The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-10-05

establishment and subsequent development
of which you have shown laudable zeal and
diligence. ii has seemed best that the above
mentioned custom should not be departed
from. and that another. whose name Is 70
be appointed to succeed you in this honor
able position. In order. however, that, in
your resigning this office, due regard may
be had TO your person and your dignity
we have determined to elevate you to the
rank of archbishop Being solicitious for
your future welfitre we leave Ii to your own
free choice either to remain in your own
country or. ii you prefer it. to come to
Rome. If you choose the former we will
destine for you some archiepiscopal see by
vote OF the bishops of the United States
If you prefer the latter we shall welcome
you most lovingly and will. place you
among the consultors of the Congregation
of Studies and the Congregation of the Pro-
much for the interest of religion in the
United States In this latter case we would
also assign you suitable revenue for your
honorable maintenance. Confidently trust
ing. venerable brother. THAT you will ac-
cept this our administrative act with hearty
you the apostolic benediction as "a pledge
of our paternal affection. Given at Rome,
from st. Peters. this 18th day of Septem-
Der 1896. In the nineteenth year of our
pontifcate. LEO XIII. Pope
THE next day I mailed TO the Holy Fa-
ther reply. of which the following is a
~. " The cathelic q University, Of America.
tler-HiS Eminence. Cardinal Gibbons, yes
terday handed me the letter in which your
Holiness has made known to that my
administration of this university now comes
to an end and that another rector is to be
appointed Without a moment of hesita-
ton | accept the will of your Holiness in
the matter as a manifestation of the provi-
6ence of God. and from this instant 1 resign
into the hands of his Eminence. the chan
cellor, the Office of rector. with all rights
thereto attaching. Thanking your Holiness
for the freedom of choice granted me.
choose to remain in my country. and. more
over, without any official position whatso-
ever. in tranquility and peace. Your Holi-
ness's most humble son in Christ:
JOHN ]. KEANE,
Bishop of Ajasso.' "
Supplementing the letters. Bishop Keane
says: Il welcome my release from the Of
found gratitude. both to divine providence
and to the Pope. While / always regard
ed its duties as labor of love. they mad mad
abilities, and the deliverance from the bur
den is a response to many prayers. l was
too loyal a soldier to ask to be relieved
from my post, matter what it's difficult
ties but feeling that my nine years OF
strain and solicitude in the work had
brought me close to the end of my brain
and nerve powers, | was fully ready to
welcome what has been done. | shall now
enjoy some months of greatly needed rest
on the Pacific coast, leaving all plans for
the future to later date OF course. no
one needs to be assured that the action of
the Holy Father is prompted not only by
personal kindness toward myself. but also
by earnest solicitude for the best interests
of the university. He believes in rotation
in office as all sensible men must. He
knows the evils of allowing any official.
and especially the head of university. to
fossiize at his post, and in this all must
acknowledge his wisdom. His enlightened
prudence and that of the trustees who have
to present the nominations will be sure to
select a rector in every way fitted to guide
the work to fuller and fuller success. From
the peaceful retirement which L trust L
have somewhat earned | shall ever watch
its progress with una bated interest. And
appeal to all whom my efforts in behalf OF
the university have ever reached to re-
double their interest, their zeal, their gen.
erosity, in this chapter of the univer-
sity'S existence, and to make 1T what il
by right must be. the crowning glory of
Christian education in America