The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-11-27

Vaiiltzln entered the Seminary of st.
s9ipice, then recently started by priests
who had been driven from revolutionary
France, and in 1895 was ordained. Despite
Inducements offered him to remain in the
seclusion of st. Sulpice and devote himself
10 peaceful meditation and scientific re-
search, he chose the hard lot of a missionary
IN the United States. Three-quarters of a
century have passed, and the onerous labOrs
now imposed upon the priesthood, even
with increased resources at their disposal,
must AFFORD an idea of the herOism prompt
ing such resolution at such period.
What at present comprises almost three
dioceses in Western Pennsylvania, was the
scene OF his exertions, and where there are
now more than one hundred priests,
many churches, and numerous institutions,
there was then not single priest nor
church. After su ccessful missions in
Maryland, Virginia and in different parts
OF Pennsylvania, he selected these regions
OF the Alleghanies for more permanent eff
forts.
With the enthusiasm of beautiful soul,
he undertook the foundation of a Catholic
colony which should strive to emulate the
virtues of the primitive Christians, and
also animated by atruly philosophic spirit,
he deprecated the settlement of emigrants
in large cities, and made provision for
SOIL A rude wooden church for his flock
and an humble log-cabin for his own resi-
dence, were erected, and then began those
labOrs in that wilderness which tried all
his strength and endurance.
AS his colony scheme developed itself,
and gave prospect of success, he was eager
to obtain the proceeds of his Russian pos
sessions; but the laws of that Empire
recognized not the rights of one who
had become a Catholic priest. How
ever, through the influence of powerful
friends he obtained a portion of his birth
right, which was soon exhausted by the
needs of his little community. Calculating
upon additional remittances from Russia,
he purchased clothing, medical stores, -four
mills and other necessaries, thereby involv-
ing himself heavily in debt. His father
having died in Saxony, his friends united
IN craving his presence in Europe, that he
might secure the vast estates of the Gallit-
Yin family, and his mother obtained special
permission for his return. She also wrote
to Bishop Carroll to use his influence in re-
leasing her son; but Gallitzin convinced
the Bishop of the wisdom of his resolution
to remain in America. Wealth, honor and
even ecclesiastical preferment awaited him
in Europe, but his humble flock on the
rough slope of the Alleghanies were not
called upon to mourn the depaItur of their
beloved father. He wrote to his mother:
8 Whatever might gain by the voyage
to Europe in a temporal point of view, can
not, in my estimation, be compared with
Guo lOSS u SiuSlc SOUL 10 OC-
stoned by my absence"
A fe be estimate IN lie formed of the
numerous difficulties which surrounded the
Reverend Prince, but never daunted his
noble spirit. Oppressed by anxiety to re-
cover his fortune and relieve his indebted
ness, he had also to sustain the cares and
resp, bility of his colony. The constant
with a willingness which impoverished
himself, and by cheering words and ex-
ample he sustained the pioneers around
him amid their toll and privatfon. How he
dependency into trusting
faith, how many souls he nourished until
they became strong again, what deeds he
in the service of his Master,
with all the force of mental and physical
energy, no man can fully tell before that
J Judgment Day when the humble shall be
exalted and the laborer in the vineyard
receive his reward.
Gallitzin was of qhick temperament,
but ever preserved a noble demeanor,
which attracted to him many friends, even
IF different belief from his own, and who |
assisted him in his philanthropic
mission. The Pope sent him donation,
by his august approval.
Among his admirers was Baron Francis de
s1altitz, Russian Ambassador at Washing
ton, who had advanced him $4,000, taking |
his bond as security. During brief visit of
the Reverend Prince at Washington, the am
gave a magnificent entertainment |
in his honor, at which were present Henry |
Clay and other distinguished men. To-
wards the end of a sumptuons repast, the |
Prince, who sat next the Baron, whispered:
So Your excellency, what about my bond
for the $4,000 7n The ambassador, taking |
the bond from his pocket, made answer by |
lighting his cigar with it, and |
no more was heard of the document. Such |
was the tributes paid to this great man,
and such the universal homage OF love aud |
respect offered him by the humble and il
lustrious alike. Nor was his unbounded
charity and holy zeal his only merit HUI
mility formed no less a prominent feature |
of his character, and for many years he laid
aside the name of Gallitzin and was known
only asthe Rev. Mr.. Smith. Living before
the time of Father Matthew, he was yet an
earnest advocate of the temperance cause,
and sobriety was virtue frequently COM
mended by him to his flock.
Though his career was one of endless
action, he found time to write several con-
troversial tracts, which attest the learning
and talent of their author.
After expanding the, portion of his for
tune which he recovered, amounting to no
less than SI5O,OOO, and after fortS-one
ears of priestly labor, thriving town and
a numerous happy people testified to the
of his earthly mission. At
last God called him away, and on the 9th
of May, 1S41, his spirit fled to better
La Sale Monthly.
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