The New York herald., 1876-11-15
THE WHITE VEIL.
INTERESTING CEREMONY YESTERDAY AT THE

INTERESTING CEREMONY YESTERDAY AT THE
CONVENT OF MERCY
Yesterday was full OF delights for the families and
friends OF the three happy candidates who received
the white veil al the hands Of Mgr. Seton, OF ST. Jo
seph's church, Bergen Hill, n. j. As chimes rang
the hour OF three in the afternoon the procession OF
veed ygse entered the chapel Of the convent three
Of the Oldest nuns each leading by tho hand ono Of
the young ladies' who aspired to the white veil
and black robes OF the Order Of Mercy As the last
shining train Of the whitesa,n-robed brides passed
through the vestibule two acolytcs clothed scarlet
and white, preceded the twenty clergy men who slowly
filed into the chapel, with Mgr. Seton. in full
clerical ves,ments, and the sanctuary filled.
The choir composed OF rsgieuse only gave forth tho
gladdcning notes Of tho 20 Gloriosa virgnumn and
the three candidates knclt before the altar until its
close. Tho ofcian then blessed the candles. which
were lighted and given 10 each posiuant
an emblem OF that inward light which dis
pes the darkness OF ignorance and error and,
retiring TO tho middle Of the choir, the postuants
remained seated while Mgr. Seton delivered short
address, In which he reminded them that the step they
contemplated was old as Christianity iscf; for in
the earliest days OF the Church great numbers Of vr
gins had consecrated themselves to God by the ''vow
OF vrgnity," and afor passing period Of probation
finally the sacred veil the seal OF their vir
ginal vow. He warned them that they could hope
10 their souls any better IN their haliowed
roundngs than elsewhere unless they first obtained
the victory over SELF and tho step they about 10
take WAS only preliminary TO that higher one whore
they would complete their victory. Each posiu-
liant then advanced and kncit at the foot
OF the altar, while the Monsgnorc asked her what
she required; to this the reply, Tho mercy of
God and the holy nabit Of roligion." lie then asked
" was with her own free will THAT she made this do
Tho Superioress was then asked II she had examined
them and was satisfied. to which she replied "Ycs,
ic ina. they could pcrsevere In their choice and each
one replied, Relying on the mercy OF God. hope TO
De aoic 70 40 So inc choir began 70 sing me proper
Psalms while the Aorsignore proceeded to bless tho
habits, cinctures, coaks etc. ana the postulans
urcd from the chapel to change the bridal dress ior tho
robS OF religion Each OF the young ladies'
handsome dress OF whito satin or slk with long train,
high corsage and long sleeves the na neatly dressed
covered with illusion vc that fell graceful
folds the ,raIn and garlahds OF flowers dis
posed about the dress while wreahs oil orange bios
SONS confined the wells 10 their places When tho
postuants returned TO the chapel each one wore The
training black robe OF Sister OF Mercy the plated cof
replaced the orange wreath above Inc brow and PLAIN
linen cloth concealed the head and shoulders As they
entered the chapel the choir sang tho anthem, "Who
is she that cometh up from tho desert, flowing with
delights, leaning on the arm OF her belovedy" Tho
candidates then knelt before tho altar while the Mon
sgnore gave each one the cincture and aftepward
blessed tho white linen vel over the head OF each
as he gavo Il TO her, saying, ''Receive the white
veil, the emblem Of inward purity, that thou
maycst follow the Lamb without spot and
mayest walk with Him in white IN the
Of tho Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen"
Each then received the white choir mantle, and
all three in the middle OF the chapel facing
the altar and sang, III have chosen be In the
house OF my Lord Jesus Christ" while the choir an
swered "whom have seen, whom have loved,
IN whom | have believed and toward whom
my heart inclineth' and shen,. while the
choir sang the event Creator" they lay pros
tralc before tho altar until the Monsignore bxds
them arise. Tho kiss uf peace was then given by
the Supcriorcss to oach novice and they In
from choir TO choir and embraced the other re.
iigcusc The procession then left the chapel singing
.BchoId how good how pleasant 1t is for brethren
to dwell together in unity. The Immense number OF
guests soon congregated IN the pariors, which they
1ed to Overlooking, and the remainder Of the
day was passed by the new novices in the
society of their relatives and friends. Miss Sarah
Bennett received tho name OF Sister Mary Mcchtldes,
Miss Helen took that Of Sister Nary Catherine,
and kate Heubner tho OF Sister Stanis-
iaus Mary.
Among the clcrgymen present Fathers Elliott
and Brady, OF the Paulists; Father McKenna, the
brother OF tho Rev. Mother Augustine; Father Dunn
OF the Dominicans; Father Kane, Father Mort and
many others, who all pronounced the ceremony Of
the most impressive they had witnessed. Strong
men were moved to tears, and the aged grandmother
OF Miss Heubner blessed God that she had lived
this day.
The decorations Of the affairs consisted Of tapers
gas jots formins stars OF light and the name Jesus
with vines and flowers exquisltey arranged among
them.