The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-06-15
aSornlag Star and Catholic messenger.
LETTER PROM MOBILE.
3, SUNDAY, JUNE.I3. 1879.


IN our little city. that it is no wonder the cor
respondents to your valued weekly sbould
multiply. Placing myself among the hum
blest of those who help the increase, I would
begin with an apology, but since have com
nenoed the letter, the thought, most encour
aging one to me, has como to mind, that we
ought not to hide our light under bushel ,
therefore I proceed OF once.
Before making any communication however
permit me to say that the Children of Mary
of st. Mary's school. through my humble
AGENCY. congratulate you upon the happy re.
turn of your Editor-in-Ghief; and doubtless
the congratulation will be reciprocal when
you learn, that by his return, the Children OF
Mary have regained the guidance of a devoted
director. In writing this letter, / purport to
describe tho closing exercises of the month of
May. On the evening of Tuesday, May 9th,
the Children of Mary attached to the school,
and several young ladies of the congregation,
assembled at the Cathedral Hall, where the
Annual Retreat of the Society was opened by
Father Ryan. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, were devoted to pious exercises,
and well-filed days they were, SO you would
judge, were you to see the order of the day.
From halfpast seven in the mornng-when
all assisted at fthe Holy Sacrifice-until May
Devotions in the evening at half past five,
there was little free time. -Four instructions
o day, none of which was less, than half an
hour, and most of which were over three quar-
ters-were given by the director. Father
Ryan's eloquence is too well known to make
it necessary for me to say that nything was
wanting to make his words impressive. AS
regards himself too, trust it will not be
deemed presumptive in me, to say that he
must have been consoled, his zeal must have
received an impetus, in seeing SO many young
heads bow ed in devotion. or their bright
faces raised listening eagerly to his words.
Aster much anxiety, and many prayers for fair
weather, Pentecost Sunday dawned, as beau
tiful day as could be desired. 1t seemed as
if Dame Nature could not be so cruel ms to
dissppoint so many happy hearts so she put
from her brow, the frown of dark clouds, and
gave smile of sunshine throughout the whole
day. There was quite a large congregation
assembled at the Cathedral in the morning,
to witness the general communion. Just be-
fore seven, the doors of the main entrance
were thrown open, and there was the sound of
many feet, the fash of beautiful banners, and
bhe vista Of blue ribbons beneath snowy wells.
The frst in order and size, was the Sodality of
OF the st. Mary's School, which, including the
aspirants and young ladies, numbered 1G0.
Their banner was borne 10y tho Secretary; two
younger members holding the streamers. One
side was of white silk, which was painted
beautiful picture of the Immaculate Conoep-
ton. On the reverse side, which was of blue
silk, was written in silver letters, "Our Moth
or, Our Queen, Mary, Watch Over Thy Child. ~
Immediately following the banner came the
Pfeeident and Dignitares. The Children of
st. Xavier's School came next carrying a ban
ner of blue and white silk, remarkable for ira
beauty and chasteness. Last came the boxs,
Ave Maria Society, organized by Father Keel
or, who must have been more than human. If
no was not proud Of his little men, as thew an.
tered, carrying the lovely little banner of their
Society, as prayed they would carry the Ban.
ner of the Cross, highly, proudly, nobly. and
walking, as hope they will walk through
LIE, with firm and collected steps The
badges of the President and officers vera of
blue, fringed with silver. Father Keeler,s l,ovs
really did him credit, and have no dopbt
tnAE tner nice display, amply repaid him for
MS care and patience. All they need now In n
0ommodious school house, in charge of the
Cnf1ssian Brothers, and then Mobile will bava
reason, like her sister cities, to be proud %
her young men. Father Ryan celebrated MAS
and just before the communion he turned and
spoke Few words in explain alton Of the feast
Ihen In perfect order, they went to the altar
and II faces arc signs of hearts, many a child.
Ike heart was happy that day. For the even
1ng' the procession entered the church in the
Same order as in the morning. All the elite of
the city, irrespective of creed, were there, and
the choir sang as sweetly as ever heard them
sing. After Vespers, Father Ryan addressed
me congregation, and remarked, that, as the
morning had been given to the Son, it was but |
proper to give the evening to the Mother.
linen rather Pelricer came forward, and with |
ma accustomed grace and dignity, gave tho |
Churohs blessing to the banners Of the difFsr-
ent societies, and received several asp;rapts |
ana young ladies into the sodality, the act of |
conservation being read, by o young girl, in a |
Lo1d' clear voice. Thcn came the crovninc
act OF the day, which was the Offering of the |
wTeathS' to the Blessed Virgin. During tho
singing Of the Magnifcat, the cbi,dren ro..