The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-10-13
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In MEMORIAM..

i On the Goth of September, 1875, the
Right Rev. AUGUST MARY ALOYSI.
Us MARTIN, First Roman CatIoli,
Bishop Of the Diocese of Natclitoches,
departed this life.
The lamented Prelate was born on
the I'd Of February, 1903, at St. Malo, an
old French city on the English Chan
mel, in the Department Of Ille-et-vi-
laine. His father was physician and
his raothcr noble French lady. I'M
der the pious and earnest tuition Of the
latter, the deceased made rapid pro-
gress in piety and learning. At the age
of twenty-five and half years, he was
ordained Priest, in virtue of a special
dispensation, for his talents and merits
had anticipated the age required by the
Sacred Canons. Such was the high es-
teem in which he was held, that, in
spite Of his youth, he was appointed
President of the Royal College,.
After the downfall Of Charles Y, the
young Able Martin returned to his ma
tive Diocese. and was entrusted by His
Grace, the Bishop of Remmcs with the
successive charge of two Parishes
Whilst he was faithfully engaged in the
fulflllment of his pastoral duties, the
Holy and learned Bishop Brute, of Vim
cennes, visited the land Of his birth in
behalf Of his nascent Diocese. Father
Martin, who was then in the Seth year
of his age, generously rendered him his
services, and volunteered to cross with
him the broad Atlantic, aud labor as a
Jealous missioner in the distant mission
of Indiana. Such was the confidence
entertained in him that few years la
ter he was spoken Of as q proper incum-
bent for the See of Vincennes; but
Providence ordered it otherwise. I'm
der the influence of the cold climate Of
Indiana Father Martin was attacked
with chills and fever that no remedy
could control. In vain did he wait
many long months-the deeprooted all
ment kept on its regular course. Un-
willing to give up Missionary life, Fa-
ther Martin thought that milder eli
mate would better suit his constitution,
and made up his mind to come South
and offer his services to the Most Revd.
Archbishop of New Orleans. They
were accepted at once, and the Capitol
of the State became the next field Of his
labors. Health returned, and with
fresh vigor Father Martin discharged
the duties of his new post.
A few years later the Lazarist Faith
ers, who were stationed at Natchito-
ehes and attended to the missions of
Northern Louisiana, were withdrawn
by their Superior. Archbishop Blanc,
deeming the post very important, wish
ed to appoint in their stead one Of the
best Priests under his jurisdiction. His
choice fell OH Father Martin, who was
ordered to Natchitoches with the title
of Vicar General.
AS the Catholic population Increased
in Louisiana. and Bishop Blanc, much
fatigued by his many years of missions
airy life and Episcopacy, had already
passed his sixtieth year, the Holy See
was petitioned to divide the State of
Louisiana into two Dioceses, and Father
Martin was proposed as deserving in
cumbcnt of the new See. Rome acceded
to the wishes Of the venerable Arch
bishop of New Orleans, aud tile Goth of
July, 1853, the Town Of Natehitoches
was erected into all Episcopal See, and
the Very Revd. AUGUST MARY ALoYsIus
MARTIN appointed to fill the same. He
was solemnly consecrated at New Or
leans on the 30th of the following No-l
vember.
His zeal was principally exertcd dur
ing his twenty-five years Episcopacy
in increasing the number of clergymen,
churches and religious institutions for
the young, and in the defence of Catho-
lie principles and discipline. At his
accession to the See OF Natchitoches, the
Right Revd. Bisop found only four cler-
gymen and one religious institute. At
his death he leaves sixteen clergymen,
five young clerics and eight religious
establishments.
Though His Grace had reached the
I'D year of his existence, his constitu-
ton seemed yet to be very robust, and
his death was unexpected. His admo-
nitions to his clergy during their last
retreat were truly worthy Of sanity
Bishop. !, /,
On Friday, September Oath, His Grace
was attacked with a severe diarrhea,
which continued until Saturday night.
A solemn ordination had been announc-
ed for the next day. Though very
weak Bishop Martin made up his mind
to perform the beautiful but long cere-
mony. He never recovered from the
prostration which ensued. On We'd
nesday morning, September Goth, he
expired, coniforted by the sacred rites
Of the Church, and surrounded by his
faithful clergy, who wept with grief the
loss Of their Chief Pastor and spiritual
Father.
His obsequies took place at o'clock
Friday morning, October 1st. The town
authorities had already in most feel
ing letter expressed their coincidence to
the Reyd, clergy of NatchitOches. and