Bayley, James, Archbishop of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1873 December 30

Since almost every diocese in the country has been dedicated to the Sacred Heart, it has been suggested that they should request to have it made a Festival with an octave. It would make little difference in the Office, as there is a Duplex Feast every day within it, and all that would be required would be the Office for the day of the Octave, a copy which he encloses. Archbishop John McCloskey of New York is in favor of it and he would appreciate Purcell's opinion on the matter. He has been requested by Cardinal Barnabo to call a meeting of the Bishops of the United States to decide in regard to the creation of the new Metropolitan sees. This would be almost impossible and not necessary. McCloskey and Bishop James F. Wood of Philadelphia suggest that the Archbishops of New York, Cincinnati and St. Louis and Baltimore, together with the Bishops of Boston, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Chicago should meet either at St. Louis or Cincinnati some time next spring and settle the matter definitely. He is in favor of Cincinnati, but will not call any meeting until he has Purcell's judgment on the matter and his consent. He finds his position here a trying one, since his health is not as good as it was. The Diocese is slow and needs a young, active Bishop. He is constantly receiving letters from Rome and all over the world as if he had supreme jurisdiction in this country. He is glad that Purcell is still hearty and strong and prays he is preserved for many years. He sends remembrances to Father Edward Purcell. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.