Life of Right Rev John N Neumann DD

The author writes: ALTHOUGH twenty-two years have elapsed. since the death of Bishop John N. Neumann, he still lives in the hearts of all that knew him; and many have expressed the wish that his memory should be preserved, his biography written for the edification of posterity. For this reason, Superiors several years ago entrusted to me the task of compiling his Life-a task whose accomplishment was by no means easy. For although the servant of God performed many great deeds, his extraordinary humility enabled him to conceal them, in a measure, from the eyes of all save God alone. The diocesan archives of his time record nothing calculated to throw light upon the subject; and the missionaries who labored with him, comparatively few in number, were too much occupied with the care of souls to record a history of their trials and labors. Sufficient material was, however, soon collected from which the Life of the holy Bishop could, to some considerable extent, be faithfully portrayed. From the members of his immediate family, his brother and sisters, many interesting and reliable communications were received; but his own letters and, above all, his own journal have proved valuable sources of information. They afford a consoling glimpse into his noble heart and elevated soul. Thanks are due to all that have aided me in the fulfilling of my task. Any additional communications will be gratefully received and used in a subsequent edition.