The New York herald., 1877-10-19
STEPS TO THE PRIESTHOOD.

CARDINAL M'CIosKEY GIVES THE ToNsUEE AND
MINOR ORDERS TO SEVERAL YOUNG PAUL.
lists.
Tho ceremony OF giving the tonsurc and comforting
minor orders was performed by Cardinal McCloskcy.
at tho Church OF ST. Paul the Apostle. In Fif,y-ninth
street, near Ninth avenue yesterday morning at nno
O'Clock. These rites OF tho Roman Catholic Church
arc always very interesting, both because they mark
the entrance into ecclesiastical lie OF those young
destined for the priesthood ana also because they
recall the history OF the early ages OF the Church.
Those who desired 10 become priests rs hnd the hair
shaved from the OF their heads, distinctive
mark OF their choice THIS called the
ceremony OF taking ino tonsure. In Europe
tho tonsure is worn throughout tho life
of the priests the crown their heads being always
ccany shaved, bus in this country only few locks
from the head OF the asprant Tor ecclesast cal
honors and he allowed 10 let tho hair grow again.
After certain time o. probation tho ono who has
ccived the Is permitted to receive the minor
orders ostiar.us doorkeeper, icctor reader,
exorcist and acolyth. These have historical
sgnihcance as they formerly related real duties
be performed in the Church, the offices being graded
with to their nearness TO the altar. Thus
the doorkeeper first, then the lector and exor-
acolyth whose duty II 10 take care OF tho sacred
vessels and arrange The affairs for the celebration OF
mass. IHo cXOIcSL was suppOscu 10 Huto tHc poWeE
TO out devils. AT the present day these minor
orders generally given together and have lttlc
more than "A commemorative meaning.
The services yesterday mornpg were very short,
lasting but iitte halt an hour, but very lair
congregation had gathered TO witness the solemn
rites. AT tho appointed hour Cardinal McCoskcy, ac
cofnpanicd by ais secretary, the Rev. Father Farley,
ana The Rev. Alfred Young, Superior vi The Congre-
CATION OF ST. Paul, entered tho sanctuary Attended
by all the members OF the order The Rev. Father a.
A. Brown acted as master OF ceremonies. There
and mass was not Celebrated, the services
being confined simply to the conferrng OF
the tonsure and the MINOR orders. II being the feast
ST. Luke the Evangelist the altar drapcd IN
coverings IN honor oil the martyr The Ionsurc was
given To Mr.. Charles X. Crosson, OF New YORK CITY;
MIR. Samuel b. Hedges, OF Crcevllle, Ohio; AR.
Gregory, OF Newark, and Mr.. Alexander Doyle of
Sau Francisco. AS each knct before the Cardinal
lew locks oi hair were cut from then head with the
usual prayers and they then re,red having ascendcd
the iirst step To The priesthood. After tnose cere
monies minor orders were conferred upon Mr. VI. T.
smitA, oil New York city; Mr.. A. H. Ncvins, OF Pnila
dcphia, and Mr. G. Il. Woodman, oil Hartford, Conn.
TIey nrst made oStid,tl large key being
handed to thom In token OF the Office Of door
lessons; then eXorcists receiving book Of the
gospels; and lastly acoiytns, the wine cTuets and
candles being handed 10 them ~ token their office.
These young men will make quite valuable accession
10 tho congregation OF Pauiist Fathers They VIII
have several years moro 10 study before they be-
priests, having yet to receive the orders OF sub
deacon and deacon. After tho ceremonies
and all the clergy had retired to the sacrsty Cardinal
McCloskey delivered IA short address 10 the recipients
Of the new dignitcs. he hoped thar, having taken
he rst steps the priesthood, they would 90 ON with
The oilers and become faithful Jealous priests.