CHAPTER IX.
Towards the close of the eighteenth century, the College at Donay, and most of the other Continental establishments, having been swallowed up in the vortex of the French Revolution, the Superiors resolved to make every exertion to enlarge the house in Lisbon entrusted to their care, with the view to counteract, in part at least, the evils which might accrue to Catholicity from the suppression of the parent foundation. Divine Providence seconded their efforts and enabled them, without having recourse to contributions and entirely at the expense of the Establishment, to give the House the dimensions and form which it at present retains. More than seven thousand pounds were expended in this work, and accommodation was made for forty students as well as Superiors and Masters.
Besides a considerable sum which, by his economy, Father Fryer had been able to save, the funds for the purpose were supplied by the Misericordia of Rio Janeiro. Long prior to this date, a Portuguese in subdeacon's Orders, named John Dionysius d'Azevedo, unconnected with the College it would seem by any ties of friendship, but zealous for the propagation of the Faith in England, by Will constituted the College his heir. Many years, however, before his death he proceeded to Brazil where, whilst suffering from insanity, he put an end to his own life.
The Misericordia of Rio at once took possession of his goods on the plea that his Will was not valid, and there being no other claimant but the College, it was contended that the property should be devoted to public charity.
