The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-05-15
BrsHopJANs>ENs AT NArcHrz.
Grand Ovation 10 the New Prelate-A Gene-
rous Peoples Enthusiastic Welcome-Inter-
esting Ceremonies at St. Mary's Cathedral
Reception at the Episcopal Residence, &c.


esting Ceremonies at NJ. Mary's Cathedral
Reception at the Episcopal Residence, &c.
The reception of Bishop Janssens by the
people OF NatcheZ, his future home, on Sat-
urday the 9Th instant, was spontaneous
demonstration Of hearty welcome, and one
which, while IL must have been more than
gratifying to the right reverend gentleman
himself, will be read Of with deep interest
and pleasure by the msny in this city who
will never know anything but affection for
him whom they are still pleased TO style
their own " Father Janssens." The fol-
lowing Interesting details are extracted and
condensed from the lengthy report OF the
Natchez Democrat:
While on his way from Vicksburg to
Natchez BY steamer be was net at Good
Hope by q committee Of gentlemen, and re-
ceived the first address of welcome to his
new home. After some time spent in in
Productions and pleasant conversation il
was announced that The city was in sight,
and the Bishop being desirous OF getting a
view Of the "Blutf City" repaired 10 the
guards, and there for the first time bad
glimpse Of the city Of Na,chez, the place
where he will in future reside. Amid the
booming Of guns the stately steamer rounded
TO. and at the wharf another ovation awaited
the Bishop. After meetin quite number
of our Catholic clergy and citizens. the car
ria0es were announced to be IN readiness,
and the Bishop, attended by Fathers Grig-
non, Finn, and Meershaert and the various
members of the reception committee, leit
the steamer. A procession was then formed
at the foot Of Silver street, the Bishop being
seated in carriage drawn by fouf horses
and driven by weli-kn0wn citizen. ana
the march to the Cathedral commenced,
the Independent COrnet Band furnishing
the music. Arriving at the Cathedral, Bi>h-
Oh Janssens and his attendants retired
TO the episcopal residence, where they
donped their clerical robes, and then, pre-
ceded by the acolytes. they marched up
The centre aisle OF the church, which had
been strewn with flowers. aud the Bishop
then took formal possession. Bishop JAMS
sens addressed few remarks TO the very
large assembly, after which tue lnl-
pressive ceremonies closed with the
benedicfion Of The Blessed Sacrament.
The choir music upon the occasion
was remarkably fine, and was much ad-
mired. A number OF the most talented
singers Of the city, regardless OF creed, par
ticipated, and taken altogether the ch0lr
wa. probably the best ever heard in NatcheZ.
The crowd at the church was very large, aS
was also that at the landing and at the head
OF the hill. and was made up OF men, Wo-
men, and children, who were out regard
less Of the fact that 1t was wet overhead as
well as under foot. The ovation was an
overwhelming one, ana one OF when the
good Bishop mLht well be proud, as 1t
has fallen to the lot Cf very few persons TO
be 30 highly hOnore1 by the people OF
NatcheZ.
The following day being Sunday. ST..
Mary'S Cathedral was crowded by those
anxious to see and hear the new bishop. lie
did not ofliciate in the celebration OF the
Holy Sacrifice. but he ascended the pulpit
after the Mass, and in an eloquent address,
partaking more OF an Inaugural than OF Il
sermon, expressed his pleasure at the many
marks of honor, esteem, and affection be-
slowed upon him by the people OF his do
cese. He was, he said. unworthy OF the
high ecclesiastical hOnors that had been
bestowed upon him by his Church,
but would endeavor in MS humble way
to prove worthy Of them. He had no
choice in the matter Of coming to the See OF
Natchez IS its Bishop. IL his wishes had
been consulted he would probably have re-
|
ready endeared by constant associations.
and among whom be began the labors OF
the priesthood; but il was mandate from
the Holy Father at Rome, and he, as a Ia
borer in the Church. must bow in suDmls'
sye obedience. The modest, unassuming.
and gentle demeanor Of Bishop Janssens
has already endeared him TO Catholic hearts
ia NatcheZ. and his hold upon them VIII
in time surely become second to more, not
even to that Of the good Bishop Elder.
In the afternoon, at the conclusion oil
Vespers, Bishop Janssens held a reception
at the episcopal residence. The capaciou,
mansion, usually large enough to accommo-
date all visitors, was inadequate TO the task
Of holding those desiring 10 pay homage 10
the distinguished prelate. All the rooms
were crowded and slaDding-rOOm was dlfll-
cult TO find even on the gallery. On be-
half Of the congregation, Mr. John b.
Oueges presented 10 The RI. Rev. Bishop
,Jans>ens q formal address OF welcome 10
the charge OF the Diocese. Mr.. Que@les'
address was splendid effort, abOunding IN
matters OF history relative to the Diocese OF
NafcheZ. The address was briefly. and
quite appropriately replied TO by tht
Bishop, and at lis conclusion Miss MlnnlC
O'Cavanagh presented very elegant poe,i
cal address OF her own production. which
was read by her father, Mr.. james OCava
nagh.
In conclusion, introductions and hand
shakings and converse followed; aiteI
which the crowd began to dsperse, more
lfavorably impressed than ever with the dis
tingui.hed prelate who is to preside Owe
their spiritual welfare.