Kindekens, Father Joseph, Detroit, Michigan, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 November 7

During the past summer, at the request of the Archbishop of Baltimore, Kindekens endeavored to find a suitable location for the projected American College in Rome . He found it impossible. Under the present occupation of Rome by the French, etc. the Holy Father could not say when he could assign a suitable building. Passing through Belgium, Kindekens learned of an earnest wish to establish a college for the Foreign Missions. 1. Kindekens obtained a promise from the Count Felix de Merode of between 50,000 and 60,000 francs toward founding a college in any city of Belgium of Kindekens' choice. 2. The Archbishop of Malines and several other prelates promised their cooperation. 3. A subscription will open in the columns of the Catholic journals of Belgium as soon as Kindekens can assure them that the bishops of the United the bishops States are promoting the work. The rector of the University, the city selected for the college, has promised his aid. The institution American College in Louvain would serve as a nursery of properly educated clergy for the missions and proved American bishops with a college where some of their students might be sent without much expense. The basis of government will be that of the Propaganda at Rome. Each diocese will profit in proportion to the amount furnished toward it. Blanc is to inform Kindekens whether he desires to take part and what amount he may possibly furnish. Blanc is also amount he may possibly furnish. Blanc is also to nominate the person he may wish to become Rector. Kindekens must inform Merode whether the design is entered into by the Bishops or leave Merode free to build a church in Brussels as was his original intention. :: VI-1-l L.S. 1p. 4to.