Bishop Baraga Association & Archives NON-PROFIT Quarterly Publication of the Bishop Baraga Association ORGANIZATION Vol. 59, No. 4 Winter 2008 c/o Diocese of Marquette U.S. POSTAGE 347 Rock Street PAID PERMIT #35 Marquette, MI 49855-4725 Marquette, MI 49855 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

347 Rock St. Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-9117 email: [email protected]

Inside this issue: Insights from the Editor ... 2 Association News ...... 3 Banking in 1857 ...... 5 Temperance ...... 6 Visit our website at fredericbaraga.org! Angel of Virtue ...... 7 Amazing Skills ...... 8 Lives Touched by Lives Touched by Baraga Letter of Thanks ...... 9 Bishop Spiritual Life ...... 10 Baraga Fr. Jacker’s Eulogy to Honor Bishop Baraga We would have to agree Bishop Baraga greatly touched the life of Fr. Jacker. Recording the Death ...... 14 Artist Robert Bochy Rev. Edward Jacker, Marquette wrote Life and Services of Bishop Baraga, Lives Touched by Baraga.. 16 which appeared in Marquette Weekly Plaindealer, Edition of January 30, 1868.

The Prelate’s Childhood Long Before Sunrise… The Right Reverend Frederic Baraga, D.D., first Bishop of Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, They walked, one of each side of the dog sled, but the dog was a native of Slovenia, where he first saw the light of the world on the 29th day of June, (being the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul), in the year of salvation, 1797. borrowed from Fr. Baraga’s neighbor would not work without Baraga was from the northern part, which forms the Kingdom of Illyria, in the south of the his own master. They had no choice but to un-harness him. Austrian Empire, which is a charming little country, under an almost Italian sky. It is traversed To help the remaining dog, the Indian and the missionary by branches of the Alps and renowned for three great natural curiosities, the quicksilver mines The Baraga Bulletin harnessed themselves in turn and pulled the sled. In crossing of Idria, the lake of Zirknitz, and the Grotto of Adelsberg. The country is inhabited by hardy and (ISSN 1047-5044) is published by spirited people, who belong to the Sclavonic race and speak the Slovene tongue, (sometimes The Bishop Baraga Association the river, the thick ice gave way. It froze quickly to their 347 Rock St. bodies. Shivering and numb they made a fire, dried their called the Illyrian), one of the more melodious among the Slav dialects. This was also the only Marquette, MI 49855 906-227-9117 language our Frederic spoke to the ninth year of his age, for his family was of the native Slovene (Weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm) clothing, and ate a meal. At the end of the third day they stock, and unless we take into account the departed Prelate’s German education, it is hardly Executive Director: arrived at the hut of an Indian woman. A stranger to Father more proper to call him a German Bishop, than it would be to make a son of Erin pass for an Bishop James H. Garland Englishman, because he is born under the British Dominion. Neither is it true, as has frequent- e-mail: [email protected] Baraga, he gave her the last rites of the Church before she ly been asserted, that Bishop Baraga was related to the Imperial House of Hapsburgs, or that he Editor-Archivist: Miss Elizabeth J. Delene closed her eyes in death. email: [email protected] was at least of noble descent. His family ranked among the first in (continued on pg 11) Paraphrased from Bernard Lambert’s Pride Printing & Mailing Services of Marquette “The Shepherd of the Wilderness” 2 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 15 could make clothes. I clothes stopped coming. Maybe Support the Cause! remember a particular t- because by that time I was sewing shirts pattern that had 4 my own clothes and no matter how NEW!! easy pieces with a new bad they looked I thought they Note Diary of stretchy binding around the looked great because I had made Cards The 5 Cards for $6.00 Bishop neck. Male or female child, it did them. Apostle Dear Friends of Bishop Baraga, or $1.25 each Baraga not matter, we all had the same Funny the things we remember, of the I hope you all enjoyed your Chippewas “Jiffy” shirts to wear, sometimes of or at least the things that I remem- (Soft Christmas and the Holy Season Cover) the same polyester fabric. I had a ber. The point is that those memo- T-Shirts 100% Cotton (Soft and felt remembered and loved. I $20.00 bright orange and yellow t-shirt ries remind me of people who $12.00 Cover) get a little bit teary eyed remem- $10.00 that I remember well. I look back cared and loved me. It doesn’t (sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL) bering so many people in my life and know I should have been more matter anymore that I was embar- that are no longer on this earth, but Leaflets & Prayer Cards Available for the Asking thankful. Grandma made clothes rassed standing on a kitchen chair then I get a card from someone that The purpose of the Bishop Baraga Association is to promote the cause for canonizing Bishop out of necessity, but also out of while grandma fitted me in a new I was not expecting or hear from a Frederic Baraga as a Saint and to make the example of his love of God and service of his neigh- love. outfit. I wish I could have those person that I should have thought bor known to all people. Please pray for his cause for Sainthood. My youngest brother, Bill had times again and show a little more to write to first. It was like that what I called clown pants and I appreciation and gratitude. Shipping/Handling Charges again this year, so many nice peo- Membership Information teased him. Grandma had made Father Baraga barely had Membership entitles you to receive the Total Amount of Order . . Shipping Charge ple remembering me and remind- my two older brothers pants, one enough clothing to keep him warm quarterly publication The Baraga Bulletin Up to $30.00 ...... $4.00 ing me how fortunate I am. One of Canadian got a pair of red striped ones and and he didn’t complain. His trunk Currency $30.01 - $40.00 ...... $5.50 those people was my cousin, Sue. the other blue striped pants. Bill’s with clothing did not arrive at Annual ...... $10.00 . . . $10.00 When someone on the other $40.01 - $75.00 ...... $9.00 pants were made from the leftover LaPointe that first winter to keep Life (Individual/Family $50.00. . . $50.00 end of the phoned asks for “Betty”, (no shipping charge added) Over $75.00 ...... FREE fabric. If only I had appreciated him warm. He gave up his coat. I immediately know it must be a things more. He sacrificed everything for others, Order Form family member, or a very old I was much more excited when no comforts for him. Description Quantity Cost Each Total friend from 20 or more years ago. a box of “hand me downs” from A day doesn’t go by that I don’t My cousin Sue and I talked for over relatives would arrive. Relatives in get a touching letter or have a X = an hour. Sue is “close to fifty”; a Milford, Michigan sent a box and I thought or a memory of a Baraga X = few years older than me, married proudly found a dress I treasured. It member that makes an impression and has a son at college studying X = was a purple velvet dress with on me. It’s a good cause because to be an engineer. X = white lace around a ruffled collar. of Bishop Baraga and his love of It’s funny to me the thoughts Sending support for the cause: I had my school photograph taken people and the way we can look at Sub Total = that I still associate with Sue. She in that dress, and to top it off I his life and be inspired, and it’s For prayer request of grew up “downstate” Michigan. To Shipping (see chart) = asked for banana curls in my hair. also a good cause because of me growing up in the “U. P.”, or Coffee Mugs In Thanksgiving for Membership = As you can imagine, that picture is YOU. Without YOU, the devoted Upper Peninsula of Michigan, any- $5.00 In Memory of shall we say - unique. and caring people who love Total: (U.S. Funds) = one who lived downstate was burgundy w/ gold The last piece of clothing I Bishop Baraga there would be no sophisticated and classy. It did not Please ship order to: remember getting from Sue was a cause. Thank you. Pewter Key Chain matter how small the town was, in Name yellow gingham two-piece swim- $10.00 my eyes Sue was a city girl with suit. It was cotton with a lining and Stay Warm & know you are in my Street many advantages. And an advan- a zipper up the back. I loved the prayers, tage for me was her “hand me City State Zip beach and I loved that suit. I wore Elizabeth down” clothes. ❒ it when I had to squeeze into it to Check here if gift, send to: It would not have taken much get the zipper up and I remember P. S. Happy Birthday to Fr. Bruno Card acknowledgement sent by the Bishop Baraga Association to the recipient should read: to impress me. Grandma Delene the following summer, it did not fit. Koroˇsak, O.F.M. would brag about her new Jiffy pat- To this day, Cousin Sue is petite. I Send to: Bishop Baraga Association tern and how “lickety split” she 347 Rock, Marquette, MI 49855 don’t remember realizing when the 14 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 3 duties in the already populous city. He preached in German and heard confessions in all the modern languages Association News he spoke with the exception of his own; visited the sick, instructed the children and accustomed himself to the practical use of the English language, of which he had learned the rudiments in Europe. He even found an oppor- PRAYER REQUESTS Hallandale Beach, FL; in memory of Donna Schafer, Muir, MI; $50, tunity to begin the study of Ottawa dialect, and gladly availed himself of it. Prayers for Karen’s health, $40, Joan my dear parents, Marko & Mary Douglas & Mary LaBelle, Negaunee, His journey to the North, which he undertook in April, was a continued mission. Wherever he met a few Yager, Tawas City, MI; prayers for Koscak, $20, John & Marie MI; $50, John & Lisa Crider, Catholics he preached to them, refreshed their faith, and gave them an opportunity to purify their consciences and family and for health, $100, Carol & Tiedmann, Hawthorn Woods, IL; In Marquette, MI; $50, Luanne receive the sacraments. Some times he had more Protestant than Catholic hearers. “They were well pleased with Phyllis Maki, Marquette, MI; for Tom memory of my sister, Hedwig Peterson, Marquette, MI; $50, Dr. the doctrine I preached,” so he writes about the latter, then adds: “but a tree will not fall at the first stroke.” Steffel’s health, $100, Ronald Steffel, Tiedmann, $20, John & Marie Peter A. La Freniere, DDS, From Miamisburg he went six miles into the woods to visit a single Catholic family, and nine miles for the sake Petoskey, MI; a remembrance of Tiedmann, Hawthorn Woods, IL; in Negaunee, MI; $50, Dr. Paul C. of one poor Irishman, who had not seen a priest for fifty years and now was eighty-one, and almost deaf and blind. Bishop Baraga at Christmas & a peti- memory of our son, Tom, who Gerrish DDS, Marquette, MI; $75, tion of good health for our family in passed away February 17, 2004, Dr. Stephen R. Wissler, DDS, None of these persons, of course, had called for the missionary of whose presence they had no knowledge, nor the coming year, $100, Carlo & $10, Joe & Elaine Beiring, Marquette, MI; $100, Carol & Phyllis was it in their power to remunerate him for his trouble; but the spiritual joy these and similar works of love gave Phyllis Maki, Marquette, MI; prayers Marquette, MI; in memory of my Maki, Marquette, MI; $100, Peter & him, was exceedingly great. for our health, $5, Mrs. Aldo parents, Joseph & Elizabeth (Bruski) Jocelyn Belpedio, Marquette, MI. At Dayton, (where he found a few lukewarm Catholics), he had even a temptation to ask permission of his Pedranzan, Stambaugh, MI; please Kapalla, $25, being Polish, I’ve had Bishop, whom he met there, to remain among the whites and go after all the stray sheep that were scattered far pray for our son’s continued health, a great affinity for Bishop Baraga and SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS and wide through his large diocese, and stood in great danger of perishing for want of food and direction. Happily $20, John & Marie Tiedmann, sure pray he is a saint soon, Virginia $4000 to promote the cause, Nina for the Indians he put that thought aside, and together with Bishop Fenwick, continued his journey to Detroit, Hawthorn Woods, IL; Please pray for Minor, Grand Marais, MI. Kirkaldy, Monroe, MI. where he remained five days preaching and hearing confessions. my brother who is very ill, $20, John $1000 A gift for the Baraga House, On the 20th of May, navigation having now opened, he left that city and reached Arbre Croche, the place of & Marie Tiedmann, Hawthorn The Bishop Baraga Association Marquette, to facilitate the refurbish- received many gifts in honor of Dr. his destination, on the 28th day of the same month, in the year 1831 — a date to be written with letters of gold Woods, IL. ing and timely opening of this most Daniel “Pete” Mestnik. The Mestnik important shrine after the Sacred in the annals of the Northern Indian Missions. IN THANKSGIVING To be continued in the next issue of the Baraga Bulletin… family, of Marquette prayed for the Crypt: this place where the Servant In gratitude for my sister, Mary intercession of Bishop Baraga for the of God entered eternal life: one can Conroy’s successful surgery at 82 past 3 1/2 years when Pete was diag- scarcely imagine the spiritual bene- years old. My prayers were to Bishop nosed with a brain tumor. We fits that will derive from what surely Recording the Death of Bishop Baraga Baraga, Fr. Robert A. Stricker, received gifts in honor of Dr. much become a major place of pil- Cincinnati, OH; in thanksgiving, Mestnik from the following people: grimage and prayer. on the Day of His Death $20, Joe & Elaine Beiring, Please accept this donation in mem- $800 To promote his rise to Marquette, MI; in thanksgiving for ory of Daniel “Pete” Mestnik, $50, Sainthood, Karl & Ann Zajec, Euclid, Rev. Edward Jacker, administrator of the Diocese of Marquette Karen’s back feeling better, $20, Eugene & Karol Sanborn, OH. to Bishop Frederic Baraga’s sister Antonia von Hoeffern Joan Yager, Tawas City, MI. Hubbardston, MI; in memory of Dr. $500 For the cause of Bishop Marquette, January 19, 1868 Pete Mestnik, $10, John & Yvonne Baraga, Paul & Cilka Kosir, Kirtland, Dear Madam, IN MEMORY Dorais, Marquette, MI; $100, Frank OH. If you have received my letter of the 17th of this month, then you will guess the content of this one. As was In loving memory of family members & Diane Kascir, Poplar, WI; $20, $300 Mr. & Mrs. Frank Pajk, anticipated even then, the earthly struggle of your most honored brother did not last much longer. An hour ago (it of Nina Kirkaldy - my grandparents, Nick & Nancy Obradovich, Iron To ronto, ONT; Charles & June is now three o’clock in the morning) the pious shepherd closed his eyes. With no other struggle than his heavy Mr. & Mrs. Stanislaus Parent from Mountain, MI; $20, Randy & Momber, Grand Rapids, MI. Windsor, ONT, $150 and my grand- breathing, which had begun fourteen days ago, he passed away after a short sleep apparently in full command of Barbara Trudeau, Marquette, MI; $250 A Christmas gift to the parents, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kirkaldy of his sense. So he still was able to experience the celebration [mass and Holy Communion] of the holy name of Jesus, $20, Daniel & Susan Obradovich, Association & continued prayers for Toronto, ONT, $150, memory of Wakefield, MI; $20, Mark Hirvonen, our family, Tom & Joan Lancour, a name that always had been so dear to him and for which he worked and offered himself, a name which he my parents, Douglas & Alien preached to the Indian and carried in his heart to the final hour. He could have chosen no better day to die. Marquette, MI; Cheryl & James Greenfield, WI. Kirkaldy, from Amhestburg, ONT, $200 I will write more later. We will have to wait at least eight days for the burial so that some Bishops will have time Shirtz, Marquette, MI; $15, Shirley Maria Muhic, Toronto, ONT. $300, and in memory of my sister, Russo, Negaunee, MI; $25, Mark & $100 For what you need for the to attend, if possible. Janet Ann Kirkaldy, Amhestburg, Rebecca Cain, Big Bay, MI; $25, cause, Ronald Steffel, Petoskey, MI; I need not console you; the holy life and blessed death of your most honorable brother are the best consolation. ONT, $300, and in memory of my Stephen & Karen Mattson, for restoration of the Bishop Baraga In my first letter I had forgotten to reply to your query of when your most honorable brother was born; it was uncle, Mr. Emanuel Parent, Marquette, MI; $25, Denise & House, Joseph A. Lastelic, the year 1797. Windsor, ONT, $300, Nina Joseph Huss, Marquette, MI; $25, Alexandria, VA. With regards to your niece and other relatives, I remain with utmost sympathy. Kirkaldy, Monroe, MI; in memory of David Oberstar & Cheryl Bollero- $50 Ed & Carol Stempky, my parents, Louis & Terezija Petek & Oberstar, Marquette, MI; $25, John Cheboygan, MI; Patricia Blake, Your most obedient servant in Christ, my two brothers Louis & Peter, (I & Diane Manchester, Marquette, Marquette, MI; for the cause of Edward Jacker hope this is correct), $100, Mrs. MI; $25, Dennis & Gloria Lakari, Bishop Baraga, Ladislav & Anna Administrator, sd. va., Marquette, Michigan Slavka Levstik, Downsview, ONT & Ishpeming, MI; $50, Timothy & Likon, Willowdale, ONT. 4 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 13 been done in these United States by the alms and prayers of that institution. Of this opportunity Gospod Frederic Association News availed himself. He offered his services for the Indian mission and after much delay; he at last obtained the necessary permis- $35 Anonymous. J. Berkopec, I. Berlec; $50 A. someone special shares the same sion. The long desired for moment arrived when he should bid farewell to home and friends and family, and to $30 Dr. Thomas Kessinger, Hocevar, Dr. V. Mersol, M. Novak; Birthday as our beloved Bishop. Cincinnati, OH. $40 A. Debevc, C. Grajcier, G. Contact: June Burich, 243 Pewabic all the comforts and charms of civilized society, in order to carry the gospel of salvation among the benighted $25 Mary Leskovec, Elkhorn, WI; Hren, A. Tisev; $30 M. Erdani, I. St, Laurium, MI 49913-0735. Indian tribes of North American. On the 1st of December, 1830, the Rev. Frederic Baraga, being then 33 years of Joseph Miks, Zion, IL; for the cause, Kraljic, A. Vesel; $25 F. Markun, S. age, sailed from Havre and arrived in New York on the last day of the month and of the year. Anonymous. Mramor; $20 S. Cigale, J. Dolinar, Crypt Mass Father Baraga as a Missionary $20 Helen Fritz, Combermere, Z. Likozar, M. Rems, I. Rozman, A. Crypt Mass will be held at 12:10 on There are characters that have a natural love for travel and adventure; the stranger and the more extraordinary ONT; Ivanka Matic, Euclid, OH; Sajnovic, S. Shuster, R. Vucko, A. the following Mondays: April 21, a thing appears the more charms it has for their imagination. For many of them are capable of strong religious feel- Rev. Msgr. Matthew G. Malnar, Zupanc, H. Zupanc, H. Zupancic; May 19, June 16, July 21 and ings, (sometimes quite different from faith and principles), the life of a missionary among the non-christian offers Independence, WI; Dan & Mary $19 M. Rebernak; $15 S. Medved; August 18. great attractions, and following what they believe to be a holy vocation, they perhaps only satisfy the craving of a Turvey, Marquette, MI; Mrs. $12 M. Grdadolnik; $10 H. Fonda, Announcement!!!! more refined selfishness. The effects of such an illusion soon show themselves. In a very short time these sham Josephine Jurkovic, Euclid, OH; for S. Ferkul, I. Hauptman, A. Hribar, S. We will be dedicating a State missionaries will abandon the work, disgusted with a reality so far different from the creations of their heated imag- the cause of Bishop Baraga, John & Intihar, A. Invanteic, J. Jurkovic, P. Historical Marker at the Bishop ination; or if they persevere they will produce but little fruit. Marie Tiedmann, Hawthorn Woods, Knaus, W. Kocinec, F. Picman, J. Baraga Home, 615 S. 4th St. Was it thus with our new missionary? Quite the contrary. Although by no means a stranger to those exquisite IL. Samsa, M. Skubitz, M. Stariha, M. Marquette, MI on Wednesday, June feelings of pleasure which the sight of the new, the beautiful and sublime awaken in the heart, he still would nat- $10 Eunice Leemon, L’Anse, MI; Tiedmann, E. Veider, M. Virant, M. 25th, 2008 at 1:00 in the afternoon. urally have preferred the comforts of home and the peace of the quiet study-room to the excitement and the irreg- Mary Lacijan, Tinley Park, IL. Vodisek, A. Vujinovic, K. Zorjan; $5 ularities inseparable from the life of a missionary in a country like this. He would have preferred the refinement of M. Celestina, A. Vogel. Members, when you move, please GROUP DONATIONS European society to the daily commerce with the vulgar and the rude which he was to find in the wilds of America. try to let us know! St. Christopher’s Altar Society, NEW LIFETIME But it was not the voice of nature he consulted in a question of such paramount importance, but the voice of God We are trying to locate: $400, Marquette, MI. BISHOP BARAGA MEMBERS speaking to him through the aspiration of a truly charitable and faithful soul. Stephen F. Lustig - St. Anne, IL Lodge Martha Washington #38, Julia Kacin, Westmont, IL; Belva Agnes Krizaj - Duluth, MN Father Baraga, who always endeavored to become everything to all, in order to gain all for Christ, was the spe- Mentor, OH $25 with a matching Hanson, Iron Mountain, MI; Dr. & Helen Fonda - Cleveland, OH cial friend of the poor, the ignorant and the children. He tenderly loved them in the bowels of Jesus Christ, whose gift of $25 from American Mutual Mrs. Paul & Loretta Lucas, M/M William Burke - Montclair, NJ person they represent; and they felt and returned his love. But in his own country there were other men perhaps Life Association, Cleveland, OH. Marquette, MI; Sr. Mary Ethel more able than himself, and quite as willing, to take care of the ignorant, the poor and the forsaken children liv- Society of Catholic Women of St. Barron, OSU, Chatham, ONT, a gift Correction: in the last Baraga ing there, while living in foreign lands there were uncounted thousands of poorer and more forsaken creatures, the Ignatius Loyola Church , $100, membership from Nina Kirkaldy, Bulletin it should have read Fred & benighted non-christians for whom only very few felt a vocation or had the ability to render them aid. Why should Houghton, MI. Monroe, MI; Lois Bressette, Frances Beauchamp, $10 in loving he not be there? And were not the labors, the privations, the hardships, which he saw there waiting for himself, Clintonville, WI. Readers of the Slovenian Magazine, memory from their son, Norbert the very best means to assist him for arriving at that perfection which he so earnestly strove for? Yes, it was the will Ava Maria, from Lemont, support JOIN THE BISHOP BARAGA “Mike” Beauchamp, Marquette, MI. of God, and He who has given the desire will also give the means to accomplish it. In God, for whose glory, as the cause of Bishop Baraga BIRTHDAY CLUB a true missionary, he intends to labor, he will be strong. By God’s grace he will be able to persevere to the end! Please write June Burich if you or Here are a few extracts of Father Baraga’s letters to the directors of the Vienna Society and to his favorite sis- $100 K. Zajec; $70 R. Staric; $60 ter Amalia, lines that plainly show which were the joys that allured the young priest into this part of the world: “My heart is full of gratitude” (he writes from New York), “towards a kind Providence that has lovingly guided me on the soil of the New World; this great, but little cultivated part of the Lord’s vineyard, where so much labor is News from Lemont! to be done for the salvation of innumerable thousands, who as yet do not know their Creator in trust.” And some time later giving an account of his arrival in his first mission, he writes: “Happy day which first placed me in the Baraga Days Set for September 27-28th, 2008 midst of the Indians, among whom I now shall live until I draw my last breath, if such is the most holy will of Mark your calendars, the date is set, September 27 and 28, 2008. It is always nice to sit back and relax God.” And again: “My desire is now accomplished: I now live in the midst of the poor Indians, the greater num- while people from another area have the chore of trying to please everyone with a date for Baraga Days. I ber of whom are still non-christian, and a field immeasurably great is open to cultivation before my eyes. There understand that it is difficult to commit to a date that seems so far off, and at the same time it is important that are none but Indians in my mission; I am the only white man far or near.” But let us adhere to the order of events. we show our support, so I hope many of the tour bus leaders are again able to commit to the cause of Baraga However, time permits only a brief survey of his labors and accomplishments. and be in Lemont & Joliet for the last weekend in September. We try to consider that the first Mass of Fr. By steamboat and stage coaches Father Baraga made his way to Cincinnati where he presented himself before Baraga took place on September 21st. the saintly Edward Fenwick, Bishop of Ohio and Administrator of the Northwest Territory. This territory extended We all know what devotion the Slovenian people have for Bishop Baraga and it is apparent at the Slovenian over a large part of the country west and north of Ohio, and included what is now Michigan. “This good Bishop, Cultural Center in Lemont, home of a beautiful statue of Bishop Baraga. They are devoted in many ways, not one more humble, pious, zealous and kind could not be imagined,” so Father Baraga writes himself, “was rejoiced limited to the publication of the Ava Maria and making the pilgrimage trip themselves for years. Fr. Vendelin to hear that my desire was not to remain in the city, but to proceed to the mission among Indians.” But the sea- son would not allow the immediate accomplishment of this desire. Accordingly Father Baraga performed pastoral 12 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 5 Salvation and advancing them thereon; his happiness upon having been admitted into the ranks of the laborers in Spendov, O. F.M. our organist for practically every Baraga Days and past Man of the Year, makes his home the Lord’s vineyard was immensely great. For his was not one of those colder natures whose thoughts are absorbed at Lemont, along with many other devoted priests. We also congratulate, Baraga devotee, Fr. Bernard Horzen, in the misty realms of abstraction, or of those who are ever flitting from flower to flower, always seeking and never O. F. M., who attended Baraga Days in Sault Ste. Marie (and many previously) on the publication of his new finding, or even knowing what they are wishing for. Our Bishop’s mind always dwelt on realities, and whatever book, Maybe Be Rain. The book is about perseverance and the title comes from his immigrant father letting he undertook his whole heart and soul were in it and nothing short of physical or moral impossibility could pre- a young Bernard know that he may not be able to play baseball in the rain. vent him from accomplishing a task he had once imposed upon himself. I put the people of the Upper Peninsula a challenge. I’m willing to guide a tour bus to Lemont and I hope Add to this that intensity and keenness of feeling which manifested themselves in all the utterance of his soul, you are willing to commit to attending Baraga Days. Cost per person would be about $250 - $300 for the both in speaking and writing, and you will not wonder that he felt happy — exceedingly happy, having now over- weekend hotel, based on double occupancy for two nights, banquet meal, bus travel and a few snacks and come all obstacles and being able to weigh anchor and start on; his voyage through life, with the determined pur- whatever I can do. We would be able to pick up travelers along the route, so areas other than Marquette can pose henceforth to think of no other business but that of working for the greater glory of God and the salvation of participate - Houghton, L’Anse, Escanaba, Menominee and cities in between. This trip would not be a “money souls. maker” we just need to cover expenses. It may even be that someone would want to sponsor someone else Gospod Frederic to go, like some of our young Native American dancers. If interested please call the office by April 1st, We In the Slovene language the word “Gospod” stands for “Master” or “Sir,” and placed before the respective bap- would like 45 people but need at least 30 people so we can commit to the bus. Sometimes I feel embarrassed, tismal name is the popular title for a priest. The name of “Gospod Frederic” soon became a household word thinking how people from, Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Lemont, Waukegan, Milwaukee, Duluth and through Slovenia. For our newly consecrated champion of Christ not only devoted himself with all the earnestness and energy of his character to his Priestly duties in the different positions he occupied for the seven years of his Slovenia travel each and every year. I don’t think we have EVER had a bus from the Upper Peninsula area ministry in that country, but in order to improve every minute of his time, and to enlarge the sphere of his useful- travel to a Baraga Days - the area Bishop Baraga chose to serve. Please show your support and thank you. ness, he wrote and published several popular works for the instruction and edification of his countrymen. (This space was to be used to show our financial statement, which will appear in the Spring issue, but in The Slovene tongue was at that time much less cultivated than it is at present; very few books were in the hands the meantime if anyone would like that information, let me know. Thanks to you, ‘we are doing well’. of the people. Thus Gospod Frederic’s labors were not superfluous. By his exquisite correctness in writing, he not Elizabeth) only greatly contributed to the elevation of his native tongue, but also provided his country men with devotional works of superior merit, free from all vague or unmeaning effusions, sound in doctrine, terse in style, going straight- way to the heart, and bring home the most exalted truths with a simplicity of expression, intelligible even to a child. Banking in 1857 Some of these works have gone through several editions, especially his “Dushna Pasha,” or “Spiritual Food,” Detroit Sept. 25th 1857, Rt. Rev. F. Baraga, Bp Sault St Mary, Lake Supr which to this day remains the favorite prayer book of the Slovenian people, and thousands will some of these days Rt. Rev. & Dear Friend. take up that little volume and read for Gospod Frederic’s departed soul the prayers composed by himself for the I duly received your letter of the 19. ult. including a draft by 1st & 2d at 60 days sight on Chs. Choiselat Paris, occasion. Zeal and devotion are things which in the daily contact with a cold and selfish world are liable to vanish imper- for 9390 frs requesting me to have the same cashed & return to you the amount by Express Cos the same day 21st ceptibly and give way to habits of self-indulgence or indolent routine, unless they are daily nourished and refreshed of August that I received your letter. I gave the draft to the Cashier of the Savings Bank in Detroit, in order that by earnest communication with the world on high. This the young pastor knew, and to secure himself against those [sic] might have it sold for you in New-York. But unfortunately, as the Savings Bank did all their Business in New- insidious enemies, he adopted the habit, which he retained to the end of his healthy days, of devoting at least the York with the Ohio Life Insurance & Trust Co. that Draft arrived there just on the Same Day that that Institution first hour of every day to meditation. From four to five in the morning, or sometimes even from three to five (for closed their doors & failed. A telegraphic dispatch was immediately sent from Detroit as regarding this Draft, but he was always an early riser), you would invariably find him on his knees, wrapped in his cloak, in sweet com- it was too late, the Draft had been sold, & was engulfed in the universal failure. However, the Cashier told me munion with his Creator no matter what difficulties the circumstances of time or place would seem to offer. that though the Savings Bank should be losers, they would still be responsible to me for the amt of the Draft; but We have seen him thus, devoting to God the first hour of his day’s work or journey, in the depths of our drea- that in the midst of the conditions at New-York. It would be sometime before they could ascertain the amt for which ry woods, or on the shore of the Lake in the howling storm, as well as in his own simple room, or in some the draft was sold. So that trusting thus they have obtained information that the Draft had brought $1424.56 which sequestered corner of a crowded and uncomfortable boarding house. We have watched him doing it at the same early hour the morning after a wearisome journey, by land or water, even after having arrived at the place of rest Sum they paid to me all in current Canadian Bills, because at this Critical time of stringent pressure gold or silver an hour or two after midnight. Let critics object, that those were uncalled for singularities and pedantic exaggera- Cannot be obtained. I chose to take Canada money as being the draft, because of the great uncertainty at this time tions, they are the exaggerations of the Saints, who know how easily a gap will widen, perhaps never to be closed, of all & every Bank in the U.S. I have therefore sent to you of this money. According to your Directions, by the if left open occasionally without pressing necessity, and how soon neglect of duty will follow that of accustomed Lake Superior Express Co. the Sum of $1360.58. for which I hold their receipts; & have paid also by your direc- works of supererogation. tion the sum of $63. to A. Coude, for which payment I herewith include his receipt. If Rev. Father Menet has In the year 1827 a still flourishing institution was erected in Austria by the charity and religious fervor of some cashed it on me it must have been during my absence on the Mission, for I have not seen him nor heard of him. members of the Imperial House, and seconded by the zeal and generosity of many faithful souls, both poor and Please inform me as soon as possible of the receipt of the money sent by Express, & believe me. rich. It is the association called the “Leopoldine Foundation,” for the support of the Catholic religion especially in North America. The sending out of priests to supply the ever increasing number of Catholic emigrants with pas- Yours most respectfully, tors, the erection of churches, seminaries and schools, the support of missionaries among the still unreclaimed Indian population, and similar works of faith are the object of the association, and a great amount of good has + Peter P. Lefevere, Bp., Z. C, A, D 6 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 11 “Always Asking Something of His Bishop!” Lives Touched by Baraga (continued from Page 16) the province and had considerable means; it also owned and inhabited one of those mediaeval castles, which in the feudal ages were the exclusive property of the noble Fr. Frederic Baraga, at LaPointe, WI class; but the nobility of Frederic’s parents consisted in their integrity, their virtues and their strong and enlightened written to Bishop Peter P. Lefevere, of Detroit, Michigan attachment to the faith of their ancestors, a nobler inheritance they could not leave him. From the University of Notre Dame Archives It was in that castle, situated in the village of Trebnje that Frederic Baraga passed the first nine years of his life, My Lord! (The first two years he lived in the castle of Mala Vas where he was born.) receiving his first education by a pri- I have again one small thing to ask of you. (Please do not be displeased because I am always asking some- vate teacher. The Slovenian people, like the Tyrolians and other inhabitants of mountainous countries, have thing of you; it is always for the good of your Indian children.) I would like very much to have Temperance retained in their manners and whole mode of life much of that simplicity of by-gone times, which seems to form tickets, to organize “Temperance Societies” in my four Missions. I beg you to have them printed according to an uncommonly fertile soil for the breeding of strong and single minded characters. Among such surroundings and this formula and to bring them with you when you come to L’Anse. under the tender care of his fond, but judicious and truly religious parents, young Baraga grew up, and undoubt- I must warn you, Your Lordship, that next year I shall be at L’Anse only during the two months of June and edly already then was imbued with that strong sense of duty for which he was always so remarkable, and formed, July; I am thinking of dividing the rest of the year between the other three missions which come under my those habits of neatness and order that characterized him through his life and suffered no damage even through care, (Lapointe, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage). That is that long period of it which he spend among untutored Indians, eating and sleeping in their wigwams, and trav- why I am begging you beforehand, Your Lordship, to eling with them through the woods and on the great lakes of this Continent. proceed to the Sault at the beginning of June, to His Studies embark for Copperharbor, and there to engage two At the age of nine years, Frederic entered the College of Ljubljana, the capital of the province. Those were men who will guide you to L’Anse. extraordinary and stirring times. Europe was shaken in her foundations by the wars of the French Republic and of I trust you have received my letter of the 14th of the Napoleonic Empire. The martial sound of the drum and of the bugle were heard almost incessantly; armies this month. passed and repassed, couriers flew, bulletins were posted, and eager and anxious crowds were collected to list to I have the honor to be, with the deepest respect, the tidings, now of declarations of war, now of treaties of peace, and soon again to the news of bloody battles and terrific catastrophes, coming from all parts of the continent. The city of Ljubljana, situated on the high road from the most humble servant of Your Lordship, Italy to Vienna, was not a place to enjoy Arcadian tranquility during those troublesome times. But the young stu- Frederic Baraga. dent knew nothing but his books. Bending over his classical exercises with an indefatigable industry (another strik- Lapointe, Mission of St. Joseph ing trait in his character), Frederic prepared for his battles to be fought in a higher sphere and with nobler arms — Aug. 25. 1845. with the weapons of science. Politics were never a subject of preoccupation to our pious Bishop’s mind; they had no attraction for this man of peace, although he occasionally surprised us by remarks full of good sense and wit, on the late political perturbations, both at home and abroad. A Message from Bishop Baraga For some time the Kingdom of Illyria, having been wrested from Austria, formed part of the Napoleonic Empire, and the marks of the mighty conqueror’s organizing genius were soon perceived, not to the displeasure of the pop- for the Burt Lake Band of Catholic Chippewa ulations through all the departments of the national household. Even the schools felt its touch. The French lan- Bishop Frederic Baraga, Sault Ste. Marie guage was introduced into the schools, and thus it came that Frederic, who soon mastered it, made the first step The Catholics of Sheboygan [Burt Lake], Michigan, written October 30, 1859 on that field of his labors, which has since procured him a name he little looked for in the scientific world. To his German and Italian he added the French language, which he soon spoke fluently, without neglecting that of his To the Catholics of Sheboygan [Cheboygan], Mich. native Slovene or the ancient tongues, and made himself conspicuous among his fellow students by his rapid progress in these as well as in all other academia studies. My Beloved Children in Christ: But the day arrived when Frederic should decide for a vocation. The will of God as to his future career, the I hereby recommend you, that you ought to consider it as a great benefit that the Rev. Father Murray great mission of his life, had not yet become known to him. He selected the study of law, and the celebrated comes to your village from time to time; and that you ought to profit by these his missionary visits by listen- University of Vienna became his “Alma Mater.” For five long years, from 1861 to 1821, he applied the powers of ing to his instructions and receiving frequently the holy Sacraments of penance and the most holy Eucharist; his strong and at the same time subtle mind to the intricacies of jurisprudence, and went through the extensive and that you also ought to remember what St. Paul says: “The Lord ordained that they who preach the course of studies, prescribed to the Austrian student before he is allowed to enter the bar or apply for one of the Gospel, should live of the Gospel”. (I Cor. 9.14.) “Let him who is instructed in the word (of God) commu- Government offices. But great was the astonishment of his friends and fellow students when after having success- nicate to him who instructs him, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for what things a fully completed those studies, Frederic declared his intention of devoting himself to the service of God in the eccle- man shall sow, those also shall he reap”. (Gal. 6, 6-8.) I therefore recommend you that you ought to pay the siastical state. In spite of all remonstrance, which he met with his favorite motto, “Unum est necessarium,” (one traveling expenses of the Rev. Father Murray, and give also something towards his support. thing only is necessary), he entered the Seminary of Ljubljana, accomplished in two years the study of Theology, and received the holy order of priesthood on the 21st of September, 1823, in the 26th years of his age. Thus he Your affectionate father in Christ, had entered the only field in which his soul, so full of the love of God and love of his fellow men, could hope to Frederic Baraga, find peace and satisfaction. Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie. His burning desire was to serve God by doing good, and a sincere and strong faith told him that he could do no greater good to his neighbor, or contribute more to the glory of God, than by bringing men on the way of 10 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 7 Father Baraga and His Spiritual Life Fr. Baraga as an Angel of Virtue and a Saint Fr. Frederic Baraga, LaPointe, WI, Bishop Frederick Rese, Detroit letter written to Mr. Didier, Lyon letter written to Bishop Peter P. Lefevere, Detroit, Original Letter Propagation de la Foi, Paris # 01246 Dated June 28, 1842, from Notre Dame University Archives. My dearest friend! My Lord! I received your letter of August 31, and gave today the order to the treasurer of the Farmers & Mechanics I have had the pleasure to read your pastoral letter, in which you speak to us for the first time. The spirit Bank in Detroit for the amount mentioned in your letter, i.e. for 12250 francs. You may compare my order of piety and humility in which it speaks has touched my heart and filled me with respectful love for my with this letter here and easily verify my writing. I did not put my stamp on the above mentioned draft, Superior. I have a great desire to see you, my Lord; but since I cannot very well leave my mission to go to because I still don’t have it; but my secretary, Mr. Baraga, who just left for Europe, will do it for me immedi- prostrate myself before you and ask you for your Episcopal Benediction, I do it in spirit in this letter, and I beg ately upon his arrival there. This Mr. Baraga, is an angel of virtue. He shall consign to you many papers and you to give it to me in spirit as soon as you have read this passage. letters for the Central council, and one for Munich in Bavaria, and I beg you to forward it to that destination At the same time I declare to you, my Lord, in the presence of God, who is the only witness of my thoughts after you shall make a copy. The letter should remove certain doubts concerning me which were, however, and my sentiments, that I place myself entirely into your hands for all that concerns our holy ministry. Order almost dispersed upon the reception of your kind letter. Rev. DeBruyn, at first my secretary, and recently the me to do whatever God may inspire you, and with His holy grace I shall execute it. Since the Providence of President of my little College, had answered for me your letter of instructions of the last year. The letters which God has put you in the place you occupy today, it is His holy will that I obey as I would Himself. I am inti- I received from France six months ago, announced that the Central Council of Lyon had excluded me from the mately convinced that obedience to Superiors in all that is not contrary to the law of God is the soul of spir- distribution of the year past, because I neglected, so it was stated, to write personally to the Central Direction, itual life. There is nothing so beneficial to the soul as obedience. “Obedience is better than sacrifices.” “Not and because I received large sums from Bavaria. The above mentioned letter for Munich shall prove that I to want to obey is the crime of idolatry.” “The obedient man shall speak of victory.” Obedience shown to never received a penny for my diocese. The faith, my institutions, my priests and my churches increase every- Superiors is shown to God; and indeed God himself, “to the Holy Spirit, placed the Bishops to rule the Church where, and at the same time also my needs, because I have to create first and afterwards also maintain with of God, which He gained by His blood.” O most holy obedience! How would I not love what had gotten for my Jesus a name that is above every name; for Jesus became obedient to death, and therefore God gave Him great expenses. Consider Mr. Baraga as a saint. He has already converted more than one thousand souls to a name which is above every name, that every knee may bow at the name of JESUS. Jesus Christ; he showed the wonders of virtue of all sorts. You may completely rely on him, and believe me From the very beginning of my spiritual life I always have had, and I actually still have, a great desire to to be your sincere and humble servant, enter some religious order, for the love of holy obedience, but I was always prevented me from doing so, and +Frederic Rese my own conscience forbade it to me. To satisfy this desire in some manner, I beg you, my Lord, my spiritual Bishop of Detroit Father in Jesus Christ, to accept me under your obedience. I wish to have the merit of obedience in all that I do in my ministry. Every day I say to the good God: ”Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Lord what do Detroit, Nov. 9, 1836 you want me to do?” And I beg you, my Lord, to be this “Ananias” who will tell me what I must do.” All that concerns my temporal subsistence, I do not ask of you, my Lord, since the charity of my relatives Try to keep Mr. Baraga in Lyon until he will arrange all the papers and documents which I have placed in his and friends in Europe provides it for me. I only ask you to assist me to obtain the only thing necessary, that hands. You may add to him whatever you will judge in this connection, because he is a good writer and he “One thing necessary,” of which Truth speaks. knows America perfectly, and he knows the actual state of nearly all the Indian tribes of my diocese in even greater detail. In the Wounds of Christ, your servant Frederic Baraga, Missionary Lapointe, June 28, 1842 Baraga Easing His Sister’s Anxiety Fr. Frederic Baraga, Metlika to Amalia Gressel, Trebjne, as published in Voncina, pp. 29-30 1830, September 24.

Now I must scold you a bit for tormenting yourself with unnecessary anxieties and for making such a fuss about winter-cold, hardships, troubles and dangers which I may incur on the journey. Please, dear sister, do not concern yourself with all these trifles. If missionaries had heeded cold, heat, hunger and thirst, hard- ships, dangers and similar trials, they would certainly not have converted many Indians to the Christian faith. If tradespeople do not shun any sort of weather, any sort of toil and danger only to get some temporal prof- it which they can enjoy but to the end of their short lives, should such considerations deter me, who had Bishop Baraga’s rosary and no other aim than that of redeeming immortal souls for heaven? Do, then, dismiss from your mind all these artifacts at Notre Dame University. vain anxieties which, as you tell me, make you miserable when you think of them, and surrender me alto- gether to God. 8 -The Baraga Bulletin — Winter 2008 Winter 2008 — The Baraga Bulletin - 9 The Amazing Language & Budget Skills of Fr. Baraga! A Letter of Thanks & Petition Fr. Frederic Baraga, Lyons to Bishop Frederick Rese, Detroit Official communication of the Most Rev. Lord Bishops of the Provincial Council of Cincinnati Original in University of Notre Dame Archives dated May 3, 1861, to the Central Direction of the Leopoldine Society. My Lord! Most praiseworthy Direction! At last I am able to tell you that the printing of my Indian books is finished. It has cost me much time, The Bishops of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati assembled in Council have resolved unanimously to forward (exactly two months), and much money, (2408 francs), but it could not be otherwise. I have had these print- to the most praiseworthy Leopoldine Mission Society the present letter of thanks and petition. ed in two dialects, in Ottawa and in Otchipwe, which fact required many changes and considerable work. First of all they wish to express their gratitude for the donations extended with such great generosity to our The Council of the Propagation of the Faith has consented to bear these expenses, and perhaps will also pay dioceses over the past period extending through so many years. for the binding which will amount to 1300 fr., or, if the Council does not consent to pay for it, I shall try to The Lord alone knows how many and important services for the prosperity of Holy church in this country get the money elsewhere. In Detroit an were rendered through this mighty help. He will surely reward it. The dutifully undersigned Bishops renew edition of these books would have cost at however at the same time their humble petition for the kind continuation of these benefits. least $1200. How would you have paid Of course it may be the impression in Germany that the increasing wealth in the United States would ren- that, My Lord? der such a support less necessary now, as was the case in the past; but whoever knows the circumstances of The members of the Council are very this country more intimately, will easily be convinced to the contrary. pleased with these works, and I am also The immigration continues steadily, and the population of the country grows along with it beyond pro- very satisfied. And I bless the Lord for this, portion. One is obliged to build many new, larger and better churches and schools. Where formerly perhaps for I hope that the spiritual good which there was a small provisional wooden church, there should an must now be erected a large church of mason- will result there from will be considerable, ry capable of meeting the needs of all times. Then, the education of capable young men for the priestly state since five Indian tribes: the Ottawas, the requires annually great sums; since those who apply for this purpose are almost without exception entirely Chippewas, the Potawatomie, the penniless. The excellent Society can easily perceive from this that our needs have not diminished. Menominee and the Algonquins will be We realize very well that the Empire also must contend with great problems, but we trust in God that a able to use these books, since they are special blessing will accompany the alms which Austria expends for such an important purpose towards printed in two dialects. spreading the Kingdom of God on earth; especially in a country which presents to the members of the Church My German manuscript on the customs surrounded by powerful sects so many opportunities to apostasy. of our Indians has been translated into Hereby we urgently commend our petition for help, filled with the consoling hope of a favorable consid- French and is already being printed. I eration of the same. hope to bring you a few copies on my return. The original has been sent to the Martin John Spalding, John Bapt. Purcell, Leopoldine society by the Austrian Bishop of Louisville, Archbishop of Cincinnati. Ambassador. Moreover, I inform you, My Lord, that my sister Antonia, of whom I often spoke to you, the one that wish- Georg Alois Carrel. Peter-Paul Lefevere, es to come to my Mission, is actually in Paris, on her way to the Mission. I met her in Paris with great joy. Bishop of Covington, Bishop of Zelano, She will wait in Paris until I return from my journey to Rome and Vienna, and then she will come with me to Coadjutor among Bishops and Administrator Apostolic of Detroit. devote herself to the school and my Mission for life. It is a great consolation for me to see my sister devote herself to such good work. Frederic Baraga, Amadeus Rappe, I left Paris on Feb. 21, and I arrived in Lyons on the 24th. I will write to you in my next letter all that I Bishop of Saut Ste. Marie Bishop of Cleveland have done in Lyons. Here I met Monsignor Fleming, Bishop of Newfoundland, who is on his way to Rome, and who is very glad to have met me, since he knows neither French nor Italian, and is experiencing many John Henry Luers. Mauritius de St. Palais, difficulties in his journey through France. Bishop of Fort Wayne. Bishop of Vincennes. I shall write you soon again, My Lord. I beg of you to remember me in your Mass. I have the honor to be, with much respect, My Lord, Bishop Baraga Quotes for Your sincere friend Parish Bulletins, Inserts or Other Uses Fred. Baraga, Missionary. We have fifty-two quotes for the year. We are also available for presentations and have other materials available for you, such as prayer cards, lesson plans for children, and brochures. If you have any questions Lyons, Feb. 25. 1837. contact Elizabeth at the office - [email protected] or 1-800-562-9754 ext. 117. Also visit our website at fredericbaraga.org.