Flaget, Benedict Joseph, Bishop of Bardstown, Loretto, Kentucky, to the Catholics of the Parish of St. Anne, Detroit, Michigan, 1817 July 8
Scope and Contents
If the members of the opposition persist in their revolutionary and Calvinistic principles, Flaget will carry out his former pastoral and place them under interdict and if they persist he will include with them all who do not sign the lists prepared by the legitimate corporation. Even if 2/3 of the congregation join the rebellious group he will not give in, because they will have really excluded themselves from the bosom of the church. He will be sufficiently satisfied by the good of those who submit. if the schism continues, which he hopes will not be, and the civil government gives in to them, the faithful are to give in, in the manner of Christ and celebrate their services in private homes and God will give them the means to build a church. As to the others who seize the property of the church the Council of Trent has already pronounced their excommunication. Flaget hopes that Father Gabriel Richard, a man of talents and piety will make up for his past weaknesses and too sweet condescension by repairing the evil. For ten years the church of St. Anne enjoyed peace. If 3 or 4 then had been punished as they deserved them, 300 or 400 would not now have to be so treated. But it is now time to separate the chaff from the grain and that the true sheep shall range themselves with the pastor and gain their proper reward. To this is added the formula of submission to which Benoit Chapoton, Francoisse, Pierre Chene and Louis Mauran have signed their names. :: III-2-f A.L.S. French 15pp. 4to., 9
Dates
- Creation: 1817 July 8
Language of Materials
English.
Conditions Governing Access
Contractual restrictions may apply.
Genre / Form
Repository Details
Part of the University of Notre Dame Archives Repository