The New York herald., 1871-12-11
S.. JosEPH,s CHURCH.

The "Chidren of Mary"-An Interesting
Ceremony-Addres by tho Rev. Father
Farrell.
A very interesting ceremony took place yesterday
afternoon at st. JOsepns church in Sixth avenue,
corner of West Waverley place. The occasion was
the declaration or vows" to the Blessed Virgin by
. large number Of the 'chldren Of Mary" q
sodalty that seems to be quite nourishing one in
the parish The altar Of the church was brilliantly
lighted during the afternoon, when solemn high
vespers were sung. The children Of the sodality
numbering fully 2oO attired in spotless white
dresses, with white lace veils each little one wear
Ing blue SASH or Gordon from the right shoulder,
and meeting at the left side OF the waist. Several
carried lighted tapers They are under the care Of
THE GOOD SISTERS
OF the parish and gave evidence during the exer-
cises that the lessons OF piety and reverence for
their religion whlcn they receive from day to day
are not In anywise lost on them.
The formula Of receiving the new members Of the
Sodallty consisted IN Father Farres asking aloud
certain questions as to whether they were ready 70
follow the example given by tue Blessed Virgin and
lead good ana pure lives which were answered, OF
course, In the air native by bright little girl, VINO
acted as sort OF sponsor for all. The members
then, one by one, proceeded to the altar rail- where
the good father invested them with the insignia or
the SOdality, which consisted of medaI or the
Blessed Virgin attached to a narrow Dana OF satin.
The band was placed round each little one, neck.
THE HiPrY FACES
that beamed from every pew showed how de-
lighted the young Sojaiity were with this part Of
the ceremony. The singing by the cnlldren was eX-
celient the way the Ave Maris Stella' was rem
dered beng particularly worthy oil mention.
The church was crGw wded to repleLiun during the
ceremony, and II required no small amount OF eXer.
tion on the part OF the sexton and the usher TO
preserve order In the galleries, wnere the
SodalU had managed 10 secure the best
places. and where they struggled with one another
Tor position and eomlort In manner that created,
for time great deal OF confusion. InIs Was es-
pecialy the case when Father Farrell came forward
near The altar 70 address the Children OF Mary;n
rating the zeal or the youngsters and securing
silence by few well-tlmed and rather humorous
remarks, which put the l!tle one: In exceeding
short anu to the point, and consisted mainly Of
ADVICE 10 THE CHILDREN
as 10 how they could best elnulate The virtues Of
their CHOSEN model-the Mother OF God. He ex.
planned how necessary 1t was Tor children to be
obedient patient under sickness and tria's o. all
kinds, anu how they cOu.d easily become tnem-
selves models for others II tney followed the loot
steps OF the virgin. 10 he good children lt not
but even in llltle things they could act out good
would oe inclined to follow good example lie also
explained now everybody in this life lived. Is IL
were,
IN TWO WORLDS,
and that T. was necessary ior every one to be true
TO eacn. These worlds ye were the material and
exc eSclusVsy to one 10 neglect the se other rDeTs
church every day, week days well as Sundays,
ana neglect their nOusenOld duties. There was no
need for this folly. The reverend Father tnen con-
ExHoRrING THE CHILDREN
TO 80 live In this life that when death came Il woud
the Virgin would he ready TO welcome them to .
happy eternity.