Tlie Dawn of a New Era
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modesty. Bishop Blanc was glad to oblige Timon, particularly since Cardinal Fransoni had entrusted to him the responsibility of making a preliminary survey of conditions in Texas. The Bishop, however, did not show Timon his letter to Fransoni; he limited himself to a verbal discussion of the communication, for he did not dare confide· to the zealous scout his urgent request for the establishment of a prefecture apostolic with Timon as prefect for fear of his refusal to accept. Bishop Blanc expressed to Rome his complete satisfaction with the survey and lauded its results as most fruitful both in reviving religious activity and in securing essential information to determine the course of future action." Timon's report on Texas. Timon in his reports on Texas to Nozo, Etienne, and Bishop Blanc was enthusiastic in his praise, sanguine in his hopes for the future, and ardent in his desire for immediate action. He was, nevertheless, a realist. With characteristic French logic he analyzed the situation objectively. He pointed out the great difficulties of the undertaking, which because of its nature would require dispatching only the best kind of missionary. The laborers in the new field would have to be carefully selected with special regard to their moral stamina, sound judgment, and intelligence. "The confreres we send to Texas," he candidly wrote Father Nozo, "must be prepared to stand up under sharp and unceasing criticism. Uncommon prudence and edifying con- duct are primary requirements to atone for past scandals born of greed and immoral, even sacrilegeous habits; public confidence, otherwise, may forever be lost." 45 Equally essential to success, he continued, was the assurance of funds to bear the expense of the new mission for many years-funds that would flow in an abundant and continuous stream, capable of supplying all needs until the solid foundations of the Church had been estab- lished and the faithful in Texas were able to assume the full burden. Money was needed for liturgical equipment, vestments, interstation travel, church buildings, sites, repairs, and many other things. This support would have to come from Europe, liberally and regularly, for the Church in the United States, he asserted, was still in its infancy. Turning to general conditions, he explained that the population of Texas had greatly increased since independence. With pardonable 44 Timon to ttienne, January 19, 1839, copy in C. A. T. 45 Timon to Nozo, January IS, 1839, Annales de la CongrJgati{IH de la Alissior,, V, 103.
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