The New York herald., 1870-03-07
ST. PATRiCk'S CATHEDRAL.

opening OF the QuarRnt Ore-Dctails Of the
Observation-Disclosures in the Minority, but
Little OF Ii Appreciased-A Sweet Organ
ard Cultivated Voices in RivaIry-The Sac.
ramentai Procession, Prayers and Sermon.
That singulary beautiful device OF modern piety
and Catholic devotion known in continental Europe
as the "Quarant Ore" and among English speaking
people as the Forty Hours Alteration" was COM
menced yesterday with becoming pomp in ST. Pat
rck's Cathedral. The church waslquickly filed and
the congregation took deep interest III the proceed
lngs. The altar was tastefully decorated with now
ers and judicious admixture OF evergreens
and the sanctuary was ablaze with light,
the candelabra being arranged so as to produce
fine effect. The cathedral might be said to have
Invested itself or its usual sombre appearance to
have put on holiday garb. did not the mourning
robes worn by priests In the Lenten ceremonial for-
bid the idea OF gladsome celebration.
The church was crowded al every point before the
celebration. and the demeanor Of the congregation
was eminenrly plous and edifying. the world was
there, doubt. IL there In men representative
OF wealth. substance lid ssst Ia tbi3 city, and tt
expcnsveness than for style or effect The
vast body OF the congregation were well
weather. the day not inviting bright cOlors or gaudy
plumes; or 1t may have been the austere spirit OF
the Lenten season. 1t did not seem likely that 1t
was caused by any criticism OF the HERALD because
The HERALD IL ever foremost in the cause OF human
liberty IN every direction up to the point OF duty
The absence OF any outrageous ebutlons OF fashion
was however, marked feature Of the kneellng
auditory The sprnklng Of styllshness which seated
itself prettily and costly In the comfortable pews
was, therefore, agreeable relief to the eye and the
feelings Indeed the young ladies' still In their teens
IN gray and tartan popllns, IN three lounces. and
sleeves, the panier with frill, the bow behind and
the cultivated gait, seemed totally unaware that
they attracted any undue amount OF attention. The
interest Of the worshippers did not, however evi-
IDENTITY centre IN INDIVIDUALS AS mucn as might be
II was devoted to the objects and spirit OF the cere
manlal The trustees OF the church, with the lady
members OF their families mustered in strong force
uney n are are at cre; present ex,Snenn John Kelly Kelly
ney DR.. James O'kourke, p. Lynch j. Mckeon and
r Hogan.
At haf-past ten O'Clock the Very Rev. DR.. Stars
V. e., richly robed in purple, gold and fine linen,
commenced the high mass, attended by the Rev. Or.
McSweeny as deacon and the Rev. Dr. Mckeen as
suDdeacon. The Rev. Mr. Kearney, master OF
ceremonies, displayed thorough and tasteful
knowledge OF the rubrcs and considerable talent as
an organizer. The choir sustained the high charac-
ter 1t has attained under the direction OF Mr.. Gus
tavus Schmitz Mercadantcs grand mass In nat
was rendered IN nth the nappest nap style. the singers
nor cipher. SO the Kgie IN Its pathetic
melody ana sonorous suppcatlon induced that
sweet, solemn stiffness which, IN crowo,
adds so much TO the intensity and fervOr Of PRAYER.
It's performance was The work OF Madame Chome
soprano; Mrs. Werner, Alto; Mr.. II. Schmltz tenor
and Mr. A. Sohst. passo The accompaniment by Mr.
G. Schmtz. At the ofrertory Fac et l)ortenl. from
Rossini's Stooat Mater, was given as a solo, by
highest admiration and was pronounced one of the
best efforts Of this gifted singing olrd. AT the Eeya
ton MIR. H. S0lst basso, rendered Panseron's
SaldtartS In q manner at once mastery and ma
esIc. At the CONCLUSION oil mass the Of priests
IN rlch vestments, headed by the Rev. Dr. STAIRS
and preceded Dy long double 1le of youthful AGO.
ytes in white surplces and bearing lighted candles
formed themselves into o procession and marched
soemnly through the dlmly lighted asles OF the
church, while the organ pealed forth the solemn
notes and the choir gave harmonious utterance to
the burning words OF the PanOe Ltsg,td. 1t was q
simple procession, relieved by little out the swing
ing Of silver censers and clouds Of fragrant incense.
Yet except that no young maidens cast fresh smell
ing mowers in its path and smilingy paid the nom.
age Of their love and hope and truth, 1t was such
scene as made the logical ana cynical Dider0t
declare that he never Witnessed II without becOm.
ing "Chr1stlan In his hearth The blessed sacra-
ment was next placed upon high throne,
Where surrounded by the adornment OF flowers and
py brilliant Illumination, it will remain for adora-
ton until Tuesday NJ midday, when 10 Will be re.
moved with similar Solenlnity.
The sermon was by the Rev. Mr.. Monroe OF the
Society OF Jesus. lie preached from st. Matthew
w., LII, In which are related the temptations OF
Christ In the desert. He applied the text 10 snow
ing that the soul required to be nourished as well "a
the body. Both should nave their proper nourlsh-
ment-that Of the soul being prayer the Word ana
the Holy Eucharist. The Church was pointed at as a
tyrant because she called on her child TO nationally
last and abstain. He challenged the world to point
out tue victims OF fasting, while IN the streets. in
miserable, wasted physical frames, and IN the nospi-
tails. by disease OF every FORM the worlds votarles
were suffering the consequences OF excess.