The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-12-11
Morning Star and CathoDc Messenger.
8 aEWsoRLEAHs. SUNDAY. DECEMBER II. 1870.
Ths Feast Of the Inmaoul.ts Conception.

legend exists with regard, if not to the
institution, yet, at least, to the introduce
klon INTO En- gland, of one of the festivals in
nonor OF the Holy Mother of God, which
mas special Interest to us at this time.
Other festivals have been ordained By the
Church as testimonials of her gratitude for
great deliveranGes; but there is this peculi-
arlty attached to the festival Of the Inn
maculate Conception, that, if we may trust
tne legends concerning it-and that we are
ABOUT to give rests on no less authority
snan the great st: Anselm, who relates it
sftime-heayen itself took part in the propa-
CATION OF this devotion, and the appoint
ment OF its holiday and Office.
England was but newly subject to the
Norman conqueror; and the rapidity with
which he had seized possession ofthe island,
mo less than the firmness with which he re-
Z tanned 1t in his grasp, excited the rage and
jealousy of some Of its former masters.
The Danes had not forgotten that they too
nad prior claim of conquest /; and, con-
sldering themselves stripped of their law
iul heritage by the new intruders, they
TOOK secret measures for repossessing
themselves of their former power in the
land, and commenced the equipment of a
considerable feet, with which they pur-
posed descending on the eastern coasts.
Their preparations, however, were not con-
Quoted with such secrecy but that they
reached the ears of William; and he de-
termined to despatch an embassy to the
Danish court, for the purpose both of
treating with them on favorable terms,
AID OF ascertaining the truth of the rumors
which had reached him. The person
CHOSEN for this mission was the Abbot Hell
sinus, man of great sagacity, formerly of
che monastery of Rheims, but who had fol-
lowed William into England, and enjoyed
no email share of his confidence. He ac-
nitted himself of his charge with the skill
end discretion that might have been ex-
pected from his reputation and, after a
short stay at the Danish court, he prepared
TO return to England, and set out for that
purpose In one of the small and ill-con-
structed vessels of the period. Aud if we
look at the prints representing those YES
sells, whatever we may think of the naval
skill OF these men, it certainly raises our
IDEAS OF the courage they exhibited in
crossing vast seas in such extraordinary
constructions. We are puzzled, as we gaze
at such representations, to think how they
could have got along at all, where all the
men could have been slowed away, and
how it was that the masts, top-heavy with
their towers and garrisOns of soldiers, did
not tumble about the ears of the luckless
crew. And if such machines seem danger
GUS to our notions even in fair weather, we
need not be surprised if, at the approach
of tempest. there was seldom much hope
OF escape from winds and waves; SO that
when the crew were Christian they
Oftener had recourse to their prayers than
to their oars.
Such chance befell the vessel which
was bearing Helsinus back to the shores of
England. He had already accomplished
the greater part of the voyage, when there
arose q mighty contrary wind, and the
waters were agitated by a violent storm.
The sailors were exhausted with fatigue,
the oars were broken, the ropes torn in
pieces, the sails flying in strips, and all on
board gave themselves up to despair,
looking for nothing else tbanto be speedily
swallowed up in the foaming waves that
tossed their clumsy vessel to and fro like a
helpless log, and so to use the language of
the golden legend, in which the story has
been inserted by Blessed James of Vora-
CINE, "no longer being able to look for the
but for that of their souls, recommending
themselves, with great clamoring, to God
and the Blessed Virgin, the refuge of the
unfortunate and distressed" Suddenly
there was great cry from one of the
sailors; something was coming over the
waters towards the laundering vessel. 1t
was neither ship nor boat, but, as they
caught glimpses of it through the binding
rain and the thick darkness, occasionally
illuminated only by the glariIg lightning,
it seemed to have the likeness of man
walking on the pillows, as quietly and
calmly as though they were soft and YER
dant lawn. As he drew nearer they OBJ
served that he was clad il pontifical habits
and had a grave and venerable aspect. He
came close up to the ship, still treading on
the sea as it ragged about him, with a firm
and mistaken step; and when he was SO
near that they could discern the very
sparkling of his eye and the waving of his
snowy beard, his voice was heard, clear
and sonorous, above the tumult of the wa
tiers, as he babe Helsinus fear nothing, but
come to him where he stood. The abbot
was q man of faith, as well as sagacity; he
threw himself from the side of the vessel
without a moments hesitation, and, borne
up on the surface of the water, boldly APP
preached the spot where the heavenly mes
senger awaited him.
Helsinus," he said again, and his voice
sounded soft and sweet amidst the jar OF
angry elements, do you desire to escape
the horrors of shipwreck, and return safe
and unhurt to your country I"
'sThat indeed do desire right heartily"
replied the abbot; "but methinks there are
small hopes that may do So"
"There are no hopes if you trust to your
sails and oars" said the stranger; but
know that am sent to you by my sover-
eign lady, tho ever-blessed Mary, Mother
of God, whose help you have implored with
so much fervor and devotion and if you
will do even as bid you, both you and
your companions shall escape the danger
which now threatens you"
"I know not, good father, what you may
nrescrihe - answered Helsinus: " but if