The Fondeville Notebook (9)

For Betharram the year 1857 was a year of trials. Two years earlier at a time when cholera was devastating the surrounding countryside, Nay, Bruges, Asson, Saint-Pe and Lourdes, Betharram, Lestelle and Montaut only had a few cases; but in January 1857 there was such an outbreak of Typhoid Fever that nearly all the brothers and half of the pupils were effected, consequently the rest of the pupils were sent home. With 70 – 80 patients eight nurses were employed to administer 300 plasters a day. Young Saubat, a pupil from Pau, died suddenly; M. Gaye, Head of the College, Brother John and Pierre Lacaze, also from Pau. Among the pupils who had been sent home a few also died. However, by the end of February the outbreak had subsided and the pupils were able to return to the college in the first fortnight of March and celebrate Easter in Betharram.

In 1857 M. Pagadoy, a priest from Biscay and former professor in Saint Palais, and Bourdila, cure of Bruges and Nabaraa, cure of Borderes, entered the Congregation. The two latter took up duties in the Chapel as Ministers. M. Nabaraa was mainly responsible for accepting the Mass offerings and distributing them. M. Bourdila, who was returning to Betharram after 18 years absence spent in Parish duties, was appointed to the Philosophy for the novices, at other times he was sent to the parishes for retreats or missions.

In 1858 five other priests came to the rescue of Betharram – a consolation for the losses and to bolster their courage. These priests were ready to be useful members of the Congregation; they were Messrs Auge, Paradis de Pontacq, Souverbielle de Coarraze, and the two brothers Cazadepatz d’Estaut. Our Lady of Betharram had worked well for at the end of the year and the beginning of the next the community was once more going to experience a death. The worthy and learned M. Rossigneux died who despite his sufferings was still teaching rhetoric at the Ste Marie College in Oloron.

In January 1859 Betharram’s hopes were dashed with the death of Paul Carriere, a deacon from Abos; a month later Pierre Cachica, sub-deacon from Orthez was struck down by an attack of croup. Meanwhile Monsieur Mouthes de Pontacq moved from the parish of Boeilh (Coarraz) to take up residence in Betharram. So after the trials and losses a new courage was emerging in keeping with the arrival of M. Mouthes. There is no doubt that these precious deaths which we witnessed and which greatly edified the Mother House of the Congregation were going to be a rich seed of new vocations.

In September 1859 and three days after the feast of the Nativity of Mary, one Sunday evening after Vespers, just as we were getting ready to go for a walk under the chestnut trees, a cry of “Long live the Emperor”! brought everyone back to the Chapel – priests, brothers and the remainder of the pilgrims who had not yet set out for their parishes. In fact it was indeed the Emperor and Empress entering the Chapel. M. Perguilhem’s beautiful voice rang out for the chanting of “Domine, salvum fac” beneath the vault of the Chapel. Seeing that everyone was out of breath with all the energy put into the prayer, M. Fondeville spoke to the Emperor and asked him if Her Majesty, the Empress, would like Benediction. The answer was Yes and order was given to proceed. When His Majesty, the Emperor was seated, M. Fondeville approached him and said “Sire, we are very sorry not to be able to add the music of our organ to our singing. “Has your organ broken down? asked the Emperor. “We haven’t one since 1790” came the reply. The Emperor said “you’ll have one”. After Benediction Their Majesties visited the sacristy and chatted about the Countess of Chambord’s robes. After chatting some more in the community room, the Emperor said to the Empress “Give your present; I’ve given mine”. She then gave the Treasurer a 1.000 Fr. Bill. A few moments later Their Majesties were on their way direction Tarbes.

Simon Fondeville scj
(1805-1872)
(to be continued)