Skip to main content

Hennaert, Father Peter, Detroit, Michigan, to Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere, Detroit, Michigan, 1851 May 25

 Item
Identifier: CDET III-2-h

Scope and Contents

Having all the information he deems it prudent to take in the affair of Father Fidelis C. Missuwe, Hennaert believes he can say with certainty that Missuwe has not compromised himself at all with any of the persons about whom they were concerned. All Hennaert has learned came from the lips of those persons who both came separately to ask information about Missuwe. Miss Mullen, the organist, and her sister saw Missuwe in Buffalo, New York on Thursday; he was to leave by train that same evening or next day. He sent with her a letter for Hennaert, written to Detroit the same day that he left. Hennaert sends an exact copy of the letter as follows. Missuwe says that Hennaert will no doubt be very much surprised and alarmed by his sudden departure. It is a step which he had resolved upon a long time ago and which at first he thought of putting off another year but he saw himself getting further and further away from the spirit which had led him there and he thought he had better leave before it was too late. He had asked the permission of his superiors but he knew in advance that he would not obtain it. He asks Hennaert to apologize to them for him and to ask pardon for him. It is a kind of a necessity that forces him in some way. As he had urgent need of money for travel he contracted some debts which he wishes the Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere or some one would pay from the sale of his books. He also thought of the scandal that might be caused but reflected that no one could know the causes and circumstances of his leaving. Hennaert knows all his motives. Missuwe hopes to find in him a friend and a defender; although he hopes soon to be several thousand miles away he hopes that Hennaert will not forget him and that he will say a prayer for him. To leave him was perhaps the hardest part and tears came to his eyes as he saw Detroit disappear. He does not plan to visit his family; he has written them but not told them of his decision. When they learn about it he asks Hennaert to console them as best he can. It is not necessary for the Bishop to send information to the other bishops of America. They will not see him. Perhaps he will write to Hennaert later. At present he cannot tell him the place he is going to; he has told it to no one. Hennaert then continues saying that that is all he knows about the affair. Father Michael E. Shawe came the same day that Lefevere left. Since that time, Father Peter Wallace says Mass at the hospital on week days. Today he is at Pontiac, Michigan . The Madames of the Sacred Heart take over their house tomorrow or Tuesday. Hennaert has promised to leave the Blessed Sacrament with them if they have a suitable place and to give them Holy Communion now and then during the week as they rarely have Mass these days. Father Missuwe is quite well known in the city; they regret his going but Hennaert has not heard anyone give the least unfavorable interpretation. P.S. In making inquiries about finding the letters of Father Missuwe some one showed him one of Father Peter Kindekens and he believes it is right to send it on to Lefevere so that he could reply if it was necessary. :: III-2-h A.L.S. French 4pp. 8vo.

Dates

  • Creation: 1851 May 25

Language of Materials

English.

Conditions Governing Access

Contractual restrictions may apply.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Notre Dame Archives Repository

Contact:
607 Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame Indiana 46556 United States
(574) 631-6448