The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-02-20

HANDSOME CRuCIFlxn STOLEN IN Mexico
PRESENTED TO THE CHURCH IN New YoRK.-
The Sisters Of Charity at st. Joseph's school,
Sixth avenue, near Waverly place, New York,
have lately received through Senator Michael
Norton q magnificent crucifx presented by
Messrs Algernon s. Sullivan and Thomas
Bracken. The crucifx is remarkable as well
as valuable, both as q work Of art and ON &C
count of its peculiar and somewhat romantic
history. The CROSS is of ebony, two feet and
six inches in length from the top to the bottom
of the upright. The figure of the Saviour is
of iron, and some eighteen or twenty inches in
height. 1t is in good state of preservation,
and is remarkably accurate in the delineation
of the anatomy of the figure. It is altogether
IN evidence of rare skill and workmanship,
and as a specimen of art, is, perhaps, not
equalled by any thing of it's kind anywhere.
In regard to its history, much of it as is
knswn will be found detailed in the following
letter, which accompanied the crucifx when
transmitted to Senator Norton:
NEW YORK, Christmas, 1869.
Hon. Michael Norton:
Dear Sir-With this note send you q crucifx
of unusual size, in ivory. AS o work of art it
admirable. Its history is interesting: A
French zouave in Vera Cruz, sold it to
gentleman VINO was returning 20 CDl6 country.
The zouave had been at the siege of Pueblo,
and when the city was captured one of the
places sacked was large convent building,
the home Of Sisters of Charity. It was pleaded
in Justification of this act, that the Mexicans
had occupied the building fertilization,
and the victors first pillaged and then de-
stroyed it.. Among the articles carried off was
this crucihx, which bad been on the altar of
the convent chapel AS well as can learn the
establishment was broken up and the sisters
were scattered to find shelter individually
wherever they could. If they still remained
we'll as duty, to restore to them their proper
ty. AS that is not practicable, the most Just
view of the case is that this crucifixion image
of our blessed Lord, having been consecrated
Christians, in n sense belongs to their Church
everywhere. To have obtained possession of
it is simply to have become q trustee to give it
back to it's true owners.
am pleased that l write this on this
Christmas morning, when, as trust, there are
none of any sect or creed who would be reluc-
tant in any act or word expressive of the
charity and brotherhood which should char
acterize-aH who have knowledge of our holy
religion. have known of the deep interest
you take in some Catholic institutions in the
district where we both reside, and particularly
in institutions for tile benefit of the sick and
poor, fnder the supervision of Sisters of
Charity. AS am not acquainted with those
who are at the head of these societies, / hope
it will be agreeable to you to transfer this
discretion.
My friend, Mr.. Thomas Bracken, who, con-
jointly with me, owns the crucitiX, was entitled
to join in this act of restoration, which he
heartily approved He insisted on leaving it
to me a single pleasure, but would not be
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALGERNON S. SULLIVAN.