(To Mother Delphine Fontbonne)
20 Dec. 1838
My Sister in J.C.
I leave my breviary to tell you my sentiments on several matters; I believe that you do not do as I do, which is to loosen the bridle on all the horses that wish to run a little faster than they should run, but that run because they do not know what to do. It is very good, very well, to have the constitutions of your society kept. I approve of you in all that and I will ever and always be on your side. However, there is that which we must all do to all and for greater precaution. We must address ourselves in all things and everywhere to our superiors. Well, your superior is the Bishop; he is the same to me; you must, therefore, ask him exactly and precisely what I am going to say to you.
1st Why? The 3 January is St. Joseph, when it is the 19 March (in this country)
2nd Why? Dinner at 11 o'clock when in Cahokia it is at 12 o'clock?
3rd Why? The Sisters in Cahokia are godmothers when these of here are not?
4th Why? You do not sing when there is no one to sing?
5th Why? You make things difficult when they should be easy?
6th Why? Also in several of your constitutions you do not follow because you are in this country--as fasting and abstinence?
Therefore, Sister, I tell you for your conduct and for mine, since all is at the disposition of the Bishop according to your own constitutions, will you not consult and arrange and fix and determine once for good all these things and many others; the Bishop's answer will leave me in less disquietude. It is he who answers, not I, though I have faculties and powers from him:
Will it be the 19th of March for St. Joseph? Will dinner be at 11 or 12 o"clock? Will the Sisters be permitted to be godmothers? Will they be permitted to sing at High Mass when there is no one else to sing? Will it be permitted for you not to conform to your rules on occasion with good reason, even political, for the good of the house and other circumstances, as feasts of Saints? Will it be permitted on Saturdays and other days of fast to eat breakfast? What must be done? Ask and you will see and you will not confuse me and you will not give me a single worry as to the six whys.
Pray for the one who is your servant,
Edmund Saulnier [Pastor of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish]
Carondelet, Dec. 20, 1838
Copied from the original in the archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Sister Monica Corrigan on June 23, 1890.
20 Dec. 1838
My Sister in J.C.
I leave my breviary to tell you my sentiments on several matters; I believe that you do not do as I do, which is to loosen the bridle on all the horses that wish to run a little faster than they should run, but that run because they do not know what to do. It is very good, very well, to have the constitutions of your society kept. I approve of you in all that and I will ever and always be on your side. However, there is that which we must all do to all and for greater precaution. We must address ourselves in all things and everywhere to our superiors. Well, your superior is the Bishop; he is the same to me; you must, therefore, ask him exactly and precisely what I am going to say to you.
1st Why? The 3 January is St. Joseph, when it is the 19 March (in this country)
2nd Why? Dinner at 11 o'clock when in Cahokia it is at 12 o'clock?
3rd Why? The Sisters in Cahokia are godmothers when these of here are not?
4th Why? You do not sing when there is no one to sing?
5th Why? You make things difficult when they should be easy?
6th Why? Also in several of your constitutions you do not follow because you are in this country--as fasting and abstinence?
Therefore, Sister, I tell you for your conduct and for mine, since all is at the disposition of the Bishop according to your own constitutions, will you not consult and arrange and fix and determine once for good all these things and many others; the Bishop's answer will leave me in less disquietude. It is he who answers, not I, though I have faculties and powers from him:
Will it be the 19th of March for St. Joseph? Will dinner be at 11 or 12 o"clock? Will the Sisters be permitted to be godmothers? Will they be permitted to sing at High Mass when there is no one else to sing? Will it be permitted for you not to conform to your rules on occasion with good reason, even political, for the good of the house and other circumstances, as feasts of Saints? Will it be permitted on Saturdays and other days of fast to eat breakfast? What must be done? Ask and you will see and you will not confuse me and you will not give me a single worry as to the six whys.
Pray for the one who is your servant,
Edmund Saulnier [Pastor of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish]
Carondelet, Dec. 20, 1838
Copied from the original in the archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Sister Monica Corrigan on June 23, 1890.
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