Difference between revisions of "HD2:004"

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Fr Colin to all the Priests of the Society, ??, 1847

Translated by M Lindsay, corrected by Fr Gaston Lessard SM HD2/4 (a.i)

1847

1. You are aware of the serious events which have taken place in France; King Louis-Philippe overthrown, the Republic proclaimed, trade held up, the opposing parties, the general unrest. All that can only reduce the income of the Propagation of the Faith. Already your grant for 1847 has only been for 40,000 francs; take precautions accordingly and avoid new ventures.

2. In the general retreat of 1847, consisting of more than 80 members, that which follows was decided upon as a point of rule: The Priests of the Society of Mary may accept the ….[bishopric/episcopacy] in the missions. The Society itself encourages them to do so, but they cease from that time on to belong to the Society unless, at their formal request, the Society thinks fit to regard them as members. Consequently, the Society will not, as far as they are concerned, undertake either to provide priests, or to manage their affairs in Europe. This measure has been deemed necessary in order to avoid overburdening the Society. Everyone pay close attention to this point.

3. I advise the Fathers Baty, Forest, Pezant, Petitjean and Bernard to follow Monsignor Viard immediately into his diocese at Port Nicholson. The other priests of the Society will await the arrival of Monsignor de Marronée [= Pompallier – translator’s note] so as not to leave the faithful without pastors, and later they will go with all the Brothers to the diocese at Port Nicholson.

4. I wish very much that you may assemble together and have a good retreat as soon as possible after making the necessary arrangements with Monsignor Viard.

5. I urge you earnestly, in this retreat, to please select by secret ballot three members, the name of whom you will send me promptly in order that I might appoint one of this number permanent visitor, responsible for attending to the preservation of the spirit and rules of the Society. You will come to an understanding with Monsignor Viard in order to carry out this election as quickly as possible.

6. I have requested Monsignor Viard not to place you separately in his diocese, I wish, if possible, for you to be four to a station and for one to be Superior. This way you will incur less expense; you will visit in turn and more easily the tribes nearby without having to leave your House unoccupied.

This letter will be sent to all the Priests of the Society who have taken their vows. I embrace you all, Fathers and Brothers, with much affection and remain, more than ever, dear confrères,

Your very humble and devoted servant,

Colin, Superior