The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-11-22

bier gentleman than CaluerOn dc lii bafca.
One undivided sentiment, not only OF re-
spect, but of absolute veneration evidenced
his worth, while his own unaffected princeiy
bearing bore gentle testimony that the
royal blood in his veins was coursing still
in right honorable channels. Everybody
loved the good old man. He sleeps the
sleep of peace full of years he passed into
eternity, and with many tears they laid him
down to rest in his own loved Spain.
Senior Calderon de Ia Barca had married
in the year 49, Il lady considerably his ju-
nior, by the name of E NJ.
Scottish origin, and had inherited a deep
seated antipathy to the Catholic religion,
while Senior Calderon de In Barca was Il sin
cere Catholic. At the marriage ceremony,
which was performed according to the rite
of the Catholic Church in such eases, the
solemn engagement was entered into by
both parties, that the subject Of religion
should nerer be introduced by either. How
they kept this promise the following will
show:
Senior Calderon de Ia Barea and his lady
had journeyed through many parts OF the
ience for years. Paris, London, and the
city of Mexico had in turn been the head
quarters of this Spanish chief In the lat
ter city Nine. dc Ia Barca published work
in two I2mo Volumes, styled Life in Mex
ico," in which she takes occasion frequently
Church. All this time, however,, Senior
=Calderon= dc la Barca and herself never
spoke of religion, and lived in the greatest
harmony and affection. While the writer
was pastor of St. Ms Church in Wash
iugton, tile Spanish Government ordered
Senor Calderon de Ia Barca to the Ameri-
can capital. On 4 certain occasion business
called the writer to the residence of the
Spanish Minister. He had, of course, seen
Senior Caldcron az church, but he had never
been introduced to the gentleman or his
lady. 1t so happened that Senior Calderon
was not at home when bis visitor called, so.
leaving his carte de rtsite upon the passage
table, he turned to leave the house, just as
1: lady dressed for promenade was seen
coming down the front stairs. The priest
had already entered his carriage, when the
lady, who had read the name upon the carte
dc uisite, fastened to the front door and po-
litely requested him to return, for she would
be happy to have Il few moments converse
ton. He Immediately re entered the house
and found, to his great delight, that Nine.
Calderon de Ia Barca's desire WAS 70 make
some inquiries upon the subject OF religion.
For an hour OF more the interview lasted /;
the subject was to be continued on the NOR
row ut the priests residence. These con-
Sersations were followed by instructions,
learning the Catechism, and finally by Bap-
tism; Madame Calderon de IL Barca be-
came Catholic. Her name is in benedic
y
living, edited by her'enlightened piety, wi
Join the writer in pronouncing her praises
AS soon as she was deemed prepared for he
first communion, Nine. Calderon presented
herself with the humility of ch,ld. All
this time Senior Calderon knew nothing of
what was transpiring, or if he knew it, his
honor being given to silence, prevented him
from saying one word on the subject. How
much, however, must his heart rejoice, II M
is aware of these circumstances! HIS souls
4 L.. IL ttf,r,f Fl,
his wife; yet she is not Cathollc, and
more than tongue can tell Is contained II
that one word. One only joy on eartl
could be his which is not yet given, ant
that would be to see his wife a Catholic.
There is but one on earth now who un
derstands how his heart was set on tina
coveted possession.
Madame Calderon made her first commu
Mon, had breakfasted with the writer, ant
returned home happy as q bird. with Il hear
OVERLOOKING with joy and gratitude, to fine
her husband waiting for her to accompan.
him to table. 8" Well, Fanny, you hav'
taken an early drive this morning: hop'
you will enjoy your hreakfast.' ION, Cal
deron-Calderon-I have news for you
this day have made my first communion
Caldcron, l thank God, | am now Il Cath
Ole"
1t would not be possible to tell the joy o
that moment. Suffice tito say that his hap
pness was more than he could restrain. IL
take his loved wife to his bosom, and to tel
her, amid his tears of JOY for her conversion
and of gratitude to God for so great IL ia
vor, how much she had done for him by thi
step she had taken, to repeat over and over
Fanny, Fanny, what have you done
were some of the means whereby he CAV
expression to the great joy that was over
whelming him.
There was no more thought of breakfast
Like Il pleased child, as soon as he had toll
his wife some OF his happiness, he ran on
to the coacL!nau and directed him to brin