Chenal, Father H.J., New Albany, Indiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1858 July 5

If Blanc has the annals of the Archconfraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the conversion of sinners, he will find Chenal's history there. It is the history of a sinner who went to Notre Dame du Gard in 1847 under the direction of Father Francois M.P. Libermann of sainted memory, the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost and of the Holy Heart of Mary. It was to the prayers of the late Bishop Truffat of Callipolis who was his mentor, and prayers of Father DesGenettes, pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires in Paris, and especially to the protection of Mary that Chenal owes the miracle of his conversion. After making his novitiate at Libermann's house Chenal was sent to a bishop by Father Ignatius Schwindenhammer, presently Superior General in British North America. Because of some difficulties with the trustees Chenal obtained his exeat. Chenal went to Boston. Bishop Fitzpatrick offered him a mission which Chenal could not accept because he did not speak English well enough. From Boston he went to New York. He had the alternative of returning to France or to seek a new mission. In New York he was robbed of $254. Soon his hotel keeper demanded the $75 he owed. The hotel keeper seized Chenal's trunks and even refused to return his credentials. Chenal went to court to get them back but did not succeed. Chenal sold a watch for $8, an overcoat for $2. After going for two days without eating he went to the French pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's church. But this pastor, belonging to a religious order, had little money. However he did give Chenal $26 which enabled him to get to La Trappe in Kentucky. After 3 months he left by order of the Abbot who because of financial pressures could not give him further hospitality. Chenal left weak and convalescent from a severe illness. He went on foot to St. Mary's College; the president, Father Lavialle, received him very kindly. From there he went to Bardstown. Father de Blieck gave him wine every day to restore his strength. Today Chenal is in excellent health. But the rule of these houses do not permit hospitality for more than 3 or 4 days. From Bardstown went to New Albany. But God be praised! This was the motto of his late mother. Chenal would like to be among the workers in this vast country of the United States. During his stay at St. Mary's, Chenal met a young man who, like Chenal, is from around Lyons. This young man, Victor Fargeat, was placed as a school master at Houma by Father Rousselon or Father Perché. Fargeat urged Chenal to appeal to Blanc. P.S. Chenal owes the paper he writes on to a Belgian Catholic. During his stay at La Trappe, Chenal wrote to an uncle but the letter was lost. Ten days ago he found the 25 cents to send another letter. He expects to receive help from France in 3 or 4 weeks. He does not have a cent and soon will have no shoes. Whatever Blanc's decision Chenal asks him to send him some money. :: VI-1-o A.L.S. French 10pp. 12mo.