NEGenWeb Project
Church/Catholic
Franciscans
lay of about $1,000; he procured new pews, and labored diligently till transferred to Petoskey, Michigan, in May, 1904.
REV. MARIAN GLAHN, O. F. M.,
MAY, 1904-SEPTEMBER, 1904
The new pastor soon held a fair which netted $1,000. This sum was used to build an additional school room in the basement excavated for the purpose. Moreover, a new furnace was purchased for the church. On July 24th, Fr. Marian organized the Young Ladies' Sodality under the title of the Immaculate Conception with St. Agnes as secondary patron.
REV. RABANUS THILL, O. F. M.,
SEPTEMBER, 1904-AUGUST 23, 1909
Father Rabanus was the next rector of Holy Family congregation. He was youthful, energetic, able and zealous. In a short time the indebtedness of the parish was paid off. To gather funds for a new brick school, Fr. Rabanus organized "The Holy Family School and Building Society". The first officers were Mr. George Hau, President; Mr. Paul Van Ackeren, Treasurer; Mr. W. Lewejohan, banner-bearer; W. Ramaekers, Jacob Borer, and Fred Smith, consultors. The pastor also organized the Young Men's Sodality and the Society of the Holy Childhood. His main work was the erection of the fine new brick school. He also bought some adjoining property and installed a compressed air tank in the basement, to supply the water needed.
The steeple and the side walls of the church were braced and the roof covered with ornamental shingles. The total cost was about $900. The house occupying the lots west of the frame school was purchased, moved across the street and sold to Henry Ramaekers. The vacant lots were utilized as playgrounds for the pupils of the parochial school. The outlay was $365.
THE NEW SCHOOL, A. D. 1905
In autumn 1904 a meeting of the church committee was held which decided upon building a new school, 36x76 feet, as the old one was too small. The plans called for a brick structure, 3 stories high, with a basement 10 feet high and having two class rooms (13 feet high) each on the first and second floor with a hall and attic on the third floor. The brick contract was awarded to Mr. Parker, of Albion, Nebraska, and Van Ackeren, of Humphrey. The school which cost $19,218.69 was ready for
DEDICATION ON NOVEMBER 28th, 1905
Classes were opened in the new building January 9th, 1906.
In the fall of this year a new sidewalk was laid along the east side of the church property. Father Rabanus also opened an evening school, purchased an Oliver typewriter and taught a number of young people arithmetic, typewriting, etc.
He also did much for the circulating parish library and organized a dramatic club, "St. Leo Dramatic Club", to stage good plays both for lawful amusement and aiding the parish financially. Before long, Father Rabanus was called to Sioux City, where a large building program called for an energetic and able manager.
Father Rabanus was sent from Sioux City to Memphis, Tennessee. He there severed his connection with the Order and later returned to his native Luxemburg.
OBITUARY
John H. Thill was a native of Erpeldingen in the Grandduchy of Luxemburg, where he first saw the light on October 10, 1867. He immigrated into Minnesota, made his classical studies at the Franciscan College in Quincy, Illinois, entered the Franciscan Order on August 1, 1896, at Teutopolis, Illinois, and was ordained priest June 30, 1902. After serving as curate at St. Anthony's Church at St. Louis, Missouri, he was appointed pastor of Lindsay in September, 1904; sent to Sioux City, Iowa, where he built the splendid new church and monastery. But before their completion he was sent to Memphis and soon after severed his connection with the Order. After some time in a northern diocese he returned to his native Luxemburg, was made pastor of Waldbredinus and died in the Clinic of St. Teresa at Luxemburg on February 3, 1927, in the sixtieth year of his age. His obituary says of him:
"A deep faith and loyal love for the Holy Catholic church whose rights he ever defended with enthusiasm; indefatigable zeal for the honor of God and the salvation of souls entrusted to his care, marked the character of this eminent priest. The dignity and responsibility of the priesthood he carried with honor. His zeal for the fulfillment of his duties remained ever new until his death. God, whose honor he sought in everything and whose house he renovated so splendidly, will be his reward exceeding great."--R. I. P.
REV. RAYMOND HOLTE, O. F. M.,
AUGUST 23, 1908-1911
Father Raymond purchased new vestments to the amount of $749.26, added a story to the old school and remodelled (sic) it as a Sisters' Convent. The cost was $3,891.98.
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Rev. Sabinus Mollitor, O. F. M. 1899-1901 |
Rev. Waltried Rompe, O. F. M. 1897-1899 |
Rev. Lullus Seeboth, O. F. M. July, 1901-May, 1904 |
Rev. Columban Valentin, |
Rev. Rabanus Thill, O. F. M. |
Rev. Justinian Kugler,O. F. M. 1920-1921 |
Rev. James Borer |
Rev. J. L. Zaplotnik, D. J. C. |
Rev. Ed. Smith |
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REV. CLEMENT MOORMAN, O. F. M.,
1911-FEBRUARY, 1914
During his incumbency the parish acquired the Van Ackeren property for $3,500. Father Clement was very popular among old and young, especially among the children, for whom he had not only an ever ready smile but also some candy, fruits, etc. He was then promoted to be superior and pastor at St. Bernard, when Rev. Father Casimir died almost suddenly in February, 1914, much to the regret of his Lindsay parishioners, who were very fond of the genial pastor.
REV. EWALD SOLAND, O. F. M.
Rev. Soland filled the pastorship from February, 7th, 1914, till July, 1915. A concrete coal bin was constructed on the west side of the school and a cement walk, at an expenditure of $578.15.
Fr. Ewald was replaced by
REV. COLUMBAN VALENTIN, O. F. M.,
JULY 14, 1915-JULY 21, 1919
During the critical period of the world war Fr. Columban was destined to preside over the Holy Family Parish. It was a time of war hysteria also in Nebraska and at such a time the hatred stirred up intentionally by the brazenly mendacious propaganda of the various governments for the purpose of winning the war, caused almost every person of German blood to be suspected of disloyalty.
Who can describe the anguish that the German Americans, till recently respected as excellent citizens, had to undergo as the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, of "Huns" and "Boches", frowned upon and hated and persecuted in many instances. Fr. Columban was a German and the ever regrettable war must have wrung his heart-strings. Yet he did his duty as a citizen in such a manner that even non-Catholics had but words of praise for the patriotic and eloquent chaplain of the Lindsay company of the Nebraska Home Guards. Witness his patriotic apostrophe to the flag in the court house, his patriotic address at the funeral of Sergeant R. O. Perry at the Welsh church, Shell Creek, A. D. 1919.
PARISH IMPROVEMENTS
Fr. Columban had the interior of the church repaired, the exterior and all the wood work painted and the interior of the school changed, so as to add another class room; cost $689.85.
FIRST MASS OF TWO SONS OF THE PARISH, 1915
June 16, 1915, was a red letter day for Holy Family parish at Lindsay; for on this day the Rev. W. J. Borer and the Rev. Edward J. Smith, both raised at Lindsay and ordained at St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 8th, 1915, came home to celebrate their first Holy Mass in their old parish church. Due preparations had been made to celebrate such a rare event in a befitting manner. On their arrival on the eve of the great day the young priests were met at the town limits by a procession and escorted to the church amid the ringing of bells and the booming of cannons. In the house of God the two imparted their priestly blessing to the large concourse of the faithful, who so highly treasure the blessing of a newly ordained priest. Next day the Rev. E. Smith offered the August sacrifice at -- o'clock, while the Rev. Wm. J. Borer sang a solemn High Mass at 10:30 o'clock. The following out-of-town priests were present: Rev. Fr. Smith of Aurora, Rev. M. P. Weidner, Chicago, Illinois; Rev. A. J. Vollman, of Oregon, Illinois; Rev. Blandert, of Hastings, Nebraska; Father Clement Moorman, O. F. M., St. Bernard; Fr. Florence Kurzer, O. F. M., and Mark Schludecker,. O. F. M., of Humphrey. A large concourse of people thronged the church.
In the evening the St. Leo Dramatic Club gave a reception to the two neo-presbyters in the richly decorated hall. A number of gifts were presented to the two happy priests.
A FRANCISCAN FRIARY IS ESTABLISHED AT LINDSAY, A. D. 1916
The good news of the erection of a residence at Lindsay was received on January 1, 1916. A second Father was to arrive and to attend the Cornlea mission from Lindsay. To provide a home for the community, the Van Ackeren residence was purchased and moved close to the church and remodeled as the first friary. The first community was composed of the Rev. Columban, superior; Rev. Hyacinth Schroeder, and Ven. Brother Ludger Gethmann. On June 30th, or July 31st, 1916, the new friary was blessed and the event commemorated also by a homecoming of all former parishioners. On August 25th, 1916, Rev. Nicholas Christoffel, O. F. M., arrived both to recuperate his health and to assist Father Columban in parish work.
PLANNING THE COMPLETION
OF THE SCHOOL--
INCORPORATION OF THE PARISH
Meanwhile the Congregation had been incorporated as "The Holy Family Parish, of Lindsay, Platte County, Nebraska". Besides the Rt. Rev. Bishop, his Vicar General and the Pastor, Messrs. C. J. Sanders and Henry Luetkenhaus were the first trustees.
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Interior of Holy Family Church, Lindsay.
ERECTION OF THE SCHOOL
ADDITION--
CONFIRMATION
On February 20, 1917, bids were let for the addition to the school (40x60 feet) with two class rooms each on the first and second floor and two store rooms on the third floor. Mr. J. H. Parker, now of Columbus, was awarded the contract for the brick work for $16,000 while Dussell and Son, of Columbus, were given the heating and plumbing contract for the consideration of $3,626. Excavation began February 26th and the brick work in April. On June 10th, 1917, Most Rev. J. J. Harty, of Omaha, made his first canonical visitation of the Lindsay parish and confirmed a class of 217 children. The people and especially the children gave the distinguished visitor an enthusiastic welcome. The collection for the Cathedral was taken up on this occasion. When Rev. Nicholas Christoffel was transferred to Joliet, Illinois, his place at Lindsay was taken by the aged Fr. Stanislaus Rieman. He arrived July 14, 1917, commemorated here the fiftieth anniversary of his religious profession and left for Omaha and died at St.
Holy Family School Graduates, Sr. M. Bridget, O. S. F., Sr. M. Ezra, O. S. F.
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Joseph's Hospital, August 9th, 1920, in the 70th year of his age, the 50th year of his religious profession and the 45th of his ordination.--R. I. P.
DEDICATION OF THE
ADDITION TO THE SCHOOL,
NOVEMBER 14, 1917
The celebration opened with a reception in honor of the Most Rev. Bishop J. J. Harty. It consisted of songs, recitations, drills and a sketch by the High School Girls.
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Prelate was escorted in solemn procession to the church at 9:30, where a solemn High Mass was sung by the Very Rev. Dean Gratian Gehrig, O. F. M., of Columbus. His Grace assisted on the throne in Pontificals. Rev. Wm. D. Moriarty, of Norfolk, acted as assistant priest, the Rev. Cyriac Stempel, of St. Bernard, and the Rev. Florence Kurzer, of Humphrey, as assistants at the throne, the Rev. Wm. O'Connor, of Central City, and the Rev. Wm. J. Borer, of Omaha, and the Rev. W. Stenson, of Omaha, as deacon and subdeacon and master of ceremonies respectively. The English sermon was preached by the Bishop, the German one by the Rev. B. Teves, of Petersburg, Nebraska. The Rev. D. P. Harrington, of Omaha, the Franciscan Fathers John N. Turek, Liborius, Breitenstein and Salvator Wegener, Maurus Eberle, and the pastor, Columban, were in the sanctuary.
Mass over, the new school was blessed by His Lordship assisted by the clergy. During the rest of the day various amusements were offered the people; dinner and supper were served by the Christian Mothers at 4 and again at 8 o'clock p. m., respectively; then the four act comedy entitled "The Town Marshall" was presented. The net proceeds of the day were $1,445.79.
THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASTOR'S ORDINATION
On July 2, 1918, Rev. Columban commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. A number of the clergy, religious and secular, were present. During the solemn High Mass His Grace J. J. Harty, Bishop of Omaha, assisted on the throne. The parish improved this opportunity to liquidate the indebtedness resting on the congregation by presenting the pastor with a sum of $14,168, of which amount $10,600 were in liberty, bonds.
HOME COMING OF THE "BOYS" AT
LINDSAY,
JUNE 13, 1919
As Lindsay had given the soldier boys a rousing send-off, when they left for the camps, so now the town put up a fine celebration for the home-coming of the "boys", when war was over.
At 2 o'clock p. m., on June 13, 1919, there was a brief address by Rev. Columban outlining the purpose of the celebration. A selection by the band was followed by Charles Thielen's masterly address on "Patriotism"; then followed the roll call of the soldiers, all of whom, or the next relative present, received a medal from Mayor Svoboda. After this Mr. Garlow made a stirring appeal for a League of Nations. A drill exemplifying the flag in pantomine (sic), was then carried out, followed by supper served by the ladies in the basement of the church. The music for the dance was furnished by the Newman Grove Band.
REV. ODILO EICHENSEER, O. F. M.,
JULY 21, 1919-AUGUST, 1920
Soon after this event Fr. Columban was called to Sioux City, to take charge of the Orphanage and Hospital and Father Odilo, who had been pastor of Cornlea, was appointed successor to Rev. Columban.
REV. JUSTINIAN KUGLER, O. F. M.,
AUGUST, 1920-AUGUST, 1927
Father Justinian came from St. Louis, Missouri, to take charge of the Holy Family parish at Lindsay. By order of the Rt. Rev. Ordinary, he enlarged the cemetery, purchasing from Mr. George Hau five acres for the consideration of $1,200; besides, the road formerly donated to the parish had to be returned to Mr. Hau for $1.00. In the year 192-, Cornlea heretofore attended from Lindsay, reverted to St. Bernard and the second priests at Lindsay, Fr. Othmar, Fr. Maxmilian Klotzbucher, Fr. Erwin and Fr. Ludger respectively, took care of St. John's in Joliet township, and of St. Frances de Sales in Schoolcraft (Madison county). The fund collected for a new church had been spent. Hence Fr. Justinian had to begin again collecting a new church fund. He also saw to it that the Holy Family High School was accredited with the Nebraska State University. Regarding the German and English language question, which had caused much trouble under his predecessor, Father Justinian gave the parishioners a fifty-fifty deal. His successor kept up the same policy.
REV. GERMAIN HEINRICHS,
AUGUST, 1927-AUGUST, 1930
The Provincial Chapter held in August, 1927, at Teutopolis, Illinois, transferred Fr. Justinian to Jordan, Minnesota, to replace Father Raymond Holte, who went to St. Bernard there to replace Father Germain who had been assigned to Lindsay. Fr. Germain continued to collect for the erection of a new church and when the store building of the Farmers' Cooperative Un-
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ion was sold at auction (foreclosure) at the court house, Fr. Germain bought it for a sum of $3,500 plus $350 in delinquent taxes for the purpose of having a place large enough where to have divine service during the building of a new church. He thought delay to build would only make it more difficult to erect the church, as the good old generous and well-to-do pioneers were fast dying off and little might be expected from the young generation.
Meanwhile the Chapter of July, 1930, was held at Hinsdale and one parish and five missions in Platte county were turned over by the Definitorium to the diocese, the charge taking effect August 4, 1930.
THE HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL,
1900-1930
As we have already noted, the Very Rev. Provincial Michael Richardt, O. F. M., had given his consent to start a church at Lindsay in 1894 on condition that church and school be erected at the same time. The farmers, who that year experienced the worst crop failure, refused and their promise to erect a school later on, had to be accepted. When the parish grew in numbers of families as well as in children, a new church or a new school was the alternative. The Provincial Chapter suggested that a new and larger church be built and the old one be turned into a parochial school. This was done in 1900. For the rest, we let Sr. M. Ezra, O. S. Fr., who was for many years a teacher and for six years superior of the Holy Family school, tell the story.
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL,
1900-1931
Holy Family Parish opened its school in the fall of 1900. It was taken in charge by the Franciscan Sisters of Charity, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The first to arrive on this new scene of labor were Sister M. Johanna, superior, Sr. M. Theodore and Sr. M. Michael. The new church had just been completed by Father Sabinus, and the old church was converted into a school and Sister's dwelling combined.
Among the early associates of Sister M. Johanna at Holy Family School were Sr. M. Willibald, Sr. M. Teresa, Sr. M. Chrysantha and Sr. M. Laurentine. Sister M. Teresa, whom the pupils of 1905 still remember, completed in 1928 fifty years of service in the community, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of her religious profession at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.
THE NEW SCHOOL
A splendid brick structure was built by Father Rabanus Thill, O. F. M., in 1906. The first teachers in the new building were Sister M. Laurentine, superior, Sr. M. Solona, Sr. M. Genevieve and Sr. M. Willibald.
SISTERS' RESIDENCE ENLARGED AND REMODELED
Father Raymond, who succeeded Father Rabanus, remodelled (sic) the Sisters' dwelling into a spacious and commodious convent, providing a chapel and rooms for the increased number of Sisters called to labor in this growing parish school.
DEVELOPING AND RAISING THE STANDARD OF THE SCHOOL
In 1910 a fourth teacher was added to the staff and a Ninth Grade was organized to accommodate the pupils, who wished to continue their studies. The following year the Tenth Grade was added with Sister M. Aegidia as Superior and Principal. Six years later a fifth teacher was added to the teaching staff.
ADDITION TO SCHOOL
Because of the increasing number of pupils applying for admission and the continuous and urgent application for further advanced high-school work, an addition was built to the school in 1917 by Father Columban, providing another grade-room and rooms for the accommodation of a complete High School. It is interesting to note that one year later the entire debt on the school and church was paid off by a subscription of Liberty Bonds taken up by the parishioners as a Silver Jubilee gift to Father Columban.
The school was now complete, and with a staff of six teachers, who were soon joined by two others, further progress was made. The first teachers in this newly completed school were Sister M. Ezra, superior, Sr. M. Casimir, Sr. M. Rosalee, Sr. M. Leocadia, Sr. Mary Rose, Sr. M. Electa, Sr. M. Agnes and Sr. M. Benjamin.
FIRST GRADUATES OF THE COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL
In 1919 the first graduates of the Twelfth Grade, Sarah Rausch and Gertrude Hau, received their diplomas. Since then classes have graduated every year, a good proportion of which have gone on to higher education.
The great work in the interest of the school so nobly begun by Father Columban and his predecessors, was ably carried on by Father Justinian, who spared no energy to bring it up to standard requirements in equipment and procedure. To his inspiring example and untiring zeal is due the splendid success the school has attained. In 1902 Holy Family High School was fully accredited to the University of Nebraska, in which roll it has steadily maintained its honorable position, meeting the ever increasing requirements of that institution year by year. The school has in its present able leader,
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Father Zaplotnik, every hope of continued success.
ALUMNI OF HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL
Among the Alumni and former members of Holy Family High School up to 1928 are to he found three priests, seventeen nuns, a lawyer, two pharmacists, two certified morticians, two chiropractors, a dentist, a civil engineer, three professional teachers, and ten public school teachers (the greater number of whom have since been promoted to the position of Home Makers), twelve trained nurses and seven young ladies in training, a stenographer, two band clerks, a post office clerk, electricians, and others a holding honorable positions in different walks of life, a credit to the parish and an honor to Holy Family School. These are the jewels in the crown of the religious teacher, the greatest joy she has on earth, "to know that those, whom she has instructed unto justice are faithful to their ideals, worthy members pf church and society .--Ven. Sr. M. Ezra, O. S. F. (Summer, 1928).
LIST OF PUPILS WHO BECAME PRIESTS OR RELIGIOUS PRIESTS:
The Rev. Edward Smith, St. Mary's Church, Cherokee, Iowa.
The Rev. Wm. Borer, Amelia, Holt County, Nebraska.
The Rev. James Borer, died at St. Catherine's Hospital, Omaha.
SISTERS:
FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF CHARITY
Dora Hoegerl--Sr. M. Columban. Margaret Backs--Sr. M. Longina. Mary Woods--Sr. M. Dorothy. Helen Winkler--Sr. M. Elise. Catherine Smith--Sr. M. Poland. Margaret Kurtenbach--Sr. M. Donald. Pauline Kurtenbach--Sr. M. Wilma. Gertrude Bothe--Sr. M. Bernaleen. Mary Happ--Sr. M. Jarlot. Catherine Hoegerl--Sr. M. Justinian. Leona Albracht--Sr. M. Manuel. Mary Cremers--Sr. M. Doris. Evelyn Schumacher--Sr. M. Lordella. Catherine Smith--Sr. M. Roland.
FRANCISCAN SISTERS, JOLIET
Marie Ramaekers--Sr. M. Wilhelmina
FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF LAFAYETTE
Anna Hau--Sr. M. Georgiana. Catherine Hau--Sr. M. Vera. Lena Hau--Sr. M. Honora.
SISTERS OF MERCY
Susan Smith--Sr. M. Fidelis (dead).
LIST OF SISTERS STATIONED AT LINDSAY
Sr. M. Johanna, superior; Sr. M. Theodore, Sr. M. Michael, Sr. M. Chrysantha, Sr. M. Teresa, Sr. M. Willibald, Sr. M. Laurentine, superior; Sr. M. Solana, Sr. M. Genevieve, Sr. M. Paschal, Sr. M. Stephen, r. M. Aegidia, superior; Sr. M. Cyprian, Sr. M. Austin, Sr. M. Angela, (dead); Sr. M. Ezra, superior; Sr. M. Nicholata, Sr. M. Cora, Sr. M. Bridget, Sr. M. Sybeline, Sr. M. Rosalee, Sr. M. Leocadia, Sr. M. De Lellis, Sr. M. Irma, (dead); Sr. M. Agnes, Sr. M. Casimir, superior; Sr. M. Electa, Sr. M. Benjamin, Sr. M. Rose, Sr. M. Annette, Sr. M. George, Sr. M. Phillip, Sr. M. Edwardine, Sr. M. Assissium, Sr. M. St. John, Sr. M. Bertram, Sr. M. Noreen, Sr. M. Virgilius, Sr. M. Clement, Sr. M. Marian, Sr. M. Leonora, Sr. M. Edna, principal; Sr. M. Dionysia, Sr. M. Robert, Sr. M. Isidore, Sr. M. Denise, Sr. M. Ezra, superior; Sr. M. Ernestine, Sr. M. Maurice, Sr. M. Fabiola, Sr. M. Celine, Sr. M. Aquinas, Sr. M. Celeste, Sr. M. Pauline, Sr. M. Ethel, Sr. M. Marie, Sr. M. Rosalita, Sr. M. Florence, Sr. M. Bertram, superior; Sr. M. Assissium, Sr. M. Clement, Sr. M. Jervita.
The 1930-1931 faculty is composed of the following Ven. Sisters: Sr. M. Bertram, M. Celeste, Joseph Marie, M. Maurice, M. Ernestine, M. Casimir, M. Clement.
The following Sisters, who formerly taught at Lindsay, have subsequently been called to their heavenly reward Sr. M. Bridget, Sr. M. Irma, and Sr. M. Angela. Also one of the daughters of the parish, Sr. M. Fidelis Smith, who was a Sister of Mercy, passed from her brief labors in the vineyard of the Lord, to the eternal joys of Heaven. May they rest in the peace of the Lord forever.
FRANCISCAN PASTORS AT LINDSAY
P. Herbert Stotter, O. F. M., founder of Parish, 1895-1896.
P. Philemon Toepfer, O. F. M., summer, 1896-Sept., 1897.
P. Walfried Rompe, O. F. M., Sept., 1897-Jan., 1899.
P. Sabinus Mollitor, O. F. M., Jan., 1899-July, 1901.
P. Lullus Seeboth, O. F. M., July, 1901-May, 1904.
P. Marianus Glahn, O. F. M., May, 1904-Sept., 1904.
P. Rabanus Thill, O. F. M., Sept., 1904-Aug., 1909.
P. Raymond Holte, O. F. M., Aug., 1909-Febr., 1911.
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