The New York herald., 1871-03-26
THE PRIESTHOOD.

Three Converts to Cathoilcity Ordained
Priests Mt the Church of Sc. Paul tho Apos-
tle-Archbishop McClOskcy Omciating-Im-
pressive Ceremonies.
At nine O'Clock yesterday morning the spacious
edce Of the Paulist Fathers at the corner OF Ninth
avenue and F1fty-ninth street, was thronged by
concourse OF people, not only from that parish but
from all parts Of the CITY, to behold the sublime
mony Of ordination to the priesthood. Many OF the
postulants friends. as well as persons OF other
creeds, were mingled with the congregation SO that
the aisles and passageways were crowded.
THE SCENE ON ENTERING
was pleasing one. The rich paintings around the
high altar and the pictures OF the stations shot forth
new beauties under the influence OF numerous wax
candles which blazed on the altar among vases OF
costly flowers. The organ at the same time pealed
an anthem which the choir chanted In concert in
honor Of the Blessed virgn 1t being the feast Of
annunciation. The names OF
THE CANDIDATES
for ordination are Benjamin D. Hill, G. NJ Searle
and w. lgnatius Dwyer. Mr.. Hill enative OF Eng
land, where he was born and trained in the Protes-
tant faith. He has been convert for several years.
Mr.. Searle Is q graduate OF Harvard College and
was subsequently professor in one Of our naval
academies. He became convert to Catholicism
about ten years ago. Mr.. Dwyer grew up an adhe-
candidate for orders in that Church lot long before
his conversion. Messrs. O'Connor;and Campbell, Of
the Society OF Jesus presented themselves for the
reception of minor orders.
AT the appointed hour the tolling Of the sanctuary
bell announced that the ceremonies were about to
commence. From the vestry the procession entered
the church In the following order:-The youths who
ana Fathers, the Jesuit Father P. F. x Dealy and
Father Monroe, the applicants for minor ORDERS the
candidates for priesthood and his Grace Archbishop
Archbishop, having put on the vestments before the
altar began to celebrate mass. The postulants
cessioniss were ranged round the sanctuary.
After the introit the Archbishop robsd
facing the %nen Father HsassT
presented Messrs. Campbell and O'Uonnor. The
usual ceremony was repeated. and the minor orders
were successfully conferred on them. Then the
three deac0ns advanced little, and Father Hecker
addressed his Grace, saying:-''Our holy mother,
the Church, requests you to advance these deacons
THE OFFICE OF PRIESTHOOD"
uas S s nd ya
afirmative reply said, "Deo 0,atias5 Then accord
ing to TIE ancient custom. he demanded II any one
for the glory Of God they might advance and declare
1t. A prayer was then offered and the mass was
peated prayers for and blessings on, the deacons.
After the Archbishop had imposed hands upon the
deacons heads every priest present approac he'd
them and placed his hands on them in the same
manner. This ceremony ana the scene when the
deacons prostrated themselves formed O truly
TOUCHING SPECTACLE.
The deacons repeated the words Of the canon Of
the mass simultaneously with the celebrant, and
after the "DOnltnte non sum dtQnuS,n for the first
time In their lives, they received the blessed Sacra
ment under both forms. The Archbishop, turning to
the posulants and casting their stoles about both
shoulders OF each, said:-"Receive the yoke Of the
Lord, for His yoke is sweet and His burden ight.n
Then placing the chasuble on each one he ex-
claimed:Receivet the power OF Oierlng the sacrifice
Of the mass for the living and the dead" And
shortly afterwards ne placed his hands again upon
their respective heads and cried OUT
"RECETvE THE HOLY GHOST;
whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgivenn The
whole congregation received HIS Grace's bless.
Ing, and at the close OF the mass he
addressed the newly ordained priests, "Do
you promise obedience to me and to my
successorsY' Whereto they answered, II promise
IT." The long and impressive rites were then
brought to a close by s0ul-stirring appeal to the
priests TO consider seriously the awful responsibility
resting upon them, and to live sObery and well in
the way Of truth and justice. The usual crush OBJ
tain the first blessing Of the priests was made the
part OF the congregation: In fact throughout the
entire ceremony somewhat medieval enthusiasm
and religious delight seemed to be impressed on the
members OF the congregation. The priests were
subsequently congratulated by hosts Of fren1s.