i7
Neptune for New Orleans, where he arrived two days la.ter. 22 Aware of the grave responsibility that would from now on be his, he started a ten-day retreat at the Ursuline Convent on February 24 in preparation for his consecration. Timon returned from Missouri on February 26 to be present at the con- secration of his old companion. As scheduled, this ceremony took place on March 6 with all the pomp that Blanc could muster. Bishop Blanc was assisted by Bishop Michael Portier of Mobile and Bishop John Chanche of Natchez. The minor officers were Visitor Timon, and two other Vincentians, John Boullier and John Burlando, members of the Lafourche Seminary. Among the distinguished guests was Alphonse de Saligny, who had returned to Texas to his diplomatic post at the re- quest of President Houston. The significant event went almost unnoticed by the local press, for the threat of an invasion from Mexico had been the most important news topic for several weeks. Not until two days after the consecration did the Dt:Di,!,y Picayune insert this brief notice: "The Rev. Mr. Odin, a Catholic priest, was on Sunday ordained Bishop, by the Rev. Bi.shop Blanc. He is to take spiritual charge, so far as Catholicity is concerned, of the See of Texas." 23 Relation of Vicariate to American Vincentian Mission. The consecra- tion of Odin and his appointment as Vicar Apostolic had fundamentally changed the relations on the one hand between him and Texas, and on the other, between him and Timon and 111aison-irlerc. Up to this time Texas had been a part of the American Vincentian Mission of the Bar- rens, with Timon as the Prefect and Odin as the Vice Prefect. Both had been subordinated to the over-all world program of the Vincentians, which made them dependent on the Paris 111 aison-ilfere for spreading the Faith. This had all been changed now. Texas had become a separate jurisdiction; and Odin had been clothed with episcopal dignity to enable him to treat ecclesiastical affairs with full authority within his juris- diction. Timon was perfectly aware of these facts and was anxious to help Odin make the transition. Odin, a most zealous missionary, had up to this time done splendid work in Texas, but he had consistently looked to Timon for guidance, direction and advice. It was important and necessary that Odin come 22 Odin to Blanc, February 4, 1842; Odin's Diary, entries for February 3-17, 1842, C. A. T. 23 Dail,y Pica,y1111e, New Orleans, Tuesday, March 8, 1842.
Powered by FlippingBook