Lavay, S.J., Father Joseph, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 April 18

Can Blanc give Confirmation at Plaines and Manchac when he comes to Baton Rouge? At Manchac there will be about 20 persons, at Plaines 15 or 20. He also wishes to know what he should do in the following case. A young woman has been coming for instructions for baptism. She had been married by the judge to a Catholic some years ago. As one of the parties was an unbeliever and no dispensation was asked for, the marriage would seem to be invalid. She says she never gave her consent and had always protested the quasi force on the part of her mother. She is now separated from her husband and has asked for a divorce. She is living with a young man whom she intends to marry if she can. 1. Can he marry legitimately after her divorce? 2. Can Lavay, after she separates from the young man, baptise her and give her the other sacraments? The trustees have at last set about the building of the new church. They are letting the old one stand, only knocking down the bell tower to have the bricks for the foundation. They hope Blanc will lay the first stone at his next visit but Lavay does not think they will be ready. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.