Dénecé, Father John Mary Joseph, Petit Caillou, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1868 February 12

Since he is still finishing work on the interior of the church at Terrebonne, he cannot leave at present. He hopes to come see Odin as soon as possible after this work, however. He had the happiness of singing the first high mass in the new church on January 26. The church was packed for the Mass. Next week he is going to convert the old church into a school. He hopes, after finishing the new church completely, to build a small house near the school so that boarding students can be taken in. Because he has good parishioners, he is not worried about his debts—he is sure they will be paid. Nonetheless, poor times have caused him to discontinue further work on the church. Although Terrebonne is poor, Caillou is even poorer. Almost all the families have left Caillou for Terrebonne, since it is easier to earn a living there. His parishioners at Caillou cannot pay their pew rent. Thus, he himself has very little. Nonetheless, like them he contents himself with the little he has. :: VI-2-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.