Rare 1871 Catholic Episcopal Document – Bishop Joseph-Alfred Foulon, Diocese of Nancy

1871 Catholic Episcopal Appointment Document – Bishop Joseph-Alfred Foulon

A remarkable 19th-century Catholic ecclesiastical document issued in 1871 by Joseph-Alfred Foulon, Bishop of Nancy and Toul and Primate of Lorraine.

This original episcopal appointment document confirms the nomination of Franciscus Xaverius Bourguignon as Canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Nancy. The document was issued in Nancy (Nanceii) and combines a printed episcopal heading with handwritten entries, signatures and an original embossed diocesan seal.

The printed Latin heading reads:

“Josephus-Alfridus Foulon, Dei gratia et auctoritate Sanctae Sedis Apostolicae Episcopus Nanceiensis et Tullensis, Lotharingiae Primas.”

The document provides a fascinating example of 19th-century French Catholic church administration and the formal documentation used for ecclesiastical appointments.

Bishop Joseph-Alfred Foulon

Joseph-Alfred Foulon (1823–1893) served as Bishop of Nancy and Toul before later becoming Archbishop of Lyon and a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

Documents issued during his episcopate in Nancy offer an interesting connection to French Catholic history, the Diocese of Nancy and 19th-century ecclesiastical administration.

Features

• Type: Original Catholic episcopal appointment document
• Date: 1871
• Place: Nancy, France
• Issuer: Joseph-Alfred Foulon, Bishop of Nancy and Toul
• Subject: Appointment of Franciscus Xaverius Bourguignon as Canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Nancy
• Language: Latin
• Format: Large folio sheet, folded as originally issued
• Features: Printed episcopal heading, coat of arms and handwritten entries
• Signatures: Original handwritten signatures
• Seal: Embossed diocesan seal of the Diocese of Nancy
• Period: 19th century

Condition

The document remains in good antique condition, with normal historical fold marks and light age toning. The embossed diocesan seal remains clearly visible.

The original folds, paper ageing and other minor signs of handling are consistent with the document's age and historical use.

This 1871 Catholic church document would be an interesting addition to collections of Catholic ecclesiastical history, French church archives, episcopal documents, antique manuscripts and 19th-century religious ephemera.