Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-12-01


We witnessed on Monday morning
last the highly interesting ceremony
OF taking The white veil by four Young
ladies. IN the Convent Of the Visitation
IN Georgetown.
We confess that We embraced the
rare opportunity afforded by the occa-
sion, with greatly interested leelinys.
n being In many respects different
from the ceremony Of the 6nal renun-
ciation OF the world. on the taking Of
the black veil, which We formerly Wit.
messed in the same place, and described
IN this Journal, and 10 some respects
more striking.
1t 10 impossible NJ this day, and in
the present state Of the social relations
OF society. not 20 look upon this solemn
rite, which 10 associated in every mind
with so much Of historic sanctity. and
30 much Of prescriptivs awe, without
the deepest and most varied emotions.
The times are widely different from
The dark and troubled era, when the
ruthless law Of State necessity, or the
cruel code Of personal and family ag-
grandizement 60 often consigned the
young female 10 the relentless solitude
OF the eloister. or when the prevailing
severity OF violence and blood too ire.
qaentiy rendered the religious sanctua.
~ necessary and acceptable ssylum
iof innocence and purity. To become
nun--to take the Welfare terms of
signlhcancy which have cone down
TO us from such periods, and which. on
their recurrence now, when the feel.
lngs OF the heart and the charities of
iife are 90 bright and warm--and vben
impnise only can actuase design--stiIl
CRATE upon the mind with even more
Than tie susterity and harshness OF
their long acceptation.
But not TO prolcng thoughts OF natu-
raj suggestion 10 all, let US proceed TO
the description.
The chapel Of the convent was open-
ed at ak o'clock. and from ihat hour
the scene was perfectly solemn and
unworldlike. The small and beauti-
fully ornamented chapel, which the
aneetionate piety Of the sisters has de-
corated With so many evidences Of fc-
male accomplishments and taste. with
ate dim religious light just showing the
undying lamp, like star n TWILIGHT
which forever burns before the rich
aitsri--the solitude rendered more inn
pFessiye BY the low breathinrs Of the
lew silent worshippers who were pre-
sent, and the silence heighteped into
deep solemnity by the sweet and plain
tive voices Of the unseen choytsters.
whose uneeasing chant filing the A.
cred aiT, had at such q time an sGec.
saddening and devotional, were eli
wonderfully calculated to prepare the
mind Tor this ceremony Of touching in
terest. Towards nine o'clock the cha
pei gradually 6lled-and when one Of
the nuas threw back the black curtain
which shaded the mysterious Rratino
that separates the convent from the
chapel, every eye was directed TO the
pot. AL the nuns we're seen to slow.
~ enter, in long procession, and two
by two they knelt down the whole
length Of the aisle; their hands folded
On their breast, and their heads bent
towards the ground ia an attitude OF
deep humility. Presently the noviees
were led towards the grate.---the
chanting ceased. and The organ, touch.
ed by masseE-hand, 6lled the air with
the delicious tones Of the noble anthem
Gloria in exceisis." We gazeA anx.
iously at the faiF young creatures who
were now the sll-absorbine objects of
the ceremony. They were eli Young
In the FIRST tlush Of Rir!hoOd. and ,6s |
beauty and grace Of early youth we're
oe'ghisned BY dress Of bridal splen.
dor. Every charm Of form aod (sa.
lnres--and two Of them a least wee
exqoisitsiy iovsly--was enhanced bv |
The incest arrangement Of the r;ch |
rayed.
Each vas covered with a aowinV
veal Of white, and side By side theS |
knels silently down before the grating.
The anthem ceased, when the ArR. |
bishop, N MS gorgeous eassaiczss. "a.
saneed 70 The front % the aliar. ana /
addtessaa TIE eoneTar.f;on
md tie yOung noyicos abouS A. soles
% that awlal pFobatioaship. When
.ne discousse was finished, bic Grace /
blessed the s0mbrs vesimenss. whieh /
were seen % rspiacs The splendid De-
ses los the last tine now wosn By the
psohcienta. They thea, ore BY ooe
'olemniy answered The inlerrcxaiories /
o. TIE rite. and repeated he vow /
shieh severed them from Ire world !
preparatory 70 iis fnal ransoc;aiioa. !
After tbs, n LIRE manner, one bV ole /
lbe bridei wells we're iaken of aad re-.
piaesd y ne Afchbishop via the
hood significant of thsir ase profession
snd The symbolic torch wss plsced h
mes. bands. Ihea eominR E6gvara
iof ne last tine. ibeig bapfissasl nanos
sefa toEmsll ahiursa. snd receiV;av
sns,f aew eonvsntasl tide. ihs IoveI2
600 interesting youug eresiusss uefs
lsa epsy .Fpa tie a6eeiienats 80 ~
lnsN relatives. nnd gks vsrpe 80 ~
iaal wofld - wksc4 thpis kesoiv 80
scconpiinhnsnts wouid kavs reafr,eS
iesn TIE a4miraiioa ed ne o.asnsrt.