The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-11-19
SPREAD OF THE FAITH IN NORTH CARO-,
LIMA.
| Correspondence Savannah Cross |
WILMINGToN, II. O., Nov.

WILMINGTON, N. c., Nov. Z, 1876
Right Rev. DIR. James Gibbons, Admin istra-
| tor Apostolic of this Vicariate of North Caro-
| lima, has just completed his semi annual visit
| to this eastern section. On Saturday, October
2sth, His Grace, attended by the Rev. Fathers
Gross and Moore. proceeded to Newton Grove,
! Sampson County.
With the exception of two persons, all the
Catholics of st. Marks Church, of this district,
numbering about hundred, are recent CON
verts to the faith. This county parish possesses
a good Catholic SCHOOL. Crowds of non. Cath
ole people attend the mon thly services at the
church. On Sunday, October 29th, Right Rev.
mon on the True Church at st Marks" sd-
ministered the Sacrament of Confirmation to
twenty three converts.
On the same afternoon, Rev. Father Gross
at the invitation of Mr.. Goodwin, a recently
baptized convert with q large family, and d
we'll farmer, proceeded thirteen miles to
this Rentleman's house, where the Rev. Father
found on his arrival about q hundred persons
assembled to hear Catholic priest. This visit
was the first ever made by q Catholic clergy
man TO this section; and such was the atten-
ton Tnd respect paid to the true Gospel that
messeses were at once taken to establish God
wins house as the centre of a new mission with
monthly services After the sermon catechisms
were distributed On Monday, October 3O5b,
Bishop Gibbons preached again at st. Marks
Church, Newton Grove.
Ga the Feast of All Saints His Grace admin
istered the Sacrament of Confirmation in Will
mingtoD, at st. Thomas Church, to thirty
candidates, of whom seventeen were onverts.
On Saturday. November Ash, His Lordship and
Rev. Father Gross proceeded to Mount Olive,
where new church has been erected. This
mission is recently established. 90 Sunday,
November 5th, His Grace, attended by Rev.
Fathers Gross and Moore, blessed and dedicated
to the service of God, under the title of the
Church of the Good Shepherd, the new edifice,
erected in the open country. About o hundred
Catholics from Wilmington, Goldsboro and
Newton Grove came up on excursion trains to
attend the ceremonies. This was the fret public
Catholic service held in the county of Duplin,
Four hundred persons crowded in and around
the church, listening with rapt attention to the
truly eloquent and Apostolic preaching of the
Catholic Bishop. AfGer Mass His Grace con-
6Emed converts. The sermon, the excellent
music, and pious behavior of the Catholic
visitors, made q deep impression on the country
people. The erection of Catholic school is
here contemplated. The Bishop then confirmed
on his eastern mission seventy persons, of
whom ffty-fiv are recent converts.
heard His Lordship remark, that the people
of North Carolina, simple, religious and hum
BILE, are remarkably open to the truth, and that
no fsirer field for the zeal and piety of priests
could be desired. Jealous clergyman cannot
but love to labor among people who 30 readily
embrace the faith. He enjoys here the honor
able position of q pioneer And his monument
after him will iadeed be, not q grand church.
nor wealth, nor an idolized reputation bnt q
land blessed with sturdy Catholic yeomanry
"a land redeemed from wretched and ignorant
Professionalism to the true faith, whose seed, as
the little mustard seeds, his humble hands
shall have sown.
The vicariate of North Carolina presents the
first and essential work of the priestly voca-
JiOn. Besides the work itself, if zealously at
tended TO, adds to health of body, and aids in
increasing personal piety. Let no one object
to sacrifices. Neither the conversion of souls
nor tho kingdom Of God can brook Buch Objec-
tiOns. =
Right Rev. DR.. Gibbons has appointed Rev.
james b. White pastor Of Sc. PanIig, NoWbsFns,
snd Rev. J. HcEtqa IeWnsheEs aesistant Paa