The New York herald., 1871-12-04

Mission by tbc Jesuit Fathers-The Pr0dignI
SOn-Scrmon by the Rev. Father Damen, os
Chicago.
The Church or ST. John tue Evangelist in FIfteth
street, near Madison avenue. under the pastoral
charge OF Rev. J,hn McMahony, was 1lcd yester-
day In every part by immense throng OF faithful
w0rsh,ppcrs attracted by the devotional exercises
OF mission which has been conducted during the
last fortnight by Jesuit Fathers from Chicago.
and viii end next Wednesday even
Ing Thereputation oflrhc reverend gentlemen, VINO
have labOred earnestly In this parish among our
Catholic brethren rs preachers and confessOrs.
has brought many hundreds to the tribunal OF pen.
and to the solemn ceremOnials held every day,
and, doubt the effects or this religious revival
Will con tinuc to be manifest IN the daily conduct
OF all the congregation. YcsterdaJ the exterior evI
deiices OF pierv and recollection visible among all
classes IN attendance at the solemn services OF the
late mass could not fan to impress even the most
care less observer. Reverend Father koopmans
Oiiciated IA cciebrant OF the mass, and after the
which Contained the parable or the ProdIgai Son.
the Reverend Father Damen ascenuc the altar steps
the text contained ihercln:-"Fathcr, have slnned
against heaven and before thee. | am not now
not Tor the qualification OF passion nor for the
Jovmcn OF earthly possessions, but Tor future state
presence OF God. IL had been appointed IN the Di.
vine wisdom tnat eternal felicity should
,,on oDoa' on earth during U''ii which " he Should
be subject to is and troubles and temptations, aud.
coming forth victorious from u continual warfare
with the devil and the propcnstics Of evil, should
receive the reward wnich surpasseS all tnat the im-
agination conceive. unfortulatcIy, the crea-
ture, in moral blindness, often OrgeLS the end or
hts creation and giving hImsc mp u the shnmcful
lusts OF the fiesh wandc from The oath Of rcctude
ana purity ana not the blessing but the male
dictiOn OF God. Rcpcntancc always secures agMn
the favor or Heaven and return or the graceS
necessary to salvation. God exercises readily
the divine attribute OF mercy. ana is always pre-
pared to restore to the repentant sinner WHO
humby prosrates himself bcfore Him ana cries
aloud for forgiveness tne strength necessary to
OF evil Jnat surround him. lie who returns 70 his
heavenly Father with the spirit OF the Prodl-
gal son may always be sure or welcome
and restoration to favor even Deyond expec'a-
rion and desert. The lesson which the gospel Of
the day teaches should as seed into their hearts.
and spriuQ up kindly, "a from generous SOIL, into
the fruits or repentance and good works lie as
sured that IL your duty to hasten TO your Heavenly
Father. seek HIS forgiveness. and casting yourSeil
humbly aud contriIely before Him, confess your
SINS You will be welcomed amid the 10Y ana nc
canatlOns OF angels, and for you the place assigned
to you from the beginning III the mansions VI bliss
Will be made ready. :.
Mr.. Davis, 0reanIsr and were rendered with cub
tured care and discrimination. Mrs. Davis, 80
pranO, sang several solos with effect, and was ably
sustained by Mrs. Mard0n, alto; Sgn0r FOSsan.
busso, and Mr. Boy, tenor.
Rev. Father Damcn announced after mass that ne
evenings st. Johns churcn, Catholic doctrine.
part uf the pc runtary proceeds OF which would be
devoted 10 The rebuilding OF his church. which was
destroyed In the great Chicago fire.