The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1872-10-30
Religious Professions.

time, witnessed a religious ceremony
which was Of a most touching nature.
The young lady who bound herself
irrevocabiy to the service of Jesus
Christ and his poor in the Order Of
Mercy, was Miss Francis Dunman
O'Rorke of the town of Castle Pol
lard, Ireland, and sister of our much
lamented friend, Captain P. R.
ORorke, of the Confederate army.
The handsome little church was
tastefully decorated for the occasion,
and we were glad to see every pew
crowded long before the hour ap-
pointed.
At half past nine the procession
entered the great door of the church,
and at the same moment the organ
pealed forth the beautiful hymn,
"Veni Creator" First came the
cross-bearer, Miss Bessie Cluny,
clothed in white followed by twelve
of the pupils similarly attired, adding
much to the appearance of the pro-
cession. The Sisters followed, wear
ing white cloaks, and carrying in
their hands lighted candles.
The good Bishop having come for
the occasion, oficiated, attended by
the very Rev. j. B. Avenard, and the
Rev. H. Harry. At the communion
the Sister was led to the foot of the
Altar by the mother Superior and the
mother assistant to make her VOWS
which she read in an audible voice,
and solemnly sealed by receiving the
Holy Communion. After the cere-
mony the Bishop made short but
moving discourse; he congratulated
the good Sister on her happy choice
and also the people of Alexandria in
having for themselves and their
children so great blessing, which
we heartily respond to and wish the
good Sisters may long abide in our
midst to prepare our children for the
sacraments, and educate them for
what station soever they are destined
by Providence to occupy. We will
do as our good Bishop said, prove
how much we appreciate, so great
blessing by sending our children to
be trained by religious who Sisters
alone are competent of the charge.
We want not schools for our chill
dren in which they will be taught
vanity, nor schools to strengthen
their passions instead Of roofing them
out, neither do we intend to send our
children where the word of God is
never heard. No, no, Almighty God
has shown mercy to us in sending US
Irish Sisters with their long tried
faith still fresh, and bearing with
them from the Island of Saints the
blessing of the Holy Father, which
we feel great pleasure in reprinting.
By our late: t Roman files we have
received the touching reply Of the
Holy Father to the deputation from
ireland, commissioned to bear to
Rome the magnificent album for his
Holiness, containing the signatures
Of 100000 of the devoted daughters
of the Island of Saints. This beau,
tiful tribute of devotion to the aug
ust prisoner Of the Vatican was CRATE
fully received by the Pope. The
following is translation of his ad-
dress of acknowledgment:
Il had no need of a proof of the devotion
of the Irish nation to the Holy See, since
from the very beginning of my Poutifii-
cate. have received, times without
number, Irish offerings. and these have
been multiplied in the season of trbula-
ton. You have offered me your gold, and
You have offered me your blood, for l we'll
remember how, few years ago band of
young Irishmen devoted themselves to the
cause of the Holy See, and came to this city
ready to sacrifice their lives for the de-
Tense ofjustice, Of religion, and of St Pc.
ter's Chair. Still if not needed as a proof
of Irish affection, every fresh assurance of
your attachment is priced by me, and well
come the more because it consoles me and
gives me strength to fight the battle of
God and his church.
May Ireland ever be land blessed by
God! May St Patrick ever obtain for his
people the spirit of charity which springs
from unity of Faith and union with the
! Holy See May your own desires be
crowned with blessings, and NAV Won
hereafter gather the fruit of your faith
there where faith shall be no more, where
without faith we shall see God, praising
and loving him evermore! This is the
blessing ask for yourselves, for your fel.
low-countrymen and for the 100000 ladies
who have signed this address. May mil
lions and millions of blessings, strengthen
the weakness of woman, give force to man
and be for Ireland a fountain of mercy
and of grace. -.
nA- AS we go to press we hear the
exultant chaunts of the unterrifed
and unsubdued yoemanry of Rapides,
waited in every passing breeze, as
they march with steady tramp, colors
flying, and like the white plume OF
Navarro Waving in The thickest of