All this is nothing new. Here is something from the Notre Dame Archives;

1812 Apr. 16

(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
B(ardstown, Kentucky)

to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, Maryland

(Flaget) is very grateful for Bruté's letters which are like gazettes. His poor country is so buried in the woods that his messages are very much appreciated. He begs Bruté to continue to send them news of the church. (Flaget) tells of attending a sick child which suffered from convulsions which had been cured by spitting up worms while he was there. Three other children experienced the same illness which was attributed to witchcraft. The father said that only a priest could cure the children because a negress was the cause of the illness. There were indications in her case of possession especially blasphemy and cursing of women. The mother, a Catholic, sprinkled holy water on the person and she became quiet. Protestants hearing this thought that all water would have the same effect with the salt in it, but their water did not have the effect. In another case the use of the scapular and singing Catholic hymns had the effect of stopping the sicknesses. (Flaget) has heard of this from Father (Charles) Nerinckx who heard it from the father. (Flaget) has eye witnesses. (Flaget) is going to take another very sick child and have her examined by doctors and see if the sickness can be explained by natural things. If not he will assemble the clergy and proceed with an exorcism. A great good will result if this sickness can be cured by this exorcism. There is great publicity to the case and last Sunday 400 persons came to see the child. (Flaget) prays for the good health of Father (William) DuBourg so that he can continue his excellent conferences. He is to tell Sinnott that his father is well and has made his Easter Communion. He asks to be remembered to Irishmen Hayes and McGowan.

http://archives.nd.edu/calendar/cal1812.htm  
 
 
 

Bruté's letter of July 8 found him confessing, preaching, confirming, etc. The holy services consume nearly all his time. Bruté's prodigies from Maryland edify him but intrigue him also. It is good to strive to imitate the best but to realize that such is unattainable. Up to the present he gives Confirmation only on Sunday and to those who are well instructed and have made their First Communion. He is usually accompanied by two or three ecclesiastics. The people are from every profession but the spirit of piety is very deep. The ceremony lasts three hours, with First Communion besides the Confirmation to which Father (Charles) Nerinckx has added a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. When the Bishop objected Nerinckx would not listen to his remonstrances because he had not driven away the demons from the neighborhood. Nerinckx arranged three of these services, the latest 10 or 12 miles away. The people, although poor have purchased 400 acres for a church and have built a little chapel, sending him the title to both. At the ceremony they carried branches of trees instead of candles with four large ones serving for a canopy. Father Nerinckx managed the ceremonies and the chant. The Trappists have a pretty establishment there but Father Urbain (Guillet) has gone to Louisiana where he suffers from the heat. The Bishop says his functions are always the same and he fears his letters are also. On his way one day, and speaking to a Catholic he asked a Protestant lady if the child she held was baptized. Learning that it was not he asked to baptize it and eight others. This in turn led to the baptism of the lady. He has given to these children sponsors of his own choice so that they still learn their prayers. He pleads with Bruté to send his priests for the work. (Part crossed out.) He has a letter of exchange for Father Ladavière but since Ladavière has not come he has asked to use the money. the draft is for 30 days and he wants approval to use the money since Archbishop (John Carroll) said that Ladavière would not come to America to be a Jesuit. In the next room Father (Jean) David is making students decline the pronouns. Morety [Moretti] does not do so well in Latin. Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat is a great source of consolation. Flaget sends his respects to Father (Francis) Nagot, and a thousand thanks to Father John Tessier and his other confreres. He holds Bruté responsible for the life of Gather (William) Dubourg. He sends attentions to Madame Amiote and the ladies of the laundry. He salutes all the professors and students of the seminary and college. The good Madame Leroy has not written him although he wrote her. He does not know if Moral the nephew of Adame Lacombe has received the letter he sent him the first of the year as he has received no answer. He will start for Baltimore at the commencement of September and will visit many congregations on the way.
P.S. He greets various ladies and Mr. Costel. He owes an answer to Harent and many other things. He blesses the family with its holy patriarch.


http://archives.nd.edu/calendar/cal1812.htm