The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-12-18
Msrning Star and Catholic Messenger.
Exw ORLEANS, SUNDAY. DECENBER 10. ,is1o.
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NJ RECEPTION OF AN nIsH FLAG,


Sunday, the 18th of December. They pro-
ceeded in body, together with invited
guests from the Sother Branches, to the
schooihouse of the Rev. Father kenny, on
Erato street, where the flag was, presented
by Miss Gibney, acting for Mrs. B. Finne-
gan, who supervised the table at which it
was voted for. Father Kenny first adj
dressed the assemblage, giving them some
salutary advice, after which Miss Gibney
presented O beautiful wreath and two
charming bouquets to the Association, In
then presented the flag in that modest and
becoming manner SO characteristic of the
Irish maiden.
After receiving it the Association re-
formed, and serenaded the Rev. Father
Kenny, Miss Nolan, the donor Of beaut-
full wreath on taseir last anniversary, Mrs.
B. Finnegan and Miss Gibney, our we'll
known townsman John O'Neill, and the
various newspaper Offices, after which they
-disbapded. a'af .ss''4 ~
Mr.. John McPhelin, Oh receiving the flag
in behalf Of the Association, made the fol-
lowing remarks:
Req. Father, Miss Gibney and Ladies'
Upon my unworthy person has devolved
hands this beautiful silken flag; and in
doing SO my only regret is that a more fit
ting and deserving agent has not been
chosen by the Society to which have the
honor of belonging. But although capa-
city may be lacking, believe me my feel
ings are none the less sincere than if ex-
pressed by the most eloquent tongue in the
most glowing language, and 1 hope that
my intention will be taken az a token of
what I fain would say did L but possess the
SO zealously in the cause of charity, whose
1ntiripg and self-deDyiDg zeal have drawn
forth from the fair such o bounteous har-
vest for the noble work of the Rev. Father
Kenny, and whose beaming eyes and
smiling faces have added life and beauty to
the surrounding throng, debt of gratitude
is surely due, and in behalf of my fellow
members, in the name of charity, Of Chris
tain education, and OF all who admire
purity of character and integrity of pur-
pose, 1 tender you my sincere and heartfelt
thanks.
And to Miss Gibney, who has so faith
fully presided at the ballot-box, and en-
HANGED by her fair presence the beauty of
the flag, have but to wish that the spot
less purity of her character may ever re-
main fresh and unsullied as the beautiful
bouquet which hold in my hand, and may
she, as to day, be ever the embodiment of
a truly modest and charitable woman. To
Mrs. B. Finnegan, and the ladies who so
ably seconded her efforts, can but say
that th0y have proven themselves worthy
of their well-knOwn character for charity
and benevoIence.
To our brethren of Branch No. 5 but re-
!. echo the feelings of every members heart
when tell them that we stand not here
to-tlay as enemies or rivals triumphing
overs the vanQuished, but as friends and
@rr,fj IL, Va fnr he Ha NOT
with rancor in our hearts, not to secure
honors for ourselves at the expense of our
brethren, but purely to aid the cause of
charity. Formed as we are for the purpose
OF charity aud benevolence-to cheer the
dropping hearts of the sorrowing widow
and helpless orphan-sto extend the hand
of fellowship and brotherly love to our
suffering companions when in need, we
have not in this contest lost sight of those
primary objects, nor of the fact that the
members of No. are co-workers in the
same glorious cause.
Competition was invited, the treasury of
the fair required filing, we accepted the
offer of friendly rivalry from Branch No. 5,
we met them in their own parish-and we
Won. But, gentlemen, though justly proud
of our triumph and of the beautiful trophy
which we have secured, we are just as proud
of our honored competitors. A sister
Branch, younger in years and still younger
in numbers, has succumbed to the superior
least three times as many as themselves
and were the result different we should be
ashamed of ourselves. Aud believe me,
gentlemen, that although proud of the
honors conferred upon to-day by the
receipt of this handsome flag, we would be
none the less SO although fortune had
smiled upon our honored brethren of
Branch No. S, and should occasion ever
offer, we shall but be too happy to testify
by actions what l can now but express in
words. Let ns then, gentleme6, always
endeavor to cultivate towards each other a
feeling of charity apd brother1y-1ove, ami
mated as one man with desire to dc good
to our fellows; and believe me, gentlemen,
that organization which, three short years
ago, numbered but one Branch, and now
counts in it's ranks seven distinct bodies,
shall continue to increase in numbers and
usefulness, until it commands the respect
and admiration of the entire community.
And now, fellow members of Branch No.
1, into your keeping l commit this flag.
Guard it as a maiden would her sacred
honor; cherish it as mother would an
only child; cling to it as the ivy to the
Wondering tower. Not for it's intrinsic
worth, not for the beauty of it's folds or the
exquisite workmanship that adorns it's
centre, but for the dear, and honored, and
grand old associations that cluster around
it. The folds of that flag, or those that
stood beneath it, never knew dishonor.
TITS the connecting link that binds us to
the glorious past of our poor, down -trodden