Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-24
Interesting Ceremony nj the Cathedral
The Angels Charm the PeonIe

raj, and was witnessed by large con-
curse of people, who appeared perfectly
harmed by what they saw, and edited by
Vhat they heard. In order TO avoid an
ueonvenient crowd, the affair was not
made public, yet Notwithstanding this,
summer and Cedar streets, in the immedi-
lie vicinity of the church, was crowded
With anxious spectators, and at three
) clock the church was crowded to excess.
Two years ago the FIRST of the present
month, few Sisters of Mercy awoke for
the first time in Nashville, in the building |
on the corner of Summer and Cedar streets,
opposite the Cathedral, leased from Mr..
Kirkman for their special use. Soon there
after these good Sisters opened school
for girls, and when the new school building
on Vine street was completed, they also
took charge of that, and soon found it well
filed with girls and boys under twelve
years old.
On this material they commenced, and
have worked wonders! So great was the
call upon their services that the Sisters
were obliged to add to their numbers, be-
sides taking in several novices, and now
they may be said to be prepared for any
emergency; or, rather, they will be, when
they take possession of the magnificent
abode recently purchased for them on Ce-
dar street, opposite the Capitol.
After being here about one year, they
organized two societies amopgthe children
belonging to their schools-one for the
older girls, or young ladies, as it is the
fashion now to call them, styled /" The
children Of Mary" and one for the younger
children, called The AngeI Guardian So
ciety. Both these societies prospered, and
accomplished much good among the men,
bers. At first probation of six months
was required before an aspirant could be-
come full member of the Children Of
Mary, but now three years membership
with "the Angels" is required, and then
they can be admitted child Of Mary by
election among the members Of the latter
society. Recently about sixty aspirants
were admitted to full membership, and a
large number of Angels were added to the
| Junior society, and the ceremony on Sun
day last was TO receive these young chrls-
tians. and 10 invest them with their
badges and medals.
About fifteen minutes before three, two
hundred and fifty girls, all dressed in
white, with wreaths Of white flowers and
long flowing veils, emerged from St. Ber'
nard's Convent, preceded by the cross
bearer and two attendants, aud marched
four abreast to the Cathredal door, where
the line separated, a line Two abreast
marching up the south aisle, and another
similar line taking the north aisle, and
meeting at the head if the middle aisle
down which they marched and took theil
seats. 1t is a noteworthy fact that The
children kept perfect step, and performed
this portion of their duty with the pre-
cision of veteran military drill.
Vespers commenced about three O'clock
and after the singing of the Magnificent by
the choir, and receiving the Bishops bless
ing, the children sang that beautiful hymn
Hail thou purest Of immortals!
Hail! thouw in bliss doth now SHINE!
Hail I 1hOu who Opest Heavens pOrtaIt
Mary, o make US all thine.
Mary, Mary. Mary, make us all thine.
The children Of Mary then went up t
the altar railing to receive their badges
a sash Of white elk, with gold star on tht
shoulder and the letters A. V. NJ. beaud
fully worked in gold on the breast. TIT
Bishop and the Rev. ?. F. Coyle presented
tbs badges. There are now about two hun
bred members Of this sanity.
The little angels thea proceeded to tn
altar railing TO receive their badges, con
sisling Of a guardian angel medal attached
to a purple ribbon. Previous TO receiving
them, one of the sgels, Theresa Mckeon
supported on The right and left by Ami
Dolin ard Alice Quigley each bearing
lighted taper, advanced to the altar STEP
and kneeling, read the act of cOnsecratio
in clear and distinct voice and with pei
feet accent and pronunciation.
All the children having resumed thei
seats, then sang
"Oh mother 1 could weep for mirth
JOY fills nv heart so fast;
Ny soul to-day is heaven on earth
o, could the transport last.
This was followed by an address froI
the Bishop, which was one of the moi
touching and edifying We have ever heart
So simple that the youngest child coul
appreciate it and the hardest heart feel i
force. Any attempt to give synopsis
his remarks would be fruitless-his WORD
we're Christian wisdom.
Benediction having been given, the crow
retired outside the door, to witness the r
turn of the children TO the convent, whic
was done with the came accuracy an
E beauty as on their entry into the church.
A word as to their singing We are
lover Of music and hate discard the Gin
= ing of these children we unhesitating
u pronounce wonderful, and better musician
than we say az much and more in behalf
their vocal qualifications; may God bic
v all-si5ters and children