The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-05-08
Morning Star and Catholic Messenger.
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NEW oRLkAxs. SUNDAY. NAY Q. is...
Inc Conservation Of the Right Reverend
Napoleon Joseph Perche.

Sunday, the first Of May, was q day of
gladness for the Catholics of New Orleans.
Atan early hour, not only from the different
quarters of the City, but from the remotest
country parishes, the people flocked to the
old his. oric Cathedral to witness q cere-
mony, which though not novel within those
shadowy aisles, possessed for them on this
occasion q peculiar interest. One long
identified with them in their sorrows az
well as in their joys; one ever foremost in
the bloOdless contests Of patriotism and re-
igion one emphatically and pre- eminently
their own, was on that day elevated to the
highest order in the Church of God. Other
bishops we have seen consecrated; but they
were cOnsecrated ut q distance eithel1from
the flock they relinquished to other pastors
CT the Aock they were invested with this
high authority to guide. The rare pecu-
iarity Of Bishop Perche's conservation con-
sisted IN its being received in q Church
whose arches had often rung with the tones
Of his massive eloquence, and in presence
Of his own dock, BY whom for thirty years
he has been known and loved, honored and
revered. At frat, aware Of the learned
prelat.'s enfeebled health, and foreaeeing
the length of the ceremonies, we felt for q
few moments q deep and painful uneasi-
ness; but as the ceremonies progressed,
and emblem sitter emblem of episcopal au-
thority was conferred on this object of uni
versai choice, uneasiness gave Nay to more
buoyant sparita, and through the heart Of
that vest audience passed thrill OF Joyous
relief II was the lull Of tranquil, voiceless
happiness. ensuing upon fond expectations
realized.
< ofthe complicated ceremonies of the Mass
of Conservation it is not our purpose, nor
is it exactly in our line of business, to
speak neither will we attempt synopsis
of the sermons, which, from where we were
sitting, we could not hear distinctly enough
to justify us in giving an Analysis. All was
in perfect keeping with the central solem-
nifty of the day-the ceremonial vast strict
ly adhered to, and the sermons, though not
SO many regular discourses were the spon-
taneous gushings of the speakers joy and
congratulatiOn. For US, and for all pres
ent, we are sure, the point of attraction,
towards which all interest converged, was
that venerable form, looming up from time
to time against the lights and shadows Of
the sanctuary--alike unbent by age aud uu-
elated by honors. Taken all in all, Sunday
last was, as the Picayune truthfully observ-
ed, day Of proud rejoicing in which all par
ticipated. When, at the close of Mass, the
newiy-consecrated bishop rose to give his
solemn benediction, his voice was tremu-
4, Al
in many an eye. in that crowded church
giistened the tear of affectionate thankful
ness.
: Farewell, dear whole-souled Father
Perchei BY yOnr promotion to the ex-
allied dignity, which you will fifty grace,
we have lost a companion, but only to find
Father. The links of sacred friendship
are still unbroken, and moreover there is
that tie Of sympathy by which journalists
are bound to one another, which still abides.
We cannot close this nasty sketch with
out expressing the deep sense of gratitude
Of bishop, priests and people to the three
ilustEions prela,es, Bishops Rosecrans,
Feehan and Foley, who have hon"red us
with their presence, since to do so, they had
to leave their focks in pastures not any
healthier, perhaps, than ours, and brave
the terEors of climate, Mt this season of
the year, SO formidable to st,asge,s. But
sick ness never did have any terror t" daunt
the good priest.
ST. MIcHAELs CnURCu.-1his beautiful
little church, situated ON Annunciation
Square, is to be solemnly dedicated this
morning at 81 o'clock, by Rt. Rev. Bishop