c. 1870 Letters to Aimé Giron from French Clergy Regarding A 24-Statue Altar, Roman Pilgrimage & Behind-the-Scenes Cathedral Speechwriting

On offer is a complementary pair of nineteenth-century French Catholic letters addressed to author and journalist Aimé Giron (1836–1907), revealing the practical and literary assistance he provided privately to members of the clergy.

Written by two different priests and preserved together within Giron’s correspondence, the letters show him working discreetly behind the scenes, first as an adviser on church fundraising and then, apparently, as the writer or literary collaborator responsible for an important ceremonial address.

The first is a two-page letter signed by A. Robert, Curé of Saint-Laurent. After considering Giron’s proposal, Robert agrees that contributors should be permitted to pay their subscriptions in annual instalments, thereby making participation accessible to a wider group of parishioners.

The priest intends to introduce Giron’s idea from the pulpit that same morning: “Je vois que l’idée d’une souscription par annuités pour les personnes que ce mode peut accommoder, serait excellente, et j’en dirai un mot ce matin en chaire” [“I see that the idea of a subscription payable in annual instalments, for those whom this arrangement might accommodate, would be excellent, and I shall say a word about it from the pulpit this morning.”]

The letter explains the details of the plan to associate contributions to the church with a benefit to the donor, and provides unusual specifics as to the fundraising plan. 

Robert closes by wishing Giron and his brother a successful journey, and reference via allusion a pilgrimage in Rome: “Je désire du fond du cœur que vous receviez d’abondantes bénédictions au tombeau des saints-apôtres” [“I desire from the bottom of my heart that you receive abundant blessings at the tomb of the holy apostles.”]

Although undated beyond “Sunday morning, 9,” the journey may relate to Giron’s documented travels in Italy around 1870.

The second item is a short, urgent letter signed “P. J. Noël Roux S.J.,” Marked with a cross, it was written by a Jesuit priest who finds himself in an awkward predicament: he is expected to prepare and deliver a formal address before the Curé of the Cathedral and the assembled audience, but the promised text has apparently not yet arrived.

“En vérité je suis dans l’embarras ; on me demande le compliment pour le préparer demain et le débiter Jeudi devant Monsieur le Curé de la Cathédrale et toute l’assistance” [“In truth, I am in a predicament; they are asking me for the formal address so that I may prepare it tomorrow and deliver it on Thursday before the Curé of the Cathedral and the entire assembly.”] 

The wording strongly suggests that Giron was composing, or at least substantially assisting with, the ceremonial speech. The letter provides a concise but revealing example of the uncredited literary work performed privately by a professional author for members of the clergy. Its urgency also evokes the rapid circulation of manuscripts and messages within late nineteenth-century Paris, although the precise method of delivery is not stated.

Together, these letters document two distinct forms of influence exercised by Giron within French Catholic society: one financial and organizational, the other rhetorical and literary. They will be of particular interest to collectors and researchers concerned with French Catholic history, church patronage, religious art, Jesuit networks, pilgrimage, literary ghostwriting and the private working life of a prolific nineteenth-century author.

Condition:

Two separate manuscript sheets. The A. Robert letter shows original mailing folds, moderate age toning, scattered light soiling, corner creasing and minor edge wear, including small closed tears and short separations along the folds; the writing remains dark and clearly legible, with no significant textual loss. The Noël Roux letter is written on one side, with Giron’s address written on the reverse of the same sheet. It retains its original mailing folds and exhibits age toning, handling creases, scattered staining and soiling, small edge tears, and localized fold wear. Its ink varies in intensity but remains legible. Overall Good. French language.

Bio Notes:

Aimé Giron (1836–1907) was a French lawyer, poet, novelist and journalist from Le Puy-en-Velay. After establishing himself through poetry and fiction, he contributed to such newspapers as Le Figaro, Le Gaulois and Le Clairon and served for approximately twenty-five years as editor of La France illustrée. His extensive private correspondence reveals a broader network of writers, artists, clergy and cultural figures than is readily apparent from his published work alone.