Letter XXXIX,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRECIS HISTORIQUES, BRUSSELS.
Theodore de Theux.
New York, May 16, 1857.
REV. AND VERY DEAR FATHER:
In several of your letters you requested me to give you sonic notes concerning the life and character of Father de Theux, of saintly memory. Will you be so kind as to add the information which follows to what I have already sent, and blend them, in form of a biography, in one letter?
John-Theodore-Mary-Joseph de Theux was born at Liege, on the 25th of January, 1789. His parents, not less distinguished by their piety than by their birth, endeavored to inspire their children betimes with the love and fear of God, and to form them to the practice of all the virtues, as do those rare families in which faith is hereditary.
Theodore lead not yet terminated his study of the humanities, when be felt a strong conviction that God called him to the ecclesiastical state. Having finished them, he entered the seminary of Namur in 1808. Devoting himself with untiring application to the study of philosophy, he distinguished himself as much by his success as by his regularity of conduct, his piety, and gentleness. At the end of the course he won the first prize for the collective examinations, which lasted several clays. He showed, in every circumstance, a great soundness of judgment. His success in his theological studies, Holy Scripture, canon-law, and other ecclesiastical sciences was equally brilliant.
His former companions preserve a most delightful recollection of the relations of young De Theux with his class-mates, whom he assisted with his lights and counsels. The amenity of his temper gained him every heart; it reflected his soul, which was inflamed with the fire of heavenly charity. He passed four or five years in the seminary of Namur.
He received the tonsure in March, 1810 ; minor orders in the month of June following; the sub-deaconship, the 21st of December, 1811; the deaconship, the 22d of February, 1812. Admitted to the priesthood the 21st of June following, feast of the angelical Saint Aloysius, the Abbé de Theux, before the end of the same year, had a fine opportunity of displaying the zeal which he never ceased exciting in his heart. He was named vicar of the parish of St. Nicholas at Liege.
It was the epoch when the imperial government, in the height of its combat with all Europe, multiplied beyond measure the prisons of State; and while the faithful cardinals mourned in the strongholds of Piedmont and France, the generous defenders of Spain expiated at Liege the fault of having fought for the liberty of their unhappy country. The greater number of them languished in the hospitals. In order to be able to offer them the consolations of the Church, the new vicar of Saint Nicholas occupied himself wholly with the study of the Spanish language, and, with the help of God, in a short time, he was able to hear the confessions of the imprisoned. It was very beautiful to see this young priest, a member of one of the first families of Liege, braving, at the pillow of the dying, the pestilential influences of the epidemic which raped among the prisoners, particularly at the hospital of St. Laurent. Attacked by the disease, the Abbé de Theux was received into the bosom of his family. God, in order to try him, permitted that the malady should be communicated to several of his near relatives, and prove the cause of death to one of his brothers. Theodore, however, escaped death. God, who had great designs over him, would not allow that he should so soon become the victim of his zeal.
In 1815, named by M. Barrett, administrator of the Episcopal See of Liege, Professor of Dogmatic Theology and of Holy Scripture, he presided at the opening of the seminary and gave the first course of theology. At this epoch there was only one class in the seminary of Liege. In the exercise of his new functions be conciliated the love and respect of his pupils, as well by his zeal and his devotedness, as by his tender and paternal solicitude. But his love for God and his neighbor demanded labors more painful, sacrifices of a nobler grade. Hle embraced, with as much eagerness as happiness, the occasion that Providence offered him.
The Abbé Charles Nerinckx, one of the first and most efficient missionaries of Kentucky, after a voyage to Rome, visited once more the land of his nativity, Belgium. The picture that he presented of the disastrous state of the missions of the United States touched the compassionate heart of the Abbé de Theux. After assuring himself, by fervent prayers and other meritorious works, that such was the good pleasure of God, he resolved to quit his native land, to renounce the intercourse of a tenderly-loved family, to bid farewell to numerous and sincere friends, and go into a strange land to labor for the salvation of souls and spend the rest of his days.
He left Antwerp for America on the 15th of April, 1816, with one companion, who, like himself, was desirous of being enrolled among the followers of St. Ignatius. The two travellers arrived safely. On the 7th of August, they were admitted to the novitiate of White Marsh, Prince George's Co., Md. Father de Theux took his first vows on the 18th of August, 1818.
Being the eldest son, Theodore would have inherited his father's title. He renounced it in favor of his brother Bartholomew, at present Count de Theux de Meylandt, former minister of Belgium, member of the Chamber of Representatives, minister of State, etc.
The fervor of the priest only augmented in the religious. All those of his brethren who have had an opportunity of seeing him and conversing with him, are unanimous in testifying to his distinguished virtue, singular piety, and the rare prudence of his zeal. For several years previous to my departure for the Indian missions, I had the happiness of being his room-mate, in a little wooden cabin. At his express petition, I served him as admonitor. He made an agreement with me that he should present himself to me twice each week, to ask of me the faults and defects that I might have remarked in him. He besought me with earnestness and humility not to spare him; to have no favorable consideration for him ; to warn him openly and frankly of the least
thing that I might discover in him reprehensible. At the same time he promised me the deepest gratitude, and assured me that be would often pray for me. In vain I observed him closely in the accomplishment of his spiritual duties in his classes of theology, at table, in recreation, so as to prove to him my desire to oblige him. I often made efforts to surprise him in some fault, but never, that I know, was I able to find him deficient. As I discovered that he seemed to be disappointed because I did not correct him, so as to tranquillize him I had recourse to trifles-to the merest bagatelles. The more I told him the more be thanked me, and the more also, undoubtedly, he prayed for me. He united in himself the simplicity of a child with the humility of a great saint. While I occupied the same apartment with him, I ever remarked that he was scrupulously punctual to every duty, whether spiritual or otherwise, and each had its appointed hour. Every day he studied the sacred Scriptures. He read over his breviary with a profound recollection, kneeling before his crucifix or at the foot of the altar, before the Blessed Sacrament.
These exercises of piety, and the unceasing labors of the missions, perfected this beautiful soul, and Father de Theux was admitted to his solemn profession on the 15th of August, 1829. From the second year of his novitiate he bad been named Operarius (that is to say, charged with exercising the holy ministry in the church of the Holy Trinity). His great zeal and his exemplary piety, won him the respect and the confidence of all intrusted to his care. Hence, when he was obliged to leave this church for Missouri, there was a general regret.
From 1822, different localities became successively the scene of the apostolical works of this holy religious. He was professor of theology, superior of the missions, master of novices in Louisiana at Grand Coteau, at St. Charles in Missouri, and at Cincinnati in Ohio. Everywhere he gave proofs of an indefatigable zeal, of an unlimited devotedness. Everywhere be gained the esteem and affection of his brethren, and of all those with whom be was called to treat, whether Catholic or Protestant. Everywhere be left the ineffaceable remembrance of his virtues, and the regret
caused at his departure. It was in the exercise of his apostolical functions that he contracted the germ of the malady of which he died.
When he resided at Grand Coteau, Louisiana, going one day to visit a sick person, he passed through a place called Lafayette. A young Frenchman who was amusing himself boisterously in an inn, drinking and laughing with several boon companions, saw the Father passing by, and pointing him out with his finger, he took his cane and shouted that he was going to show them bow to treat that "canaille de pretres!" "I'll make this Jesuit quake under my blows," said he, and be came out to put his intention into execution. The braggadocio accosted the Father with curses and insulting language, and asked him with effrontery on what part of his person he would prefer to receive the caning. The man of God answered the unjust aggressor with a voice perfectly calm : " Friend, if God wills that I be beaten I will endeavor to bear it patiently. Know, however, that I am an American citizen. I desire to know why you attack me with such insults, and by what right you dare attempt to strike me ?" These words intimidated our youthful boaster. Without acknowledging his fear he replied, and this time without swearing, "You are armed, or you would not be so bold." He alluded to a case which the Father carried under his arm, and in which he kept the holy oils, his stole, and surplice. "Yes," answered the religious, exhibiting his crucifix, "I am armed, and this is my weapon ; I have no need of any other." Our bravo returned less impetuous. He went back to his tavern companions, who received him with loud and reiterated shouts of insulting laughter.
Another day, Father de Theux was performing in the church of Grand Coteau the obsequies of an unhappy man, deceased without the sacraments, and that after a miserable life. He seized the opportunity to address the assistants some severe words on the misfortune of such a life followed by a death so sad. Suddenly a man, known as an enemy to the clergy, and to the Jesuits especially, arose and challenged the Father in a brusque and insolent manner. "I will not suffer," said he, `, that the memory of my friend be publicly insulted." Father de Theux, with his ordinary calmness, turned towards the interlocutor and said : "I am at home. This is my own church. I have the right to speak in it, and to say what I please; but be who now interrupts me has no right to speak here. If he does not like my sermon let him retire from the church." The insolent man immediately went out, to the great satisfaction of the good Catholics who were present, and Father de Theux tranquilly continued his sermon.
In 1844, the Bishop of Cincinnati found himself frequently menaced, as well as the Catholics of his diocese, by tumultuous mobs, composed of the enemies of our holy faith. He asked counsel of Father de Theux. After some moments of reflection, the Father answered, that he would obtain peace and security in those difficult times if he would have recourse to the Sovereign Pontiff, and would encourage the other bishops of the United States to follow his example, so as to obtain the favor of adding, in the preface of the mass, to the word conception the prefix immaculate. The worthy bishop received the advice with respect, and the request was soon after made at Rome and crowned with success.
In 1845, Father de Theux was attacked with one of those bilious fevers so common in the southwest of the Union. It threatened him with speedy death. The physicians pronounced it mortal. However, his constitution triumphed, the danger ceased, the patient recovered, and, after a few days of convalescence, he was able to devote himself to the exercises of zeal to which be bad consecrated his whole life.
At the opening of the year 1846, Father de Theux desired to provide for the education of children too remote from St. Charles, Missouri, to come to the catechetical instructions. He set out to seek and select a suitable position; when returning, he and his companion lost their way. Overtaken by a cold rain, which wet him through, he was at tack with a pleurisy. After some days the disease became more violent, baffling every remedy. The pleurisy soon de generated into an inflammation of the bowels. Although the Father possessed a strong constitution, labor and hardship had exhausted him to such a degree that he could no longer contend with the malady. He foresaw his approaching end and prepared himself for it with care, convinced that God would ere long call him. During three weeks he endured excruciating pains and sufferings, but preserved every faculty until the end. He employed a portion of time in arranging all the affairs of his charge with perfect exactitude; and preparing himself with redoubled fervor for the passage from time to eternity, he employed the rest in making acts of resignation, of patience, and of other virtues, by means of texts drawn from Holy Writ, ejaculatory prayers, and ardent sighs towards the God of his love. He received the last sacraments with a piety which edified every one. He himself directed the priest who was administering them, and who trembled on seeing the anguish which this worthy religious was enduring. The dying voice of the faithful servant of Jesus was heard distinctly responding to the prayers of the agonizing.
Father de Their, desired to be warned of the progress of his illness, and of the approach of death. Three days before his demise the physician told him that be could not pass the following day. " No, doctor," gayly replied the patient, "I shall not die to-morrow ; I shall die on Saturday. Saturday will be the day." He had always wished to die on a day consecrated to the Blessed Virgin, and he always cherished the firm belief that he would not be disappointed in his hope. Early on Saturday morning he began, repeating frequently these invocations: "Jesus, have mercy on me! . . . Mary, pray for me!" There remained for him only a few hours of exile, and it was in the act of repeating these words that Father de Theux yielded up his last sigh, at seven o'clock in the morning, on the 28th of February, 1846, on the day of the week consecrated to the devotion and homage of Mary. His latest petition was heard. It was, no doubt, one of the recompenses of the Mother of God, who is also ours. He had also, in the latter period of his life, established at St. Charles, in the mission church, the Arch-confraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to which he had a tender devotion. Whether God had really manifested to him the day on which he should give up his soul, or whether his words were the expression of a strong and inflamed desire, we cannot decide; but the fact is, that be died on Saturday, the 28th of February, 1846.
Father de Theux was one of those men whom it is difficult or impossible to know thoroughly, until after having long and carefully observed their conduct and habits. He never spoke of himself unless morally obliged, or when there was an evident utility; and ordinarily then, according to the manner of the great apostle, he did it in the third person. To give you an example, I will cite the following incident: He was speaking of the necessity of working perseveringly in the control and subjection of the vicious and rebellious inclinations of our corrupt nature, and even its infirmities. To apply his remarks, he indicated that habitual disposition which inclines to sleep in prayer, and the following ii the substance of what he said on this point: "I know a man who contended thirty long years against this infirmity. Still he spared no endeavors to free himself from it. He stood, he knelt; he took a step forward or backward according as circumstances would admit, but often he could not; then he had recourse to this means. He took a pin or needle with him, and without allowing others to perceive him, he tormented his body by piercing it with the sharp little instrument, in order to render his soul fit for meditation when the rule or inclination demanded it" 'All those who were listening to him were interiorly convinced that he was speaking of himself, and that the eulogium due to such constant and persevering efforts belonged to none but himself.
His character inclined him to severity, but it was solely on himself that he exercised it. No one ever saw him allow himself the least satisfaction which seemed to flatter sensuality. Everything had its allotted time. Of a healthy constitution, he believed, correctly, that he ought to contribute to its preservation so far as the rules of religious temperance would permit. Hence no singularity at his repasts was ever observed in him, either for the quantity or for the manner, unless we may call singularity a constant habit of adhering invariably, for every kind of beverage, to a measure and quality fixedly determined in accordance with all the rules of Christian temperance and religious poverty.
His modesty was really angelic. His eyes were generally cast down. He raised them frequently towards God when engaged in prayer. It was easy to perceive that he had made a covenant with his eyes, that they were never to look on any dangerous object. His spirit of prayer was calm, without pretension, and continual.
Being a little deaf, he often quitted his room for the exercises of the community before the bell gave the signal, lest he might not hear it. When he arrived too soon, he took his rosary and prayed until the common notice was given.
Sanctifying himself, he edified all those who knew him by an exactitude to the practice of our holy rules. His virtue consisted in doing ordinary things with an extraordinary perfection.
We may resume this edifying life by saying, that Father de Theux was a genuine model of the religions state. With au inflamed zeal for the salvation of souls, there shone in him great humility, a burning and expansive charity, and complete self-renunciation. He joyfully accepted all privations, all contradictions, without ever seeking to be remarked. He was prayerful, because he was mortified and obedient. I speak knowingly of his rare virtues, for I was so happy as to pass the early years of my scholasticate under his paternal guidance, he being my spiritual director and my professor of theology.
Although there was no ostentation in the practice of his duties, he could not avoid the observant eye of his brethren, as well as of strangers. he was known among the people as the man who performed miracles. And, without doubt, had he not wrought any other than the sublime examples which be left of the Christian and religious virtues, he would have already deserved that great and glorious title.
His death is a great loss to the society, to the missions of the western States, and to the work of civilization. His obsequies took place on the 2d of May, and his body was transported to St. Stanislaus, near Florissant, a locality which the deceased had edified, as he had so many others, by the practice of all the virtues. His remains find sepulture near those of Fathers Van Quickenborne, Timmermans, Van Lommel, etc.
The impression that he made on the students of St. Xavier's college, Cincinnati, was so profound, that some young Protestants, who had not a very clear idea concerning the canonization of saints, one day inquired seriously of their professor whether Father de Theux was canonized or not? and the professor having explained to them the nature of this ceremony in the Church (which is only done a long time after death), they answered : " Well, however that may be, he deserves it,"
Accept, Rev. Father, the assurance of my respect and affection,
P. J. DE SMET, S. J.