The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-03
ST. PATRICK's CATHEDRAL

inauguration OF the Forty Hours Devo-
tion-Sermon by the nTost Rev. Arch
bishop lgning the Sins
OF the AGc-How tho Lenten Season
Should BE Spcnt-ImPOrtant Words to
All-Proccssion OF the Blessed Sacra.
ment.
An immense congregation filed the seats and
aisles Of the Cathedral yesterday, and the whole
series OF ceremonies were Of more than usual In.
terest. The occasion celebrated was the opening
Of the "Forty Hours Devotion to the Blessed Sacra-
ment," which consists OF an exposition and adora-
tion Of the Holy Eucharist during that length of
time. Contrary to the Lenten rules, which pre-
scribe an unadorned sanctuary, yet, In accordance
with the liturgy Of the Church. the high altar was
magnincently arrayed in golden gildings, vases Of
rich, beautiful and costly appearance natural and
artificial flowers OF every description, and count
less number of burning lights, which ever and anon
threw happy and impressive grandeur over the
solemn and sacred scenery of the temple. The
Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey presided in his
episcopal capacity.
THE GRAND HIGH MASS.
The Rev. Father Kearney, pastor pro tenn OF the
Cathedral oniciated as celebrant of the mass, as
sisted by the Rev. Father McNamee as deacon; Rev.
Dr. Schrader, lately arrived from Rome, sub-dea-
con Rev. Father Kane, master Of ceremonies; Rev.
erend Archbishop, together with about nfty neatly
attired acolytes. who formed by means the least
attractive portion OF the sanctuarists After the
"Asperges Mei." given precisely at half-past ten
O'Clock, mass was commenced, as usual with fine
rendering Of the 'Kyrie" by the choir, which was
followed by the "Gloria" and "Credo," given In an
admirable manner, In solos and quartets at appro.
pirate intervals The mass as played by the or
ganst, Mr.. Gustavus schmitz, was by Meiners with
Q chorus Of twenty-five voices.
AFTER THE CHANTING OF THE GOSPEL
By the deacon, the Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey
purple fringed pallium OF authority, on his tran
quill and venerable head his episcopal birettam,
and In his hand the Holy Bible or Missal from
sweet articulation the words taken frsm the sun
days Gospel-st. Matthew iv, 1-ll-which in
Cluded the texts on which he based his discourse.
THE ARCHBIsHoP's SERMON.
Ny beloved children, we are once more per.
M 81 81
are to plead before the altar OF the divine Son OF
God for special graces and blessings from above;
almsgving-a time which is called the
s nSa o wish 70 make sy! sat- Of
Walton and when the nrst emotion Of our hearts
should be an emotion Of thanks and gratitude for
His love and Kindness towards us. And this the
more so because we can hardly fail at this moment
TO think OF how many were here with US last Lent
who are now numbered with the dead. You can
hardly foil to remember that your late beloved pas
torthat faithful priest who ociated at this altar
the first Sunday OF last Lent--is now no more, and
tf not mnstering in heaven is at least bowing
down before the Lamb OF God. He is but one OF
the many who have passed away. Eight priests,
have died since the last Lenten season. Ana no
doubt you remember, also that the dear father, the
anectfonate mother, the good brother or the afcc-
tionate sister whom you then cherished and
fondled at your heart are all gone. These are the
most bentting feelings which ought to enter into
our minds at this holy time, set apart but to re-
mind us OF death, that we may feel the urgent
prayeT humble Confession and Ss boy
sacrament, whereby we may ind reconciliation
WITH GOD AND HAPPINESS HEREAFTER.
Many have gone before US, and we have an
or noti win we allow the time Of grace to pass by
AK to amend cut loose
Sins OF passion, Indifference, covetousness, intern
ali
have enchanted your poor souls, and put on the
garments OF penance, sackcloth and ashes, that
brethren, do we not stand aghast when We behold
that dreadful moral desolatisn which sweeps over
His Christ; that tendency to gather together all
the strongholds OF Satan to worship OF Baal in
crimes Of blasphsny, Of inndeiity, Of immortality,
no marvel you should Be AFRAID lest ere should
come down from heaven to visit the world for such
might every priest at the vsstbule cry out spare,
~ Lora, spare the people," But on this day
comes brighter beam Of hope in what the
voly season Is inaugurated by
THE FORTY HOURS DEVOTION,
sno al are invited TO gather round the throne OF
COu. for ~ is true that Christ, who suffered died,
r.ee nom the dead and promised TO remain with
s th of Is mere truly present In the Holy sacra-
which ie an epitome OF His goodness and which
1ormsthe light and JOY OF the Christian heart and
winch norTlsnes ano preserves its ufU Here,
alteration and love. Hence 1t is that the action OF
Joy takes the place OF sorrow to-day--that the
lights and flowers which enrich and illuminate our
affairs rise above centennial mourning Come.
then, dearly beoved,> before your hidden Saviour;
present Him your hearts In homage open to hin,
your wants, speak to Dim in the silence OF the
sanctuary, where nothing, save the whisperings
OF Bis Spirit, shall distuIN You TEL Him your
temptations trials, weaknesxes and dangers, and
He VIII help you he VINO has said, come TO Nc
all you who labor and are heavy ourdcned, and j
VIII refresh you" He Is all JOY .Uu penedicuon.