The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-08-23

the road. The church was densely crowded.
The Virgins altar was in one blaze of light,
beautifully decorated by the precious hands
of a devout elderly lady, who claimed the
privilege of adjoining it, being, probably,
the last of that kind she should have on
earth.
Then was made the renewal of the bap-
tismal vows, at the high altar; one young
boy and girl representing each side, read
ing, in distinct manner, the act of reno
vatiOnS
After this ceremony, most impressive in
it's character, and rendered still more SO by
the Jesuit Fathers solemn discourse, deliv-
cred in that persuasive and atfectionate
style of q father addressing his beloved
children, the procession formed: A young
arranged banner, with two diminutive
angels by her side, followed at proper in
tcrvals by the boys and girls and the Cath
Ole young ladies of the city-the band
playing all the while-and the crowds
closing in behind the priests thus ar
of the convent. Following in the direction
of a long, flower decked avenue, or walk,
at the erd of which was temple erected,
of fairy-like proportions, on raised grassy
mound, studded with trees, from which
hung festoons, and in the temple beneath
was tho statue of the Blessed Virgin, to
which IL broad flight of steps led.
This was gorgeous scene. Lights blaZcd
inside and out and around this grand centre
of attraction; lamps hung suspended from
evergrcens; chandeliers seemed to drop
from the air; and here the act of consecra-
ton was read in French and English. In
this sacred grove, redolent of heavens own
perfume, the ministeriEg priests, like am
bassadors of the Mother of God, witnessed
the conservation of young, innocent hearts,
at %the foot of her statue, and blessed the
young band; while Father Hubert gave his
las Il oHV Then
sion resumed its march back to the church,
for benediction, which closed this memoir
able days most happy and suspicious
celebration.
To fully enjoy it, you should remember
the beauty of the bay; the location and
handsome style of the church, just over
looking the sparkling waters beneath the
grand air of the natural scenery; the elegant
spire on the newly finished tower; the toll
ing of the bell (only yesterday fixed in its
place in the belfry,) sending its full and
joyous tones reverberating through the
woods and out far away on the waters; the
shady walks the elegant shell road; the
light and varied dresses of the ladies the
sun bright and clear. All this must be
imagined or seen to conceive proper idea
of the celebration; and, to give its true
lustre and finishing radiance, look on all
through the eye of faith, and then you have
some idea of the first communion at Bay
st. Louis.
AS if to give a last touch, and take up
the strain of joy which religion had just
finished, new source of pleasure awaited
the congregation, they left the church.
A. steamer from Orleans arrived, with fire
company, headed by a splendid band, who
paraded the town, discoursing the sweetest
strains, and now, while l write, are just
passing. So, it was a day of uninterrupted
joy.
A great many visitors from New Orleans
and other places, parents and friends of the
first communicates, are here-one of whom
declared, after the ceremonies of the day
were over, that he would not have missed
the celebration for fifty dollars. His son
made his first communion he carried home,
as relic of the feast, the badge of honor
worn by the son at his first communion
to present to his wife, who was detained,
by necessity, at home, and deprived of the
happiness of being present.
Long may such blissful sights bless the
eyes and hearts of Catholics in America,
till it shall please God to bring all wander
ers from the truth into the one fold of that
Church which alone watches over and pro-
vides for her children from the cradle to
the grave. j. NJ. f.
nil