I ,· I f. j' I
Our Catltolic Heritage in Texas
104
superior of the Vincentian Congregation in I reland another young man, Reverend John Lynch. This young priest, who did not particularly impress Odin with the brilliancy of his intellect, after serving several years in Texas had to return to the Barrens because of his health. In due time, however, he became the first Bishop of Toronto, the founder of Niagara University, and one of the most brilliant men in North America. 15 Odin's rettmi to Texas. The Bishop-Vicar, when he landed in New York on April 28, 1846, felt that his trip had been a success. The Lord had richly blessed his efforts. Not only had he secured means to carry on the work, but, equally important, he had obtained the sorely needed recruits to help him look after his dispersed, polyglot flock. The Ursulines had definitely committed themselves to establish an academy 'in Galveston and to that end some postulants had sailed for New Orleans. Two German-speaking priests were on the way, James A. Miller and Anthony Lienhart, who had sailed from Antwerp with a group of young men from the Seminary of St. Irenee of Lyons. Two Irish Vincentians had gone directly to New Orleans, Richard Hennesy and John Lynch. He had been promised four others from Ireland, who would set out shortly after Easter. The young seminarians, \Vhom he had sent from Havre, had arrived in New Orleans; six had gone to the Barrens to learn English, and four to St. Louis to finish their theology. They would soon be ready to take up work in the field.H The Vicar was a changed man when he returned from his protracted European journey. The transformation desired by Timon had taken place. Odin had at last gained confidence and learned to act independ- ently as behooved the future Ordinary of Texas. He was still a loyal Vincentian and always would be, but he had come to realize fully his position as Bishop-Vicar of Texas, the responsibilities which his position entailed, and the need for making his own decisions. With his new helpers he now planned to allow his overworked con- freres to live the orderly life of the Vincentian Rule. Brands, Hennesy, and Lynch were to constitute the House in Galveston, and Calvo, Estany, and Brother Sala were to live together in San Antonio. "I shall en- deavor, as far as possible, to give stability to these two establishments," he assured Etienne, "before attempting to expand our interests." 15 "John Gi!mary Shea, Hi.story of t/1e Clmrck in the United States, IV, 287. "Odin to Etienne, June 18, 1846, C. A. T. asod!n to Etienne, April 8, 1846, C. A. T.
Powered by FlippingBook