Odin, Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1852 December 12

He has been back since last Wednesday. Father James Giraudon ; destined to replace Father Michael Calvo, C.M. at San Antonio, could not go to his new post until around mid-November. Father Claude C.M. Dubuis was with Odin but he does not know Spanish and does not know English well; he could serve only the convent and the Germans. Before leaving the west, Odin visited Fredericksburg, 70 miles from San Antonio. It is a very interesting German parish. They have built a chapel and a house for the pastor. He also went to Castroville where there is a large Catholic population with a church, presbytery, and a school all of stone. On his way, Odin visited Goliad . This American town is coming alive again. During the year, almost 60 Mexican families, originally from there, have come to reestablish their houses after being driven out at the time of the wars. Their former church is the only building left standing but the Americans have taken possession of it and Odin does not know if he can succeed in having them restore it. In 1847, 5 or 6 Americans settled across from Goliad on the opposite bank. With the aid of a charter they obtained from the Legislature they took possession of all the lands of the old corporation, selling and distributing all as they wished. The church was rented to the secretary of the new municipality; he still has it at his disposal. It is the only American family living in the old Goliad. Odin has to say Mass in a private home. He makes no allusion to the church and the Americans of the new Goliad seem to be ashamed of this open evil. Perhaps they will restore the church to Odin. He told them he has no intention of starting a suit, that he will send a report to the Legislature. This old church is necessary to Odin; in a year or two there will perhaps be 300 families at Goliad. The school of the Brothers of Mary at San Antonio is going very well; they have 90 students. The house Odin had built for them was almost finished when Odin left. The land and the building cost almost $6500. Mr. Cassiano loaned Odin the money for 4 years. The Ursulines at San Antonio are doing well. The two Irish Sisters have a good education and perfect religious spirit. Their school has 75 children. Many Catholics are arriving from Mexico and Germany. All their priests should speak English, Spanish, and a little German. The four Franciscan Fathers who came from Bavière seem trustworthy. They are pastors at Fredericksburg, New Braunsfels, Castroville and Dhanis . Mother Jane de Chantal, O.S.U., new Superior at the convent in Galveston, is firm and capable. These Sisters are a little weak for teaching, because of bad health. Odin will write a little oftener this winter. He plans to stay here 4 or 5 months. Father Louis Chambodut, C.M. will make the trips. :: VI-1-d A.L.S. French 3pp. 12mo. 15