The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-10
ST. STEPHENS RoHlN CATHOLIC CHgICa.

BLESSING n Shrine-EloQucnt Sermon by
Father Mcguire, the Alteration OF tho
Virgio and tho Antiquity of the Catholic
Worship,
WASHINGTON Oct. Q, 1870
A very interesting ceremony, the blessing OF
shrine in honor Of the Virgin Mother OF God, took
place to-day at st. Stephens Roman Catholic Church
In this city. The shrine was erected on the right
side OF the altar, and contained beautiful marble
statuette Of the Virgin, crowned with a floral
wreath and surrounded with lighted tapers In
golden candelabras, shedding holy radiance upon
the figure. The church was densely crowded and
the most exemplary devotion was exhibited BY all
present.
THE BLESSING CEREMONY
commenced about halfpast ten O'Clock and only
lasted about eight minutes. Rev. Father McNally,
pastor OF the church, of1ciated Clothed with mag.
nincent sacerdota robes and attended by nine AGO
lytes he issued from the sacrsty, while the organ
and choir performed the beautiful hymn OF "salve
Regina" in tones OF purest harmony that
struck upon all ears with an effect thas carried
the mind neaVenward. Father McNally at the
sprnkng the shrine with holy water snd
kneeling before IT, with the acoytes arranged ON
sttute the whole ceremony, and ct It's conclusion
the pastor and acolytes Withdrew, rcappearmg In
lew moments TO celebrate the high mass.
SERMON BY FATHER MAGUIRR.
Gure Of st. 1oyslus Churcn, assembled the altar
ana preached an eloquent sermon. He said
s .na gu the glory we offer the Virgin
rebounds q God. She Is, in the language
OF the CHURCH, Just like the moon and
1uA - beautiful. The moon shines from the re-
aected spendor Of the sun, the Virgin from the
eplendor OF the Godhead. We worship God and
God alone. We pay relative respect TO men who
are higher IN the service Of the State and we pay
n0nor TO the Virgin because she Is the mother OF
God II you erect statues In ALI your public squares
AZ every part or the City You have me-
mentoes TO men who have done the
State some .servtce where Is the Christian who
WIN not feel delighted 70 honor the mother or his
heart II lover cherishes the picture OF some dear
one who Is absent or the mother sheds tear over
me relic oil her child who IN In heaven where il the
iIolary or superstition In cherishnQ the picture OF
nm VINO died upon the cross 70 save us, or
OF me Blessed Mother who bore Him to the
wori0Y Tne preacher here related An anecdotc
OF one formerly Presbyterian, now convert to
Catnonclty. He went from Pittsburg TO Oxford to
nnlhn MS collegiate course. There AFTER some In,
vestgauon OF Presbyterian tenets OF faith.
NE Ne looked into the Episcopal creed and
deemed II higher and nOtler Pnrsntn0
nus Investigations still further he iosned
tne catholic alth, which he conceived was the trne
goal Of his searching Returning 70 Pittsburo he was
discarded by all his relatives. Last year he lie
Nerea lecture on the Catacombe Of Rome whe;e he
! nau resided for four years. His leetmre was
Illustrated by charts. These Catacombs were the
.csoIt oi the early Christians FOR three hundred
yeAIs IN one OF these Illustrations was picture OF
ne virgin and child. Most OF our dissenting friends
10y 'la' inc early Christianity was or thai IRE Guar