 Years, by Sister Rita

Father Moreau: an incident in his life: (see "Ave Maria", 15:497)

"Report that the local council at Notre Dame tried to nullify General Council's appointment of Gouesse as Local Superior at New Orleans, and the Local Council declared Gouesse no longer a member of the Association, and that it made these difficulties known to the Bishop of New Orleans. Now the General Council declares that the Local Council has overstepped its powers; that no Local Council has the right to nullify the acts of the General Council, expel a professed member, initiate an outsider into the affairs of the Association, because there exists within it a tribunal to which all difficulties must be submitted. The General Council concedes no right to any Local Superior to give in his own right any extraordinary obedience without the agreement of Moreau. That is why it highly condemns the expedition to California. Moreau demands that information concerning members of that expedition who are still alive be given to him, and that he be given the proper means of corresponding with them."

"It was also decided that Father Cointet should go the Mother House as the legal deputy of the establishment for this year and should try to settle the difficulties actually existing between both houses."

-- Local Council, January 11, 1854

"Father Granger, Brothers Lawrence, Francis Xavier, and Stephen present, named the said Superior (Sorin) their deputy at the Mother House to represent this house there, and have commissioned him to do all he may deem proper to procure the good of the same houses and to procure it a solid and lasting peace."

-- Local Council, December 2, 1851

"Then Father Superior read the obedience of Father Saulnier, who himself read a long report of the Council of Our Lady of Holy Cross, signed by the Reverend Father Rector. He declared the Council of Notre Dame annulled, and created another, composed of Father Superior, President; Father Cointet, Assistant; Father Granger, Master of Novices; Brothers Vincent, Theodulus and Gatian. Fathers Saulnier and Gouesse were named substitutes. Local Council June 10, 1847

"Father Superior having asked the Council whether it was opportune that he should answer, article by article, all the accusations laid on him or his council by the Council of Our Lady of Holy Cross, or not, was advised to leave to Divine Providence the care of his and our justification. Recrimination would stir up minds, perhaps rather than calm them." Local CouncilJune 14, 1848

"Resolved: that we should claim from the Mother House a reimbursement for the costs that Notre Dame du Lac, under their direction, incurred at Louisville." (St. Mary's)

-- Local Council August 7, 1848

"...that reverend Father Chappe should be engaged to leave the place as soon as possible." (He was a member of the French Province, if not of the administration there) Local Council September 10, 1853

"...in reference to a decision of the Mother House with regard to the establishment at New Orleans, it was resolved that Father Cointet and Brother Vincent should be called back and that Father Superior should go immediately to France."

-- Local Council September 15/16, 1851

(Form of Obedience, 1854) "We, Basil Anthony Mary Moreau, Rector of the Association of Our Lady of Holy Cross, of which the parent house is at Le Mans, in the Department of Sarthe, have named by this present letter of obedience, and do name, Brother Bernard, Professor at New Orleans, enjoining him to discharge his duty in a manner conformable to his Rule and Directory, and to make it the subject of his examen every Saturday during prayer.

At Our Lady of Holy Cross, at LeMans,

This 7th day of March, 1854. Moreau.

Louis J. L'Etourneau writes of him in September, 1854: "Moreau, a model of all virtues, the life of his organization, day of 24 hours is too short for his activity, so that a great part of the night is taken up. You would look in vain through the whole establishment for his bed: he has none; he sleeps in his chair when overpowered by nature. Wants exact observance of the Rules, filled with the spirit of St. Ligouri."

-- Letter to Fr. Granger September , 1854

(Notre Dame Deaths, 1854) "The list of deaths at Notre Dame was not closed on September 27, for it is now my duty to recommend to your prayers Brother Clement, a novice, who died on the 25th of that month, fortified by the Sacraments of Penance and Extreme Unction. This brought the total number of deaths to 18, including some postulants and students. The poor Superior there is overcome with deepest affliction, and he can't provide for even the most indispensable employments because the survivors are exhausted by lack of sleep, weariness, or sickness."

-- Moreau's Letter

(On training of Teachers, 1856) "But there is urgent need, it seems to me, on remedying a weakness which could easily prove disastrous to our teaching. I refer to the training of well-formed professors with advanced degrees, who will be prepared, not merely for the ordinary instruction required in our colleges, but for the direction of higher studies as well. Circular Letter, No. 77 (1856)

(Visit to the United States) "Every morning I went to St. Mary's through a pretty little grove passing on the way the lake and the two charming Solitudes (Novitiates), the one inhabited by the Salvatorist novices, and the other, the other Josephite novices....

"I had -- to go to Chicago at the request for my presence in their midst of the Brothers and Sisters there, whose occupations prevented them from coming to see me... There, too, The Brothers and Sisters filled me with consolation. Afterwards, I visited the Bishop of the diocese and the poorest of the Brothers' schools.

"...This visit (to Philadelphia) crowned my joy and permitted me to enter into pleasant relations with the good Brother of St. Paul School."

-- On the King's Highway, by M. Eleanore, P. 219-221

"The other event making the year greatest yet was the visit of Father Moreau, who had put off from month to month his vow to visit the United States. Promulgation of approbation determined his visit. Arrived at Notre Dame, August 27. Received with greatest joy, most sincere and enthusiastic. Could stay only 3 weeks in the province. Worked day and two-thirds of the night. In three weeks he did several months of work. Organized everything according to the new Constitutions, formed chapters, and Council at Notre Dame. Presided over elections of officers, directed everybody, admitted to novitiate and profession. Decided separation of temporalities of Sisters from the two other Societies. He visited missions in Chicago and Philadelphia. Saturday, September 19, he left for New York, accompanied by Brother Vincent, Patriarch of the Community of Josephites."

-- Sorin Chronicles

"In this year, 1857, which was touched for Father Moreau with the highlight of universal esteem, and blessed with Rome's approval of his work as Founder, he made the Regular Visitation of the American establishments... He left the Mother House on July 26, 1857. At the moment of departure he sent a picture of the Holy Face to all the Houses, with the request that it be honored every day."

-- On the King's Highway , p. 52-53 (1857)

(On initials) "For greater uniformity as to correspondence, henceforth, the members will indicate in their signature to which of the three Societies they belong, by signing as follows: S.S.C. (Salvatorists of Holy Cross); J.S.C. (Josephites of Holy Cross); and M.S.C. (Marianite of Holy Cross)."

-- Father Moreau's Circular Letter October 3, 1857

"...addressed to the whole Association of Holy Cross, but particularly to the Brothers." (See Life of Cointet, pp. 22-24) "On the eve of attaining the end which I proposed to myself in changing your Novitiate to Holy Cross, and on the Creation of the magnificent establishment which has sprung from it, I feel the necessity of making known to you, in writing, the plan of government definitely adopted; also an abridgment of your duties, and to inform you at the same time, of what has been done in return for the confidence you have reposed in me.

"Far be the thought of attributing to me the merit of the work, truly providence, which has been placed under my direction, after God, sole author of all good, it is to the devotedness of the zealous priests who labor with me, and to you, is due the work, which to the great astonishment of all is seen today at Holy Cross. I have only been the simple instrument, which the Lord will soon break in order to substitute others more worthy whom He has destined to develop, or at least consolidate all that I've commenced; therefore, in the midst of the most painful trials I've not despaired either in Providence or in your fidelity in following the divine vocation with which He has inspired you. I rely on the apostolic spirit of the virtuous priests, who have so generously shared my labors. On the concurrence of all the members of your institute, and on the charity of the faithful, and the five years of experience just passed, sufficiently demonstrate that I will not be deceived in my hopes.

"The important work confided to me is not at its term; it yet demands many sacrifices and many labors -- for I am not ignorant of all that has to be done in order to form subjects to the religious life...a life perfect in its intentions, seeking God in all things -- aiming only at heaven, aspiring to the habit of possessing Jesus, of belonging to Him and His Blessed Mother, making use of all interests, goods or rights for the sole honor of our Divine Master and the salvation of souls....

"Associated to the apostolate of the priests of Holy Cross, by the services you render them in the diverse employments which you fill near them in the colleges, or by the instruction of children in the parish schools, sent in the capacity of primary teachers not only through France but in Africa and America, united to the zeal and prayers of the Sisters, sustained in the extension of your Institute by the association which bears its name and which the Sovereign Pontiff has encouraged and enriched by many indulgences; what a source of benedictions of successes, of merit to you, my dear sons in Jesus Christ, and what a beautiful, what a glorious mission is yours if you render yourselves worthily of it by a faithful imitation of the hidden and public life of Our Lord...."

-- Father Moreau's Circular Letter

(Brother's Devotedness) "I bless God for having associated me to the beautiful devotedness which animates you for the Christian education of youth. To second more successfully the designs of Heaven in this important enterprise we have opened the College of Holy Cross."

Provincial Council organized by Father Moreau, August 20, 1857, in New Constitution, Brother Amadeus, Provincial Steward; Brother Stephen, Treasurer at Chicago; Brother Bernardine, nominated Secretary by Father Moreau.

Sorin the Vicar of the Province.

August 12, 1865 -- Brother Edward and Vincent members. Decided the local Superior at Notre Dame, and Master of Novices should also attend meetings.

(On Bishops) "The Father Rector laid particular emphasis on the admonition that his religious be devoted to the Bishops in whose diocese they labored. 'Do not forget, dear Sons and Daughters, that All our houses depend on their respective Bishops in what is not contrary to our Constitutions and Rules... Hence, let us show everywhere great veneration, gratitude, and obedience towards the Bishops who will deign to employ us in their dioceses, never undertaking any work which may cause them displeasure.'"

-- Flame in the Wilderness, McAllister, p. 140 (1857)

"I yearn for this visit for your consolation and for mine, in order to acquit myself of the obligation imposed on me by our Constitutions, to solidify your scattered houses in the unity of the one same government, and spirit by the presence and guidance of your Superior General." Father Moreau's Spiritual Letter, II, p. 18 (1857)

"Ignorant of its Founder, ignorant of the traditions which emerged from his great soul ...Holy Cross would disintegrate."

-- Rev. James W. Donahue (1934)

(Moreau's Visit) "Upon returning to Notre Dame that evening, Father Visitor preceded to the installation of Father Sorin as Local Superior and Vicar of the Province. For a week he gave three daily conferences, to the priests and Brothers; one was devoted entirely to the promulgation of the Constitutions. The remaining hours of the day he talked to the religious privately. Later he said he was 'edified by the naive and docile simplicity with which they opened their hearts to me and received my words of advice. Meanwhile the enemy of all good was not idle, and I felt an unseen force was pitted against me!'" Flame in the Wilderness, McAllister August 29, 1857

(Affection for Missionaries) "It is true that I am grieved by the departure of priests, Brothers and Sisters, who have acquired such sacred rights to our esteem and affection. But far from weakening the family bond, the separation strengthens it all the more. As for myself, I feel that those who have gone are dearer to me now that ever before. Let them be assured of this, and of the prayers which I offer to Our Lord that He may be pleased to protect and sanctify them more and more and regard them for their edifying zeal. Yes, my children, to all of you who, in the footsteps of the Apostles, have generously renounced the consolations of your country and Mother House, to bring the knowledge and benefits of our holy religion to the younger generations of Africa and America, my heart declares it loves you." Father Moreau's Circular Letter, No. 26

(Rev. Charles Moreau) But for the foundation of Christianity on the twelve untrained men that it pleased the Son of God to choose and to form, have not all the Institutions which flourish in Holy Cross begun with instruments the most unsuitable according to (Holy Church) human Judgment? Therein are found the seal and the triumph of Divine industry." Life, Rev. Charles Moreau, p. 1, part 2.

Father Moreau decides Notre Dame must pay four hundred francs to Ste. Croix for every priest, Brother and Sister sent by S. C. to Notre Dame. The contrary understanding favoring, Bishop Hailandiere was not thought valid as regards Notre Dame.

-- General Council June 13, 1845

(Father Moreau on difficulties) "Nothing important can be

undertaken without encountering contradictions, but should we be astonished at this when we consider those of Jesus Christ and His Saints?

-- Juxta Crucem, P. 118 (1847)

"But if we should love and respect Very Reverend Father Moreau, should we not also love and respect those who were his first and most effective companions of his labors, and who continued with him with rare energy under peculiarly difficult circumstances: Very Reverend Father Sorin, Fathers Drouelle, Champeau, Chappe, and Granger, and Brothers Vincent Gregory, Bernard, etc.?"

-- Circular Letter, Father Français, p. 178

(Father Moreau's Visit, 1857) See: "On the King's Highway" , pp. 206 -224, Fr. Moreau

(Father Moreau's Visit) "Father Moreau...who had for many years been deferring from month to month the keeping of a promise to visit his establishments in America, so on the 27th of August, His Reverence arrives at Notre Dame.

"He had a multitude of things to regulate in the three communities and according to his itinerary he could stay only three weeks in the province...He had organized everything according to the new Constitutions...

"His last week was spent in visiting the houses in Chicago and Philadelphia. On Saturday, the 19th, he embarked on the 'Arago' at New York, and had a prosperous voyage to France, accompanied by Brother Vincent, the patriarch of the Community of Josephites." Sorin Chronicles

Father Moreau's Journey to America, 1857 -- See: his letters, 2:25.

(Father Moreau -- Mother M. Eleanore) "Truly, when the Master chooses certain souls through whom He casts the fire of His loving zeal on the earth, He takes care that it be kindled and rekindled. Sons and Daughters through recurring generations seize from the hands of their immediate predecessors the torch which God put into the willing hand of their first spiritual Father and bear it onward, letting its sparks fall as they go, till death bids them in turn hand it on to others. And the loveliest things about the torch entrusted to us children of Father Moreau is that it has the shape of a cross."

-- On the King's Highway p. 295.