The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-01-09
CONFIRMATION AT THE CATHO-
Lie CHURCH.

On Sunday last large congrega
ton gathered at the Catholic Church
to witness the Sacrament Of Confir.
nation administered by the lately
Bishop Leray, of this
(Natchitoches) diocese. This was
the occasion of his first visit to this
place, and the members Of the
Church and many others were out in
lar e numbers to welcome him. AT
ter Mass he delivered feeling and
forcibte instruction explanatory Of
the Papal Benediction, which he
gave before the Confirmation. He
told of the news of his appointment
having reached him while III France,
and of his visit to His Holiness Plus
TX to ask his special blessing upon
the people, all the people in the
Catholic and broad Specification of
that term, and of his having received
special authority from the Pope to
bless the congregations of this do
cese upon the occasions of his first
visits to them. 1t is needless to say
that the Benedictlon which was then
given by him was reverently and SOL
EMMY receivedby the large congrega-
ton, who were all thankful to Bishop
Leray for his kind forethought in
having secured it for them.
Then twenty-one girls and sixteen
boys, all becomingly dressed, ap-
preached the railing of the altar and
the Bishop instructed them as to the
obligations about to be assumed by
them. AS he pictured the duties of
the soldiers of Christ, and warned
them of the temptations that would
surround them and against which
they were all to battle like true SOL
diers and to follow the banner of
Christ through every trial, be was
eloquent and grand in the majesty
and force of his language. This GER
emony having been concluded, the
congregation formed in procession,
and led by the Bishop, the Father
Attendant of Natchitoches, and Fa
theirs Dnpre and Menar marched over
to the Pastors house to
WELCOME THE BISHOP.
In order to appropriately receive and
welcome the Bishop, Messrs. j. W.
Prescott and Robt. P, Hunter had
been asked to make addresses of vel
come and consratulation to the new
Bishop. The procession having ar.
rived at the house, Mr.. j. W. Pres.
colt stepped forward and in short
but neat and appropriate address
babe him welcome. In the course oil
his remarks he alluded touchingly
to the late Bishop Martin, and paid
a glowing tribute to his memory
Mr.. Robt. P. Hunter then spoke as
fellows:
Right Rev. Bishop and Father -
These your faithful followers in
the faith which has been handed
down to US, sauctified and chrystal.
lied by the storms Of centuries, and
which has, in the ages past been
proved by the blood of the Martyrs
have asked me through their worthy
and efficient Pastor, Father Dupre
to address you in words of welcome
and congratulation upon this, the DC
casion Of your first visit to Alexan
dria as the Right Reverend Bishop
of this Diocese. They were the
more anxious that this should be
somewhat formally done, and thai
you should not be left to read your
welcome in their smiling faces and
glad hearts only, because they de
sired that no honor eftting the &C.
casion should be omitted and that
they might lose no opportunity OF
giving expression to their respect
and esteem for yourself, their reve.
renee for the dignity and sanctity
which surrounds your position, and
their devotion to the cause which
they are sure will find in you a zeal
Gus defender and energetic supporter.
You have come to US, Right Rev.
Bishop, as stranger to most of US
personally, but our neighboring State
which has for 80 long been your
home, and where we know you to
have been loved and honored, has
not been able to confne your reputa.
ton as devoted Priest to her OWL
borders, and we know of you so vel
and so favorably that we have nc
fears in submitting ourselves to your
guidance and fatherly care. I am
sure that / can promise tor these
Church members around Won. tina,