Ceuppens, Francis X., Malines, Belgium, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M. of New Orleans, C/o the Lazarists, Paris, France, 1862 November 10

About four4 years ago Divine Providence inspired Ceuppens to imitate the missionaries some day. The assistance of grace and his reading of the annals of the Propagation of the Faith nourished this sacred fire in his heart. Bound by friendship with John B. Bogaerts who is already engaged to follow Odin to America, they encourage themselves in their common desire. Odin's presence in the seminary and the attractiveness of his virtues awakened these desires in his heart. Although he is only a subdeacon he made his desires known to the president, to his confessor, and to the canon, Father Dedecker. He believed it his duty to seek admission on into New Orleans from Odin. He was born at Malines on December 22, 1839, orphaned since 1844, and little favored by fortune. However, Providence left his education to a charitable person of the city who gave him a clerical title, and on July 26, 1862 he was ordained subdeacon. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.