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Mystical father dagobert
In 1768 the French residents of Nouvelle Orleans successfully rebelled against the new Spanish regime which had taken over under the Treaty of Fountainebleau. Many of the French rebels were among the city's elite and regularly attended mass at the old Church of Saint Louis, today called the Saint Louis Cathedral -- the oldest and most famous church in town.
The pastor at St. Louis church was a Capuchin, Pere Dagobert, a fun-loving yet pious man, well-loved by his parishioners. The priest loved good food, drink, church hymns, and life itself.
However, in 1769 the Spanish monarch sent in a new, ruthless governor, an Irish mercenary named Don Alejandro O'Reilly, or as he was later called "Bloody O'Reilly."
The new governor had many warships and Spanish soldiers; he quickly suppressed the pro-French revolt. O'Reilly ordered the execution of several of the French rebel leaders, and also disallowed their burial -- a serious violation of Catholic tradition.
One night, however, Father Dagobert, in defiance of the Spanish governor and with the aid of two other priests, performed a religious service for the dead patriots at the Church of St. Louis. Then the bodies were properly laid to rest in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The funeral was held at night in a pounding New Orleans rain.
According to legend, the disembodied voice of Father Dagobert could be heard at night during a strong rain near the St. Louis Cemetery and the St. Louis Cathedral. It was also claimed that the priest's ghost appeared singing hymns down the aisles. Whatever the case the saintly priest lived on in spirit as a heroic religious leader who once protected the dignity of the dead.
I have visited the St. Louis Cathedral many times and can attest to the beauty and wonder of the spot. The entire area is majestic and mystical, especially at night, with Jackson Square (Place d'Armes), the Cabildo (the old seat of government, now a museum), the Presbytere (the sister building of the Cabildo on the other side of the Cathedral), and even the two alleys alongside the old church, Pere Antoine and Pirates' Alley, named for Jean Lafitte and his Baratarians. It is no accident that the ghost of this fun-loving holy man would be seen in this area now filled with sidewalk artists painting portraits and small, charming cafes. The Cathedral and Jackson Square are the very heart and soul of Old New Orleans.
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