The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-03-23
Blessing of the Banner of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Association.

Last Monday morning, before joining the
procession, this Association attended Solemn
High Mass at the Church of the Immaculate
Conception. Though the hour fixed for the
Mass was very early, 81 O'Clock, quite large
congregation was present. The members of
the Association were seated in the front pews of
the middle AISLE the Sponsors occupying seats
in front of them, and the banner being placed
inside the Sanctuary. The Mass was celebrated
by the Rev. IL Begley, assisted by Rev. Father
Roydhouse as Deacon, and Rev. Th. Butler, as
sub Deacon. After the gospel, a sermon was
delivered by Rev. Father McKiniry, S. j., who,
having taken his text from the sixth chapter
of the prophet Jeremiah, remarked.
That the prophet, foreseeeing the
evils which threatened his country, en-
couraged his fellow-citizens to gather to.
ge'her at the sound of the trumpet, and to
God; SO he was happy to see the Total Absti.
nence Society gathered together to-day in or
der to battle with the terrible evil, Intem-
perance, aud to plant their banner on the al
tar of Christ AS your Mission, he added. is
holy and opposed to the. vices of g tho rulers
of the world of this darkness, the spirits of
wickedness in high places ;" so you must be
prepared against the many fierce assaults with
which they sure to assail your ranks You
must look forward with regret to the fact
| That some OF your own members will betrny
| engaged.
| that the otherwise we'll disposed, will unwt-
! tingly injure your efforts, aud that the wan
ton and unthinking will do much to counteract
the success of your endeavors, but God is with
YOU and II you be true to the flag blessed to.
! day in his name, he wilinot abandon you, and
yon will, and must succeed in bringing peace
and happiness into the bosom of many a dis
| trcssed household, and in planting in the
hearts of your brethren, q love of religion
| piety, and sobriety. 1t is consoling to be on
gagged in this good work and the unfurling
OF your banner to the light of heaven, shows
tAat you are proud of your undertakings and
as resolute men that You are determined never
to Surrender your colors unto the hands of
your enemy. Every nation, tribe and tongue
from the earliest times, had their banners or
standards which reminded them of the glorits
of their fathers in war, and of their prosperity
IN peace, and they preferred to die rather than
see them trailing in the dust. You therefore,
in unfurlug your flag to-day before the world
declare that you are ready to live and die With
1t. This Is the moro gratifying when we reflect
on tne OBJECT Which you propose to accomplish,
and the spirit of religion and humanity
which inspires you in your praise WORTHY
movement In examining the ban ers of which
great nations are so proud, We many, if
| not all deeply stained with the blood of their
| fellow man, aud torn to pieces by the balls and
| blood of their own citizens; we see the death
| OF millions written in broad lines on their
| tolds and tyranny and usurpation emblazoued
| in their front. We see them dragged through
dangers, toll and blood, that usurpers NAV Sit
secure on thrones which they vioontly and
|
much cruelty deserve to be honored, how much
more worthy of admiration, are the signals
| which betoken peace, religion aud the regene-
ration OF thousands buried the besottinp
vice OF intenperance. As long as you rernain
| true to your flag, no lines of blood can ever be
| streaked on its surface, 10 murders, broils or
strife can ever ruffle its folds but it shall al
ways float as the lovely emblem of religion aud
| domestic comfort. You have therefore reason
| to be proud oft, and you should be disposed to
| make great sacrifices rather than dishouor or
bet'ay it, Father McKinry then remarked
that he was delighted that St. Patrick's day
was chosen for the blessing of the flag. Not,
as he said, because Sc. Patrick WAS the great
Patron Saint of Ireand-though that cir
cumsthnce was for n him source of much
KratIhcatien-but because patriotism aud as
PiFatiohs for worldly freedom ard happiness
were closely bleuded with the sanctity OF Pat
rick and the faith of Gods Church-and con-
srquently festival well adapted for the man
Itestation of any eff 'rt, having for its object
the interests Of faith and domestic peace and
happiness.