The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-05-24

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out some demonstration of more than usual
force, and it took shape in . magnificent
procession, which carried the banners of the
Blessed Virgin in triumph around many Of
the squares of that parish. The most inter.
esting feature Of the occasion was, probably
the number and department. Of the pupils
present from the various schools under
Father Moynihan's care. The young ladies
of the convent, the girls Of the parish school
and the boys of st. Johns, under the direc..
ton of the Christian Brothers, counted be-
tween FIVE and six hundred strong. Anum-
Der of the pupils Of the convent were, on this
occasion, received into the sodality of the
Children of Mary.
The appearance of SO many children. and
young folks in their holiday attire, with
wreaths and banners and flowers, but above
all, with their bearing of modesty, refine
ment, and piety, elected the most pleasur-
able feelings of admiration among all the
spectators. 1t is pleasant to witness the
development, not only intellectual and
moral, but material also, wrought by the
spirit of CathoGcity wherever field is
suddenly walked up to the contemplation of
this scene after doze of twenty years, and
followed the fairy pageant among the
churches, converts, schoolhouses, elegant
stores, and beautiful mansions-all the attri-
butes of an active commerce, dense popu-
lation, q high civilization-hec could not have
realized that all this covered the site Of those
lagoons and swamps where he had formerly
hunted ducks and shot alligators. Such
metamorphoses are not rare where an intel
igent priest brings the vitalizing elements
of his faith, its energy, its system, among a
growing population. Architects and lumber
merchants know what such priest is.
Protestant historians and essayists class
him as a drone.
ST. ALPHoNsUs.
At the three churches of the Redemptor-
list Fathers, there were three hundred and
eight first communicative hundred aud
eight being in the church of st. Alphonsus,
seventy -four in ST. Mary's church, and
twenty-six in Notre Dame.
After mass, the children making their
first communion were served with a sub
stantal collation., or breakfast, as is custom
airy in that parish.
In the afternoon, the ceremony of renew
ing the baptismal vows took place-at three
o'clock at st. Alphonsus's and ST. Mary's,
and seven o'clock mt Notre Dame. This
beautiful little church, or rather chapel, sit
uated on jackson street, has become, of
late years, as remarkable for the solid piety
Of it's congregation as for the tastefulness
and elegance of its decorations. 1t is known
in the neighbOrhood as the French Church,
the congregation being principally composed
of Creoles. The history of this congrega-
ton shows conclusively that the spirit OF
irreiigion thoughtlessiy connected by some
persons with the character of our male
Creole population is not by any means amin
herent disposition. On the contrary, under
proper and Jealous influences, they develoI
all the fidelity and moral courage so con
spicuous in the original race from which
they sprung.
ST. THERESA.
This parish furnished forty five first com
municants, handsomely dressed and traine,
for the ceremonies. The charming tast
with which the girls were arrayed in whit
and pink dresses harmonized with tn
soothing, cheerful spirit which pervades thi
favorite little church of the good Sisters
f The singing of the orphans, under the skill
t full training of Mr.. LaHache, gives great in
, terest to the ceremonies at St. Thcresa's
and especially on this occasion added great
= to the attractions and so1emnity of the ser
s vice.
: we understand that the last Sunday c
t this month will be distinguished by charm
e ing ceremony of browning the Blessed Vii
gin, with Benediction of the Blessed Sacra
;, mcnt and sermon. AS unusual efforts wi
n be made to render the music worthy of tb