National Republican., 1873-10-06
50. MARTINS CHURCH.

Festival OF the Rs.ary-sermon BY Rev
Pe,Lcr San MartIno-The New Church
Kdiacs--A Gin from w. ". Csrceran.
The Festival OF the Rosary Of the Blessed
Virgin Mary was commcmoratcd In this
church yesterday, and very large congrcga-
tion was In attendance at the II o'clock ser-
vice. Rev. Father Barotti was the celcbrant,
and The choir sang Mozart's 9TH Mass In
charming style. We have before referred 70
this talented choir, which, under the careful
training Of Professor John Esputa, has
reached remarkable degree Of excellence.
The principal singers are {: soprano, Mrs.
John smallwood alto, Miss Mary L. Coack-
ley; tenor, Mr.. Frank Soeyyn bass, Messrs.
W. T. Benjamin and T. W. Williams. Dur
ing the Mass the "Ave Verum," In A, Ctrio,)
by Mercadante, was finely rendered by Mrs.
Smallwood, Mr.. Soevyn, and Mr.. Williams
and ut the close OF the service the beautiful
'Gyeni Sanctc Spiritus," by Dietsch, GUAR
tcttc,) was exqulsitely sung by the principal
singers above named
THE SERMON
was preached In English by Father San Mar
tino, an Italian priest, who, for the past nine
months, has been assisting Father Barotti,
and who, when he entered upon duty here,
could not speak q word Of our language.
Within the short time referred TO, he has nc
lured such a mastery Of English as to make
himself clearly understood, save when he
speaks, as he occasionally docs, with too
much rap!dity. His discourse yesterday was
very instructive and his delivery remarkably
good, considering the brief experience he has
had In English-spcakinN society. In the
course Of his sermon he gave very interest
ing sketch Of the condition Of religion In the
thirteenth century, when many disorders pre-
vailed among the people and the spirit of
prayer became almost extinct II was then
the great st. Dominic instituted
THE DEVOTION OF THE ROSARY,
through the instrumentality Of which tho
spirit of religious fervor was restored, and
more than one hundred thousand here
tics were converted to the true faith. St.
Dominic devoted himself In an especial man.
ner to the holy work OF proclaiming the
praises Of the mother of God and establish
ing societies Of the Rosary Of the Blessed
Virgin, membership In which was regarded
as mark Of predestination. The form of
prayer In the Rosary was most sublime act
of religion, because 1t contained an epitome
Of the life OF our Saviour, and II was at the
same time adapted to the most humble ca
pacity. All the prayers In 1t addressed to
the Blessed Virgin were referred to God, and
nothing could be more acceptable to him.
The Our Father was prepared by Jesus
himself, and the divine origin Of the "Hail
Mary" was unquestlonablc. In the doxology
praise was given TO God for all things While
reciting the Rosary by word Of mouth we
were following In spirit the Blessed Saviour
through all the scenes OF his joys and sor.
rows, trials aud sufferings on earth.
When enemies had arrayed themselves
against the devotion of the Rosary its chill.
dren always increased IN numbers. 1t,
prayers were not only acceptable to God, but
most advantageous to US. No form Of prayel
could incline him more readily to mercy.
had been instrumental In obtaining many
public favors, In securing numerous privat,
graccs, In causing many conversions, IL
curing innumerable sick persons. Its hol,
effects were seen everywherc-not only Ii
this country but In France In Germany, IL
Italy, In Prussia, In the islands Of the archi
pelago
THE sPofLEss BANNER OF MARY
was unfurled. In 1872 the united Catholl
armies, under the protection of the BLESSED
Mother, triumphed at Lepanto against tn
Turks; and Plus V, In commemoration Of tn,
victory, added to the Rosary the words
Help OF Christians, pray for u.s." Severa
other Popes had peculiarly commended tn,
devotion, attaching to 1t remarkable priv
iieges. ,,,
the Rosary were very slight. II required nt
reading, no writing, but simply to know how
to recite the "Our Father" Hail Mary,
and the "Gloria." II can be said at any
time, alike In the quiet Of home and In the
busy walks Of life; and wherever said with
the spirit of feryor 1t will draw down the
benedictions Of Heaven.
THE NEW CHURCH.
The work on the new Church OF st. Martin
Is progressing rapidly. The foundations
have already been laid, and are of the mos
substantial kind. The new building adjoin,
the old one, and will occupy large portion
of the site Of the latter, which Is underpinnct
as the work progresses. 1t Is expected tina
the basement will be ready for divine service
by next Christmas. The entire structure will
cost $50, 900, and will be q beautiful orna
ment TO the northwestern section OF the city
VALUABLE PRESENT.
Mr.. W. w. Corcoran has presented TO 81
Martins church valuable painting, by on
of the old masters, representing tho scourg
ing of our Saviour at the pillar. Age ha
somewhat dImmed 1t, but few touches b.
Barlow will develop its artistic beauties an
make 1t as good as new.
CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY.