175 years of history: Faith on display in Vincennes as jubilee pilgrims travel back in time

Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein celebrates the eucharistic liturgy at the historic altar in the Old Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Vincennes, Ind., on March 18 during the archdiocesan jubilee pilgrimage. The altar features a depiction of the Last Supper. (Photo by Mary Ann Wyand)

By Mary Ann Wyand

VINCENNES—Archdiocesan pilgrims who traveled to historic Vincennes, Ind., with Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein on March 18 enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate a 175th anniversary Mass at the beautiful Old Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Xavier.

It was a memorable liturgy as the 51 pilgrims from central and southern Indiana praised God and offered thanks for 175 years of the Church’s presence in Indiana that began with the establishment of the Diocese of Vincennes by Pope Gregory XVI on May 6, 1834. (See photos from the trip here)

An apostolic brief during the papacy of Pope Leo XIII dated March 28, 1898, changed the name to the Diocese of Indianapolis and moved the episcopal see there. On Oct. 21, 1944, Pope Pius XII issued an apostolic decree that created the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

After welcoming the pilgrims, Archbishop Buechlein led a rosary at the start of the one-day jubilee bus trip to southwestern Indiana, which will be offered again on Sept. 12.

“It’s good to have you all here,” he said. “We’ll pray for the canonization of [the Servant of God] Bishop [Simon] Bruté as well today, and say thanks to God for 175 years of grace and blessings upon our local Church.”

During his prayer, the archbishop offered thanks for “our ancestors in faith”—those who carried the Catholic faith to Indiana and those who passed it on to new generations.

In Vincennes, the pilgrims began the day with Mass at the restored basilica, which is Indiana’s oldest church.

During his homily, the archbishop recalled the faith and dedication of Bishop Bruté, who was appointed the first bishop of Vincennes in 1834.

“Bishop Bruté, because of his simplicity, was called a silent power in the Church in its infancy here in the United States,” Archbishop Buechlein explained. “He was respected for his strong prudence, and he was admired for his holiness. … He was a man of hope in very trying times and circumstances.”

With only three priests to assist him, the archbishop said, Bishop Bruté overcame overwhelming challenges to establish the Church in Indiana.

“I lift up our first bishop as the model for us in our baptismal call to holiness,” he said. “… Let our anniversary prayers keep us close to Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life. Let’s make the extra effort to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop Bruté … had a great devotion to the Eucharist. May we learn to love the Eucharist more and more.”

Following Mass and lunch, the pilgrims toured the basilica and crypt, which contains the remains of the four bishops of Vincennes—Bishops Simon Gabriel Bruté, Celestine de la Hailandière, John Stephen Bazin and Maurice de St. Palais.

They also visited the Old Cathedral Library, which was founded in 1794 and is the state’s first library. About 12,000 historic documents preserved in the library’s valuable collection include rare volumes and Church manuscripts. A papal bull issued by Pope John XXII in 1319 is the oldest document. An illuminated manuscript copy of Officium Sanctae Mariae on vellum dates to the 11th or 12th century and is the oldest book.

St. Lawrence parishioners John and Karen Carroll of Indianapolis said they are “history buffs” and wanted to learn more about the early days of the Church in Indiana.

“I have studied early Indiana history,” John Carroll said, “and was extremely impressed with the artifacts they had accumulated that survived all this time. … I like to study the roles that Catholics played in the early years of the country and the role of the early French settlers.”

As the bus passed by Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at the end of the day, Archbishop Buechlein invited the pilgrims to participate in the archdiocese’s 175th jubilee Mass there at 3 p.m. on May 3. †