Kenrick, Archbishop Peter Richard, St. Louis, Missouri, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 January 22

Nothing is changed of what his predecessor established in regard to matrimony in this diocese. The passage of the letter refers only to parishes properly so called. Where the parties live only 9 or 10 miles from the priest's residence, Kenrick would incline to think marriages invalid, if not performed before him. Two conditions are necessary that the district be a canonically erected parish and that there be a priest residing in the parish. He doubts there was a canonically erected parish before Kenrick made the division of the city 6 years ago. Bishop Joseph Rosati is said to have been asked would a marriage be valid, celebrated at Carondelet, 6 miles from St. Louis before any person if no priest resided there. Rosati answered in the affirmative. Kenrick inclines to think that Blanc's case is a valid marriage. Blanc is the only one who has not had the appearance of running away from the Pallium. Archbishop John Hughes had it left for him at Paris; Archbishop John Baptist Purcell wrote Kenrick from New York that his had been brought to Boston but he seemed to intend to have it sent to Cincinnati before receiving it. Bishop Michael Portier ought to get a gold medal from the next council as proof of his brethern's admiration for his having built such a magnificent church without getting into debt. Kenrick could not be present at the consecration. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. 3pp 4to.