The New York herald., 1875-11-22
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.

COMMENCING THE FORTY HOURS DEVOTION
The dull misty weather and the falling rain yeser-
day morning had visible effect the congregation
at ST. Stephens church. The spacious temple was
crowded to repeton many OF those present being un-
able 10 find seats The high altar, as well as the
side altar Of Joseph and Mary, was brilliantly llum-
mated and tasteiuy decorated with floral designs
Solemn high mass sung, commencing at half-past
ten with Rev Father McGynn the ceicDrant Father
Macready Deacon Father Byron, ubdcacon, and
Father Costigan master Of ceremonies Owing to the
extreme length Of the service sermon was preached
but before the end Of the mass Father McGlynn, in
eloquent terms exhorted his hearers TO take advan-
age Of the Of grace afforded by the forty hours
devotion which they about TO commence He
said that this devotion in commemoraton Of the
sunerings OF the Saviour before He gave up His life
the Never in the most irenzlcd dream
of human lovers has the imagination conceived
OF such perfect all absorbing love, as that which
Jesus Christ displayed toward poor suffering humanity.
When at the last supper He took bread and blcssed IT.
and said, Take eat this is my body and when He took
wine and said, Take, drink, this IS my blood He the
Son Of God who created all things, was not powerless
to execute the designs He had conceived toward man
kind. The exhortaton was in reality an exposition
Of the real presence Of the body and blood Of Christ
under the "thin veil OF the sacrament
BEAUTIFUL PICTURE.
AT the conclusion of the mass II was announced that
tho procession OF the blessed sacrament would begin.
The doors each side OF the high altar were opened
and the orcanist performed exquisite march there
slowly rom the sacrsty about fifty little girls
arraycd in white some OF them, however, carrying
baskets lined with scarlet filled with rose leaves The
carried in hand bouquet of scarlet and white
flowers while with the other they held alot lighted
taper. on the head OF each wreath Of laurel
leaves and clemats from which suspended
long flowing veil As they met in front of the
altar three acoytes down and led the
procession the middle holding cruciiix
AS the procession moved along the aisle
thicky strewn with the. white rose leaves. Follow
ing the girls nifty acoytes in surpces
Of black and scarlet and purple, with white lacc
cassocks. Then a magnificent silk canopy
studded with gilt stars carried by eight young gentle
men of the congregation Under this were the dea
cons the and the officiating clergy, Dr. Nc
Gynn, in attitude of profound devotion, holding up
in sight of all the blessed sacrament The procession
slowly wcnded its way down the centre aisle and back
again to the altar. The hest then exposed on the
tabernacle and the Ltany OF the Saints was chanted
more beautiful picture than was presented IL is not
possible TO imagine Down on their knees before the
altar the priests in their magnificent robes. the
deacons in their suits of sombre black the acoytes In
scarlet and purple and the girls IN virginia. white
thousand gas Jets and apers flashed out their light the
blaze OF which was dimmed by the shadowy cloud OF
incense with which the altar surrounded. Alto
gcther IL a bewderng TO the senses, and If
not calculated to awaken devotional feelings would
certainly impress the ookeron with the the pomp and
power and glory of the Church OF Rome The forty
hours devotion will end with the mass which will be
sung tomorrow at ten O'Clock plenary indulgence
will be granted to all who faithfully perform the duty.