The Portland daily press., 1871-08-21
Archhishan m.nI..,,x


The distinguished Archbishop McClosky. OF
New York, has been soiournipg in our city for
week or SO, visiting Bishop Bacon at the Ro-
man episcopal residence, and as it was an
nounced that he would probably preach on
SUNDAY large congregation was present at
tne catholic Cathedral yesterday morning.
some additional preparation had been made as
to ornamentation and music suited to the high
ecclesiastical rank of the distinguished pre-
late. A Roman throne, consisting OF square
| canopy and back of crimson velvet trimmed
with gold lace, had ieen erected on the right
of the grand altar. A large crimson chair was
placed thereon, which was occupied by the
Archbishop, and at his side were two other
chairs which were taken by Father McTeirney,
the Secretary to the Archbishop, and by
Father insolvency, of this city, as supporters.
After the Kyrie had been sung, and other intro
ductory service intoDed by Father Bradley as
celebrant, the venerable Archbishop assembled
the pulpit and read the portion of the Gospel
for the day, being the first chapter of st. Luke,
46th to the 5Oth verses, "And Mary said my
soul doth mag Nifty the Lord" etc.
Among the festivals of the church there are
few more interesting than that OF the Anunci-
alton of the Virgin Mary. 1t isl the first privi-
lege of the church to give honor and reverence
to the Eternal Farther through Jesus Christ
his son. And another and secondary form of
doing this is to honor the angels and saints in
Heaven and on earth; and one of greatest OF
these is Mary mother of Christ, who is wreathed
with greatest honor on the highest seats above
-tha Oman IF obapu nd of
This festival which is upon us has come down
by an unbroken tradition from the days OF
Christ, and the church has blessed it, ever
bearing in mind the sweet prophecy, calling
her blessed among women, of whom should be
born the Savior of mankind. Foretold by
prophets, and blessed by holy men when she
appeared in the temple with the child Jesus, it
does not derogate from the greatness of Christ.
to honor his mother Mary, with whom he is 80
nearly connected. Some of the prerogatives of
Mary SO miraculously associated with the CO.
eternal son were here alluded to. She has
been spoken of as the soil of benediction, the
fruitful branch of Jesse, bringing forth the
flower OF mans salvation, and as the mild au-
roral light whose gentle beams should usher in
the sun of justice. And when the time OF
prophecy ended in fruition, an arcbangel ap-
peared to the humble maiden in her cottage in
Nazareth and said, "Hail, Mary, full of grace,
blessed art thou to become the mother of the
Christ" What must have been her joyful
emotions atIthis wondrous annunciation. Can
such an one be brought down to the rank OF
ordinary women? Will Christ ever say in
Heaven that we derogate from his glory by
thus honoring his virgin mother? Do we not
ask our priests or human friends to pray for
US in this world, and is it wrong to implore
such an one as Mary, the Queen of angels, the
very mother, to intercede in our behalf in
Heaven. All the veneration we give to her is
given to Him.. The venerable and holy Simeon
made prophecy to Mary on the birth of Jesus
that cruel sword of grief her heart should
peirce. And was it not too we'll fulfilled.
Then fly for the intercessioH of sinners, your
refuge in sorrow or joy, to the Blessed Virgin.
Let her be your protection, the guardian of
your hresldes, the blessed mother in Heaven
for your children. And at last, when death
shall come to you each, let your last act be to
pray for the ever blessed intercession of Jesus
and Mary. a. ef's moo Re
The discourse was an enthusiastic adulation
of the immaculate character of the Virgin
Mary from the standpoint of the Catholic
branch of the Christian church. In the course
of the sermon he paid high compliment to
the splendor of this church.
Alter the discourse the Mass was proceeded
with, and the musical portion of it was the ar
rangements of Generals in Eb with the Ace
Maria of Cherulini sung by Miss Barker. Messrs
Howard and Coffin sung the tenor and bass
solo parts, being the same selections that were
sung on last Christmas. 49, .a..i s-l4z-7
The Archbishop is tai, spare man in size, !,
with an modest kindly bearing, and he spoke
clearly and with eloquence. He is said to be
a very pleasant gentleman socially, end he ex-
presses himself as pleased with our situation,
and he will remain here short time longer
Vesper services was held in the Cathedral at
nalf-past ia the evening, at which the Arch.
bishop was present The church was crowded.
The high altar was gorgeous with lights and |
he thousand burners which illuminated the |
lave and aisles of the vast edifice gave bril- |
fancy to the scene that was almost overpower- |
ng, and the rapt devotion of the worshippers |
ave an awful solemnity to the hour The |
music was very elaborate, and hushed the |
lenses Of the audience to wonderful repose
Among the selections was Cherubini's Aue
Maria, sung with unusual effect by Miss Bar
ker, o, Salutdris, (Stearns) bass solo by Mr..
Coffin, Idntuna Ergo in unison by full choir,
TWO German chorals, SdlUa Regina (chorus)
and a Mdgntfcat from Mozart's 18th Mass.