The New York herald., 1874-12-26
ST. FRANCIS XAvIER's CHURCH.

Solemn high mass was celebrated al st. Francis
Xavier's church. Sixteenth street. at nall past ten
yesterday morning, before an immense congrega-
tion.
The affairs, gallery, facings, pillars and dome
were artistlcally decorated with bouquets OF
Southern flowers and festoons OF evergreens.
Thousands OF gas Jets burned above the nigh altar
in the centre Of which was formed cross, and
Immediately beneath the dome was picture OF
St. Francis Xavier, the great apostle OF the Indias
MozART's TWELFTH MASS
was ushered In by the organlst, DR.. William Berge
with grand chorus OF thirty voices, as the pro-
cession OF clergymen marched In from the vestry
to the sanctuary. The Rev. F. Hudon, s. j., Pres.
dent OF st. Francis Xavier's College, ofclated as
celebrant; Rev. +. Perdier, deacon. and Rev. Mr.
Pardo as sub-deacon. There were also twenty.
four acolytes, whose neat surpllces cassocks and
birrctams added much to the Ioveliness OF
the scene. The "Kyrie" was played and sung
with thrilling effect. Alter It's con.
clusion followed the magnificent "Gloria," by a
grand chorus. The ..Qui TOLLS" OF this beautiful
composition was rendered by quartet ana chorus
and the 'Quoniam tu Sous Sanctus" by solo
quartet. At the grand ugue "Cum Sancto Splr-
ltus," the congregation appeared electrified by
the efect. The 'Credo" openeu with iull chorus,
the "Incarnalus estn Of which was rendered by
MIR. Tamaro. tenor solo, while the other voices
came alternately IN, making an absolutely striking
effect.
rue ..Ressurrexit, was performed in most Joy
ful manner, appropriate to the words, anu In q
way nicn was worthy of a Mozart. Then came at
the "OfertOryn the beautiful Christmas hymn,
..Adeste FIdees,n which has been taken from the
GregOrian hymn, and arranged Tor four voices. ac-
companied by string quartet In the first verse.
The same chorus sung the second verse, the So
prano portion Of the choir introducing variation.
ana the well known vocalist, Miss Teresa Werneke,
rendering the solo, with violin accompaniment.
The third verse was o baritone solo Dy SlgnOr Ha-
cell, with vIolonce!lo Obllgato, and chorus or
pranO, alto and tenor. The effect produced BY the
rendition oil his composition was peculiarly grand
and enhancing. and especially 80 when the fourth
Tor the chorus, band, tympani. cvinoas ana organ.
The ''Sanctus,n as the word implies, was solemny
rendered. aIJe- which followed the "Pleni sunt
CeI,r beautiful allegro. Then came the "Bene-
dIctus !" an admirable quartet, which gave cnance
TO the 500 quartet TO show forth accurately and
fmpressively their vocal power. This was termi-
mated by such JOYFUL ''hOsanDn" as made every
heart rejoice and remember tnat 1t was certainly
Christmas.
The last part OF the mass museally illustrated
by the choir orchestra and Organlst was the
'.ARnus Deli-Lamb OF God. This Is compost
tion which stands alone In its excellence even
among the compositions OF Mozart .'Dona nO0ls
pacem"-give us peace-the most solemn part OF
this appealing ejaculation, was prayeriuliy and
artisticailJ given by Miss Mary Werneke, and con-
Guided with a iuil chorus The whole mass was
performed without emitting single note.
The Rev. +. Trainor. S. j., preached the sermon
on the significance oil the great Christian festival,
assuring the congregation at It's close that Christ
our Lord can't on earth to make us all happy, glad
aud virtuous. Vespers were sung at tive O'Clock
p. M.