The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-07-01

occasion, one of the greatest in his life,
and the proudest, coming back to this
people as bishop of the church. He
alluded feelingly to Major Valentines
reference to his character as priest and
as a citizen-an american citizen. There
was nothing antagonistic in the office OF
a priest to that of good citizen. He
regarded the tribute from the business
men of Bennington as very high COM
pliment. Said he: "Mr. Valentine has
spoken of me as not only being good
priest hut a GOOD citizen of Bennington.
Had you been at the conservation at
Burlington you would have realized how
great is the Office of bishop.
You know me here as Vermonter,
citizen and an American. They know
me lust as well in Rome as you do here,
and they know that l am an intense
American" His character and life
had been sifted and the choice of bishop
had been made because of his known
sentiments of intense Americanism. DR..
Daley had alluded to his Vermont birth.
He was a VermonteT, took pride In the
fact of having been chosen chief Pastor
of his native State, and to friends, on
such an occasion, he could frankly state
his gratitude withoutla laying himself open
to the charge of egotism. If anyone tells
you that the Roman Catholic church is
inimical to American institutions, or not
in favor of the progressive spirit of this
nation, tell them said he that you
have heard it from the lips of a bishop
of the Catholic church" that he is in
hearty sympathy with all our American
progress, our State and National insti-
buttons. and twas chosen by the
Authorities at Rome because l held
these sentiments unreservedly." Bishop
Michaud was heartily applauded during
his remarks, as were both DIR. Daley and
Major Valentine.
The exercises closed with a solo and
chorus: Nearer, my God to thee" led
by Father Coffey of Brandon.
The Bishop and party were then
escorted to the parochial residence and
the people dispersed. In response to
the bishops outspoken tribute to Ameri-
can Institutions, there was a call for
"Hail Columbia by the band, but as
they didn't happen to have the music,
another patriotic piece was substituted.
The people would not have it soand while
the band were taking their place to
America" and the grand chorus rolled
finale of this suspicious occasion. We
close with brief biographical sketch of
Rt. Reverend John Stephen Mlchaud,
Coadjutor to the Bishop of Burlington.
The Assistant Bishop was born in Bur-
llinpton. November oath, 1843. His
father was Stephen Miohaud of French
ancestry. and was from the Province of
Quebec, His mother was born in Ire
land. They both came to Burlington in
1886. and were married July 18th, 1871.
These parents early dedicated their son
to the priesthood of the church and he
was trained accordingly. The father
fell asleep some years ago, but the moth
er, now above so, lives to rejoice in this
day, and was the first to receive the
Bishops blessing at the hands of her son
as stated in another place in this article.
Bishop Michaud began his college
studies in Montreal with the Sulpician
Fathers at Montreal College, and fin
ished rhetoric and philosophy with the
Jesuit Fathers at the College of the Holy
Cross, Worcester Mass. He entered st.
Joseph's Provincial Seminary of Troy,
n. Y, and upon the completion of his
theological studies was ordained priest
June It'll 1873. 1t is singular circum-
stance that the Rt Rev. Henry Gabriels,
DIsuoP VI OSuohoDuiSn, was DiSnoP
Michaud's professor in st. Joseph's
Seminary, and the Rt. Rev. Dennis
Bradley bishop of Manchester, was
class-mate; and that both assisted at his
conservation. Moreover, their three
Sees lie contiguous a row, so to
speak, with Vermont in the middle.
The recent conservation of Rt. Rev.
Gabriels to the See of Ogdensburgh will
be recalled in this connection. Bishop
Bradley was consecrated in 1886. Their
ages are: Bishops Gabrels and Bradley
So years, Bishop Michaud 4S.
The pastorates of the new bishop were
these: First at Newport, where he re-
manned about ST years,-September 1873
to May, 1879. He called together the
few scattered members of the Roman
Catholic Communion, added to their
numbers, built church and left them a
fourishing congregation. He next re-
sided at Burlington and Winooski until
1885. Here he was instrumental in build
ing up church in the latter town, and
upon his notice of election to the bish-
opric, the people of Winooski gave him
his first reception. Bishop Michaud
took charge of st. Francis de Sales parish
October 10th, 1885, and has continued
until now. The fine new church stands
in Bennington as his latest monument to
earnest parochial work.
Bishop Michaud was elected coadjutor
to the Venerable de Goesbriand with
right of succession), at Rome, April 7th,
last. The result was cabled to Burling
ton and from there the notice reached
Bennington, April 10Th. The Papal Bull
was delayed and reached the incumbent
Sunday morning June 9Th. The arrange
ments so happily carried out on We'd
nesday were then planned.
Bishop Michaud possesses more than
ordinary executive ability, is a fine
scholarly and broad-minded man, and
will easily become a leading prelate.
We predicted at the time that he would
make his mark in the Order to which he
has now been elevated. Besides, he is
thoroughly American in his ideas-a joy
and pride to his people.
Horse News.
Tho 10; I,o 1otor 4bor,