Chatard, Father Silas M., Rome, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1872 January 22

He has been absent from Rome and has not been able to answer to Purcell's letter which was received during Christmas week. A serious illness of a Young cousin, son of Dr. VanBibber of Baltimore who was studying in Vienna, took him away to Paris and Havre. He left on Dec. 28 and arrived home Jan. 17 after a few days rest in Paris. In the meantime, smallpox, which had come in December, but had disappeared, seized four of the young men in the College. All of the cases were light, however. Mr. Monke was one of those stricken. His looks have not been impaired. At present they are free of the disease, although there is a good deal of it in Rome. He has seen Cardinal Barnabo concerning the necessity of obtaining permission from the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda by a priest desiring to change dioceses. The Cardinal says that the cath required by the Titulus Missions makes the priest a servant of all the missions of the Ecclesiastical Province and of the Diocese for which the priest is ordained. Therefore, the priest need only to find a Bishop willing to receive him before his former Bishop can give him his exeat. However, if another Province is involved, permission is required of the Propaganda. Such instructions will be sent to Purcell concerning the Instructions of the Congregation of April 27, 1871 and he is referred to S. 13. They are in the midst of the tempest and their seems to be no signs of it lessening. It is a great thing to have one's faith tried, for it seems to become stronger the more the blasts shake it. They feel that all human aid is at fault. The state of things is appalling to one who is not sustained by faith in God's providence. It is terrible to think of the onslaught on religion and social life that is going on in Italy and of which Rome is the center. Father William Menke has come to his room and desires to present Purcell his regards. All the other students of Cincinnati are well. He thanks Purcell for the great honor done him, but is too well aware of his unworthyness to covet such a position and too well aware of its difficulties and trials to desire it. However, he is obligated to Purcell and the Bishops of Cincinnati. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.