The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-05-26
IMPOSING CEREMONIES.
Dedication of the Magnificent Cathedral
of ST. Patrick

Dedication of the Magnificent Cathedral
Of st. Patrick.
New YORK, May 25.-The new st. Patrick's
cathedral corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifth
street, was dedicated for public worship today
under the Invocation of st. Patrick, with sol
emn and imposing service. Ten o'clock was
the hour appointed for the services to COM
mence, but by nine nearly every seat within
the building was occupied while outside were
several thousand persons, many of whom
wanted to purchase tickets but could get none
as all were sold several days ago. They were
compelled to content themselves with viewing
the procession around the building and sprink-
ling of the walls with holy water by the Cardinal.
Between 1000 and 5000 people were within the
building when the services commenced. The
bright sunlight streamed in through the top of
the windows with brilliancy which brought
out the beautiful tracing and carving of the
lofty roof, while the same rays passing through
the richly stained windows further down shed
mild light upon the assembled thousands be-
low. A number of sparrows flew in at the up
per windows and chirruped Justify throughout
the ceremonies. The high altar was lighted
full appearance. Away at the other end was
the grand organ, marvel of artistic skill and
beauty. Seldom is such gathering of high
dignitaries OF church seen as today The fol-
lowing took part in the ceremonies: Arch
bishops Gibbons of Baltimore, Purcell of Gin
Boston, Lynch of Toronto, Hnnahan of Hall
fax, Bishop Healey of Portland and many
others from every part of the Union. Car
dinal John McCloskey was celebrant. The
musical portion of the services were very SUI
perb.
At half-past ten the ceremonies commenced
with procession from the vestry. First came
the attendants and servers, then chorus of
chanters, then $50 priests in line two deep,
then Bishops, then Archbishops and lastly Car
dinal McClosky with Wears General Quinn
and Preston on either side. The audience
aryse and remained standing while the pro-
cession passed down the centre aisle to the
grand central portal. The crowd outside the
building also remained uncovered during the
ceremonies. The Cardinal on passing out
through the portal turned toward the building
and offered up prayer, then recited the an
tiphon, ''Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop,
0 Lore" &C., then sprinkled holy water on
the walls above and below, the chorus chant
ing Miserere. The procession then moved
around the building, the Cardinal sprinkling
splendid and striking one The windows and
roof OF neighboring houses were thronged with
spectators, and the streets also were crowded
After making the round of the building the
procession reentered the Cathedral by the same
door and marched to the high altar. There
the Cardinal, accompanied by number Of the
clergy, made circuit of the building and
the interior of the walls with holy
yToton. Psel,aAs we're she.A.ed hy thn nhnr,,s
during the circuit of the route. Returning to
the high altar the Cardinal was clothed in full
pontificial vestments and proceeded to cele-
brate mass. The mass celebrated was that of
Pope Gregory VII. Then came the sermon by
Rt. Rev. Patrick j. Ryan, coadiutor of the
Bishop of St. Louis. After the sermon the
ceremony of incensing the altar took place and
the clergy went on. After breaking of the
Sacred Host the Cardinal gave the pax or kiss
OF peace and the chorus sang Agnus Del
Then followed the TIE Deum Laudamu, sung
by the chorus and all the clergy. 1t was 3 o.
clock when the services concluded.