Congregation of the Mission, Circular Letters. Emile Villette,

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1 DePaul University From the SelectedWorks of John E Rybolt 2016 Congregation of the Mission, Circular Letters. Emile Villette, John E Rybolt This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY International License. Available at:

2 Congregation of the Mission, Circular Letters Emile Villette, A Topical Outline by John E. Rybolt, C.M. Introduction Emile Villette ( ) had the second briefest term as superior general in the Congregation s history. Even before his ordination, he taught philosophy at the major seminary in Oran, Algeria. While there, he was ordained a priest in He then taught in the philosophy seminary at Solesmes until the government s expulsion of the congregations in Antoine Fiat appointed him the procurator general (or general treasurer) of the Congregation, and visited several provinces When Fiat resigned at the general assembly of 1914, the members elected Villette by a near unanimous vote on the first ballot. He served during the beginning of the First World War. A brain tumor probably caused his death. Circular Letters of Emile Villette 1914, 10 August, #1, pp. 1-5 (6-8 blank). Announces resignation of Fiat at the general assembly, in view of his age and health. The pope agreed, and gave the assembly the power to do so. I was elected, bowing my head under the decision. Asked for Fiat s blessing as his first act. Fiat s long generalate of 36 years was fruitful, despite so many challenges. Many positive results: Vincent de Paul named patron of works of charity, feast of the Miraculous Medal approved, Blessed Virgin s statue crowned by papal decree; Clet and Perboyre beatified; processes for beatification begun for De Jacobis, Louise de Marillac, Sisters of Arras, September martyrs, Sisters of Angers, Elizabeth Seton, Luisa Borgiotti. Persecutions and deaths in China and Portugal, and suppression of works of the Congregation in France. New assistants named. The assembly was cut short by the declaration of war between France and Germany. He will try to fulfill the postulata sent by the assemblies. Delegates gave and received edification. Fears the outcome of the war, in which some confreres are taking part. The Daughters of Charity have gone to help in the (French) military field hospitals. This will be the same in Belgium, Germany, Austria and Poland. 1915, 10 January, #2, pp Reviews history of ) Resignation of Fiat, given into the hands of the Sovereign Pontiff Pius X.) 2) War, threatening to become Europe-wide. Two delegates from the assembly, Zdesar and Ducoulombier, were arrested as prisoners of war and are still confined. 1

3 War: some of our students, brothers and priests, have had to be in the war in one capacity or other. China missioners are in their respective residences. Many have had to be withdrawn from our works in France. Some combatants were wounded or died. 3) Belgium and Poland (Galicia) provinces sorely tested, badly treated. Belgians have been dispersed. The growing Polish province has been invaded by Russians, and they are near Krakow. Constantinople mission, of French origin, also suffering with the men leaving, head held high. Mexico: in throes of revolution, and confreres chased out; many left for USA, or Cuba. 4) Mother house: students from Belgium and Holland have been sent to their respective countries; others sent to Dax. Fiat and elderly confreres sent to Dax, but Fiat is now back. Villette and two assistants went to Bordeaux house for their safety; other assistants remained in Paris, also to serve Sisters in and near Paris. 5) Ingelmunster minor seminary remains closed; Wernhout is open, but without French students. Minor seminary at Berceau is functioning. 6) Pius X died in August. He favored the Congregation concerning the Apollinare in Rome. Benedict XV elected, Villette went to Rome for an audience, met Daughters and Ladies of Charity. Daughters of Charity: Some 3000 have helped the war wounded. Recommends to the charity of confreres: Propagation de la Foi, Holy Childhood, Ecoles d Orient, and work of Saint Francis de Sales. Their directors have been generous to us. Prints reply of Pope to Villette s election (from Merry del Val). [English in DRMA, dated 10 January 1915] 1915, 15 January, lithographed, to Antilles, 4 pp. Jean Alvarez is named visitor to replace Doroteo Gomez (in French and Spanish). 1915, 27 April, to soldiers, 2 pp. Mentions victims of war. Offers prayers and encouragement to soldiers. 1915, 31 May, unnumbered, pp Printed circular to Vincentians in Spain (in French). Reports on his recent visit to Spain, concerning vocations, apostolic schools (which he encourages). The students there have to remain long enough to gain a good education, and the professors have to be well prepared. Emphasizes the main works of the Congregation: evangelization of the poor country people, the sanctification and formation of the clergy, and ministry to the Daughters of Charity. This last ministry should be done only following an assignment by the superiors. 1915, undated, with letter dated 29 May 1905 [=1915] Circular to soldiers; reports deaths of Bélières, Leflon, Poix, Tauzia, Würtz. Attached letter, from Guitton, a chaplain, 29 May 1905 (i.e., 1915): on death of Würtz, at Bully-Grenay, a Daughter of Charity hospital. 1915, 3 June, #3, unpaged, 2 pp. Reports on war victims among the confreres. Adrien Bélières, from Monastir, from typhoid; J-B Leflon, from Rongy, Belgium, prisoner of war in Germany, from contagious disease; Bros. Henri Poix and Bonafous on the battlefield, and students Jean Labadie and Louis 2

4 Würtz, novice Tauzia, who with Bonafous had not yet made vows. They are not entitled to suffrages, but charity demands it. Pray and offer Mass for an end of the war. Supplement: is sending copy of the names of confreres in the war; two more have died on the battlefield (no names given), M. Dondeyne was wounded. Sends copy of a letter announcing the death of student confrere, Würtz, war victim. 1915, 19 July, to soldiers Feast-day wishes; encouragements; sends necrology. 1915, 7 August, typed, 2 pp., to Central America Distance from France can lead to actions taken with independence. Isolated houses cannot produce the necessary abundant fruits. For this reason, he establishes the province of Central America, including the houses of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Panama. Durou is visitor. Asks for prayers for success of new province. 1915, 8 August, 2 pp., signed, typed [same as following letter, different date] 1915, 15 August, to soldiers [others dated 8 August] Feast-day wishes; news of Bro. Gendrot [probably a war victim] 1915, 5 September, #4, pp Announces death of Fiat, 1 September. The General Assembly of 1703 decreed that a retired superior general has the right to the same suffrages as a sitting superior general. Recalls the examples of his virtues, zeal, exact observance of our holy Rules, which he insisted on, poverty. His last years after retirement were spent in retreat, prayer, and silence. Was always interested in the Double Family. Suffered a lot from the war. He will be our heavenly protector. His funeral services were truly worthy of our lamented departed. Cardinal of Paris presided, other bishops, prelates, superiors of the recognized communities (Spiritans, St. Sulpice, Missions étrangères,) plus pastors, religious, state officials. 1915, 6 October; typed, 3 pp., for soldiers. Two student confreres died: Dauthenay and Chazal. He will pray for the others in his retreat, now beginning. Be faithful to the exercises of piety of the CM, as much as possible. 1915, 3 December; 5 pp., to vicars apostolic in China He had hoped to go to China, but it never happened. Wants to work for the missions. Although these bishops are sent by the Holy See, they also remain part of the Congregation, "you represent the Congregation, which presented your name to the Sovereign Pontiff." You should also promote the interests of the Congregation. Wants all the priests to be faithful to the life of the Congregation. You should be a father to them in the Congregation. These bishops are also local superiors, and they are in some way under the visitor in China. The confreres are as obliged in China to the CM rules as elsewhere. Mentions some issues. 1) Baptism of adults: not always approved by everyone; they should have good preparation. 2) Schools and colleges [primary and secondary schools]: an important work for China, especially for Catholics. 3) Seminary work for native clergy, with good preparation and formation. Do not be too ready to admit candidates to the CM from among them without good preparation. 3

5 1916, 1 January, #5, pp , plus necrology, Past year marked by the war. Several victims among the confreres, including brothers, students and novices. Our men are on both sides of the conflict, could anything be more sorrowful? Our men in service of the sick and wounded have been brave and zealous. Ducoulombier, a prisoner of war, has been moved to a Franciscan monastery; he was a deputy of China. Recalls Fiat. Provinces: Mother house and France: novices sent also to Dax, with rest of the students. Although Fiat decided that second-year novices could not study philosophy, this was changed for France because of the demands of military service for three years in addition to everything else. We will have the minor seminary in Tunis and its new major seminary. Some minor seminarians now studying with Angers diocese in Beaupréau. Belgium-Holland: suffered from the war. Ingelmunster closed in year; Panningen is open; Wernhout only partly open (i.e., not receiving students from France). He visited Spain, The two provinces prosper. Portugal is agitated. Ireland lost Morrissey. Germany, Austria and Poland: relations with France are interrupted, much suffering from war. Death of Medits, director of Sisters in Hungary. Italy: nothing in particular, but war suffering. Seminaries not opened in Sicily. Turkey and Syria: they have suffered the most, since the men are kept from their ministries. St. Benoit and Ste. Pulchérie taken over by Ottomans; St. Georg is OK. Colleges in Damascus and Antoura much reduced; Jerusalem closed. Persia also suffered. Sontag in great danger; Renault died from typhoid. China: Many members had to return to France for military service. USA: very satisfying; Bishop Glass named. Central America: bishop of Granada, Guatemala, asking for CMs for seminary. Mexico: great suffering. Colombia: prosperous, but few numbers. Arauca given to CM. Others in South America lost some French men mobilized. Verdier sent to Chile, Brazil, Argentina as extraordinary commissary. Concludes with commentary on works, especially on the collapse of the works in Turkey and Syria. Compares it with the results of the Boxer Revolution, but in Beijing the works began again. 1916, 1 January, 1 p., typed; accompanies regular circular. For soldiers. Thinking about their sufferings in the cold winter. Hopes they can come to the mother house occasionally. 1916, 25 January, unnumbered, 8 pp., to visitors, superiors and internal seminary directors Sends an instruction from Congregation of Religious. Problem arose from so many members of various congregations asking for dispensation from their vows. Result: a grave dishonor, a very difficult disorder for regular discipline, very grave damage for the Church of God, and a very regrettable scandal for the faithful. (p. 1) If communities were faithful to their charism, this would not happen since imperfect candidates would not be admitted. When someone leaves, there is some blame on the superiors. Document reviews issues about admission and formation. Few are entering today, and those who do are sometimes forced by their families, or the communities find a financial advantage in their admission. This is not a problem in the family of St. Vincent. One issue concerns us: apostolic schools or minor seminaries, where it is difficult to be clear about criteria for admission. These boys enter from backgrounds poor in religious development, and some enter to assure an easy way of life. It is better to ascertain the family s 4

6 situation and support. These young men should be well prepared for philosophy and theology, and professors should be well chosen. Superiors should be clear that the directors are keeping their vows and giving good example, and be very smooth (not harsh) with the students and very understanding of them. (Latin letter on pp. 5-8, dated 18 August 1915) 1916, 20 February [dated added in Coste's hand; he may have been secretary at this time] 4 pp., typed. Signed with signature stamp. For French confreres living apart because of law of Many have left France for missions; some returned to their dioceses of origin or to their families. This is going well enough; they have been in regular contact, asking permissions and reporting on finances. Hopes they will keep in good relation with the community and return when they can. Maintain spiritual exercises, retreats, etc., and they should try to go to nearby community houses. He has appointed each one to local houses, or has named other men as their "superiors," even though they do not have houses. 1916, 30 March, 3 pp., typed, signed. For Argentina. Bettembourg has asked to resign. Agreed. Praises him for his work. Choisnard chosen as new provincial. He had been with Villette in France; then to Central America, and finally to seminary in Sucre, Bolivia. Asks support and prayers for Choisnard. 1916, 7 October. Announces Villette s illness After two years and three months in office Villette died on 7 November 1916, the feast of John Gabriel Perboyre. 5