The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-04-05
St. Vincent de Paul's Church.

- the children of the catechism class, some
four hundred in number, boys first, then
girls, each bearing alOft a small ORR
famine surmounted with cross. These,
as was the rest of the procession, were
formed in two lines, between which the
music was stationed. Next came the ladies
composing the societies of the Good
Death, and of the Seven DOlors. They
were present to the number of two hundred,
though they comprise some four hundred
members in the whole city. Between their
ranks a large crucifix was sOlemnly borne
in a recumbent position on the shoulders of
four men, accompanied on either side by a
banner of the societies representing the
Mater Dolorosa, each device being different.
After these ladies were the Children of
Mary numbering about forty, their banner
also being borne between their ranks, ac-
companying two priests, one of whom car
ried reliquary with relics of the Holy
Cross. These were followed by the officiat-
ing priest of the occasion, Rev. Father MUIR
ply, S. j., after whom came the faithful in
general.
Rev. Father Foltier assures that this
is but the first of series of professions
which, according to regulations, must recur,
one on Passion Sunday of each year. These
most popular devotions above referred to
have their organization ut his church,
though their members are scattered through
oft the city. On every Friday in the year,
except Good Friday, the members hear
mass ut the church of ST. Vincent de Paul,
after which some remarks are made by the
Rev. director, ard intentions recommended
to the prayers of the association announced.
There are also two high masses every
month, and two low masses are offered up
for the repose of each member that dies.
1t is gratifying to know that these most
holy devotions are so much esteemed and
so generally prevalent in our community.
The centre of the devotion of the Seven
Dolors is ut the Church of Gesu, in charge
of the Jesllits, at Rome, that of the Happy
Death in the House of the Services, in the
same city. The associations at this point
have been properly affiliated with them,
and are in full participation of all their
yraces. -
THE HAPPY DEATH.
What is more important than the constant
remembrance of the moment which decides
our eternity! Yet it is n thought, one may
almost say, "religiously" Stunned by the
world. 1t does not harmonize with their
ideas of pleasure, with their aspirations,
their hopes. In the confraternity of which
we speak, though, we find an association
devoted to the contemplation of that very
event, and not only to its contemplation,
but to the pursuit of those means best cal
culated to insure its happy issue. Under
the never failing patronage of st. Joseph,
buoyed up by example, sustained by prayer
and the sacrlments, and not forgotten after
1 death, how can the pious votaries of this
devotion fail to attain an end so much
coveted and so prudently sought
THE SEVEN DoLoRs.
The Catholic heart requires no eXplana-
ton of this devotion. 1t needs no more
analysis than the silent sorrow of a child
when it's mother weeps. 1t is spontaneous,
self-existent, and very beautiful The
prophet of God did not fail to notify the
young and holy mother that sword should
pierce her Heart. 1t is this sacred sword
which her children bear aloft in memory of
her: it is the wounds inflicted by that
sword which they honor as the s. Seven
Dolors.'' The crowd generally would leave
her alone ut the foot of the Cross, but there
some who stay.