The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-09-15
PASTORAL LETTER
OF TIE
MOST REV. ARCHBISHOP OF NEW osInAna.


->
NAPOLEON JosErH PKRcHR, by the Rlace Of God and
the favor Of the Holy Apostolic See. Arohbishop Of
New Orleans Assistant at the Pontihoal Throne.
Roman Count Grand Cross Of tho Order Of the
Holy sedulohre' etc.
To the Clergy and Faithful Of Diocese, health ana
Benediotion in Christ our Lord:
Beloved Fellop.L Laborers and Gear Bretkyen--
From the time it has pleased the Lord 10 visit
our Archiepiscopal City and several other por-
tions of our Diocess with most terrific
s,ourRe, the victims of which are already 40
numerous we have not ceased i'm ploring the
Divine Msje sty, bsseeohing God, in the name
of the Most Adorable Heart of Jesus, and
through the mediation of the Immaculate
Heart Of Mary, to vouchsafe to pity his people
and look down upon MS in his mercy. But
God, whose ways are impenetrable and whose
will is always adorable, has filled our cup of
bitterness and struck ms the most terrible blow
in the sudden taking off of the Priest oonsum.
mated in science and virtue, who had 80 justly
won the esteem and confidence Of all. and upon
whom especially rested our hopes for she fu-
ture of our Diocese.
The death Of Father Millet Is public Ca
lsmity for the whole Diocese, and although we
conform our will, without complaint, to the
ever adorable will of God, all those who ap.
preoiate the1oss we have sustained, will under
stand and share our grief.
While We hope that this excellent Priest,
who has died victim to his zeal and charity
in the discharge of his sacred ministry, has
already received his reward from God, ssin,
because of the uncertainty of Gods Judgments,
it is our duty to pray for those who are ever
dear to us, although separated from Us sxts-
riorly, and for this reason we direct that in
every church of the Diocese . funeral service
be had for him, and with ell the solemnity
circumst apcss will allow.
Kept at distance from our Arohiepisoopal
city by o disease which, if not dangerous, still
compels us to quiet more painful than sll To-
tigues, We must provide for the administra.
tion Of business daily reonrring and requiring
prompt solution wherefore, by this Letter We
declare our will already expressed by tsle-
graphic dispatch.
We confirm to Father Rouxel, Vicar Admin
istrator of the Cathedral, together with the
title of Vicar General, all the powers with
which Father Millet was invested, and We
commit to Father Keynes the administration
Of the Finances of the Diocese.
We shall not close this Letter, Dear Beloved
Brethren, without inviting you to address to
the Lord continuous and fervent prayers in
order that BE youchsafe stop the arm of the
exterminating angel who strikes as go forcibly.
Let us recognize that the many woes by which
God ohsstises us, are just punishment for our
iniquities, and let Ms return to Him sincerely;
for God despiseth not the contrite and humble
heart. His justice here below is always &C.
oompanied with mercy, and these days 'oi
f1iction and mourning shall be followed by
more blssful ones that We shall take to serve
God with greater fidelity.
Given at Grand Coteau, Convent Of the Sa-
cred Heart, parish of st. Landry, September
9Th 1873.
N. J. PERHHR,
Archbishop OF New Orleans,
By order of His Grace;