The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-11-19
Grand Golden Jubilee of Rev. Father
Alexander CzvitkoVicz, C.SS.R.

Sunday. On that memorable day Rev
Father Alexander, tho sanity senior, vete
ran. and patriarch of the renowned Re
demptorist Order in America, enjoyed the
rare privilege of celebrating the semi cen
tennial anniversary of his religious PROBES
sion. Like a true son of his sainted Father
Alphonsus, he prepared himself for the sol
emnity by fervent retreat of three days
In his humility he doubtless counted upon
passing his golden jubilee in holy seclusior
and prayer; but his devoted brethren and
friends had ordained otherwise, and the
humble patriarch could do nothing but
submit to the grand public demonstration.
All the arrangements had been made in
secret, and all the three Redemptorist con-
gregations conspired to carry out the pro-
gramme to the very letter under the able
leadership of Father Lany, Mr.. W. P:
Freret, and the devoted gentlemen of
Notre Dame congregation.
Precisely at 81 A. NJ. all the male societies
of the three Redemptorist congregations
appeared in front of tue Fathers convent
Above the main entrance Mr.. Philip Antoni
had placed q large, magnificent tranepa-
rency bearing the escutcheon and motto of
the Redemptorist Order, and surrounded6y
a profusion of flags, wreaths and other ap
propriate decorations. The yard and
streets were filled with enthusiastic friends
and the faithful generally. Six tuneful
bells, from three different church towers,
gave forth their joyous peals, and a splendid
music band thrilled every teart with its
loud martial strains. When the beloved
jubilarian appeared the welkin fairly rang
with the hearty plaudits of the assembled
thousands.
At 81 o'clock the aged patriarch, looking
probably as rosy, healthy and youthful as
he did half century ago, stepped into
by four white horses, furnished gratis by
the generous Mr.. Peter Gallery.
Forthwith the procession, composed of
select society -memb ers with badges and
banners, of school girls in white with bou-
quets, and of a long train of alter boys in
red and white-headed by the band, and
followed by guard of honor around the
triumphal carriage-moved through Con-
stance, st. Andrew, Magazine and Jackson
streets, to the lovely little church of Notre
Dame de Bon Secours. Here the jubilarian
celebrated solemn High Mass, assisted
by Father Duffo and young Mr.. Edward
Freret, both of the Society of Jesus. Among
the clergy in the sanctuary We noticed
Rev. Father Subileau, Rev. Father Chase,
and the Rev. Fathers Neithart, Colonel,
Faivre and Lamy, c IS R. The music of
the choir was exquisite, and the decora-
tions of the altar, the work of Brother Wen
Eel, were simply perfect. After the gospel
Rev. Father Faivre C.SS R. delivered q
long and ardent ealogy in French and in
English on the sanity hero of the day,
which was indeed q masterpiece of sacred
eloquence, gushing spontaneously from q
loving heart.
After the Mass and TIE Deum the process
sion returned through jackson, Laurel, St.
Andrew and Constance streets, to the con-
vent of the Redemptorist Fathers. The
crowds of faithful that thronged these
streets to catch glimpse of the venerable
jubilarian could scarcely have been less than
| five thousand.
In the evening the gentlemen of Notre
Dame and st. Mary's congregations, In
whose midst Father Alexander had chiefly
labored during the % years of his sojourn in
New Orleans, presented him with sub
stantial token of their gratitude in the
shape of a handsome purse. In conclusion,
the tireless patriarch, after an impressive
English sermon by Rev. Father L amy c SIS
R., gave the solemn Benediction with the
Blessed Sacrament in ST.. Alphonsus
Church.
On the following day Father Alexander
celebrated another solemn High Mass ir
St. Mary's Church for the Germans, al
which Rev. Father Gieeen sounded hit
praises with pathos and vigor peculiar tt
himself, as all can testify that heard him
1t may interest the numerous friends
and admirers of Father Alexander to know
something of his holy life. He was born in