The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-11-12
Catholic "reminiscences Connie = with St Patrick's
Parish, Waso I'd.

"1o the Editor Of tho Waterford Citizen
1t Is handed down by tradition in Waterford
that some ninety years ago, when St. Pa
tricks parish was cared for by the Jesuits,
one of them was asked to attend q mar,
who was represented to be in dying state.
Accompanied by the young man who gave
the sick call, the good priest went imme-
diately to attend it. They soon reached
the old dilapidated house in which the sick
man was, and then the guide, apprehend-
ing that the priest had some misgivings
about the safety of the stairs, encouraged
him by telling him that they werc quite
secure. He found them to be SO, for they
felt quite as firm under his feet as if the
house were lately built. 1t was in the gar
ret Of this old house that he found the in
valid-a poor dying Indian. He lay on the
-hoor-no bed mo covering; vessel of cold
water was the only comfort he had. The
young man who acted as guide having sud
rogated the sick man as to his malady and
the circumstances which led to his present
deso]ate condition but the Indian, not
understanding him, began to articulate in
his own language.
49," How wonderful the Providence of God!
The priest who spoke to him understood
his language, for he was once missionary
in the country where that language was
spokens and the joy of the poor old man
was very great when he told him that he
was the Lords annointed, and that he had
come TO administer the last sacraments to
him. The poor, dear patient, delighted at
the presence of the priest, rallied a little,
and told him his brief but cruel history.
He was once an idolater, but being fully
instructed in the faith, he embraced it, and
received the Holy Sacramento at the hands
OF an European missionary. He after wards
entered into an engagement of service with
captain of vessel, with whom he made
some voyages, and at length arrived in the
port Of Waterford in a most severe attack
of malignant fever, under which he was
now iabosing. He stated that the unfeel-
ing captain had him conveyed, on the pre-
vious night, from, the ship to that old house,
where he left him to his fate. The good
Jesuit, perceiving that the time of his death
was not far distant, administered the last
sacraments to him, having previously ascer-
tanned that he was solidly instructed in
the doctrines of the Holy Catholic Church,
the maxims aud precepts of which were
his rule of life since he had the happiness
After tile poor dying Indian had made his
thanksgiving for the benefits received
through the timely reception of the last
sacraments, and having addressed himself
in fervent prayer to the Divine Majesty of
God residing corporally within him, he
turned frequently to the right side of the
bed, as if looking at some one that was
-
good Father asked him what was it that
he looked on so attentively7 1T is nv
Angel Guardian that is there said the
poor Indian. 1t must be he who has
come to my aid now, as he has often done
before. invoked him when 1 was left
here to die, as l was taught to do by the
priest who first taught me to worship the
true God, and I am sure your holy minis,
try was procured for me by him. Whom
did you send for me7' asked the priest,
with increased interest. Il sent no oue.'
replied the Indian L saw no human being
since was left in this house but you, nor
did any one know eff my being here except
the two sailors who brought me here, and
who returned to the ship after complying
with the captains orders.' Then the Jesuit
related how he was summoned, and by
whom and the poor patient yielded up
his spirit to God in the fullness of his faith |
and in the firm conviction that it was his
Guardian that rendered him the great bless.
ing of receiving the last sacranaents and
having priest with him in his last mo-
ments. l am yours, faithfully,
A WATERFORD PRIEST
Chapter OF Puzzles.