The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-01-10
CHRISTMAS IN A CoNVENT.
impotina Ceremonies in the Convent OF the
Visitation, In washinRton-A Present
from King Charles X,-hiidnight Mass
A Solemn and Impressive scene-Fifiy


A Solemn and Impressive sccue-Finy
Years n Nun.
Cores pondence OF The Sun.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-0n Christmas Eve
left the busy and vexatous life in Washington CITY,
and BY invitation, went to the Convent Of the Vlsi.
taton, In Georgetown. The building Is nne one,
occupying entire square front, and told that
forty OF ground within the Convent walls form
a source Of pleasure and health 70 the inmates OF
this Institution.
While stood in the vestibule. waiting for admit
tance, panel Of the door of the Convent opened,
aud before me, as IL II wero in picture frame, the
face OF nun appeared II was so calm that one
could not refrain IRON the though-what peace thcro
must be within. without word the door was un-
bolted, and entered. A new world, n rest, n
refuge, a shelter from the storm It seemed but
only for those whose vocation calls them to seclu.
sion would lifetime be well and happily passed
here. q
AT l0H p. NJ I took seat In the ch,pel in front
OF tho altar, above which hung beautiful painting
presented to the Convent by Charles Y. 1t repre-.
sented our Saviour. At his feet sat Mary looking
conndingy into his face In attitude Of fixed atten.
tion. On side Martha stood questioning him
respecting the relative merit OF contemplatve and
active devotion. There was something IN the face
and figure OF our Lord that gave out soulstirring
influence and drew from the beholder yearnlngs for
the spirit OF holiness.
The chapel at this hour was nearly empty, only a
yeiled nun here ard there praying ana family seen
BY the dim light Of the sanctuary lamp. But behind
the grating that divided this chapel from another
the greater number Of the community were seated
yet the stiffness OF this holy riaec fell upon US like
sweet dream Of paradise, soothing and tranQ
the heart.
In a few moments thero arose from the inner
chapel the most touching music OF vocal prayer 1t
seemed as II choirs at distance took up and con-
tinued the strain, and then at further distance still
other choirs, until We could fancy they reached the
very gate OF heaven. The effect Of this chaat and
response was thrilling. This music continued I'LL IL
Then the sanctuary, beautifully adorned, became
dazzingly frightened by 100 candles OF wax lights,
and over the tabernacle appeared the simple name
OF Jesus in Jets OF gas.
The organ peled gloria, young girls In white
wells entered the chapel and nearly filed It, A holy
looking priest and his ASSISTANTS, who had come
from the college near began the midnight mass and
reminded US Of those who were first allowed to
adore the infant Saviour.
In the grating that divided the chapel there was a
small open window. At the close Of the mass a
curtain was drawn back from 1t, and one by one the
nuns 20 or So knelt at the open space, and received
from tho priest holy communion while at distance
SSuS VI ehN NotnhuhiAs oahS hyuu VI pThlse IL
was bctutful scene Of devotion, and was calcu-
lated to elevate the soul.
The mass over, with the greatest dceorum this
household. many In number, glided noiselessly to
their apartments for rest and sleep. scarcely
!ooistep WAS heard, so lightly did they tread.
The following day gathered some Interesting
hc!s OF the Academy attached to the convent and
hope my friends who so Hospitality received me
Christmas Eve will not consider 1t breach OF con-
fdence II ] repeat them. The convent at George
town was founded in 1913. and for more than half
century has sustained In its academy reputation
Of isl2 1t suffered grieyously, and became so much
aud labor to sustain IT,
some Of nuns yet hve in the convent who have
bal their my years Jubilee C51 years In the
Order, ard were among those who at that time
bishops coats, and whatever articles in linen
or cotton the house required; the good Mother
Teresa teaching herself tho art Of dyeing TO
adoru the sanctuary with carpet OF their own
making aud Jog the nuns In working in
dy,d by her own skin and taste. This carpet, twen
y or thirty feet square. was pronounced beautiful
by every one who saw II. For All souls Day, day
10 the Catholic Church when the souls OF the depart
ed nom the beginning arc prayed for. they wove
black carpet, and upon II, In white WOOL embroider
cd cross bones and skulls in every direction,
cury in their minds, no doubt, that with such
oems before their eyes, the poor departed could not
| be forgotten, even by the most worldly minded
with truly heroic acts ofseltdenal these exemplary
women braved the storms Of aIyersity and war, and
four Of them now past 10 are grateful witnesses Of
the reward OF such piey, for building that occupies
| an entire square, and several stories high. has
arisen from the ashes Of the humble dwelling FIRST
founded ana 10 the small enclosure has been added
| forty acres OF beautifully laid out grounds.
From the commencement, this convent has been
noted for the large number OF accomplished and re.
| tned women who nom the highest circles in the
states lett the outer World and became members OF
the Order OF the Visitation. Among those who are
yet living and though over 70 still in full vgor Of
intellect and imparting knowledge, s the daughter OF
| the distinguished Commodore Jones of the Amer-
can Navy. Her knowledge at that time Gay years
snce) Of some OF the modern languages, In which
| she spoke fuebtly and her otherwise refined cu-
ture, rendered her q valuable acquisition to the
Academy, which already was patronized by the
l'ading families, Protestant and Catholic, account
| Of the high tone Of It's educational advantages to
pupils. -, ,
now within its walls. many members whose quaiin.
cations, birth ana education have kept this insttu.
ton one OF superiority, and have sent forth from 1t
women from year to year who have adorned and
benefited society. A few recall from the faQi.
lies OF Judge Gaston, the Carols, Livingstons, de
Blanc, niece OF Secretary Seward, Harriet Lane,
| holy Cross Mrs. Dougas the daughters OF Madame
Burtinstu, Mrs. Martin, head OF female college 10
Tennessee; Mrs. Admiral Dahlgren, Mrs. General
sherman, the dang hters OF Gen Butler and Admiral
Porter, Mrs. McMasters, now OF New York, one of
| the most gifted among the pupils, and crowd Of
others equally distinguished as accomplished, useful
women In society. There are at present In the Aca-
deny many OF the daughters Of our best families OF
the North and South.
Since the time Of Quincy Adams II has been the
custom for the President to place upon the yctors
crowns OF inertia favor fully appreciated by the
young ladies'. Long may this convent and its AGA
deny remain an honor and a credit TO our country,
and many may there be of the returns OF Christmas
midnight mass In their little chapel VISITOR.