Neithart, C.SS.R., Father Benedict A., New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bishop Francis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1880 May 8

At Leray's last visit to St. Alphonsus Church he made mention of his contemplated visit to the Eternal City. Neithart wonders if he will leave before Pentecost Sunday. He had promised to confirm their children that day. It would be a crushing disappointment should it be deferred. Neithart might invite Bishop William Hickey Gross, C.SS.R., Bishop John Quinlan seems to have been prejudiced by Mother Mary Austin Carroll, S.M., against Neithart and all the Redemptorist Fathers in the matter of those "branch houses." In spite of his good intentions and extreme delicacy, Neithart finds himself in a hornet's nest and has already received two scathing epistles from "her Reverence." He regrets that Leray's words or acts should be misconstrued. He fears that Father Joseph Koegerl is more sick than he seems to imagine. They will gladly take charge of St. Boniface during the summer, in the hope that his European trip may prolong his life. Both Koegerl and Father Francis Xavier Ceuppens propose to leave for Europe on Pentecost Monday. They pray for Leray's safe journey, speedy return, and a happy settlement of the great vital question of the diocese. :: VI-3-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.