529. The Ursuline Correspondence

529.  Stephen and Bruce give their presentation over the Ursuline Correspondence. In the summer of 1804, the Mother Superior or the Ursuline Convent, Therese de St. Xavier Farjon, wrote a petition signed by all the nuns in the convent to President Jefferson, asking his assurance that their property be protected by the Unites States government, so that they could continue their mission of educating girls in New Orleans. Gov. Claiborne sent a cover letter supporting their request, which Jefferson granted in his reply. This correspondence gives us an important insight into the transition of Louisiana from having a state-sponsored church under the French and Spanish to a United States territory with separation of church and state. The Catholic church had been the sole one to be allowed to operate legally in the colony. It had not only the blessing of the government, but was also funded by the government. Jefferson had written to the Danbury Baptist Association that he believed the first amendment established "a wall of separation between Church & State." In his letter to the Ursulines, Jefferson does not mention the wall, but he does promise that the government will protect their property and their mission. But they would have to learn to survive without government funding and to co-exist with all the other religious institutions the government was protecting.

1. This week in Louisiana history. June 30, 1870. Robert E. Lee and the Natchez began their famous riverboat race
2. This week in New Orleans history. Writer Shirley Ann Grau was born on July 8, 1929 in New Orleans.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Grand Isle Music Fest
   July 13, 2023 - July 15, 2023
   Live Music • Food • Arts & Crafts • Fundraiser for Grand Isle!
   Island Strong Beach Fest | Grand Isle, LA
   Come Support Grand Isle!
   The second annual Island Strong Music Fest celebrates Grand Isle’s recovery with a live music festival on July 13, 14, and 15, 2023
   If you are interested in becoming a vendor or want to contact the event organizers please email: islandstrongbeachfest@gmail.com
   The Island Strong Music Fest will take place on
   Thursday to Saturday, July 13-15, 2022,
   Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
   4500 Tarpon Rodeo Drive
   Grand Isle LA
   TICKETS: TBA
   Come support Grand Isle’s Recovery!
   The second annual Island Strong Music Fest is a two-day festival featuring live music, food, craft booths and various other vendors that will support Grand Isle’s recovery from Hurricane Ida.
   “We have come a long way since Hurricane Ida and we thank so many who have helped along the way. Island Strong Music Fest celebrates the resilience of our community and helps raise awareness for the work that still needs to be done for us to fully recover,” said Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle. “We welcome everyone to come down to enjoy some live music and all the Grand Isle has to offer.”
   Website
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Rickey Caesar at the Blue Nile on Frenchmen. 

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