Date: March 4, 2005

To: Kathie Bordelon, Archivist

From: Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton

Re: ‘Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc Special Collection,’ MSU Archives

 

Today I spoke with Lee Leumes in Baton Rouge who spoke with her colleagues who spoke with Fr. Aubrey Guilbeau, Vicar General, Diocese of Lake Charles and with whom I also spoke!! All is well. Fr. Guilbeau thinks this personal Collection is a wonderful idea and is so grateful to you ladies and MSU Archives with which he was unfamiliar; not any more!!

 

We are on track with the “Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc Special Collection” which includes his personal papers, manuscripts, photos and whatever else he finds! Fr. Guilbeau knows how much this means to Msgr. DeBlanc especially his love for priesthood, his life’s mission! He was very happy this is taking place - this is a personal collection and Msgr. DeBlanc has assured me that he is going through all of his work in his residence very carefully so as to be precise in the understood differentiations especially since his retirement ten years ago with that much more to share with you.

 

You have the signed agreement from Msgr. DeBlanc for this personal Special Collection; what else do you need from us? I will again proof the press release when you are ready to email.

 

Looking forward to Pati’s stardom on Holywood and our getting the word out about Special Collections and the criteria for such a gift to all!

 

Lead, Kindly Light!

 

PS I will be in New Orleans for a four day retreat commencing Sunday March 6, 2005 returning home Wednesday night 9 March. I look forward to hearing from you. There is no boiling pot; rest your nagging feeling (!) – this is a personal collection and the Vicar General is grateful for it all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here it tis...updated...3 changes are underlined…

 

The McNeese State University Archives is acquiring the papers of Monsignor Irving A. DeBlanc.  The Monsignor, a priest of the diocese of Lake Charles for 66 years, is pastor emeritus of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  Msgr. DeBlanc helped design Our Lady Queen of Heaven school and church, Villa Maria Retirement Center, and Consolata Cemetery. He also commissioned the millennium statue of Christ on the city's lakefront.  Most recently, he received the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2000. In 2002 he donated his 2,000-volume personal library to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Family Center. His latest book is “Marriage, the Most Beautiful Way to Heaven, But the Hardest.” He continues to write a monthly column for the Southwest Catholic, the Lake Charles diocesan newspaper. 

Msgr. DeBlanc is donating his photographs, correspondence, and personal writings which document his lifelong contribution to the church and to the areas in which he has served.  The McNeese Archives will organize and preserve the papers in the coming year and make them available for research and scholarship.  The McNeese Archives is located on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library and is open to the public.  Msgr. DeBlanc invites members of the Southwest Louisiana community to donate similar materials they may hold on his life’s work that could enhance the Archives holdings of his historical documents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Date: 15 February 2005

To: Pati

From: Bernadette, Handmaiden to Msgr. Irving A .DeBlanc!!

RE: Press Release …partial verbiage lifted from Kathie’s email of 1.19.05!...

 

I talked to Pati about the press releases and she agreed that we should do one right before your interview airs and the second when the collection is ready for the public to access…

 

“Msgr. Irving A .DeBlanc announces that he plans to donate historical materials relating to his life and work to the McNeese State University Archives. Msgr. DeBlanc has collected many photographs, correspondence, personal writings, etc. that will document his lifelong contribution to the church and to the areas in which he has served. … add something about who, what, whom, where, why and how…include a statement to the effect that any friends, and/or parishioners who have material concerning him might want to contribute it to the collection also…  

 

There you have it, do with it what thou wilt.

 

Lead, Kindly Light!

 

 

‘Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc Special Collection!’

 

The McNeese State University Archives has acquired the papers of Monsignor Irving A. DeBlanc.  The Monsignor, a priest of the diocese of Lake Charles for 66 years, was pastor emeritus of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  Msgr. DeBlanc helped design Our Lady Queen of Heaven school and church, Villa Maria Retirement Center, and Consolata Cemetery. He also commissioned the millennium statue of Christ on the city's lakefront. Monsignor received the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2000. In 2002 he donated his 2,000-volume personal library to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Family Center. His latest book is “Marriage, the Most Beautiful Way to Heaven, But the Hardest” and continued to write a monthly column for the Southwest Catholic, the Lake Charles diocesan newspaper until its temporary retirement post-Hurricane Rita.

 

Msgr. DeBlanc donated his photographs, correspondence, and personal writings which document his lifelong contribution to the church and to the areas in which he has served.  The McNeese Archives is organizing and preserving the papers and in the coming year and make them available for research and scholarship.  The McNeese Archives is located on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library and is open to the public. Members of the Southwest Louisiana community are invited to donate similar materials they may hold on his life’s work that could enhance the Archives holdings of his historical documents.

For more information, call Kathie Bordelon, McNeese Archivist 337.475.5734

 

 

Today’s Date: Monday, 13 December 2004, home of Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc

 

Whom:

Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc, Sage! R-478-4107, Fax-478-9969, 1505 Jeff Ln., LC 70605

Kathie Bordelon, Archivist, McNeese State University, Frazar Memorial Library Archives and Special Collections, Box 91445, LC 70609,

O-475-5734, Fax-475-5719, bordelon@mcneese.edu

Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton, Friend and Instigator! 477-5556  leadkindlylight@aol.com

 

RE: could-it be…NOT JUST PRESERVE BUT MAKE RELEVANT!

Learn so as to discern the optimal archival way to e-archive and care for the

MSGR. IRVING A. DEBLANC SPECIAL COLLECTION, McNeese State University Archives and Special Collection Department, an archival repository.

 

How:

Ms. Bordelon~

+What is the Archives and Special Collections Department at MSU, its electronic accessibility, funding and what they can offer Msgr. DeBlanc?

            ~How is a collection gathered-up, brought to the library, where stored, how labeled and categorized.

 

Msgr.~

+ What could the collection consist of?

                        Items:

+ Memorabilia

+ Electronics – Audiocassettes, DVD (Diocesan TV with IAD!), Video

+Oral Histories

+ Manuscripts, Letters, Paper, Documents, Events, Correspondence

+ Photographs

(Physical Plants)                    

                        + Others who may want to contribute to your collection, all- things- of- you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Some facts from reading as a neophyte!

 

a. The Louisiana Special Collections of Tulane University, New Orleans, has requested the complete set of back issues of Seelos Center News to catalogue and add the title to their permanent collection. The forty-three years of this publication documents an important part of the U.S. Catholic Church history, and it is gratifying to know that Father Seelos’ cause is considered a part of Louisiana history as well!

b. Senator John Breaux’s Papers are going to the LSU Archives!

c. St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Special Collection! See attachment.

 

Websites:

~www.archivists.org       

~http://library.mcneese.edu  archives link to LSU digital library, click 175 organized collections!   

~www.swlahistory.org – there is a form to join, a short guide on ‘How To Do Oral Histories!’

 

Organizations:

1. U.S. National Archives & Records Administration

www.archives.gov/preservation/index.html

2. Society of American Archivists (S.A.A.) – info@archivists.org

Workshops, publications, catalogs.

     3. Society of SW Archivists (S.S.A.) Meeting in BR May 2005!

     4. LA Archives and Manuscript Association

 

Notes from Archival reading…

Terms: 

+Manuscripts – any form of print technically handwritten; today means unpublished. Archives collection made up of documents/happenings that people in the future will want to see.

 

+Archivists, Records Management/Manager, Custodians of Private Papers, Special Collections Librarians, Preservationist, Conservators, allied disciplines having mutual interest in the preservation and use of our documentary heritage.

 

+Archival administration - archival repositories of collecting, conserving and making accessible to the public manuscript, printed, graphic arts and audio materials of historical significance; books, letters, photographs, organization and business records, church histories, oral history tapes, architectural records, theater materials, high school collection and pamphlets

 

+Manuscript Repositories-also called archives, historical societies and special collections libraries-carefully preserve collections of written, visual, and audible material created by private citizens both past and present. Such repositories ensure that these personal and family papers will be available for research by generations to come.

            Is run by professionals – archivists, curators or librarians (repository staff)

Items of historical interest donated to the Archives are cleaned, arranged and described by the Archives staff. To prevent unnecessary deterioration, fragile items are placed in containers that minimize the ill effects of temperature, light and moisture.

 

TO DO LIST:

~ You did say that this Fourth Age is the Age of Refirement!!

 

~ DONOR AGREEMENT FOR PERMANENT DONATION, in your time! See attachment.

 

~How do you wish to proceed in your discernment process and how may we help?

 

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT!

 

Lady Kathie,

Wonderfully articulate and concise! I’ll be talking with Msgr. often and he should be talking with you.

LKL, Bernadette

 

 

December 13, 2004

Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc
1505 Jeff Lane
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Dear Msgr. DeBlanc:

Thank you for agreeing to donate your papers to the McNeese State University Archives and Special Collections Department. We recognize that this will be an historically valuable collection and want to assure you of our commitment to caring for it.

I have enclosed A Guide to Deeds of Gift, a brochure that outlines the relationship that will exist between you, the donor, and the McNeese Archives Department. This brochure will answer some questions you may have. It will undoubtedly give rise to more. We want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of what is involved in the transfer of your materials. I have also enclosed two more brochures, A Guide to Donating Your Personal or Family Papers to a Repository and A Guide to Donating Your Organizational Records to a Repository. I think after you have read these you will have a good idea of our plans for your collection.

If, after reading these brochures and discussing the donation with your staff, you feel you are ready to proceed with the donation, please fill out the donor agreement (deed of gift) that was left with you. Then contact me and we will begin the transfer. After discussing your donation with Mrs. Ponton and with Pati Threatt, the assistant archivist, I feel that we should proceed in this manner:

1. The oldest papers, those that are stored in the garage, are in the greatest danger of deterioration from the elements, insects, and rodents. We would like to have those as soon as possible.
2. If you prefer, we will bring boxes, pack the materials, and bring them back to the library ourselves, instead of your staff having to arrange the move.
3. We will clean and rehouse the materials, making a list of what we think should be kept for the collection and what should be discarded.  If you wish, the list could be furnished to you for approval.
4. If is not necessary for you to go through the materials first.
5. Other materials from the attic or other storage rooms can be picked up or delivered to us at your convenience. As soon as you know that the materials are not going to be needed for your staff reference, then they should be transferred to the Archives.

Please be assured that you and your staff are welcome to visit the Archives at any time. It may take us awhile to process the entire collection, but it will be open to you during the entire procedure.

Again, thank you for talking with me this morning about donating your materials. Please call me if you have any questions at all.

Sincerely,



Kathie Bordelon
Archivist

 

14 December 2004

Would you like to drive to Lake Arthur Friday 7 January 2005 or Friday 21 January 2005 and check out our  home of origin that holds all things archivally precious?!? I will arrange for lunch, dessert and coffee to sweeten the deal! At that time I am open to all suggestions for her preservation.

 

 My website is archival in nature and is the foundation for my WebBook! It is added to often!

 

 

 

 

31 March 2004

 

Father, We Come Seeking Truth for All Concerned…

 

In faith we gather as friends of old with a common bond in our hearts and by our apostolic action…that of loving and supporting our beloved parish Our Lady Queen of Heaven to whom we supplicate. Queen of Heaven, bless us with the facts, right reason, guidance and wisdom especially now.

 

 There is conflict and deep pain felt by our Shepherd and Friend, Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc. As he has taught us…

“You hit mud, it splatters, hit steal it is tempered, hard and holds!

The human element, my angel, my buddy, the human element!

When bricks are thrown, use them to build!

Use reason not emotion!

Love is sacrifice!

Interpret people with original sin!

It’s an occasion to be saintly and wise, deliberately choose to be Christ like! This is a test of your own sincerity!”

 

     We have accepted and responded to the clarion call to gather by these friends of old. We have heard it and have shown up in the spirit of wanting what is best and right for our beloved parish, Villa Maria and for the courtesy and respect owed and deserved unto our Pastor Emeritus, Msgr. DeBlanc! Now, when some actions are just unacceptable and downright too much to take, we, in adjusting to this reality, now gather to listen, learn, discern in prayer and if necessary, act. Anything less would also be unacceptable.  Is that not what Jesus would do? Amen!

 

Lead, Kindly Light!

 

Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton, Co-Anchor with Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc, Diocese of Lake Charles Television segment, “In His Image”, 1993-2000 and Recipient of ‘The Distinction of Monsignor DeBlanc Fellow’, Diocese of Lake Charles Chapter, The Knights of St. Gregory the Great, 2000.

 

 

 

 

4 April 2004                                                                                Draft 2

 

Dear Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc,

 

My  inner stirrings are as follows…

Did it ever occur to these men to ask Msgr. R. Groth if this dream could be interpreted as from darkness? A dream…I cannot believe this is the reason and the subsequent consequences to date are almost beyond by humble ability to comprehend. Could-it-be that his call should have been made to a dream therapist and not the parish finance committee?  Wouldn’t common sense dictate that the Villa Maria board of directors would also have been notified of these series of dreams? Was the bishop aware of Msgr. Groth’s series of dreams and sanctioned the planned ambush? How unchristian, secular, suspect, unconscionable of all the above and these finance council members to gather, because of the pastor’s series of dreams of mis-appropriation of funds, and sit as judge and jury calling into suspicion (without any attorney in sight)…you who gathered all good and decent people, raised-up edifices to praise and honor The Father, to teach the young, hold and love the differently-abled child, educate the flock, gather to share in activities that must be shared when one is called to love and support! Then, to finally lie down in this life in such a place of peace and beauty; its very name is all about consoling, while the soul ascends to The Creator. And this just in Lake Charles!

 

This is unbelievable especially in light of the ongoing investigations of cases and those pending of global clerical sex abuse which were exacerbated by the conspiracy of silence among the bishops and clergy of the church. Mon Dieu! A second coming of Christ is invited any time now! Darkness has never been able to stand the Light! Oh, to hold the line and keep the faith. It is all so vicious filled with the sins of old- envy, jealousy, greed, malice, seething anger, plotting and betrayal. And this is the start of Holy Week! How appropriate! The resurrection is assured; I am in anticipation of Pentecost!

 

Is part of the dark series of dreams due to M. Groth’s desperation to pay the bills with coffers drying-up due to high salaries, his envy and disrespect of you (which is now known by many), his intense dislike for the bishop, the placement of Fr. Pellerin as pastor in a new parish and to date, living with the knowledge that Msgr. Greig’s financial fast-hand from Villa Maria, parking lots to the building of an overpriced & over-the top-decorated office building has severely retarded the sound financial grounding that OLQH parish would reap in  a sizeable monthly income that you had orchestrated and, is obvious to himself and others that he is inept to make it all work? It’s a wonder that he can sleep at all! He doesn’t deserve OLQH, he hasn’t a clue! In the spirit and rightness of social justice, just salaries do work if the pastor is trained to administrate, inspire and lead. Is parish service now to be for a CEO with an MBA and the pastor for spiritual care only for, who has been able to do it all? No one since you ‘retired!’ They all need a Karen Hughes! (You do know that there was no ‘Thomasina’ in the upper room, just a ‘Thomas’!)

Presently, the closure of parishes/missions due to the unavailability of clergy has reached its long arm to our contiguous border, the Diocese of Lafayette! Did M. Groth not know of the imminent organized dispersion of OLQH parishioners feeding into three other wellsprings? (You did and in that knowledge was acting wisely and prudently by advance planning!) Was it also M. Groth’s dream to employ a financial officer who is called on to be an auditor and given the order to pull the records with the intent of a criminal action suit? This is criminal, unconscionable, reckless, unchristian, demoralizing to all? The mother wellspring of OLQH has always flowed because, you, the source at the tap, dwells in His Master Planner and thrives on giving to your beloved parish. You know how to love, inspire, study, pray, write, organize, deputize, pay the bills and to Whom to give the glory and honor. You are a consummate blend of shepherd, businessman, author and artist! With you, everyone wins that comes to the water and we, OLQH parishioners as priestly people call it Sacrament. The seven sacraments built us up as community and we thrill in housing them, celebrating them and living them! You met with the people in their homes with sparks of envisionings of what could be, the parishioners were invited to bring their sparks which created the fire of love, of Pentecost for it is through us to our children, family, friends and our seniors that we live the gospel message where we are planted.

 

In conclusion, ‘do whatever He tells you!’ Do it soon, my Shepherd and brilliantly for this is another hour to raise-up and lead by truth so that all have a glimpse of the high road of love, wisdom, reason and skill not to be envied but always has been a standing invitation from you to them to seek and find! You have never moved! Why do they not seek you out…the saddest of all words, it could have been and when it is too late, we are left with the shell of envious and sad men who wanted to be priest when they grew up. It is not difficult to perceive why the ‘vocations’ are so few – the ones at the wheel are becoming irrelevant for they wear a collar but are not holy therefore do not inspire. Pre -Vatican Catholics are especially sickened by all of this for we remember strong, holy, vibrant men who were of God and did not compromise, only prayed and served. They took care of the business of ministry as best they could in that they never let up on calling their bishops to accountability. Only by God’s grace do the holy make it; God will not abandon His people. It’s the institutional church that we have inherited!  In the study of RC church history, one learns Mother church turns over every 400 years and cleans house!  (Interesting that Our Lady of Medjugorge- has been appearing for 22 years crossing milleniuums calling all, especially her priest, to prayer, fasting, confession, Eucharist and Adoration!). That is why the coffers are drying up, that is why people are walking… our children have been molested, bishops are silent, move them on then victimize the families twice with clerical sinful rhetoric and now due to ineptness, they want to play ‘let’s find some money?’ But we, the ecclesial laity also go to the Father in discernment and we listen and act. We have in you the best and brightest who prays unceasingly, meets with the Father daily for your marching orders, listens and then acts! What inspiration! What great and glorious a challenge, what liturgical timing; to you all saints and sinners that have gone before, are living and will come after us, we are the Kingdom on this side! What time judgment time will be! Be not afraid! Until He comes again, peace be with you, dear one for you are loved, reverenced and have a following of good and decent priestly people.

 

Lead, Kindly Light!

 

Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton

 

 

 

5 April 2005

 

From the book, ‘Holy Longing’ by Ronald Rolheiser, I respectfully quote,

 

‘Carlo Carretto, the great Italian spiritual writer, once wrote a little tribute to the church which captures well both its scandal and its grace. In the closing section of perhaps his most mature book, I SOUGHT AND I FOUND, Carretto addresses the church in these words:

 

            How much I must criticize you, my church and yet how much I love you!

            You have made me suffer more than anyone and yet I owe more to you than to anyone.

            I should like to see you destroyed and yet I need your presence.

            You have given me much scandal and yet you alone have made me understand holiness.

            Never in this world have I seen anything more compromised, more false, yet never have I touched anything more pure, more generous or more beautiful.

            Countless times I have felt like slamming the door of my soul in your face-and yet, every night, I have prayed that I might die in your sure arms!

            No, I cannot be free of you, for I am one with you, even if not completely you.

            Then, too – where would I go?

            To build another church?

            But I could not build one without the same defects, for they are my defects. And again, if I were to build another church, it would be my church, not Christ’s church.

            No. I am old enough. I know better!’

 

Amen!

 

Lead, Kindly Light

 

Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton, Homemaker

 

 

 

Our Grateful Hearts Call Down from The Father

A Blessing Prayer on our Shepherd and Friend,

 Monsignor Irving A. DeBlanc Who Embraces

 Sixty-Six Years of Priesthood.

 

Lord our God, Blessed are You who have invited Msgr. DeBlanc into a life of sacred service of You, of the Church and of all the earth. God of Abraham, Moses, Ruth and Esther – and of all other holy people whom You have called to special life-tasks in Your service – bless, now, our brother-in Christ. By living a dedicated life, he seeks the coming of Your Kingdom here on earth. We, who are fellow pilgrims on his journey to Your divine heart, rejoice today in his re-dedication to a life of holiness and service.

 

May you, our Monsignori, find that your pilgrimage in life has special meaning because of the life you share with us. May our separate but parallel pathways to God give you insight into your unique calling.  May happiness be yours; may your sorrows be brief and always a part of your growth in Christ.

 

May this celebration of renewal deepen within your heart your dream of younger years, the dream to be a holy person. Enkindle again that holy passion to be possessed by the Divine Presence and to allow the fullness of God to shine forth from within you.

 

We prayerfully ask this day that God would fulfill in you, in part, that divine promise of a hundredfold harvest given to all those who would dedicate themselves, body and soul to the work of the kingdom of God.

 

We bless you, Monsignor, with affection and encouragement!  Amen+

 

Your Fellow Sojourners, Gathered Round-the-table, 6 April 2004!

 

 

Today’s Date- 7 April 2004 Wednesday of Holy Week!!

 

To:  Mr. John Cardone

 

From:  Bernadette Monlezun- Ponton

 

As per your request, John - Organizing of my thoughts from the ‘Friends of Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc’ meeting held Thursday, 1 April 2004 in the FLCC library at 2:00 pm…and beyond!

 

Who:

In attendance:

John Cardone, Facilitator

John Cannon

Dr. Richard Corley

Bill Flavin

Katie Fontenot

Ray Gillard

Robert Klein 

Bill Mancuso

Dr. Norman Morin

Bernadette M. Ponton

Gene St.Romain

 

Why:

The stated intention of our concern for IAD and subsequent surprise at his being ambushed in a meeting with Groth and attended by various members of the parish finance council, a member of the VM Board and both trustees….some aggressively grilled him as to a legacy check from the Burgess Fontenot estate to IAD that was intended for Villa Maria. IAD was invited under the aegis to discuss solvency and Crossroads Bookstore.

 

How:

A prayer was read by the facilitator!

 

Father, We Come Seeking Truth for All Concerned…

 

In faith we gather as friends of old with a common bond in our hearts and by our apostolic action…that of loving and supporting our beloved parish Our Lady Queen of Heaven to whom we supplicate. Queen of Heaven, bless us with the facts, right reason, guidance and wisdom especially now.

 

 There is conflict and deep pain felt by our Shepherd and Friend, Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc. As he has taught us…

“You hit mud, it splatters, hit steal it is tempered, hard and holds!

The human element, my angel, my buddy, the human element!

When bricks are thrown, use them to build!

Use reason not emotion!

Love is sacrifice!

Interpret people with original sin!

It’s an occasion to be saintly and wise, deliberately choose to be Christ like! This is a test of your own sincerity!”

 

     We have accepted and responded to the clarion call to gather by these friends of old. We have heard it and have shown up in the spirit of wanting what is best and right for our beloved parish, Villa Maria and for the courtesy and respect owed and deserved unto our Pastor Emeritus, Msgr. DeBlanc! Now, when some actions are just unacceptable and downright too much to take, we, in adjusting to this reality, now gather to listen, learn, discern in prayer and if necessary, act. Anything less would also be unacceptable.  Is that not what Jesus would do? Amen!

 

Lead, Kindly Light!

 

Bernadette Monlezun-Ponton, Co-Anchor with Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc, Diocese of Lake Charles Television segment, “In His Image”, 1993-2000 and Recipient of ‘The Distinction of Monsignor DeBlanc Fellow’, Diocese of Lake Charles Chapter, The Knights of St. Gregory the Great, 2000.

 

Summary of my recollections and thoughts…

 

…this was a circle of deep concern and pain for IAD’s in this frontal attack by Groth whose dream led him to this inconceivable plan of action.

 

+Information shared at this gathering…

 

…‘this is devastating to IAD, he is 90, I am very worried about him. He is hurt and angry.’

 

…The timing of these series of dreams is very suspect in that he is unable to pay the bills. Groth was privy to all these meetings and knew what was going on.

 

…has anyone seen B. Fontenot’s will and who wrote it? No one had and his nephew drew it up.

 

…Mr. Fontenot’s home was sold for approximately $35,000 and told the real estate agent at the time of the sale that he wanted to give his money to IAD for Villa Maria! The esteemed agent was assisting in the move of Mr. Fontenot into VM at the time this statement was made.

 

…why just the Burgess Fontenot check, why not others? What is his intention, what is he thinking and why, why this aggressive move now especially since he attended VM Board meetings and signed checks on the VM account himself.

 

…Persons at this meeting have dealt with Groth before and it is not pleasant; seems to be a mine field of arrogance, greed and less than the minimum required for the business of ministry.

 

…Bishop Braxton  was aware of this Groth meeting but to what degree did he know of the frontal assault is unclear to date.

 

…the straw was paying the ‘organ grinder’ $60,000 and now he wonders why he can’t make it work?!

 

…he can’t do this to IAD without any consequences.

 

…a dear one who is on the parish council offered to visit with Groth and in that he is a neighbor to Cramer talk with him in order to clarify what is happening and why but was informed that time does not allow and thanked him.

 

Thank you!

 

 

…What are the facts– the check, who and what was it intended for and where did it go? (See attachment one- a confidential document).  The timing of this series of dreams is quite suspect! There are no answers without information and who better to ask than the perpetrator for all this crazy reasoning, therefore, 

…Our band of hearts for our Shepherd rose and together, less Dr. Corley who had a prior commitment, walked to Groth’s office and requested a meeting as to the facts and his intentions!  He complied and together we sat in the conference room. The above prayer was read and we told him that this gathering was unbeknown to IAD. He was requested to explain the action taken against IAD 3 days before. We, as ‘Concerned Friends’ questioned him as to his rationale for this incredible action and those of his group, how can this be – he replies that “you won’t believe this but I had a dream, actually a series of dreams as to the whereabouts of $750,000.00 plus some!” I didn’t and mentally disconnected in disbelief as my simple mind could not compute this statement and when I mentally returned he was saying that ‘he cannot talk with IAD, that IAD always has had little diversions going on the side dividing money for his causes! And that the ‘committee’ was pursuing the money trail and would wait to see what the process would raise up’. He was evasive, caught unprepared with we who wanted accountability for his actions and would not let up on tracking his reasoning. We kept wanting to hear in his own words what did he think that he was doing. He kept throwing all our direction to this committee in that he could not justify his treachery any other way. This led some to verbally box his ears in that IAD has a following and they would not take this lying down! Groth was looking to end the session and grabbed this comment as a threat and stated such; some things he gets right away!  However, it was a statement of loyalty of IAD; he was being dismissed as betraying loyalties and he knows we know! The dear ones who so hurt and wanting only what is best for all, requested a prayer by he before the room vacated and it was done as only he can do in trying to get something right! He asked that we sign a sheet with our names and phone numbers so that we would be contacted in the event we could meet with the finance committee with like questions?! Does he think we were born yesterday, we all complied!! 

 

See Attachment Two - Letter to IAD, Draft One which IAD had permission to quote from and the entire letter was left with the Bishop during he and IAD’s meeting in the Bishop’s residence, Sunday 4 April 2004 at 2:00 pm!

 

See Attachment Three – Second Letter, Draft Two to IAD and the words of Carla Carretto, a great Italian spiritual writer!! How appropriate!

 

See Attachment Four – Prayer of Gratefulness for the gathering Tuesday 6 April 2004.

 

The Father indeed gives us the grace as a caring group to lift up each other in challenging times with the joy of the resurrection which is assured. All will be well!

 

 

 

 

Monsignori,

The readings and commentary today, Easter Monday 12 April 2004; this cannot be a coincidence…He Leads Kindly and Full of Truth!   Bernadette

 

From The Daily Study Bible Series

The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2 by William Barclay, page 377

 

 

Matthew 28: 11-15

While they were on their way, certain of the guard came to the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. When they had met with the elders, they formed a plan. They gave a considerable amount of money to the soldiers. “Say,” they said, “ ‘His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will use our influence, and we will see to it that you have nothing to worry about.” They took the money and followed their instructions. And this is the story which is repeated amongst the Jews to this day.

 

 

When some of the guard came to the chief priests and told them the story of the empty tomb, the Jewish authorities were desperately worried men. Was it possible that all their planning had come to nothing? So they formed a simple plan; they bribed the members of the guard to say that Jesus’s disciples had come while they slept and had stolen his body.

It is interesting to note the means that the Jewish authorities used in their desperate attempts to eliminate Jesus. They used treachery to lay hold on him. They used illegality to try him. They used slander to charge him to Pilate. And now they were using bribery to silence the truth about him. And they failed. Magna est veritas et praevalebit, ran the Roman proverb; great is the truth and it will prevail. It is the fact of history that not all men’s evil machinations can in the end stop the truth. The gospel of goodness is greater than the plots of wickedness.

 

 

 

Thank you John and Miss Madge for our seats at the dinner table and wonderful conversation through heavy hearts!

 

 

(with numerous covered parking slots so as one can come and go undetected by the needy who drive up daily!)

 

(one in particular, another arrogant one, an ‘organ grinder’ whose salary ‘paid’ for division and descent among those in the pews, in the least, by assaulting the ears!)

 

 

 

MSGR. IRVING A. DEBLANC Wake Service Memorial

19 July, 2006

 

Since Sunday night

and into tomorrow and beyond much has been and will be said about the beloved priest and pastor Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc.

 

We gather around the memory of a "jewel" of a human being and so, from where each of us sits,

from our own perspective,

we see a unique facet,

a cut in the diamond, so to speak,

which then, when shared and spoken aloud,

gives additional ins'ight and a fullness of perspective

to the whole, a "holiness" if you will.

 

The glisten and glimmer which I now offer

in celebration of this diamond of delightful remembrance.

is that of Msgr. DeBlanc as EDUCATOR,                                                      .          >

he was an educator par excellence,

and among the great loves of his life,

of which there were many,

were Queen of Heaven Elementary School

and

St. Louis Catholic High School.

He tremendously promoted, cared for, supported and nurtured these schools

and other institutions of higher learning

with all his heart, mind and soul.

 

As an educator and a man of educational spirit, he knew that the work of formation is never done one school year ends

one class graduates

and then

in a matter of weeks

a new class arrives

and the cycle begins afresh once more.

 

It is one of the blessings of being involved in the world of education

it creates a natural rhythm

of cycles and seasons:

Summer gives way to Fall

that ushers 'in Winter

and paves the way for Spring

life is not about endings

but new beginnings...

a invaluable lesson he would remind us of for our prayerful reflection this evening of wake, prayer and vigil.

 

He loved education

because of the potential and possibility

which every student awakened within him once again.

 

One of my favorite professors at St. Ben's

use to begin each of his lectures

by facing the cross in the front of the room

and making the sign of the cross

and then

turn and face the students of the class and bow.

Didn't take long before one of my buddies asked, "Why?"

 

 

He responded that he did so out of respect for the group and the collection of individuals assembled there, never knowing in his class

where might be seated the next Einstein

or Beethoven or Abraham Lincoln,

and so he reverenced all that his students

m ig ht yet come to be.

 

Because of such a similar venerated educational vision now several generations of young people

fondly remember the man

who on HIS birthday

would visit the school and distribute ice cream or candy a simple gesture really,

but an affirming one

rooted in generosity

winged in a morale that sticks

"it is more blessed to give than to receive."

 

There is a metaphor often used among faculties and staffs of many learned institutions which speaks volumes.

of the benefits and blessings of the education process, communicated in the simple image of feeding and fishing

 

FEED someone a fish...you satisfy a hunger for one day TEACH someone to fish...you satisfy a hunger for a lifetime

tonight, I want to add one more line in tribute                                                                .

to the outstanding educational spirit of Msgr. DeBlanc, .

teach someone to BLESS the fish before eating, acknowledging all blessings as coming from God, & GIVE THANKS after eating and in all things...you satisfy a hunger for an eternity

 

­

 

Msgr. nourished our school communities with a food of heavenly banquets

Eucharistic food upon sanctuary altars

but also food of the angels, a feast which now knows no end.

 

On the 3rd of October, 1985,

Msgr., in his typical ice cream/candy style,

gathered together for an evening meal,

a collection of priests

who had served with him during his years of pastoring here at OLQH to celebrate his 40th anniversary of ordination.

 

I want to cl9se my memories shared with you a brief selection from a poem which I read for him at that gathering

which speaks of this educational Eucharist presence

that characterized his very life:

 

"Piece by piece you placed priesthood into our souls passing on a Last Supper heritage beyond words or price. You shared a Eucharistic presence that makes all things new than can transform 8th graders into peanuts

and little old ladies to angels in a pew

that set our minds a wondering

are we jelly beans

or chocolate in a hunk

could we be a mosquito's tonsil

or the whinking, laughing eyebrows

of a giraffe or an elephant's trunk?