The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-10-02
ICOmmunlcated.J
Reception Of Bishop Martin at Natchitoches.

On Saturday morning, the 9th inst, the
clear and beautiful voice of the bell OF
Mary immaculate, the new and splendid
bell of the Cathedral, breaking the long
silence of a whole week, announced to this
community the glad tidings of good news
that were subject of joy to all the people
The distinguished chief pastor of the dio
cese, our venerated and beloved bishop
had made his entrance into his cpl. copal
eligible good shepherd at last had returned
to his flock.
On Sunday morning the solemn cere-
monies prescribed by the Church herself
for the reception of her prelatcs, on the
occasion of their return to their diocese,
took place at the Cathedral. The process
sion left the bishops residence at % o'clock.
At the door of the Cathedral, the Right
Rev. Bishop received holy water, and
sprinkled the clergy and people. Then
the Right Rev. Bishop, from his chair, lis
tened to the address of welcome, which
was delivered by the Very Rev. F. De-
charry, who spoke as follows:
'H0nseiyneur and Beloved Father-For
Notwithstanding children, the return of
a father after long absence is always a
subject of great joy. But special circum-
stances add to certain arrivals many other
titles to special rejoicings. Such is, beloved
seigneur, your return III our midst.
When you left your diocese, about
year ago, to meet in the Eternal City, under
the presidency of the Holy Father, your
brethren in the episcopacy, our pastors
from all parts of the world, we well knew
what you would be there; your noble con-
duct at the Vatican has surprised no one
here your friends have never doubted
you and too we'll did your enemies know
that you are not to be won over to any
faction, whatever the fame and number of
its adherents.
Monseigneur, your clergy will always be
proud to obey you, for in you they recog-
nize II devoted son of the Catholic, that il,
the Roman Church, ut the same time that
they venerate in you the episcopal dignity
and the high qualities that have rendered
you worthy of it. Blessed, then, be he
who returns to us in the name Of the Lord.
Blessed be also in the name of Our Lord
and Mary immaculate that noble pllalauX
who has followed you in the land of exile
They have left their country-aid what
country to consec,ate themselves among
us to the service of our Lord, in the labors
and privatious OF the holy ministry. Oh,
my young brothers from France, welcome
receive our wishes of happpesss-bright
may your crown be in Heaven bright as
your bishop's-as that of the glorious Pom
tiff of Mary immaculate.
"Monseigneur- 1t is not myivoice your
people wish to hear on this day. 1t is time
should put an end to this address. But
before, l must deposit at your venerated
feet the homage OF our profound gratitude,
for your paternal friendship towards your
clergy, your charity towards the poor and
lowly, your zeal for the welfare of all. But
especially permit us to express our admira-
ton for the services you have rendered to |
the Holy Catholic Church at the Vatican !
Council. Though we are not to speak of |
tnem, We know them, the Church knows |
them, they are engraved in our hearts, we !
can never forget them.
May our Lord grant you the years of
Piux TX, as it is the fervent prayer of the
whole Church that this great Pontiff should
see the years of Peter, and as many more
as, God willing, may add to the glory of
His crown in Heaven"
The address concluded, for some mo-
ments the deepest silence pervaded the
Cathedral. Then the bishop answered, and
was listened to throughout with eager and
breathless attention. trust it may not be
Found presumptuous In one of the lambs of
The flock to attempt, for the sake OF those
Who were deprived of the great privilege
of being Treseht on the happy occasion, to
ofier an Imperfect sketch of the bishops
touching and beautiful sentiments
He was happy to be once more in the
midst of his dear children. He had for ,
ome time ardently l0nged TO return to his |
liOcese. but was happy to say that this de- {
ire had not been quickened by .any unto IT
yard events that had happened since his r
departure. No, thanks To C cd the nrayi- :
ion be lad made before leaving for the y
God government of his diocese during his s
bsence lad not disappointed his hopes
The venerated priest to whom he had
iven temporary charge of his diocese had h