The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-04-11
Brother Louis Kenning. C. S.. R.

the Catholics of the Fourth District at the
solemn tolling of the Redemptorist Convent
bell last Tuesday evening. Every one that
knew the Redemptorist Fathers knew Brother
Louis: and whoever knew him loved and
revered him. His name was as household
word among The thousands who were proud TO
be considered his friends. His amiable qualities
and noble virtues, his kind voice and benevo-
lent smile wtre familiar 10 every map, woman
and eti!d in the Redemprorist congregations.
The universal esteem in which be was hello
was eIcquenrly testified by the numbers that
hocked 10 st. Mary's 10 take a last look at his
cain and venerable features, and breathe a
prayer FOR Lis eternal reposs. IT was happy
coincidence that the soul of this dear Brother
passed away on the day on which his Order
conuenorsted the Apparition of Oar Blessed
Lady 10 ST. Alphonsus ST Foggia- Hardly less
than ) 900 persons assisted at his obseq1ies,
which were conducted by Very Rev. Father
Leimgruher aud the Brethren of the deceased,
with many priests and Religious of the city
While Rev. Father Luette preached, in German
sud II Ed glish. the emotion WAS extreme; the
people xeps that they were TO zee bis face DO
more Yet he who evoked all this enthusiasm
was bot al humble Lay Brother, whose life
long Eiu W as TO serve God and man.
Louie Keuoiug as bora OF Christmas Day,
ISL, al AIfheasen. IL Hanover. HIS parents
who .Isbued bis docile mind from early child
hood with hose practical Christian principles
so perfectly e1smpl!hed n hls after life
Having received simple bat soilo saSeatlon,
lie learned the trade OF q cooper. IL lsSS he
em grated 10 America, and beeouing az
cuairteL with Rev. Joseph Frost, Redempto-
r.s.. IL Rochester, \. Y, he begged TO be ad-
u.tIEe 81 3 Lay Brother IL his congregation.
He was the FIRST in this country TO make
similar petition, distinction OF which he felt
Justly proud. For lime years he followed the
early Fathers ID al theiREanderings after
stray Catholics through the wilds OF western
New York, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, amid
Incredible ha1dships. He was admitted TO the
long coveted privilege OF making his protes-
zion. Dec. l4th, lc43. In October, 1e+7, he was
sent to New Orleans with Father Czackert, and
OIL tie 24iu ef that month, the Feast of St
Raphael, the Archangel, Arch bishop Blanc
solemnly introduced these pioneer Redempto-
rsts 10 the Catholics OF the Fourth District,
German, French and English pastor the H.
defat gable Brother Louis fulfilling the func-
fops OF sacristan, porter, cook, catechist and
school teacher. The older residents remember
him in al these different capacities and the
good Brother himself loved to talk TO his
younger brethren about the struggles and sue
cesses of the good, old times.
Although he cherished all his Brethren, this
sanity man always showed peculiar affection
for the .amented Father Duffy. Both seemed
10 be Of one heart and soul neither could bear
the idea of separation, and each regarded the
other as q model religious and q saint. When
dear Father Diff went home TO heaven,
Brotbe: LIE wis cared more for earth he
began 10 prepare Toc death, and during the
last seven be his days apd nights were
spent in longing and praying to be dissolved
and With Christ, His Saints And his beloved
Father Duffy: HeLceforth his time was spent
chiefly II prayer meditation and pious read
Ing.
Last Tbprsday week, though looking hale
aD6 hearty, he went to bed, complaining OF
weakness and oppression of the heart. He fel,
sure presentIDeDt that death was pear. and nc
amount Of reasoning Cd the part of the attend.
lDR PDE6tc-SC OF Die brethren could alter thlE
CONVICTION. 90 Friday ne asked for his habit
besos and crocifi1, that be might die in the
sacred livery OF Jesus, Mary, and st. Aiphon
cue. Every morning he received the Bread OF
Life. TIE few days that remained to him
we're spent in calm contemplation of God and
of heaven lie would hear of nothing elte
Death had DO terrors for him-he had but ole
thought. one desire. to die and be with God
His ardent longing was gratih=d Tuesday.
April 9th, at 7:15 P. NJ Fortified by the Sacra-
ments Of the Church, he rendered bis pure soul
TO God amid the prayers of his brethren, and
went TO receive the crsun Of life, promised to
such as are faithful unto death, and the welcome
given to the good and faithful SerrGnt, invited to
enter iRto the joy Of hiS Lord.
Brother Lous was a staunsh Catholic, 9
Papst, and faithful Redemptorist Like St
Theresa, he would shed the last drop of Bit
blood for every doctrine and ceremony of th,
Church. When speaking of the Holy Father
he would always grow euth usiastic, and ever
poetic. He regarded the congregation of tn,