Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1869-10-21
TAKING THE BLACK VEIL.

The Dridea Of the Holy Roma N CathO-
lio Church-A olems and Impr e ssiye
Scsne-pAs Follies Of the World
norssos - . Lifo OF DsvoaiOns
Manchester a. H. Correspondence Of tho Now
~-' York Sun.
On Saturday evening two young ladies,
Miss Mary Murphy (Sistsr Mary Xavier),
and Miss Mary Smith (Sister Mary Eliza
beth). received the white veil and habit of
tho order Mt the Convent of Mercy in this
place, from the hands of tho 1T. Rev.
David William Bacon, Bishop Of Portland.
assisted by the Rev. William Mcdonald,
and tho Rev. j. O'Brien, of this city.
On the following morning seven young
ladies' pronounced their solemn VOWS and
received the black veil from tho hands of
tho same prelate, in tho following order:
iigion will hsncoforth 10 Sister Marv No,a as
co. Miss Mary Cody (Sister Mary Xavier),
Miss Mary McQuad lsistor Mary Philomena
Aavier), Miss Mary Kelly (Sister Mary IT,
natius). Miss Josephine McConville (Sistor
Mary Gertrude). Miss Hattie E. Dix (Sister
Mary Madeline Xavicr), Miss Agnes Dixon
(Sister Mary Helena).
On Saturday evening the chapel was
tastefully decorated with profusion of
flowers andlights Vulnerable. At half-past
tho choir, which is composed entirely Of
nuns, commenced tho hymn 30 Glorioso.
At tho same time the procession entered
preceded by ono Of the young pupils of the
convent bearing the professional cross.
First came the white yelled novices, and
after them the protested, each carrying a
wax light. Passing slowly up tho aisle they
entered the choir, and took their respective
places on either side. Lastly came tho
young aspirants in their bridal attire. They
knelt in front of tho altar, and each recei, i
ed from the bishop lighted candle which
had been previously blessed. The bishop
mado few appropriate remarks, after
which each sspirant in turn demanded the
habit of the order. They then retired, &C
assistant. The ceremony of blessing the
religious dress Immediately followed.
In few minutes the postulants return
ed. During the retirement the lace and
orange blossoms we're exchanged for the
black habit Of the order. Approaching the
altar, each of the postulants received, with
the accustomed ceremonies and prayers,
the white veil, beads and cincture, and
church cloak. They then returned to the
centre Of the choir, where they prostrated
themselves. The Bishop recited the usual
prayers, and the choir sang the 'Veni Gre
ator." AT the close of the hymn they rose
aud remained standing while the newly re.
ceived approached the Lady Superior and
received her blessing, after which they re-
turned to their respective places. The
ceremony ended with tho benediction Of
the blessed sacrament, at the conclusion Of
which the religious left the chapel in the
same order as they entered.
No. 1 1,@A ~, -
illuminated, and filed with the relatives
and friends Of the candidates for profess
ion: At half-past the bishop, accompa'
MED by his assistants appeared on the al
evening. The seven novices knelt in thu
form Of semi. circle, in tho centre of thu
| choir. The ceremony began with thu
blessing of the wells and rings. Each nov
ice then approached the altar and demand
| ed to bo.received to the profession. Bish
op Bacon delivered brief but eloqucn,
discourse, after which the sacrifice of thu
mass commenced. At tho solemn part O
the service the bishop came down from
the altar with the ~ blessed sacrament
and, with the assistants ID. on : either
side, stood near the communion
rail. Each novice approached, pronounced
her vows. signed them, and after receiving
the holy communion. retired to her place
in the choir. The bishop then returned tt
the altar, and commenced the mass Tht
novices were then led ono by one to thu
lady superior, and kneeling before her, pre-
sented their VOWS, which were written or
vellum. They then approached the ALTA
again, and had the white veil removed
and replaced by the black veil. At the
same time the ring was placed upon the
finger. The novices then returned to the
centre Of the choir, and, prostratine
! themselves, remained motionless while
the re Det4ns was chanted by thu
choir. At the close of the chant they arose
and received the blessing of tho lady su
! perior. Tho tear stained faces in tho bod,
Of the chapel, a. the procession passet
from the edifice, presented striking con
trast to the solemn joy that beamed on tn,
| countenances of the newly professed.
On Sunday evening, Mrs. Holman ant
Miss Shore made their profession of faith
and were received in the church by tn
Rev. William Mcdonald. The ladies wcr
attired with great taats. and yet simplicity
in white Swiss dresses, tulle wells, an,
wreaths Of white flowers. The ceremon,
was exceedingly interesting. and the chape
was filed with spectators, among whom
! were many Protestants.