PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 135

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, bishop of Autun, cardinal and French historian. L.A.S. "Adolphe Perraud, Prêtre de l'Oratoire, évêque nommé d'Autun", Cannes, villa Marguerite, February 3, 1874; 3 pages in-8 on embossed paper with his coat of arms. A beautiful, intimate and spiritual letter, written a few weeks after his appointment to the episcopal see of Autun, in which Perraud evokes human trials, priestly friendship and the weight of the new responsibilities awaiting him. Having moved to Cannes to find some rest, he explains that he had to "flee" in the face of the influx of visits and business generated by his recent appointment: "I was so overwhelmed with visits and business in Paris that I had to flee". He confided to his correspondent how suffering and trials bring Christian souls closer together: "your life is tested, my dear friend; but your heart is upright" ; and reminds us that true consolation comes from faith and priestly brotherhood. Perraud emotionally insists on the solidarity of priests and bishops: "that brotherhood of souls which is one of the most beautiful privileges of the episcopate". He also gives a very interesting account of his future move to the seminary in Autun, for which he specifies the next dates. The letter ends with an affectionate and deeply pastoral benediction addressed to his correspondent. An engaging document, revealing Perraud's spiritual and human personality at the decisive moment of his accession to the episcopate. Very good condition, despite a few folds and minor marginal damage.