Sketch of the Catholic Church in the City of Natchez, Miss; On the Occasion of the Consecration of Its Cathedral, September 19, 1886 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886. Excerpt: ... II. Biographical Sketch Of The Bishops Of Natchez, RT. REV. J. J. CHANCHE. On the night of May 18th, 1841, a tall, dignified gentleman of priestly bearing, and some 46 years of age, disembarked at Natchez. It was John Joseph Chanche, first Bishop of Natchez. Well nigh half a century before, a refined and opulent family, refugees from the negro insurrection of San Domingo, had sought a home in hospitable Baltimore, and in that Catholic city John, their first born, saw the light Oct. 4, 1795. - A lovely boy, young Chanche entered St. Mary's Seminary in the first blush of innocence and in his fifteenth year, when life's alluring pleasures first unfold their budding joys, he chose the Lord for his portion and inheritance forever. Of a thoughtful temperament, study was his delight and to his youthful industry, his mind owed the rich treasures of knowledge and erudition which united with innate brilliant humor fitted him to shine in the councils of the learned and charm in the amenities of social life. Ordained in his twenty-fourth year, he became affiliated with the Sulpitians. In this venerable Society he filled the highest offices with distinction and when the episcopal dignity sought him he was the honored President of St. Mary's College, his own Alma Mater. To tear away from this cherished institution, to go out from amongjrelatives and friends, to quit a loved home was to rend asunder tiesjthat "twice twenty golden years" had woven. Consecrated March 14, 1841, by Archbishop Eccleston wv the stately Cathedral of Baltimore, Bishop Chanche, the oil of consecration yet fresh upon his brow, set out for his distant See. Alone and unheraided he trod the soil of his episcopal city; for'an escort he found a porter, and his first night was spent in hired lodgi...