The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-03-24
DOMESTIC CATHOLIC 1HrxIIreEHcz.

una In the Baltimore Mirror of the 10th
inst.' we find very interesting and edify-
ing letter from a correspondent in the old
North State. In connection with the fol-
lowing extracts, which we make from this
letter, We would call the attention of our
readers to the wonderful dispensations of
Providence which, in response to the deep
and sincere yearnings of a soul DESTROYS of
finding the true road of salvation, even
from such a source as the impious and Of
ten blasphemous columns of the New York
Herald, causes the light of the true faith to
be shed:
1t was last spring that the priest of Will
mington received letter addressed ITO
any Catholic priest of Wilmington, North
Carolina" Tie writer was q physician,
living about eighty miles from the city-a
man of great espectability-who had for
years been chasing "the Will o. the Wisp''
of Professionalism and at last had given tho
race up. He had inquired of the Truth at
the door of almost every meeting house,
but in vain. He stated in his letter that
looking over.a number of the New York
Herald, he had just read discourse of
ArehbishoP MeClosky on the Catholic
book or talked to Catholic priest. He
had given up the search after Truth and
the Church of Christ, but this discourse
was torch and an authoritative guide
that aroused him and boldly babe him:
"Come after me-" "Core and see." He
Father N. kindly correspondent with him,
and the result was that in few months
the gentleman came to the city with his
family and entered the Church along with
his wife and children. His eldest daught-
er is now boarder at the Convent of the
Sisters of Mercy. Returning to his home,
he did not hide the light of Faith in his
own bosom. An extensive practice gave
his zeal the opportunity of displaying it
self. Books of instruction were generous
ly purchased and freely distributed to
every one that could be persuaded to only
learn something of the doctrines of those
"of whom all manner of evil things were
said, and who were hated by all men,"
Far and near was spread the news of the
conversion of Dir, one of the most
respected and one of the best educated
gentlemen of the county. Good people
we're led to think and to read. And among
many were the four brothers of the Doctor,
with tlieir families. One has already en-
tered the Church, whilst tho others will
make their profession this week. The
Bishop of North Carolina, on returning to
Wilmington, sent one of his priests to visit
this county. After riding fifty miles in the
cars and over twenty in carriage, the
residence, where were gathered his imme->
diate relatives and some intimate acquaint-
ances. The priest to most of them was O
seven days' wonder. That evening Rev.
Father N. baptized the children and gave
an instruction to the company. Present
was one of the pillars of the Methodist
Church. Next morning Mass was said, at
which several made their first communion.
At twelve O'Clock, although the weather
was extremely cold, the neighbors gather
ed to about the number of fifty, in order to
hear something Of the Catholic Church.
The instruction lasted over an hour, and
gave great satisfaction. Father N. started
towards home that evening, but remained
at one of the houses of the converts to in
struct his neighbors. Next morning the
colored people of his plantation, number
ing about fifty, came also to hear the word
Of God. Poor negroes They are dreaded
ON account of their numbers, and are re.
fused membership in the white peoples
meeting houses, for fear lest their numbers
might obtain for them title to the Church
property. Six months ago, in the visited
neighborhood, there was not one Catholic,
now there are at least q dozen, and as
many more, it is expected, will next week
be received into the Church by the Bishop,
who has already started to visit this mis-
sion. Since Father Ms. return, he has had
the satisfaction of hearing of the still fur
Their fruit of his mission one Of the most
influential members the-Methodlst
Church has become Catholic.
Conversions in Long Island City.-A very
interesting ceremony took place in st.
Patrick's Church, Long Island City, on
Sunday, the Sd inst. On that occasion a
family consisting of Mrs. Gertrude Reid
line, her son John, and two daughters
Mary Ann and Mary Josephine, were re-
ceived into tue bosom of the Church. This
family were members of the Lutheran per.
suasiou, and their conversion is hailed
with pious joy by the good pastor, Father
Marco. and the Catholics under his charge.
N. Y. Tablet.
Catholic Lyceum in Rochester.;-The Ri.
Rev. Bishop McQuade has purchased the
valuable property on which the old Ex-
change Hotel stands, on Main street,
Rochester, upon which he will have erect
ed fine building, which will contain a
hall and rooms for the Catholic Associa-
ton, library rooms, gymnasium, etc. This
will be q splendid addition to the many
fine Catholic institutions of that city.
Death of Thomas Ferguson.--We regret
exceedingly to be called upon this week to