01'r C at/t,olic Heritage in Texas
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rapid development of the new Diocese is to be found in the synod held in June of 1858. The convocation of the active clergy in a diocese for consultation and the discussion of common problems is one of the priv- ileged duties of a bishop. The calling of such a meeting marks an impor- tant stage in the growth and development of a diocese, indicating as impracticable and outgrown the intimate and informal relations that exist between a bishop and his laborers when these are but a handful. It must have been with genuine pride and satisfaction that the aging Bishop issued a call for the First Diocesan Synod to meet in Galveston Cathedral on the third Sunday after Pentecost, June 13, 1858. 19 On the appointed day a Solemn Pontifical Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral by Bishop Odin. The Archpriest was the Reverend Michael McDonnell; the Reverend John Claude Neraz and the Reverend John Monier served as deacons of honor; and Reverends Nicholas Feltin and Louis M. Planchet were the deacons of the Mass. The sermon was preached by Reverend Bernard O'Reilly. Bishop Odin then formally opened the first session of the Synod by the customary reading of the Decrees of the Council of Trent. Only sixteen priests were present, for twenty were legitimately prevented from ittending. Among the involuntary absentees were Claude M. Dubuis, destined to succeed Odin soon; Augustin Gaudet, superior of the Oblates; Leopold Moczygamba, superior of the Franciscan Conventuals; P. Parisot, and James Giraudon. On bended knees the clergy made their Profession of Faith and received the solemn blessing of the Bishop. The next three days were spent in retreat under the direction of Father Michael McDonnell. The second public session opened with a Solemn Requiem Mass on Thursday, June 17. Vicar-General Louis Charnbodut was the celebrant, with Father Nicholas Feltin as deacon, and Father Louis M. Planchet as subdeacon. Father Michael McDonnell preached the sermon for the occasion. Bishop Odin pontificated on Sunday to open the third public session. The statutes adopted by the Synod reveal the constructive work of the first meeting of the clergy of Texas under the leadership of Bishop Odin. The Synod recommended the strict observance of the Decrees of the seven Provincial Councils of Baltimore, and the First Provincial Council of New Orleans. It declared that due honor was to be rendered to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of The Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States of America.
19 Records of //,1 Firs/ S,ynod of Galveston, 1858, C. A. T.
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