more difficult than for the preceding ones. Record keeping by the Span- iards was a conscientious task meticulously observed and in spite of the ravages of time, weather and political strife in Mexico, abundant and complete records were found that made the reconstruction of the past much easier than that of more recent times. Not easy at any time, the work of gathering data for the modern period consumed much time and often proved more discouraging. The writer has persevered through anguished months during the last twenty-five years in his determination to complete the thankless task he assumed in the beginning as a labor of love. The encouragement of numerous friends and the firm belief that he was working for the greater honor and glory of God kept him at his job to which he has returned again and again after each interruption with renewed enthusiasm. Some readers may find omissions which they may consider serious and others may notice different shortcomings. To the first the author would pray their indulgence, assuring them that the first consideration has con- sistently been to give in each instance at least the highlights in the his- tory of the development of Catholicism in Texas; and to the second he would remind them th~t "to err is human, to forgive divine." Exact dates and details are difficult to ascertain from insufficient and conflicting data. The author's conscience is eased by the fact that he has made an honest and earnest effort in each instance to arrive at the truth and to maintain the high standards of scholarship and accuracy that have characterized the previous six volumes as recognized by most reviewers and critics. A debt of gratitude is due Father James P. Gibbons, CSC, who helped materially in the preparation of this volume in its early stages and who. if anything, was overzealous as editor .in helping to clear minor details. Thanks are likewise due to Rt. Rev. Monsignor WiJliam H. Oberste who subsequently assumed the responsibility as editor after Father Gibbons was recalled to Notre Dame by his superiors. In the middle of a crowded sche~-~,sms. Oberste has found time to read the entire manuscript in ntslinal form, to hold several consultations with the author and to see the 'l. volume through the press. 'f\)i~ Grateful acknowledgments are likewise made to the many persons who \,. furnished pertinent information to the author, too numerous to list indi- vidually~ Reference to their private communications with the author has been made in most instances in the footnotes. To all of them the author wishes to express his thanks and to assure them he will always remember kindly their many courtesies. He also wishes to give particular thanks to the Ch:mceries of the different dioceses. the Superiors of religious orders
Powered by FlippingBook