The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-08-24
LETTER FROM WooDvlILE, MISS.

Mr.. Editor-Allow me- only d vfsftef 20 *Feee-
Vile, to add some facts which happened to
earn, and which the modesty of Ixion, sup
pose, caused to be passed over in the account
of the blessing of the church. (MokNiNG
STAR of August 3D.
Through respect for that modesty, will not
presume to publish private names but for an
exsmple and encouragement to others, think
we do well to have these things made known.
Woodville has not resident priest, and for
many years the visits of priest were made at
IRREGULAR and sometimes very distant intervals. =
Commonly in places so attended, it is left to
the priest who may come, to bring everything
with him for celebrating Mass. Or, If the
priest desires to have them kept there ready,
he must either provide them himself, or exert
bmself a good deal to collect the means of
purchasing them.
Not SO with the Catholics of Woodvtlle.
More than twenty years ago, gentleman OF
the place whether with without assistance
from others did not learn, obtained COM
plete " chapel" embracing all things needful.
| for massive good silk vestments, of the i've
different colors, large chalice and missal' a
handsome crucifix, abundant altar linens, q
| large altar stone, ETC., etc.
For several successive years they paid rent
for q house, which they kept vacant to be
always ready for mass.
Ever since the war, a lady with large
family, widow of q Confederate General killed
in Virginia has given her front parlor Tor tne
celebration of mass; not arranging 1t for tha5
purpose " hen occasion required, but deyot1ng
it exclusively to be a chapel; keeping the
altar. the decorations and the seats always
there, and never using it for domestic purss
poses.
In the most of places, if the priests visits
are unfrequent, and still moro if they are
irregular, the people think they discharge their
duty we'll if they come those occasions to
, assist at mass and if now and then they re-
ceiye the Sacramento. But at Woodville, for
many years past, almost all the congregation
!. have assembled almost erery Sunday and festival
8 The children recte their catechsm, in the
9 bearing of their parents, then all reclte TO-
J., gether the mass prayers and other devotlons
g and listen to q good spiritual reading, from a
q book of sermons some other approved work.
At Christmas and some OF her festivals, the
pnpils of catechism make recitation of little
= pieces prepared for them, and once or twice
year they gladdened with distribution OF
y premiums They are also encouraged to con-
3 tribute their mite sometimes for the orphans
le or other objects of charity; and good part
of the cost of the beautiful altar in the church
v has Deen pau ny Guo o1loA iuES ~ eAoSS SN'N
c. dren from their little savings.
ia The fruit Of all this is manifest to any one
st who visits the congregation. Old and young
-. rejoice in their faith, and open and manly
%. in it's exercise.
The little boys of the catechism class hardly
"' have o chance to serve mass, because the
~ grown gentlemen claim that honor for them
u selves. It reminds one of St. Mary's, Moor
G. fields in London, where oil the masses during
do the week are served by the Catholic merchants
of who have their contingencies in that neigh
ity borhood.
At almost every visit of the priest, nearl!
no. all the congregation, I am told, approach
+ho the Sacramento. Old and young are vel
-, instructed in their religion. Rich on
W. poor they are all held in respect by their nor
WV Catholic nei ghbors; because sensible persons
ien whether they like the Church OF dislike Il
naturally admire, not the -" liberal Catholic
who gives away all his religion, but the faitl
ful and earnest Catholic who practices wins
pa he believes and glories in what he practice
May they long enjoy their beautiful churcl
,me and the protection of their glorious patro
pro- st. Joseph. VISITOR
rom ST. MARY's IN GREENvILLE.-There ID not,
As the entire State, spot better fitted by natu
80 20 for a Convent Home for young ladies tn:
Greenville, nor a community of teachers bett
lea fitted by grace and education to lmpart kno'
wing ledge and give chrls'.an oen' " 'no Wv.
I mind than the Nuns who alone teach in t
ic of ''' N' D. E,.ho, Nor,;bon mast
d of ten years ago ny Nov ! .D NY
of of the Church of ST. John the baptlst'
tiers. Greenville fronts on St. Charles avenue, ii
bers 49,, ~ o,.ans-" mat near anon
nder miles aoo'e NO" oiio' ''' -.
Lack to the city to enjoy its advantages, just
n of enough from it to escape its distractions"
Won, majority of the Nuns in charge received tn
education in the Dominican Convent of {
d up pray neA, nuD, ~ tto;. oor,i
ther- 1870, -,