The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-04-18
Letter from tho New Diocese Of San Antonio.
THE POLISH COLONY.
SAM ANTONIO


To the Editor of the Morning Star:
Excuse me for trespassing on your time, but
thought that some news from the new diocese
of San Antonio, in the western part of Texas
might be pleasing TO your readers.
On Saturday, the 9th of March, our Rt. Rev.
Bishop, A D. Pellicer, went for the FIRST time to
visit ST. Hedwidge's Mission, seventeen miles
cas-: of San Antonio, situated on creek called
Martinez, and settled by some Poles. The mo-
tive of this visit was to ordain priest n
young Pole pamed Thomas Korbutowiks, wao
had bsen ordained sub-deacon on the 4th inst
and deacon on the 5th, in the Cathedral of San
Antonio.
His lordship having left the town late in the
morning, arrived after three hours ride at two
miles from the Mission of st. Hedwidge, and
there YVES met by forty men on horseback,
bearing three fags-the Uuised States Gag, the
Pope's standard. aud Polish flag. After salu-
ting the Bishop by firing of arms, the men
fell into line and marched before his
carriage. The whole party was soon in view
of the little village, where The whole copgre-
Cation was waiting for their first pastor, in
order to receive him as it behooves true Chris
iians.
The parish priest, Rev. Felix q ward"wskS,
was there, surrounded by his p'ons and faithful
Poles. The little girls, dressed in white, aud
bearing the banner of the immaculate Concep-
ton, were guided by seven Sisters Of the In
maculate Conception, whose blue dress formed
beautiful contrast with that Of the girls
The little boys, neatly dressed, bore the banner
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and formed a
procession, followed by the men and the wo-
mep, W no had also their banners, which were
that of st. Francis of Assssium, that of st.
Ieidore, and that of the Blessed Virgin Mary
of Claramontis, u celebrated shrine III
! Poland.
How beautiful and touching it was to see
these people bearing their banners and sur
! rounding the American flag, as an acknowledg-
ment Of and thanks for it's protection to their
| religious liberties.
In front of the priests honse the procession
came to % stand, and waited until the Right
Rev. Bishop had assumed his pontifcal dress.
In 8 few minutes his lordship appeared, with
mitre and orozier, accompanied by his chap
lain, Rev. j. c. NeFaz, of the Cathedral; by
Rev. Father Henry, of the Polish church in
San Antonio; by Rev. Joseph Barzindsky, oil
the Polish church in PauaMaria, and by the
Deacon Thomas Korbuto wiks, who was to be
ordained priest on the next day. At the COM
mand of the pastor, Rev. Felix Zwardowsky,
the procession moved on towards the church,
and at the main door the Bishop was received
by Father Felix with all the ceremonies pre-
scribed by the Church for such occasions.
After the POntifcal Benediction, our RI. Rev.
Bishop addressed few words to the people,
thanking them for their truly Christian reCep-
ton, and showing them how thankful they
ought to be to God for being able to practice
their religion without hindrance, and to raise
their children in that faith which has worked
wonders all over the world. His loEdship en-
Outraged them and told them to persevere In
that strong will and good disposition in which
they had always been since their settling IN
Texas. He complimented them on the neat
little church, which they had built themselves,
and which was beautifully decorated on this
occasion.
The fact is, Mr.. Editor, this Mission OF ST.
He'd widge proves what congregation can do
when there is good will. There are not more
than fifty five families here at present Some
six years ago, when the settlement commenced
there was only twenty-five families, and yet
they have built a fine stone church, soxSO'
| with house for the priest attached to it. The
| church is well adorned, Above the altar is q
beautiful painting, bought from Bsnziger, OF
New York, and representing the Administration