Behind the Monastery Walls:
The Passionist Quest to learn English in order to preach: 1854
and 1855
"Arrival of Rev. Father Gaudentius [Rossi, C.P.,] an experienced Religious in all that pertains to mission work. He was very zealous for the conversion of non-Catholics.
Rev. Father John Dominic [Tarlattini] very soon realized the necessity of conducting missions & retreats, but at that early period there were none of our Fathers who could conduct the great & noble work in the [English] language of the country.
All our Italian Fathers were earnestly & fervently striving to learn our language, and certainly they deserve much credit for the good will they evinced; every available opportunity was turned to advantage. Americans were not expected to become Italians. English was the language of the [Passionist] house, no matter how imperfectly our recen[t] arrivals attempted to convey their sentiments in our own parlance. Certainly, it was sometimes rather difficult to understand them; but with care and close attention, this difficulty seemed to wear off in time. The Americans [sic] brethern might learn the Italian language if he so wishes. Some who were naturally disposed or inclined to acquire a foreign language took advantage of the opportunity, and several in [the] course of time, could read and understand the Italian very well. Quite a number of our students have from time to time been sent to Rome for the purpose of finishing their course of studies in the Eternal City, where they spent several years, and acquired a good practicle [sic] knowledge of the Italian language, which proved a valuable acquisition in after life.
They were however, zealous, efficient missionaries in their native tongue, and had conducted a large number of missions ere leaving their native country. It’s time, they were earnestly endeavoring to acquire a knowledge of our language, and customs; but this required time, study and much patience ere they could convey their ideas so as to be fairly understood by these American [people.]"
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