The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-06-20
LErrER FROM TEXAS.
AN OLD IRISH SETTLEMENT.

= ganerous columns; send you even at this late
bour a few lines about the coming Of our new
Bishop, last month, among ns, and the recep-
ton hs metsw it'll from his devoted people along
the valley of tho Neuoes.
- As aoou as our worthy pastor, Rev. A. Maurey,
s3Aacertained the day his lofdship intended TO
.{nacb Refueio, he set out Immediately to meet
i'm and conduct him into the confines of his
wn mission. Arkansas was the f~st point
Reached. Here there is beautiful little
Scburch in q small but devoted Catholic COM
|dnunity. The good people received the Bishop
with all the marks of loving regard due to bis
bacred character. He remained among them
spne day, directing them in the path of saliva
Zion, and administering to the little ones the
Sacrament of Confirmation. At the Papalote,
sthe next point reached, he was received with
The same demonstration of affection. Here
also there is a neat little church and thriving
His stay at this point was likewise
hort, he being unable to remain longer than
me day. His arrival at San Patricio was ex-
nected on Friday, but owing to unforeseen de-
Hays he did not get here till Saturday. This
upset the plan of the procession
gotten up for the previous day to extend to him
publicly that enthusiastic welcome character
&stic of the Irish heart to the priest of God. AS
oon as it was known that their new Bishop
bad, indeed, arrived, all were astir, eager to
bee him and bid him welcome.
s At an early hour on Saturday morning
through the thick underground that skirts the
Down, little squads of persons of every age and
condition might be seen hurriedly vending
their way in the direction of the church. The
title church, freshly painted, sweetly har-
Wi h heb hen utvo f 4 he acapa Froo%
bf the pastoral residence, the entire oongrega.
lion assembled, waiting in loving impatience
Do behold-the most for the first time-the
Venerable countenanoe of their new Bishop.
Soon, to their delight, in company with his
four attendants, their beloved Bishop comes
Forth, and amid heavenly strains of sacred
music, heads the procession now formed to the
church, which is soon filed to its utmost
capacity. High Mass is celebrated by Rev. F.
Antonio, of Refugio, after which the Bishop
breaches 3 most instructive sermon. This over
he administers confirmation to upwards of q
score of boys and girls. The good Bishops
plain and fatherly manner drew all hearts to
him. Whilst here he and his priests were the
guests of Mrs. Sullivan, who, with her
daughters, felt delighted to be permitted to
contribute in the least towards their. comfort
during their short sojourn amongst us. And
thoHgh this honor of entertaining his lordship
and his little band of faithful priests fell to
9drs. g., every other family in town would have
aeemed it o happiness to do the same.
Ia On Monday, much to the regret of all, in
pmpany with Rev. Fathers Neraz, Maurey
nd Genolin, he set out for Gussetville, dis
ant from this place mp the river about thirty
|niles. At Twenty Mile Point the little COM
pany rested for few hours. This is known as
she homo of James II. Grover, Esq, gentle
man noted the country over for his hospitality.
Suffice it to say, all were well treated. About
z P. N. the little company is again on the road
much refreshed and in happiest mood. Some
ten miles from their destination, they are met
BY procession of all the young men of the
settlement, on horseback who greet their new
Bishop with expressions of warmest welcome.
On nearing the settlement and the little
church, half hidden in Q beautiful grove of
'live-oaks, long line of women and children is
seen slowly approaching in the moonlight and
dling to one side of the road as the Bishops
csrrisge comes along, then casting themselves
on their knees to receive his fAtherly blessing
and give him in heart words loving welcome.
lis beautiful sight, and one not unworthy
celestial gaze, to behold there in the calm moon.
light, amid the deep shadows of the grand old
lve-oaks of the valley, the descendants of poor
Erin's exiles on the distant banks of the Neuces
Exhibiting such beautiful proof of the loved
possession of the glorious inheritance be-
queathed to them by their poor but noble siIes-
an Inheritance for which they fearlessly braved
Ine tyrants rage and joyfully gave up every
earthly gain, aye, life itself. Next morning
Rs might be expected after the scene of the
evening before, the little church on the hill is
Aui to overlooking. After Mass the Bishop
preached one of his characteristic sermons in
ms happiest style. About twenty girls and
OoSs were confirmed. Too great praise cannot
pc given to Rev. Father Genolin for the excel
leot manner in which those children were pre-
pared Tor the reception of that Sacrament.
"ussettVille is a thriving settlement. All are
Engaged In stock raising, and are blessed with
competence of this worlds goods. There
pre- no really poor amonO them. Thew have