George Matulaitis Journal

97 In November of 1911, Father George Matulaitis went to Rome to obtain official permission for the transfer of the Marian novitiate from St. Petersburg to Fribourg, Switzerland, and also to deliver a report on the Theological Academy prepared by its Rector, Alexander Kakowski, which could not be sent by mail because of the political situation in Russia. On this second visit, Matulaitis spent two weeks in Rome. He wrote a day-by-day account 1 of his activities, which helps fill in the gaps in the Journal. November 14 Very early in the morning I set out for Rome from Fribourg, Switzerland. I had two matters to take care of concerning the Theological Academy of St. Petersburg and the Marian Congregation. Along the way, I passed through Lausanne, Montreux, St. Moritz, Domodossola, Milan, Genoa, and Pisa. I was in Rome on the morning of the 15th of November at about 9 o’clock. The journey went well: the weather was fine and warm; passing through the mountains, the view was magnificent. During the trip I fell into conversation with two Jews about matters of faith. I have noticed that Jews especially like to touch upon religious questions if they suspect that the person with whom they are traveling is a priest. November 15 After washing up, I set out for the Resurrectionist Fathers 2 to celebrate Mass. They promised to take care of all the formalities at the Vicariate, and so I left my “celebret” 3 with them. After Mass, the Fathers offered me coffee. Then I returned to my lodgings: Albergo Bavaria, Mullers, vicolo Alibert. Soon afterwards I hurried over to 1 The full title of this document is Relatio ex itinere Romam negotionum causa . The original has a caution- ary phrase under the title: “Not everything has been included; certain secret matters have been passed over.” Otherwise, it is an interesting personal chronicle similar in style to the Journal. 2 Religious Community of Polish origin for men founded in Paris in 1836. Its full Latin title was Congregatio a Resurrectione DN Jesu Christi. Its generalate was in Rome, but it was especially successful among Polish immigrants in the USA and Canada. 3 A document signed and sealed by a priest’s bishop or religious superior stating that the owner is an ordained priest and can celebrate Mass.