The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-19
st. STEPHENS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Congregational Singfng-A Partial Re-
turn to the Early Discipline OF tho
Church-Sermon by the Rev. Father
FIynn-Devotion to the Mother OF the
Incarnate.
The high mass at st. Stephens church yesterday
morning was celebrated by the Rev. Dr. McGlynn.
The grand and apparently novel feature Of the
service was the singing OF the responses by the
congregation This manner OF celebrating the
great eucharistlc sacrifice Is by means an inno-
walton in the ceremonials Of the Catholic Church.
According the discipline OF the early Church the
entire congregation present at high mass were ex-
pected to respond to the salutations and solemn
invitations OF the priest at the altar. Even at the
present day high mass is celebrated in many towns
and villages on the Continent OF Europe and in
Canada with congregational singing Of the re-
sponses. And 1t would be difficult to ind more
complete, intelligent and edifying expression OF
the homage and admiration due the bloody sacrifice
OF the new law.
1t was certainly pleasant sight yesterday In
St Stephens to see the fathful-learned and igno-
rant high and low. rich and poor-engaged in sing
Ing the praises OF Him in whose house they were
assembled. Although the congregation had had
several rehearsals last week, under the direction
OF DR.. McGlynn, and the pews were well supplied
with sheets OF music containing the versicles and
not Join With that vim and courage which only
practice can beget. The tameness and timidity
which Invariably accompany first efforts in public
will disappear in time, and the people win be able
TO taste the sweetness as well as delight and feel
the grandeur OF congregational singing.
Alter the first Gospel the Rev. Father Flynn as
cended the pulpit and preached
GOOD PRACTICAL SERMON
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He
said :-"During the month OF May the Church in
vites her children TO pay special homage and
honor to the Mother Of the lncarnate. She bids
them implore in o particular manner her aid and
protection in all the vicissitudes, trials and temp
tations which are continually narassng us day
alter day. And. indeed, my friends, there Is no
one alter God more worthy OF our homage; no one
after God who loves US more tenderly. She is,
therefore, most willing to obtain from her Divine
Son fayors, graces ana privileges for u.s. She con-
siders us her children, since we were specially en-
trusted to her by Christ on the cross, when in His
SAID, "Woman, behold thy SON. And then turn
ing to His beloved disciple He bid ST. John
fathers and saints Of the Church always
recognized the viii OF the Incarnate God,
that we should consider the Blessed Virgin as
our mother, and that she should regard us as her
children, whom she should protect, guide and love
with mothers love. Mary is, then otf mother;
we are her children, and hence arises the fitness
and proprety 81 paying her special homage and
devotion. But, my trends, we must not content
ourselves with merely singing the praises Of our
divine mother, with merely CHEERING up to her our
prayers. TO do SO would be to render our devo.
ton botn sterile and barren, and consequently
without fruit. We must go still further. We must
endeavor to INIT ate hcr1n ner virtues: for as every
parent is obliged 10 instruct, not merely by
initiate the good example oil the parent Now,
Mary was the model OF every virtue. She
charitable, full oil faith and hope, humility was her
constant companions; purity ana M0desty shone
forth III her every word IN her every action.
Exact was her obedience. heroic her patience, fer
vent her prayers. she was
THE LILY OF THE VALLEY,
the rose ameng thorns, the most beautllul among
the daughters OF Jerusalem. Every virtue adorned
the soul OF Mary. Her heart was garden decked
with the choicest flowers OF virtue. Yet there are
two virtues to which desire to call your attention.
doftn M
Mary so beautiful in the sight OF Goa. mean ner
ardent charity Tor Ged and her profound mummy.
Would that could but induce you all 70 lmltate
Mary IN her love towards Cod Would That could
Induce YOU TO pluck from your hearts all tnat savors
OF pride and by so doing render yourselves WORTHY
Of Mary's protection One thing alone Is necessary
80 save our souls. Let In this world love God by
keeping His commandments, by oheying HIS molly law.
Let us conform our will TO His WILL Let us be humble
Let us pray to Mary that she may be TO us KIND
may enable us to initiate her virtues during life |;
that at the hour of death we may be able to say
with St. Paul, II have fought the good night. have
finished my cause, have kept the faith. AS to
rest there is laid up for me crown OF justice which
the Lord the just Judge, will render unto me in
After the communion the Rev. DR.. McGlynn con-
graduated the congregation on their first attempt
SINGING THE RESPONSES.
He told them that with little more practice and a
great deal more confidence they would make con-
gregational singing success In 81. stephens He
advised them to take the music nome with them
and practise with their families and De present at
the rehearsal this evening" at which ne Will assist
Many OF the congregation TOOK the music sheets
with them and VIII in all proDapulty ioHoW the al
vice OF their pastor.