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Our Catkolic Heritage in T ezas
to the realization that he was a prelate and that, as such, he had to assume responsibility in making decisions. Resolution had to supplant irresolution; he had to take the initiative. Timon, as Visitor of the American Vincentian Province, continued to be interested in develop- ing the work of the Vincentians in Texas, but he realized that he could no longer permit Odin to depend solely on him for personnel and the means for developing the Church in Texas. The Motherhouse in Paris, Timon knew, would still feel that the Vicariate was, in a way, its charge, and consequently would feel largely responsible for its develop- ment. As Texas would have to be weaned even from Paris, Timon be- lieved that Odin ought to begin shifting for himself to make the Vicari- ate self-sustaining and independent. To that end, Timon was ready and willing to help him in this arduous task.u That Timon wished to give Odin a good start is indicated by the "two boxes containing articles for divine worship," as also by the invita- tion of Timon to let Odin have what he desired of other things he had brought over: sacred vessels, vestments, paschal candles, incense, linens, altar stones, and decorative objects. For his "episcopal palace" he was willing to let Odin have his pick of the "listed chestnuts and grape- vines for planting," and a pipe of "red wine, Catalonia," or "red wine, Marseille," and several baskets of sweet oil. He had, likewise, been constantly on the lookout for possible reinforcements for the inadequate clergy in Texas and for funds. 25 Glooniy outlook for Vicariate. Odin, downcast and almost overcome by the heavy responsibilities with which he found himself burdened, became impatient to return to Galveston. The outbreak of Mexican hos- tilities and the threat of a Mexican attack on the principal port of the Republic had paralyzed shipping. The ravages of war threatened to undo the work of the zealous missionary in Texas. "Woeful tidings of our Mission in Texas reached me," he wailed. "Mexico ... has made an armed attempt to reconquer the province ... Her forces penetrated to San Antonio and occupied it ... detachments marched against Vic- toria, Goliad, and Matagorda." The women and children in the west were fleeing for safety to the Colorado. "I do not know," he added, "how our confreres have fared. They are located in the midst of the fray. Our patiently laid foundations and our hopes for progessive growth • • . are concentrated to a considerable extent in the affected portion of 24 Bayard, op. cit., 260-263. ZS/bid.
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