The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-08-15

| SELMA, ALL August 3rd, 1875.
Editor Morning Star:
| Selma, on the banks of the Alabama, wa,
once most prosperous city, with a wealthy
-, population who cultivated all the graces and
elegancies of life, but, like most Southern
towns, since the war it has deteriorated in
many respects and the people have about as
much as they can do to get the necessaries OF
life. But here, also, as elsewhere everyone lie
hopeful of An early return of the good old
times
The church is one of the most substantial in
the diocese, being built of stone. It stands q
monument to the zeal of the late Father
cLeary' the memory of whose goodness is
cherished by all the people of the town. The
worthy successor of Father O'Leary is the Rev.
j. J. Crowley, young priest who was or
dained at Spring Hill q year ago. did
not see the Father, as he was ont of the city
visiting different parts of his large parish. 1
hear the ladies intend shortly to hold Fair to
help him in his works. During Father C.'s alb
sence, Father Kavanagh, of Rochester, N. Y,
says Mass Father X. was compelled to come
South to rec operate his health, sadly impaired
by great and prolonged labors. am glad to
state he is rapidly improving.
MONTGOMERY, August 9th 1875.
This is a very handsome city and most of the
people seem to be doing comparatively well.
Business is much better than it has been for
some years past, and the prospects are that it
Will improve wonderfully in the fall, as the
cotton and corn crops are excellent and the
country people will have surplus to expend
in purchasing many articles of necessity and
luxury which they have been compelled to do
without for some years.
st. Peters Church, the largest in the Diocese
with the exception of the Mobile Cathedral, is
built of brick. 1t is well finished outside, and
within the walls are beautifully frescoed. The
affairs, also, are very fine. The congregation
is numerous, including many of the leading
professional and business men.
The Societies here are hourshing, and, with |
the excellent condition of the parish and it's |
buildings for school and charitable purposes,
attest the faithfulness and zeal with which |
Father Manucy, now Bishop Manucy, of |
Brownsville, Texas, worked for the people. |
The female portion of the congregation is or
ganized in the following manner: ~ Altar |
Society, 70 members; (2) Children of Mary, 40 |
(3) Holy Angel, SO members. On
the 3Oth of last May Father Savage, who was
formerly pastor at Eufaula and was transferred
TO this parish to fill the place of Father
Msnucy, organized a st. Aloysius Society of
which the officers are:
Rev. d. Savage, Spiritual Director Edward
Farley, President; Frank T. Old wyer, Treas
lrer, and Jas B. Simpson, Librarian. The
'oung men have fine Society which will no
loubt do an immensely of good.
Father Savage bad the great happiness, on
he goth of June, of giving their First Com.
nunion to twenty one children whom he had
repaired for that great event. They now await
be Bishops arrival to be confirmed.
The Academy of st. Mary of Lorretto is con-
ucted by ten of the Sisters who came here
wo years ago from the Mother House at
Ioretto, Marion county, KY. Father Describes, :
. j., from Spring Hill College, is now giving :
etreat to the Sisters. 1 will conclude by I
living the following notice, taken from the C
drertissr, of q recent date:
ACADEMY OF ST.. MARY OF LoRFTro-Un-
Or the unpropituous auspices of yellow fever v
pidemtc, two years ago, this Institution was SI
shered into existence by the arrival of six al
rom the small beginning in 1873, il has al s,
lady attained to very respectable proportions. %
uring the past term the sisters had under their :,
large some 100 girle and so boys. There were q
N boardeTs, which number was all their limi- u
ID space could accommodate. At present q fe
rye and expensive addition is being made to sc
ford ample room for some 40 or so boarders. tt
r. Dickinson with his usual energy is en- in
aged at this work. Twenty years ago he 70
Tilt the majestic old building, known as the I,
ethea house, and now he extends its limits A.
'irty feet in the rear. Thereby he supplies y.
le Convent with an additional large dormi- ID
ny (22x40 feetO q corridor (52x6 feet) three al
Try neat rooms, and a magnificent open space Ga
ny happily contrived as plaoe for the re- Ar
cation of children during any inclement az
Gather. an