Life of the Right Reverend Joseph P. Machebeuf, D.D., pioneer priest of Ohio, pioneer priest of New Mexico, pioneer priest of Colorado, vicar apostolic of Colorado and Utah, and first bishop of Denver

Front matter

XJNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES

UMvEKSirV ot CAUFOKMA

AT

Dedication

To the Priests of Colorado, Who Inherit the Results of the Labors of Bishop Machebeuf, that They May Know, Appreciate and Imitate the Virtues and Works of Their Apostle, This Recital of His Life, Written as a Tribute of Gratitude, is Aifectionately

J)edicated By

Their Brotiiek in Christ.

Chapter I

Early Settlers.— Early Priests. — French Missionaries. — Auverjrtie iind I.iltle Auvercriie.- The Machebeufs. — Bii lii of Our Subject.— Early Education.— Loss of His Mother. In College. — Thousrhts of tlu- Army.— Enters the Seminary.— Ordination ^ '

Chapter II

First Appointment. — Devotion to the Blessed Virsariu. — Month of May. — Consoling Results of the Exercises.— Desire foia Missionary Life. — Hears Father Odin and Bishop Flaget. — Resolves to lio to America. — Obstacles. — Secret Departnic "

CHAPTER HI.

Arrival at Paris. — News of the Flight. - Father Machebeufs Letter. — Letter of Bishop Purcell.— Forgiveness. Journeys. — The Sylvie de Grasse.— The Departure. Members of the Party.— Joy in Exile. — The Hundred-fold Reward ' -i"^

Chapter IV

Sails from Havre.— Incidents of the Voyage. — Arrives at New York. — Bishop Dubois. — On to Cincinnati.— Appointed to Tiffin. — Life on the Missions. — Hardships and Consolations. — ExplauMlory •''•'

Chapter V

Ohio Apostles. -The Work of One Week. -Fii-st Rnglish Sermon. — Lost in the Woods. — A Drive on the Ice. — A Good Hotelkeeper.--A Convert. — A Frisky Horse. — Reported Dead.- A Primitive Court. — The Condemned Murderer. — A Prayer Answered <"

CHAPTER VL

Goes to Lower Sandusky.— The Place. — The People. -A Patriarch.— To Cincinnati in a Bugg\'. — Mardi (rras. — Meets the Future Bishop Rappe. — Castles in Spain and Churches in Ohio.— Railroads.— High Bridge. — Good Will of the People.— Prepares to Build.— Removes to Sandusky City. Household Arrangements.— Mixed Religions.— Troubles at Norwalk. — Cooks.— Begs and Borrows. — The Lord Will Provide.— Piety 83

Chapter VII

Visit of Bishop Purcell. — Churches Begun. — Manual Labor by Father Machebeuf and Bishop Purcell.— Domestic Concerns. — Salary. — Monej^ Scarce. — Laborers Paid in Produce. — Father Rappe. — Times Grow Harder. — Bank Failures. — Low Market Prices. — Church Grows in the Midst of Poverty.— Patrons of His Churches.— Goes to Canada to Collect.— Shipwreck.— Opening of His Churches.- Blessed are tlie Poor 99

Chapter VIII

Life's Sacred Moments. — News of His Father's Illness. Plans to Return to France.— Disappointment.— A Sad Winter.— Death of His Father. — His Grief. — Prepares to Go to Europe. — Arrival Home 116

Chapter IX

Going to Rome. — Tyjjes of Travelers. — Visits Rome's Wonders.—Audience With Pope Gregoi-y XVI. — At Loretto, Venice, Milan, Turin. — The Ursulines of Beaulieu. — Appeals to the Royal Family for Aid.— Pi-epares to Return. Corpus Christi on Board Ship.— New York to Cincinnati. Installs the Ursulines at Fayetteville.— Home Again. Renewed Activity 124

Chapter X

Cold Comfort.— Churches Blessed.— Excess of Good Will. Christmas Celebration.— New Diocese of Cleveland. Faith in Europe and America. — Appeal for Priests.— New Buildings. — Fears for France. — The Famine in Ireland. P^mbarrassments. — Visit of Father De Smet.— Almost an Indian Missionary.— Better Pt-ngponfg — Fnther Tinmy Ma.de_^ishop. — Father Machebeuf His Vicar General. Leaves Sandusky. — A River Steamer.— ''Into the Keeping of Providence. " 140

Chapter XI

Goes to San Antonio. — Visits the Fi-ontier Forts. — Incidents on the Way lo El I'aso. — Government Favors. — Up the Rio (irande. — Local Receptions on the Way. — Plenty of Faith but Few Works.— Apathy of the Clergy.— Triumphal Entry Into Santa Fe 157

Chapter XII

Extent of the Vicariate.— Mixed Races. — Christian and Pagan Indians. — Santa Fe. — Some Events in Its History'. The Palace.-The Churches.-The Bell.— The Blunder of a Drunken Judge. — How He Was Made to Rectify It. Bishop Lamy Goes to Durango. —Father Maehebeuf as Administrator. — Missionary Work. — Religious Ignorance and Its Consequences. — Need of Christian Schools. Building Bought.— The Sistei-s of Loretto. — Academy of Our Lady of Light Hid

Chapter XIII

Coming of the Sisters of Loretto. — Father Maehebeuf Goes to Albuquerque. — Opposition of the Former Padre. Firmness of Father Maehebeuf. — Erection of the Diocese of Santa Fe. — The Novenas. — Obtains Possession of the Parish House. — Installs the New Pastors. — Goes to Kansas City to Meet the Sisters. — Surrounded by Indians. Meeting Hostile Indians.— A Certificate of Character. . . .IHM

Chapter XIV

Building Material. — Repairing the Churches. — New Organ. Father Maehebeuf Starts for France. — Incidents of Travel. — In France. — New Recruits. — Double Celebration at Sea. — Arrival at New York. — Interesting Relation by Father Ussel. — Returns to Albuquerque. — Grand Welcome.—Begins to Preach in English. — Converts. — Establishes Catechism (^lasses. — Goes Again to the States. Tricks the Indians. — Return Party. — Mademoiselle Lamy and Companion. — Leaves Albuquerque for Santa F^. Efforts to Retain Him in Albuquerque. — Reception at Satila I'e l^O-i

Chapter XV

\ Thijeefold Work.^Father Martinez. — Father TalaHrid. ^chism at Taos.— Kit Carson, Ceran St. Vrain and Charles Beaubien.— E^ommunication of Fathei's Martinez and Lucero. — Fathers MlU'ljebyuf and -Ussel O'O on a^TTTssion. — Rio Colorado. — Costilla. — Conejos.— Don Jesus Velasquez. — Lafayette Head. — Adios and Gifts. Mutual Pleasures. — Fort Massachusetts. — Culebra. Father Avel. — His Sad Death. — Unjust Suspicions Against Father Munneeoni. — His Chai-acter Cleared. The Mails. — More Territory and More Work 227

Chapter XVI

International Difficulties. — The Gadsden Treaty. — New Territory Added to the Diocese of Santa Fe.— Father Machebeuf Goes to Mexico. — Incidents of His Trip. — Rumors of a NeAv Vicariate. — Visits Tucson. — Indian Tribes. San Xavier del Bac — Efforts to Obtain New Missionaries. Last Trip to Az-izona. — Recall. — Ruxton on New Mexico and Its Inhabitants 244

Chapter XVII

Critics and Ci-iticisms.- Honor to the Pioneer.— Apologetic. Early Explorers. — Coronado, Pike, Pui'sley, Long, James, Fremont, Sage, Gilpin, Parkman, Ruxton. — Hunters and Trappers. — Discovery of Gold. — Cherokee Indians. — Russell and Party. — First Town, Auraria. — Pike's Peak. Rush of Goldseekers. — Adventurers. — Territory Organized.— Religion. — Scenei^v'.- Climate.— Weather. — Topography.—Roads.— Towns.— Bishop Miege in Denver. — District Annexed to Diocese of Santa Fe 267

Chapter XVIII

News in New Mexico. —Appointment for Pike's Peak. — Goes to Denver City with Father Raverdy. — Conditions at Denver. — Central City. — Mines and Mining Camps. — Instability of Population. — Mission Trips. — Movable Home and Traveling Chapel. — Many Permanent Churches Impossible.—First Mission Chapel at Central City. — His Eighth Trip. — Falls Sick. — P^ather Ussel a Messenger from Bishop Lamy. — Goes to New Mexico.— Charity of the Mexicans.— War in New Mexico 286

Chapter XIX

Completes the Church at Denver. — Location of the ('hurch. Farming in Colorado. — The Desert CoiKiuercd. -Secures Lands.— Locations for New ('hurches. — The Cemetery. Revenue and Cost of Living?. — Serious Accident Lames Him foi- Life. — Boys' School. — St. Mary's Academy, i'roposed C'ollege.— Father Cssel's Mission to the Benedictines.— Fire in Denver. — P^'lood. — Indian Massacres. Fright in Denver. — Father Machebeuf's Courage. — Usual Mission Trips. — Battle of Sand Creek.— Desperadoes. Later Missions ;^04

Chapter XX

Colorado and L'tah Settlements. — Momion Policy. — V. S. Troops. — Visit of Father Raverdy to Utah.— A Box of Peaches. — Bells.— Father Machebeuf Sick.— "Trompe-la-Mort."— Father Raverdy Goes to Central City. — Father Faure Comes to Denver. — Recreations at the Ranch. The Choir. — New (^hurch at Golden City. — Itinerai-y of Mission Trip. — Progress of the Church. — Father Machebeuf's Voluntan' Poverty. — American Influences Predominate.—Steps for a Vicariate. — Father Machebuef's iriimiiity Alarmed :V20

Chapter XXI

P'irst Mission in Denver.— Father DeBlieck.— Official Notice of Appointment as Bishop. — Fitness for the Work. — A Begging Tour. — Consecration. — Return to Denver. — Receptions.— Responsibilities and Resources. — Episcopal Missionary Trips. — To Central City. — To Conejos. — To Salt Lake City.-To Trinidad XiT

CHAPTER XXI 1.

Priests and Their Locations. — P^ire at St. Mary's Academy. Bishop Starts for Europe. — First Students. — Father Bouchet of Louisville.— Bishop Goes to Rome. — Visits Ireland. Business and Sociability. — First Priests Ordained. — Returns with New Priests. — Ordains Future Bishop of Santa Fe Trail.— New House. -Church Enlarged. — Various Crosses and Disappointments. — French Sympathies. Utah Transferred.- Conditions at the Close of 1S71 . . . .M.");{

16 LITE OF BISHOP MACHEBEUF.

CHAPTER XXm.

Growth of Denver. — Father Raverdy Vicar General.— Proposed Jesuit College. — St. Joseph's Hospital.— Coming: of the Jesuits. — Priests in Pueblo, South Park, Boulder and Colorado Springs. — Father Raverdy Goes to Europe. Father Bourion's Prize Drav^ing. — Great Fire at Central. General View. — Consecration to the Sacred Heart.— Bad Times.— Loans.— Sale of Property.— Sisters at Pueblo. Golden Jubilee of Archbishop Purcell.— Conference of St. Vincent of Paul.— Lake City. — Carriage Upsets. Smallpox Rages. — New Church at Boulder.— Confidence in God. — Trip to St. Louis.— To Santa Fe. — To Cincinnati.— Sisters at Conejos 370

CHAPTER XXIV.

Rise of Leadville. — Father Robinson. — Church and Hospital. St. Elizabeth's at Denver. — Sacred Heart Church.— Bishop Machebeuf Goes to Rome. — Settling Duffieulties. New Residence. — St. Patrick's Church. — St. Joseph's. St. Ann's.— New Church and Hospital in Pueblo.— Aspen Mission.— Orphan Asylum. — Good Shepherd Refuge. Sistei-s of Mercy.— French Bonds. — Coloi'ado Catholic Loan and Trust Association. — Jesuit College.— Goes to the Council of Baltimore. — Consecration of Bishop Bourgade. Golden Jubilee.— Franciscans. — Love for Mexieansi Opinion of Father Matz. — The Mexicans 386

CHAPTER XXV.

A Coadjutor.— Consecration of Bishop Matz.— Continued Work. Death of Archbishop Lamy.— New Religious Orders of Men and Women. — At Washington. — Accidents. Sudden Waning of Vitality.— Death.— Surprise and Regret of Everyone. — The Funeral.— Touching Incident. Death of Father Raverdy 4()3

CHAPTER XXVI.

Estimate of Bishop Machebeuf. — First Impressions.— Activity.—Earnestness. — Simplicity.— Learning. — No Politician.—Social Qualities. — Financial Operations.— Bishop Machebeuf as a Priest.— As a Bishop.— His Work. APOSTLE OF COLORADO 411

Chapter I

Eai'ly Settlers.— Early Priests.— French Missionaries.— Auverii'ne and Little Auveriine. — The Machebeufs. — Birth of Our Subject. — Early Education. — Loss of His Mother. — In Collesre. — Thoughts of the Army. — Enters the Seminaiy. — Ordination.

The priest of the Catholic Church is the product of years of thought and laborious preparation. In early youth the signs of a vocation begin to manifest themselves, and uix)n them, as upon an essential foundation, the first elements of an ecclesiastical training are laid, and the religious character built up with the one end in view, that of a life to be devoted to the service of Grod in His Church. Religion, ordinarily, is of slow growth, and, in modem times, when the struggle for existence among some, and the stiniggle for wealth and power among others, has become so absorbing, the development of religion to that state in which priests are plentifully produced is proportionally slower. If the Catholic 3"oung man could go from the sho]), the work-bench, or the plow to the pulpit and the altar, as the Protestant often goes into his ministry, no country need at any time feel the lack of priests to supply the religious necessities of the Catliolic peo])le. In the settling up of the American Continent, Catholics did their proportionate share, and, like so many others, they went into tlie wilderness to find the peace and happiness of a home which heretofore had never been their real possession. Their shelter was simple and lowly, but it was a home, and in it was born and fostered that spirit of independence and strong personal manhood which specially marked tlieir children. They brought with them their religion as their dearest treasure, and if it had not been such, they m.ight have had, in more prosperous lands, an equal share with others in the smiles and favors of the world.

It was an easier matter, however, to bring their religion than their priests, and without priests to keep religion before the people, and to familiarize the young with its requirements, religion itself must languish and eventually disappear.

The causes which sent so many to seek homes in new and uncultivated lands were the very causes which worked to prevent their priests from accompanying them. The poverty which forced them from the land of their birth had reduced the number of priests at home, until few or none could be spared for the far-off work. The same poverty, and, for a time, greater privation, were to be their portion, and, great as may have been their faith, their respect for the anointed of the Lordi made them unwilling to condemn a disciple, even of Him Who had not where to lay His head, to suffer want with them. Hence, they went forth alone, trusting in God and casting their care upon the Lord.

The one more favored country, ricli in faith and oiDportunities, which could come to their assistance in their exile, was France, and she responded nobly to the call. To France the Catholic Church in the United States owes a debt of lasting gratitude for the many zealous missionaries who devoted their lives and fortunes to the preservation and spread of the faith among the early settlers in this portion of the New World.

When the tide of emigration began to go west from the States bordering on the Atlantic, it was speedily followed by the missionaries, and most of these pioneer priests were Frenchmen, and as ci\nlization advanced its outposts until it crossed the Continent the French missionary was at the front. From these, also, were chosen most of those early bishops, whose dioceses were vast missionary districts ser^^ed by priests in great part of their own nationality. The missionary to the Indians was French, and his rare faculty of being able to adapt himself to all sorts of primitive conditions made him an excellent pioneer. The early bishops realized this, and the early history of the Church in America records numberless instances of bishops appealing to France for priests to labor in their dioceses. Nearly every locality which has a religious history has also a religious hero to commemorate, and in nearly every case that hero is a Frenchman.

The missionary^ spirit was general throughout France, but it found its intensity in the Province of Auvergne. Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati, and

Bishop Flaget of Bardstown, himself an Auvergnat, recognized this, and materially increased the number of their priests by seeking volunteers in Auvergiie. Bishop Lamy of Santa Fe did the same later, and when he became an archbishop his Province was known in France as ' ' Little Auvergne, ' ' for its metropolitan, its two suffragan bishops and three-fourths of its priests were natives of Auvergne.

The Machebeuf family was of the class of small landed proprietors, and lived at Volvic in the heart of Auvergne, six kilometers from Riom and about double that number from Clermont, the capital of the province. In the troublous times preceding the great French Revolution, Projectus Machebeuf, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a student in the seminar}^ but the force of events rendered his plans of a future career impossible of realization. He submitted to the inevitable, and gave up the desires which he could not accomplish, but God accordedl him the happiness of seeing them realized in his grandson.

Projectus Machebeuf married and became the father of four sons and three daughters. One of the daughters became a Sister of Charity of the Order of St. Vincent of Paul, and died at Paris while Superior of one of the large hospitals of that city. The oldest child of Projectus Machebeuf was named Michael Anthony, and upon arriving at early manhood, he went to Clermont where he entered upon an apprenticeship with a master baker. At the close of his period of service he established himself at Riom where he soon found himself at the head of the most flourishing establishment of the kind in the city. One of his sisters — the same who afterwards became a religious — lived with him and kei)t house for him in his earlier days, but, feeling herself drawn to a religious life, she only waited for him to many in order that she might be free to follow out her vocation.

In the same house with them there lived two maiden ladies, — Louise and Jeanne Feuillarade. These two sisters took an interest in the young Machebeufs, and, in a motherly way, undertook to bring about a marriage between Michael Anthony and a young friend of theirs, Mademoiselle Gilberte Plauc. The pious and well meaning ladies saw the good qualities of these two young people whom they brought together, and whose union they were happy to see consecrated by the blessing of the Cliurch. The result justified their hopes, for the marriage was a happy one, and its effects were felt farther than any but a prophet could foresee, as they reached out into a new world as far as distant Ojiio, New Mexico and Colorado.

The first fruit of this marriage saw the light of day at Riom on the 11th of August, 1812. It was a son, and at his baptism he was given the two names — Projectus Joseph. The first name was in honor 'of the grandfather, who was also sponsor upon the occasion. It was also as a mark of confidence in St. Projectus who was one of the twenty-eight canonized Bisho])s of the See of Auvergne, and was the patron saint of parish of Volvic, the home of the Machebeufs.

The Latin name, Projectus, is translated into French as Priest. This does not mean priest as in English, which in French is pretre, but is an ordinary baptismal name, and Father Machebeuf used it thus for a time after his coming to America, but in English the name of Priest Machebeuf carried a suggestion of disrespect as used among the Americans, and Father Machebeuf transposed the two names and was ever afterwards known as Joseph Projectus Machebeuf.

His earliest education was begun bj^ his pious mother, and she was ably seconded by the Demoiselles Feuillarade, who kept a school for small children. That good mother mingled with her instructions lessons of piety by word and example, and taught him especially that tender devotion to the Mother of God which clung to him during his whole life. His father was a man of strong and firm character whose every wish was law, yet he upheld and imposed his authority by no undue harshness but in a manner to insure reverential respect and gain the fullest filial affection of his children, thus making obedience surer and easier. From his father young Joseph learned that respect for authority which particularly marked his after life, and brought him pain when he noticed the absence of it in others.

Outside of the paternal home his first regular instructors were the Brothers of the Christian Schools, to whose care he was confided while still very young. Yet, at that early age he was able to appreciate tlieir kindness and profit by their lessons. He always retained an affectionate remembrance of these early teachers, and years afterwards from his far-off missions he frequently inquired about them in his letters to the members of his family, and sent them kindly greetings.

The hope of having a son a priest is common among Christian mothers, and Madame Machebeuf entertained it as a possibility even at that early period. Among the members of the Machebeuf family there had been no priest within the memory of anyone living, yet the desire of such an honor was not the less cherished on that account, and why might it not be realized now? This good mother planted the seed in the youthful mind of her son, and other influences helped to vivify it and make it grow into a tree, whose branches have spread over two continents to bear fruit in both. Nor is that fruit all of the past, for, besides the lasting fruits of his own labors, the example of Father Machebeuf was followed by four of his immediate relatives who became priests. The first of these was the xVbbe Fontanel, who died a few years ago as Canon of the Cathedral of Clermont. Two others are now pastors in that diocese, and a fourth is a member of a religious order in Belgium. His only sister became a nun in the Visitation Convent at Riom, and to her above all others the writer is indebted for the material of this biography.

His intimate association with the Christian Brothers, and also with the Sisters of Charity who conducted the Hospital for Incurables at Eiom, and who were particular friends of his family, aided and encouraged the thought which the parents of the young Machebeuf suggested to their son. Nor was the influence of the Demoiselles Feuillarade wanting, but behind it all was the grace of God leading his young mind steadily on towardis an apostolic vocation.

To realize this idea was not an easy matter in those days, for the municipal schools and colleges were in the hands of laics, and the disorders and loose methods brought in by the Revolution were still in vogue and constituted an open danger to religioii and morality. The college of Riom had been taken from the Oratorians and given to government teachers, and here it was that young Machebeuf was obliged to go for his classical studies. But the watchful care of his family and the friendly interest of some of the good priests of Riom, with God's grace, enabled him to pass through the danger without injury to his faith or his virtue.

When he was only thirteen years of age and could least bear it, he suffered the first and greatest loss of his lifetime. Madame Machebeuf, his mother, was stricken suddenly with brain fever and died after only a few days' illness. She left to her sorrowing husband three almost helpless children, for the other two — a girl and a boy — were but five and three years old respectively.

Of this event that little girl, speaking seventy-five years later, said: "Wliat a sad blow for this little family! for the father and his three on^haned chiJdreu! Most fortunately a young aunt, a sister of their mother, having no worldly cares of her own, offered to devote her life to the care and education of these little ones. Yet, kind and tender as she was, this second mother could not fill the place, nor efface the image of his cherished and lost mother in the heart of young Priest. He had known her too well, and loved her too much, to forget her so easily. Better able than his young sister and brother to appreciate her love and care, his grief would have been without solace were it not for his devotion to the divine Mother, the Comfortress of the Afflicted, which the lost one had endeavored to instill into his heart from his earliest years. Hence that ardent and tender love for Mary which sustained him in the midst of the constant trials of his laborious life."

This last reflection was not merely a pious afterthought of a religious, for we shall see how in after life devotion to the Blessed Virgin was one of the deep-rooted sentiments of his soul.

This good aunt came as near to filling a mother's place for the orphans as any but a mother can, and all of them held her in the highest esteem and affection during her whole life. The Demoiselles Feuillarade instructed the younger children as they had instructed the oldest, and did all they could for tlie loved ones whom their dear Gilberte had left behind. It was a labor of love for them, and they felt that it was also an obligation, for they had something to do with the formation of the family.

The succeeding years young Machebeuf spent in college work without any special incident to mark any portion of them, or to distinguish him from the ordinary good and moral youths of the time. He was of a delicate physique and complexion, and this saved him from some of the rougher s^Dorts and recreations, and probably of the dissipations of his companions.

The thought of the priesthood was with him, but the definite call from God was but slowly manifesting itself during these years. To have nourished the idea of becoming a priest, and to have preserved his virtue in the midst of his dangerous surroundings, did not appear a sufficient guarantee for a clear cut decision, and, while he was in this state of uncertainty and hesitation, an incident occurred which came near turning the whole course of his life into another and far different channel.

In 1830, Algiers surrendered to the French, and the armies of France were covered with glory. Yet the reign of Charles X was drawing to a close. The spirit of revolution was rife, and this made the future appear very uncertain for politics and business, and likewise for the Church. The army was the only thing which seemed sure, and it promised brilliant careers for the young men of all parties. It at least represented the glory of France, and the achievements of the past could now be repeated on African soil. All France was stirred up, and the praises of the army were sung upon all sides.

A grand review of the troops was held at Clerniont, at which young Machebeuf was present with some of his college comrades. His admiration for the soldiers was boundless, his patriotism was fired and his enthusiasm was wrought up to a high pitch. He was moved beyond all his companions, and a word was all that was lacking to make him offer himself as a volunteer. That word was not spoken and he returned home.

He had gone to the review without the knowledge of Ms father, but the entire matter soon reached the ears of his parent. The father was astonished as the action of his son and more than surprised at the enthusiasm of the young man. He was displeased and showed his displeasure by a stern silence. It was not his intention, however, to show his disapproval merely by silence, but at the proper time he intended to have a serious talk with his son. Young Priest did not fail to notice the silence of his father, and he was at no loss to divine the cause of it. He was extremely pained by it, and it was a relief when one day he received a summons from his father for a conference. Knowing what was coming he obeyed the call with some trepidation, but the father put him at his ease by his kindly words. It was like a talk between man and man, but with every evidence of love and solicitude on the part of the father and a desire to do right on the part of his son. Mr. Machebeuf laid before the young man the ]>l;nis of his friends from his earliest youth, the preparations that had been made through the course of his education, all of which seemed now in danger of be-

28 LIFE OF BISHOP MACHEBPJUF.

ing upset and frustrated in a moment of enthusiasm. ''After all," said the father, "you are free, but consider well what you are to do, and then do what you think is the will of God. ' '

The young man did reflect seriously and he went also to consult others older and wiser in spiritual things than himself. Among those others was an old and tried friend of the family, the Abbe Dalleine, pastor of the church of St. Amable in Riom, and his own spiritual diirector. This man of God had watched ever his young friend from his infancy, and doubted not that God had destined him for His intimate service at the altar. He so advised his young friend, and acting on this advice the young man determined to enter the Grand Seminary of Montferrand. As soon, then, as he had finished his course of rhetoric at the college he begged his father to accompany him to the Seminary and present him to the priests of St. Sulpice who had charge of that institution.

This was at the beginning of October, 1831, and up to that time his mind had not been clear as to his future course. Doubt andl uncertainty had haunted him through all the years of his college studies, and followed him to the very threshold of the Seminary.

His first day at the Seminary was a memorable day for him. It seemed that God was waiting there for him, allowing him hitherto the merit of a choice entirely free, but now to make laiown to him His will in a more positive manner. From the very first hour he felt himself filled more and more with a mysterions joy, bringing- peace to liis soul and setting aside all doubt and hesitation. The very next day he wrote to his father a letter filled with expressions of gratitude to God, and thanks to his kind and worthy parent for the thousand favors and acts of kindness which he had received from him, but more especially for this last act by which he was enabled to see so clearly the grand vocation of his life. Excuses and regrets for the past were numerous, but that was all gone now, and the present was a decided certiiinty in view of a future which appeared so clear and open. From tliat time on, all his letters had that fixed and settled tone, and never once showed any sign of wavering intention or regret of puriTOse.