The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-16
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.

Sermon by the Rev. DR.. McGlynn-The
Lenten Fast-H0w the Prophets and
Saints Fasted-Praycr md Religious
Reading Appropriate to the Seasonal
Retreat Conducted by the Jesuits.
The mass sung at st. Stephens church yester-
day was Marchis. At the ofrersory an "Avs Mara,"
by Meyerbeer, was given by Mr. Bernhardt. The
vespers in the afternoon were Ceruttl's, with an
cave Maria" by Daniorth, sung by the cOntraito,
Miss Munier.
Rev. Father Power was celebrant Of the mass,
and after the first gospel the Rev. DIR. McGiynn
preached on Lent. We learn, both from the Old
ana the New Testament, from the example Of the
saints and from the constant doctrine and tradi-
ton OF the CHURCH. that fasting is great and in
general necessary ana indispensable, part
OF virtue. 1t is part OF penance by
which we satisfy for past sins and consecrate our
bodies living victims to God. Fasting is neces-
sary as a remedy and means for spiritual health
As prayer is properly the spiritual sacrifice of our
souls to God, so by temperance and fasting we
make our bodies an agreeable sacrifice to His Di-
vine Majesty. Hence st. Paul cOnjures us in these
words-I beseech yOu brethren by the mercy OF
God that you present your bodies living sacri-
flee holy and pleasing 70 God" Fasting has a
par ticuar power
TO DIsENGAGE OUR HEARTS FROM EARTHLY THINGS
from the objects OF our PASSIONS and from inord-
nate attachments to creatures Moses and Elias
were prepared by fast OF iorty days to converse
with God. Daniel, after fast OF three weeks.
was favored with the highest revelations
All the saints were remarkable for their love
of this virtue. Many made their whole lives one
continued fast, and that severe as to seem al
most perpetual miracle. The Jews observed a
fast by Samuel's direction alter their sin and de-
feat by the Pnistlnes. In his penance King David
says, al humbed my soul ny fasting" And again,
u1der persecution, ~ covered my soul by fasting
ana MADE haircloth my garment" And IN an,
through rs assingn Tobias joined lasting and aims
with prayer, by which he deserved miraculous
relief and comfort. Whence the angel Raphael
said to him, prayer is good with fasting and aims
more than to lay up treasures OF gold.n The lives
of the apostles and many among their disciples
and the primitive Christians were IN some measure
! q perpetual FAST SO severe were the discipline
! temperance and soDrety which all carry Christians
continued ODlatlOn to God. And through ALI the
| ages down
THE FAITHFUL HAVE oBEYED THE COMMANDMENT
| or the Church in regard to fasting st. Charles
/ BOrrOmeO, who never allowed himself any COLA
ton, made the following rule for his household =
"In Lent, except on Sundays, no one must eat
more than once IN the day, and that after midday. II
! any one finds he wants some other relreshment he
may be allowed to take IN the evening an ounce
and half OF bread and cup OF wine" But this
| fasting, which the saints show 80 much devotion
| to, must be accompanied by prayer and the read
rate the spiritual benefits and graces derived from
meditation. The history OF st. Ignatius OF loyola
furnishes US with a remarkable example OF the
EFFICACY OF RELIGIOUS READING.
! After the battle of Pampeluna IN which ne par.
ticipated soldier, he lay sick In the hospital OF
that town. Wearled with the monotony OF SICK
bed, he requested his nurse to supply him with
books TO read. The lady brought volume OF the
'Lives OF the Saints" with which he was 50 pro-
toundy impressed that his conversion was at once
effected Other Instances of the remarkable effects
of the reading OF good books might be cited but
these are not needed, Tor IL Is evident to US VINO
are already blessed with opportunities that prayer
and religious reading are certain means to merit
Heaven. In this season OF Lent then, we should
especially have recourse to them.
SERVICES THROUGH LENT.
DR.. McGlynn concluded his sermon by annOunc-
ing that during the last three weeks of Lent q re-
treat Will be given in ST. Stephens church, under
the direction OF the Jesuit Fathers. The two
first weeks will be devoted TO the practitioners in
general; put the last week will be exclusively for
the pewholders, who are invited to bring their
friends of Protestant denominations to participate
IN the religious exercises.
DR.. McGlynn also announced that meeting Of
the pensioners would De held some evening during
the ensuing week. Tor the purpose OF taking Iur-
Their action towards liquidating the cnurch debt
He was glad to announce that at a meeting OF
parishloners, held last week, Tor that purpose the
sum OF $4,000 was subscribed by the few gentle
men who were present.