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Letter 10 - To the Misses Schoeffler and Klein,
Nancy, 11 November 1844
My very dear and good friends,
A few days ago, we were greatly distant from each other, and today the space of twenty leagues again separates s us1.My very dear friends, if the bodies are apart, at least let our thoughts go forward. Let us carry them to each other, let us elevate ourselves — often, even — before thethrone of the Almighty. Let us pray for each other, because the prayers of a friend for a friend are not fruitless before God — these prayers being more fervent, more expansive. I really would have liked to write to you from Phalsbourg again, but that was impossible for me, in view of the fact that I was unable even to read your last letter until Nancy, having received it a moment before my departure. Oh! How bitter it was to be enclosed between the four sides of a vehicle, bored, and yawning, and to have in my briefcase an epistle from you, one which could haveawakened in me sweet memories and to help me endure the monotony of the trip. But no, this happiness was not given me and I was obliged to offer this sacrifice to my God. Nonetheless, at the first moment that I found myself alone and apart, I read yourpleasant letter and I felt tears moisten this cherished paper. Ah! How I then longed to see you happy, peaceful, tranquil — at least as much as one can hope to be in this lower world where everything is only deception and misery.The day of your happiness, my very dear friends, would be for me one of the most beautiful days of my life. But let us hope that soon this happiness will be given me; while waiting, let us pray. Rest assured that on my part, no day goes by — especially not a communion2 day — at the moment when the enchanted soul contemplates its God, face to face, showing Him its needs, asking for His graces. No! At that time, I am not forgetting you, and despite my sins, I hope that soon God, worn down by my requests, will allow me your happiness. Do not lose hope for your future. Do not be sad, my very dear friends; because you seemed to me to be greatly so in your last letter. Take courage, take courage; once more, take courage. Take care of your health, scorn those who scorn you, or rather, pray for them as Jesus Christ, our good Savior, dying on the cross, prayed for his executioners — as did the Holy Martyrs who hugged the beasts destined to devour them so as to be devoured sooner. Then God, seeing your patience, will come to your aid. And, if the affliction lasts a bit longer, be aware that God, in His mercy, wishes to cleanse moreand more your already beautiful souls. And you, my dear Élise, when you notice that dear Sophie is sad, give her a few words of consolation. And you, my dear Sophie, do as much toward your dear Élise. And if a few words on my part — as you assured me inyour last letter — are able to uplift your courage, be assured that I will not delay in doing so.
My dear friends, I was not able to settle many matters before my departure for Nancy; time was too short. I will try as much as possible to fulfill my apostolate here at the Seminary by asking some of my fellow students if they are aware of some youngladies who are interested in receiving religious instruction while at the same time learning German. I have in fact already done this, but since the new project is truly a new one, we must await further information. The project must be elaborated because — to remind you what the great La Fontaine said: “Patience and passage of time are more effective than power or rage.” When I meet a few French priests, acquaintances of my dear uncle, I will talk to them about your concerns; so then, have confidence in God and all will be well. I have not seen Mr. Guebet [? - unknown to French editor; Trans.] before my departure seeing that I had not yet received your letter, or rather your letters. But since one or both of you want to go to Haguenau for the New Year, the loss is not great.If, however, that could have come to pass, I would have gladly gone to see him and to talk about you, and that, at length. As for news, there isn’t much: Father Jacob3, my former professor of German at Pont-à-Mousson is presently pastor at Mittlebronn;Father Jung4 is pastor at Danne-et-Quatre-Vents. Write to him because at that parish he will have some dealings with the Alsatian priests; moreover, he is well-known in the province, having previously lived there. I was unable to contact Father . . . [unnamed in the original - Trans.] and request of him the services which you desired; since I did not find him at home, I was obliged to return his letter to Father Jung who undoubtedly will deliver it to him. I went to Saint Louis before leaving. My good aunts told me that they had written to their dear friends and sisters in Germany; as a result, you must have received their letter. My very dear friends, I will relate a minor family scene which will perhapsmake you laugh and at the same time make you understand that we think about you. I was in attendance at the feast of Saint Louis, when for dessert a pâté was offerred5. In seeing this portion and knowing that you had hoped for quite some time that we sendyou some, I said: “If only our dear German friends could have a great big portion.” Our Marie was immediately of a same mind. But the little . . . [word omitted; very likely the name of a younger child, acting as a rascal - Trans.], wanted to be obstinate. Wereproached her for not being in agreement with us. Then she replied: “What purpose does this serve? They will not gain anything.” So we fussed with her all the more. Then she took her share which she intended for Germany and with an extremely expressive gesture — impossible to describe — she said: “Look, dear friends in Wiesbaden; here is my pâté” and in fact she threw it in the direction of Wiesbaden. We began to laugh, yet hoping all the while that our wishes would be helpful to you. Laugh a bit if it’s worth the trouble, then I will write a bit more later, because I’m beginning to run out of space. I have not yet been able to talk about you, my very dear friends, neither to Father Superior nor to Father Berman, nor to Father Masson, because 6 I have not had the opportunity to see them alone. At the beginning of a school year, they ordinarily have plenty of work. I was not able to see Father Masson on opening day because I was too pressed with other business. But when I officiate at the cathedral, I will go see him and will talk to him about you two. You no doubt have not yet learned that he is no longer secretary of the diocese but the private secretary of the bishop and at the same time, Titular Canon. My former director at Pont-à-Mousson, Father Gérard7, is presentlysecretary of the diocese. I don’t know if you know him.
My dear Aunt Marie is wholeheartedly disposed to go to Haguenau. You have only to write to her on the matter. Today is the holiday in honor of Mittlebronn8. Would that we were united once again, as a family, as we were at the time of your trip toFrance! But it is to be hoped that what cannot take place at Mittelbronn this year will take place at next year’s holiday celebration in Phalsbourg. Yes, my dear Sophie; we will soon see each other. We must hope never to leave each other, and never to be located as far apart as we are presently. Oh, God! Hear our prayers and have pity on us. You are probably asking me for news concerning my health. Up to now, I have been quite well; let’s hope that it will always remain this way. I beg you, my very dearfriends: don’t cause yourselves too much anxiety on my account; this is not what makes us happy. Chase away this melancholy air which the old Rhine with its mists no doubt brings you. Let France maintain your life; I quite agree with my dear Sophie — who nolonger wishes to remain in Germany, and who argues with you about returning to France. Nonetheless let her practice a bit of patience; then, the moment when she sets foot on French soil will be all the more pleasant. Oh! my jolly ones, the thought just came to me: you promised me some German music, and the tsar [?], and the alpenhorn9. But you haven’t been in any rush to send all this to me, and yet, we Germans from Lorraine at the seminary all sigh for this dear music10. Don’t delay in writing to me. Goodbye, my very dear friends; Live happily together and take courage. He whooften thinks of you.
Schoeffler
Since it is my dear Sophie who always addresses the letters to me, therefore it is to her that I address mine. Goodbye; no longer quarrel with each other because I will no longer write to either of you long letters but only short ones. I hope that you will write tome, and soon, a letter as long as this one. It is perhaps poorly written, but so what; this doesn’t do away with feelings. Yet, I have no cause to complain about you. Your latest letters, my dear friends, were long enough. Continue in this fashion. I don’t have time to re-read my letter. Theology is calling me with insistent cries.
Goodbye!
[Signature]
1 He had been in Wiesbaden during the summer.
2 Even the seminarians who “assisted” at Mass daily did not take communion every day. This Jansenistic practice would last for yet a long time.
3 Louis Jacob, born at Lixheim on 21 July 1813; ordained a priest on 30 June 1839; professor at the minor seminary at Pont-à-Mousson; then assistant priest at Saint-Epvre in Nancy; pastor at Mittelbronn on 21 October 1844; incardinated in the diocese of Metz in 1874; died on 28 September 1877. At Mittelbronn, hehad succeeded Father Jean Bouillon, who had died on 27 July 1844 “from an overwhelming apoplexy” at 47 years of age. He was, according to L’Espérance [1844, p. 381]: “One of the most outstanding priests of the diocese.”
4 Father Jean-Georges Jung.
5 No doubt a dessert after dinner.
6 At that time, this was Father Jean-Alexis Georges, born at Houdelmont on 17 February 1794; priest in September 1816; assistant priest at Gérardmer; pastor at Xirocourt from January 1829 to October 1835; professor of theology at the Major Seminary of Nancy in October 1835; superior of the Major Seminary from February 1827 to October 1845; pastor of the Cathedral of Toul; resigned on 22 October 1865; appointed honorary Canon in 1837; honorary Vicar-General in 1867; retired at Nancy where he died on 5 February 1868.
7 Jean-Baptiste Gérard, born at Ancerviller on 27 September 1803; a priest in November 1827; professor at Pont-à-Mousson from 1823 to 1831; prefect of studies in August 1829; curate at Gézoncourt in March 1831; professor and director of the Minor Seminary in Nancy, then at Pont-à-Mousson from 1833 to 1841; chaplain at the Maison de la Nativité at Pont-à-Mousson in 1841; professor at the Malgrange in October 1843; secretary to the diocese from 1842 to 1855; Vicar-General from October 1855 until his death on 21 August 1869. He was titular Canon from October 1844; Protonotary Apostolic and Knight of the Legion ofHonor in 1865.
8 [Feast of] St. Martin.
9 Musical instrument of the Alpine shepherds.
A few days ago, we were greatly distant from each other, and today the space of twenty leagues again separates s us1.My very dear friends, if the bodies are apart, at least let our thoughts go forward. Let us carry them to each other, let us elevate ourselves — often, even — before thethrone of the Almighty. Let us pray for each other, because the prayers of a friend for a friend are not fruitless before God — these prayers being more fervent, more expansive. I really would have liked to write to you from Phalsbourg again, but that was impossible for me, in view of the fact that I was unable even to read your last letter until Nancy, having received it a moment before my departure. Oh! How bitter it was to be enclosed between the four sides of a vehicle, bored, and yawning, and to have in my briefcase an epistle from you, one which could haveawakened in me sweet memories and to help me endure the monotony of the trip. But no, this happiness was not given me and I was obliged to offer this sacrifice to my God. Nonetheless, at the first moment that I found myself alone and apart, I read yourpleasant letter and I felt tears moisten this cherished paper. Ah! How I then longed to see you happy, peaceful, tranquil — at least as much as one can hope to be in this lower world where everything is only deception and misery.The day of your happiness, my very dear friends, would be for me one of the most beautiful days of my life. But let us hope that soon this happiness will be given me; while waiting, let us pray. Rest assured that on my part, no day goes by — especially not a communion2 day — at the moment when the enchanted soul contemplates its God, face to face, showing Him its needs, asking for His graces. No! At that time, I am not forgetting you, and despite my sins, I hope that soon God, worn down by my requests, will allow me your happiness. Do not lose hope for your future. Do not be sad, my very dear friends; because you seemed to me to be greatly so in your last letter. Take courage, take courage; once more, take courage. Take care of your health, scorn those who scorn you, or rather, pray for them as Jesus Christ, our good Savior, dying on the cross, prayed for his executioners — as did the Holy Martyrs who hugged the beasts destined to devour them so as to be devoured sooner. Then God, seeing your patience, will come to your aid. And, if the affliction lasts a bit longer, be aware that God, in His mercy, wishes to cleanse moreand more your already beautiful souls. And you, my dear Élise, when you notice that dear Sophie is sad, give her a few words of consolation. And you, my dear Sophie, do as much toward your dear Élise. And if a few words on my part — as you assured me inyour last letter — are able to uplift your courage, be assured that I will not delay in doing so.
My dear friends, I was not able to settle many matters before my departure for Nancy; time was too short. I will try as much as possible to fulfill my apostolate here at the Seminary by asking some of my fellow students if they are aware of some youngladies who are interested in receiving religious instruction while at the same time learning German. I have in fact already done this, but since the new project is truly a new one, we must await further information. The project must be elaborated because — to remind you what the great La Fontaine said: “Patience and passage of time are more effective than power or rage.” When I meet a few French priests, acquaintances of my dear uncle, I will talk to them about your concerns; so then, have confidence in God and all will be well. I have not seen Mr. Guebet [? - unknown to French editor; Trans.] before my departure seeing that I had not yet received your letter, or rather your letters. But since one or both of you want to go to Haguenau for the New Year, the loss is not great.If, however, that could have come to pass, I would have gladly gone to see him and to talk about you, and that, at length. As for news, there isn’t much: Father Jacob3, my former professor of German at Pont-à-Mousson is presently pastor at Mittlebronn;Father Jung4 is pastor at Danne-et-Quatre-Vents. Write to him because at that parish he will have some dealings with the Alsatian priests; moreover, he is well-known in the province, having previously lived there. I was unable to contact Father . . . [unnamed in the original - Trans.] and request of him the services which you desired; since I did not find him at home, I was obliged to return his letter to Father Jung who undoubtedly will deliver it to him. I went to Saint Louis before leaving. My good aunts told me that they had written to their dear friends and sisters in Germany; as a result, you must have received their letter. My very dear friends, I will relate a minor family scene which will perhapsmake you laugh and at the same time make you understand that we think about you. I was in attendance at the feast of Saint Louis, when for dessert a pâté was offerred5. In seeing this portion and knowing that you had hoped for quite some time that we sendyou some, I said: “If only our dear German friends could have a great big portion.” Our Marie was immediately of a same mind. But the little . . . [word omitted; very likely the name of a younger child, acting as a rascal - Trans.], wanted to be obstinate. Wereproached her for not being in agreement with us. Then she replied: “What purpose does this serve? They will not gain anything.” So we fussed with her all the more. Then she took her share which she intended for Germany and with an extremely expressive gesture — impossible to describe — she said: “Look, dear friends in Wiesbaden; here is my pâté” and in fact she threw it in the direction of Wiesbaden. We began to laugh, yet hoping all the while that our wishes would be helpful to you. Laugh a bit if it’s worth the trouble, then I will write a bit more later, because I’m beginning to run out of space. I have not yet been able to talk about you, my very dear friends, neither to Father Superior nor to Father Berman, nor to Father Masson, because 6 I have not had the opportunity to see them alone. At the beginning of a school year, they ordinarily have plenty of work. I was not able to see Father Masson on opening day because I was too pressed with other business. But when I officiate at the cathedral, I will go see him and will talk to him about you two. You no doubt have not yet learned that he is no longer secretary of the diocese but the private secretary of the bishop and at the same time, Titular Canon. My former director at Pont-à-Mousson, Father Gérard7, is presentlysecretary of the diocese. I don’t know if you know him.
My dear Aunt Marie is wholeheartedly disposed to go to Haguenau. You have only to write to her on the matter. Today is the holiday in honor of Mittlebronn8. Would that we were united once again, as a family, as we were at the time of your trip toFrance! But it is to be hoped that what cannot take place at Mittelbronn this year will take place at next year’s holiday celebration in Phalsbourg. Yes, my dear Sophie; we will soon see each other. We must hope never to leave each other, and never to be located as far apart as we are presently. Oh, God! Hear our prayers and have pity on us. You are probably asking me for news concerning my health. Up to now, I have been quite well; let’s hope that it will always remain this way. I beg you, my very dearfriends: don’t cause yourselves too much anxiety on my account; this is not what makes us happy. Chase away this melancholy air which the old Rhine with its mists no doubt brings you. Let France maintain your life; I quite agree with my dear Sophie — who nolonger wishes to remain in Germany, and who argues with you about returning to France. Nonetheless let her practice a bit of patience; then, the moment when she sets foot on French soil will be all the more pleasant. Oh! my jolly ones, the thought just came to me: you promised me some German music, and the tsar [?], and the alpenhorn9. But you haven’t been in any rush to send all this to me, and yet, we Germans from Lorraine at the seminary all sigh for this dear music10. Don’t delay in writing to me. Goodbye, my very dear friends; Live happily together and take courage. He whooften thinks of you.
Schoeffler
Since it is my dear Sophie who always addresses the letters to me, therefore it is to her that I address mine. Goodbye; no longer quarrel with each other because I will no longer write to either of you long letters but only short ones. I hope that you will write tome, and soon, a letter as long as this one. It is perhaps poorly written, but so what; this doesn’t do away with feelings. Yet, I have no cause to complain about you. Your latest letters, my dear friends, were long enough. Continue in this fashion. I don’t have time to re-read my letter. Theology is calling me with insistent cries.
Goodbye!
[Signature]
1 He had been in Wiesbaden during the summer.
2 Even the seminarians who “assisted” at Mass daily did not take communion every day. This Jansenistic practice would last for yet a long time.
3 Louis Jacob, born at Lixheim on 21 July 1813; ordained a priest on 30 June 1839; professor at the minor seminary at Pont-à-Mousson; then assistant priest at Saint-Epvre in Nancy; pastor at Mittelbronn on 21 October 1844; incardinated in the diocese of Metz in 1874; died on 28 September 1877. At Mittelbronn, hehad succeeded Father Jean Bouillon, who had died on 27 July 1844 “from an overwhelming apoplexy” at 47 years of age. He was, according to L’Espérance [1844, p. 381]: “One of the most outstanding priests of the diocese.”
4 Father Jean-Georges Jung.
5 No doubt a dessert after dinner.
6 At that time, this was Father Jean-Alexis Georges, born at Houdelmont on 17 February 1794; priest in September 1816; assistant priest at Gérardmer; pastor at Xirocourt from January 1829 to October 1835; professor of theology at the Major Seminary of Nancy in October 1835; superior of the Major Seminary from February 1827 to October 1845; pastor of the Cathedral of Toul; resigned on 22 October 1865; appointed honorary Canon in 1837; honorary Vicar-General in 1867; retired at Nancy where he died on 5 February 1868.
7 Jean-Baptiste Gérard, born at Ancerviller on 27 September 1803; a priest in November 1827; professor at Pont-à-Mousson from 1823 to 1831; prefect of studies in August 1829; curate at Gézoncourt in March 1831; professor and director of the Minor Seminary in Nancy, then at Pont-à-Mousson from 1833 to 1841; chaplain at the Maison de la Nativité at Pont-à-Mousson in 1841; professor at the Malgrange in October 1843; secretary to the diocese from 1842 to 1855; Vicar-General from October 1855 until his death on 21 August 1869. He was titular Canon from October 1844; Protonotary Apostolic and Knight of the Legion ofHonor in 1865.
8 [Feast of] St. Martin.
9 Musical instrument of the Alpine shepherds.
10 He greatly loves music and owns an accordion which he will regret having given away before leaving. He would have liked to use it in Tonkin, following the example of his bishop, Bishop Retord (See Letter 79, February 1849). [This reference is puzzling since the letter contains no mention of music or musical instruments. - Trans]. “Once I had an accordion, for example; on going to the missions, on leaving my country, I thought that this was a useless piece of furniture, so I gave it to one of my friends. Now, I strongly wish I still had it.”
