Seldom Seen

A LOOK INSIDE THE TOMBS OF TWO OF OUR FRENCH BISHOPS

Not too long ago, I was going through some old photographs from my days at the Cathedral of the Assumption. I came across these photos of the insides of the tombs of the bishops in the undercroft. 

When we were remodeling the area now known as the "Bishops' Chapel," we dropped small cameras into the brick above ground tombs in preparation for preserving them more appropriately without actually disturbing them. Bishop Charles G. Maloney was concerned that if Bishop Flaget were to be canonized at some future date, it would not be good if the tomb had been disturbed. Here is what the tombs look like on the inside. 

Benedict Joseph Flaget

First Bishop of Bardstown 1808-1832.

He returned as third Bishop of Bardstown and first Bishop of Louisville 1833-1850

Bishop Flaget is buried in a simple leather covered casket bowed out at the shoulders. Notice the remains of a wreath or bouquet of flowers at the bottom of the picture. 

Bishop Peter Joseph Lavialle - Bishop of Louisville from 1865-1867

Bishop Lavialle was buried in a cast iron casket after his short two year reign as bishop.


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You can visit the Bishops' Chapel in the Undercroft of the Cathedral and pray at the tombs of Bishops Flaget and Lavialle.
You can also visit the archdiocesan museum across the street from the Cathedral.  It has many artifacts from these bishops and many others as well. Our rich history as a diocese is displayed there.  It is certainly worth the trip and I highly recommend it. 

Check the Cathedral of the Assumption website for details, availability and times