The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1879-01-26
st. Agnes Feast.


for Children, for those who, in age at least, re-.
semble the Virgin martyr of imperial Rome.
The Church was crowded, as was to be ex-
peoted, with children of all ages, from the new
born babe of only q fsw weeks, to the rosy
youth of lifes first decade of yeare. There was
the same blending of childish noises, sobs and
laughter, with the music of the choir; and the
same quaint Interruptions of calls and cries to
the pastors eloquent exhortations. Bat there
was one feature added to the occasion which
was both new and beautiful, viz: the singing
by the children, Of the entire service of the
Mass. This was singularly appropriate, and
will no doubt remain a permanent part of the
annual celebration.
Tne reverend pastor who, ten years ago, in
augurated this beautiful devotion to St. Agnes,
and established the custom of children's
Mass in her honor, was fortunately present at
Tuesdays ceremony and gave with his own
lips the special benediction prescribed by the
Church for all of Christ's little ones, on such
occasions. As his duties now call him to q
wider sphere of action, and his visits to his old
congregation may be very fe~ and far between,
the fact of his presence among them last Tues
day was something particularly dear to every
heart; while the thought that he might never
again fEiciate on st. Agnes' day, was particu-
lsrly sad to every mind. There was another
thought too, which brought tears to many an
eye-the thought of the little children missing
from their places, sleeping in the silent church
yard-who last year celebrated st. Agnes festi-
val in st. Stephen's Church.
Lat US hope that each little fever-victim of
our dread visitation, stands now with the
nhi 1hn ~
her young life to God, and, placed by the
Church upon her holy altars, is venerated all
over Christendom as the patroness of youth
and innocence.
The collection taken up at the childrens
Mace, has always been devoted to the fund for
the new church now being erected on Napoleon
Avenue, and which, when completed, will be
one of the finest churches in the South. 1t is
now ten years since it's foundation was laid
with the money offering made at the first cele
bration of the children's Mass on St. Agnes
Feast; but since then hard times, bad govern
ment, and the fearful epidemic, have retarded
the good work. If only the roof could be put
on, so that next st. Agnes Feast might see
thousands of little children gathered where
now there are only hundreds!
AS the hands of children laid the foundation,
let Us hope that they may also complete the
roof, and placing the new church under the in.
vocation of Rome's innocent child d-martyr-
they may ind in it all the graces which will
enable them to join their patroness in Hea-
ven.
The beautiful celebration of children's
Mass, sung by childrens voices, with special,
solemn benediction for all the children, the
whole under the patronage of a child, saint, is
unique, and peculiar to St. Stephens parish,
aud well deserving of attention the part of
the parents and guardians Of New Orleans.
The sight of all those innocent faces, uncon-
scious of the great blessing reserved for them
of those fair young mothers, proud of their
darlings and grateful to God for the precious
boon of motherh ood-this is something to re-
member as a vision of beauty, innocence and
joy akin TO what the angels see around the
throne of God.
And let no one dream that the solemn bless.
ing invoked by pries.ly lips upon the uncon-
scious prattlers, is fruitless in time or in
eternity. What dangers it may avert, what
favors it may secure, will only be known at
the final hour; but every mother feels that her
child comes forth from the Church's benedio.
tion with newisafeguard against vice, and 3
new incentive to virtue.
The beautiful life of Saint Agnes-tke darl-
ing Saint of the Catholic Church, whose name
In the Canon Of the Mass is invoked on every
altar in Christend om, and whose protection is
daily implored by all who join in the tremen-
dous sacrifice of the altar life should be
taught by mothers to their children 80 that her
virtues shall take root in their hearts and form
them on the same exquisite model.
A whole year is not too long in which to
teach this lesson, so that on the next Feast
day of the Saint, both the children and their
parents may be more disposed to love aud
reverence and do her homage in the Church
which so especially honors her name and vir.
tues.
TEARS, TEMPLES AND ToMBs.-There are
many newcomers in the city who have often
heard of Father Ryan" but have never heard
him. They will have ohanoe lto do an this