The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-06-22
LETTER FROM MOBILE.

M MOBILE, June 18Th, 1873.
10 the Editor of tho Morning Star:
For week my pen has rested, and it would
wish to rest longer, but think the Crescent
City would like to know how her sister city on
the gulf spent the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Beside, as the Children of Mary held the first
place in the celebration of Pentecost, it
would seem like partiality to neglect to de-
scribe that of Corpus Christi, in which the
students of Spring Hill College were promi-
uont. In coming to Mobile from New Orleans,
visitors see the city before the Hill; so will
take the same route, and begin my description
of the celebration with that part of it which
was held at the Cathedral. At half past nine
we had solemn high mass, Very Rev. Father
sPellicer, V. G. celebrant, Fathers Holland and
Keeler, Deacous of Honor, and Father Ryan
Master of Ceremonies After mass, Father
Ryan preached grand sermon on the Blessed
sSacrament. To borrow from the morning pa
per his eloquence was " flowery"; but think
5t was more than fiowery. Flowers fade, but
the inspired words that fell from his lips, I do
not think will ever fade from my memory. At
the conclusion of the sermon, the procession Of
she Blessed Sacrament formed the Ave Maria
Society Immediately following the Cross Bear
2r then the little boys Infant Jesus Society,
and last, but not least, the Children of Mary
Of St. Mary's school. Just in front of the Bless
ed Sacrament walked n group of little girls
strewing flowers.
think if ever we feel near God it is in q
pzocession on Corpus Christi. And should we
not be joyful when we can take our King from
from his tiny palace and walk with Him q
while7 Surely is we strive we can make our
Of
Sacrament.
sr In the afternoon there was n general exodus
of Catholics to Spring Hill from the city s; and
! learn, from hearsay, that the cars were
Crowded. Those who travelled by them stuff
cred considerably, as it was very warm; aud
showers of rain fell frequently. About five
o'clock, all began to move towards the chapel
which was soon filled, the young gentlemen of
The college occupying the front seats. Soon
the sanctuary too, was crowded with the AGO.
slytes, seminarians and priests. Taking the
Blessed Sacrament from the altar, Father Pei
licer stood with the Remembrance, until the
procession formed. First came the Spring
Hill brass band, followed by thirty acolytes
in red cassoczs, white SUPPLIES and broad red
fscarfs. The boys came next walking with an
order and recollection edifying to see. The
seminarians followed in black cassocks and sur
plices, and then came all the priests of the
city and college, vested as if for mass. Be-
meath lovely canopy of white silk, Father
Pellicer walked with the Blessed Sacrament
escorted by Father Montillot, President of the
college, and Father Imsaud, S. j., pastor of st.
Joseph's church. In front of the Blessed Sac
rament were several little boys bearing CEN
sors. The laity followed with as much order
as could be expected from so large concourse
"a considerable portion of whom were not
Catholics. The procession passed from the
church through the front grounds to lovely
repository, the band playing some very choice
music. Arriving at the repository, bea1ti-
full ceremony took place. On each side of the
avenue leading to the altar, the acolytes semi
narians, students and priests, ranged them
selves, and as tie Sacramento God passed
through the line of His devout servants, little
boys with bright uplifted faces scattered fra
grant flowers along the pathway to His Rest
ing-Place. The Remonstrance was laid on the
altar while the Tantum Ergo was sung in fine
style by the choir accompanied by the band.
We knelt during the singing; we could have
knelt all day in those beautiful college
grounds with our God SO sweetly near us. But
God like his creatures may not rest, and if He
goes with MS as he did that Sunday evening,
the journey will be almost as sweet as the
rest After stopping at another repository,
the procession re- entered the chapel where af-
ter one of Father Ryan's usual brilliant eff
orts, the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sac
rament was given. This concluded the cele-
bration at the college. On the same evening
about o'clock, Father Ryan delivered a lee
ture in the Cathedral on the Conflict of
Christ" 1t would be superhuous to say the
lecture was eloquent. 1 need only say that it
Is pity New Orleans and Mobile are not one
city, and then we could mutually enjoy such
sermons as the one we heard Sunday night.
Yours truly. N, Child of Mary