Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-07-12

ternoon, were exceedingly solemn and inn
pressve ard we propose 10 give some de.
scriplion OF II, for the benefit Of those who
were not present.
As the clock struck five, the procession,
headed by the Cross bearer and assistants,
angels, so called, on this occasion, Sc
lect number Of children attending the
school OF the Sisters attired in white dress.
cs, with wreaths, bouquets and baskets OF
flowers, to the number Of twcniy-eight,
moved from the Hall door of the Convent,
accompanied by the Mother SupeTioress
and other Ia lies of this religious commun-
~, in the usual dress Of their Order, to the
Church,and through the centre aisle to the
Chancel, where they were received by the
ordinary Of the diocese, Right Rev. Bishop
O'Reilly, Right Rev. DR.. McGill, of Rich.
mond, Va, Rev. Mr.. Fitton, Pastor oi the
Church, and his accolytes and assist"nts.--
II ever this Church might be called beau
iful, and truly il is masterpiece Of
Gothic art, OF the early decorative style, it
was indeed SO to the eyes Of the immense
audience assembled on this occasion, with
its gilded altars, adorned with statuary,
lights and vases in chaste profusion.
This is what is termed the ceremony Of
reception. The Postulants, who were to
be admitted to two years noviship, that is,
time of probation before they are allowed TO
unite themselves with the Order, the OBJ
ject Of which is to attend the sick, the aged,
prisoners, and educate thildren,-were
Miss Hannah Sullivan, called in religion
Sister Ignatius, and Mss Mary Ann Mad.
den, Sister Regis. These two young Ia.
dies in bridal attire, pure white, with white
lace streaming from their heads, on which
were wreahs of beautiful flowers, knell
between the Superioress and Assistant, the
local Superioross Of thi. city, sister Mary
Borgia, while the choir sang 10 Gloriosa
Virgnsm," &c. This being finished, the
Celeb-ant, the Bishop Of the Diocese, recit-
cd the Prayers used on such occasions
The Sermon was preached by Bishop Nc
Gill, and was fervent, excellent and most
practical production. After the address BY
Bishop McGill, the Postulants were con-
Quoted by the Superiorcss and assistant
before the Celebrant, who sat on the plat.
form OF the altar, when the following ques-
tions were propounded and answered
Celebrunt. My child, what do you de-
mand 7 Postulant. The mercy of God,
and the holy habit Of religion.
Celsbrant. Is it with your own free
will you demand the holy habit of religion 2
Postulant. Yes, Right Rev. Sir.
The Celebrant then asked Of the Supe-
rioress if she had made the necessary EN-
quries and was satisfied as to The vocation
and sincere desire of the Posiulants,--to
which she answered in the Affirmative
The Celebrant again addressing the Pos,u-
tulants asked Of them if they had thought
deeply upon the subject, and were in ex-
pectation OF being able to carry the yoke of
our Lord Jesus Christ, solely for The love
and fear of God. To which they sevcrally
replied in the affirmative, relying, as they
said, on the mercy of God. After these
questions and answers, the Superioress aud
Assistant retired with the Postuants to tho
Sacri,ty, to change their secular dresses
wreaths wells, jewelry, &C.. for the relgi-
Gus habit OF the Order during which the
Choristers in the Choir and Chancel sang
alternately the cxi psalm. The process
sion having returned to the Chancel, the
Celebrant continued the form of prayers,
while the Superioress and Assistant placed
the white veil on the heads of the Post" =
lants, and preseatcd them with their ciuc-
lures, rosaries and crosses. Here all knet,
while the Choir sang the hymn, "Veni,
Creator Spiritus," invoking the influence
Of the Divine Spirit. After this the Cele.
brant continued other prayers and gave the
final blessing, while the Choir sang the
beautiful psalm cxxxii, Ecce guam bonam,
behold how good and how pleasant thing
it is, &c. (; the procession then returned in
the same order as it entered. 1t was a
very sdemn aud imposing occasion, and
one which will not soon be forgotten.