Connecticut western news., 1882-06-21
THE DEDICATION.

> The laying of the corner stone of St. Mary's propriate ceremonies, last Sunday. A driz- zling rain opened the day, and continued at intervals till nearly sunset, still this did not prevent an immense crowd of people meeting to celebrate this great event in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Western Con. necticut Excursion trains all centering at the beautiful village of Lakevlle brought the greater portion of this immense gathering. Twenty-Five cars, all crowded, bear evidence to this fact. l. is variouslY estimated that from three to five thousand people attended the services in morning and afternoon. The indictment weather undoubtedly prevented a much larger attendance. The ceremonies of the day commenced at 10 a. m. at the church, consisting of high mass, celebrated by Rev. Father Fox, and confirmation and an address by Bishop McMahon, of Hartford. One hun dred and fifteen children and adults coustitut- ed this class. At 2 p m the ceremonies of laying the corner stone commenced. The priests in attendance were Rt. Rev. l.. S.
 
 the Very Rev. Fra Leo, O. S. F., of Winsted: Rev. John Quinn, of Tarifvlle; Rev. John sheriden, of Waterbury; Rev. L. Fitzsimons, of New Hartford Rev. H. J. Lynch. of Lake vile; Rev. P. Fox, of Lakeville; Rev W. A. Harty, of Hartford. All were arrayed in their priestly robes and presented an imposing appearance. A procession of girls dressed in white led the way, followed by the priests, who ;immediately on arrival at the site of the convent opened the services, which consisted | of the reading ln Latin of the "Litany of the Saints" and the usual form of the services used by the church on such occasions. Im- mediately at the close of these services the Rey. Father Harty was introduced and ad- dressed the people. We are unable to give but very few of the important points in his address He spoke of the strength and tri
 umphs of the church, and said the church could point to it's foundation to sthe time oi authority. He said the Catholic chnrch en. deavored to make the cross the standard fol education as we'll as religion. He quoted
 the words of St. John Crysostom spoken tc
 the Catholic church 14Oo years ago, viz, "Ths
 Bark of Peter, (meaning the churcb), laughs
 at storms and tempests she has the saints fo her passengers, the angels for her sailors, tht
 cross of Calvery for her mast the doctrins o
 Jesus Christ are her sails. and her helmsman
 is God" Speaking of the building just con
 secrated he said ''plant cross on her founda
 tion and let it stand as sign that religion ant education must go hand in hand if we would
 have deciples worthy of the Redeemer and cit izeus worthy of this great republic" H.
 spoke highly of the work of Father Lynch and commended him for his unceasing labo
 for the good of the church. We regret tha we are not able to give more complete re port of Father Hartys address. He is fspeaker of great ability, few equaling hin
 and none excelng. Never at loss fo
 a word, expressing his thoughts in such
 manner as to be readily understood by ever,
 one. He has powerful but pleasing voic and commanding figure which attract an
 keep the attention of every one. After tn address the Bishop gave the banediction an e.I passed through the crowd sprinkling then with holy water. The services were short l ened on account of the rain which fell durin
 most of the exercises There will be tw t buildings erected, each about 3Ox40 1t On ] for the convent, the other for the schoo 7 The cellars ndwalls are finished preparator
 to the erection of the frame. A collectio , was taken which netted a handsome sum. I the basement of the church an opportuntt was offered to gratify ones appetite at
 small expense. StJosephs band of Pttsfel 1 > and the St. Augustine band of Bridgepor ,l attended.