Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1884-08-28

her infallible Interpretation OF them, what
men are to believe, and what they must
do to be saved. They need not therefore,
any longer be tossed about by every mind OF
doctrine cunningly invented by men to de-
ceive, but all are called ito meet in the unity
Of faith and knowledge Of the Son of God,
unto perfect man, in the measure OF the
fullness Of Christ" Now, this teaching cor
porate body was perpetually to remain in the
church. She is instituted for men; she makes
use Of human instruments, ''some as apostles,
| some as prophets, and others evangelists,
and other pastors and teachers for the per-
fection Of the saints"
We are admonished, also, by the apostle st.
| Paul when he writes to his disciple in the
| first epistle directed 10 him, how we are to
honor the priesthood "Let the priests who
rule we'll be esteemed worthy Of double honor
especially they who labor in the word and
doctrine" Such an occasion ia the one pre-
sented to-day in which he who has labored
| incessantly for your welfare during half a
century Of truly sacerdotal life, is congratu-
lated by his spiritual children, present and alb
| sent, and our best wishes are brought before
| this altar for his prosperity in the future,
whilst we return deyout thanks to God for
his long and honorable career. He has been
| for fifty years a devoted pastor, o Jealous
| laborer, a worthy citizen and an honest man.
| The finger of reproach has never been lifted
against him, nor could it truthfully. Even
more his record comes up to the apostalie
| standard of having a good name among those
| who are not of the Catholic church. After
this long and arduous labor in which he
leaves no earthly goods, nor seeks the wealth
| which perishes; after a life devoted to his
duties; most earnestly given to your
instruction, both by word and example,
may We not confidently expect
that he can say, when the hour of death shall
come: ~ have kept the faith, henceforward
there is laid up for me crown Of righteous
ness" His head is covered by the snow of
| years; his heart is however warm in your be-
half. Your prayers are asked for his perse-
yerance, and also, as a tribute Of gratitude
| for favors received from him which you can
| not otherwise repay. May we, at the sunset
| Of life, have similar noble record, is a
blessing earnestly wish you all in the name
Of our heavenly Master, who is tho light OF
the world, and the only divine teacher of
mankind.
At this conclusion OF the impressive
services, the bishop and clergy, esooitlng
Father Reilly, proceeded to the church
basement, whore number of hands inle
offerings from various friends were pre-
sented him. The presentation was made
by the Rev. D. ]. Flynn, assistant pastor
| Of the parish, who in behalf of the many
donors made brief address, expressing
| grateful appreciation Of the ministra-
| tions Of the aged father, and referring to
| the warm place all had In their hearts for
him. The gifts bestowed are A hand.
somsly bound and gold olsspsd missal
| and heavy stand Of brass from the con-
gregRtion Of the Sacred Heart Church
sterling silver tea service Of six pieces in
| q handsome rosewood box lined with blue
satin, and heavy silver salver from the
recipients own parishioners life-sized
crayon portrait in rich bronze
frame OF Florentine design, from
St. Msry's Doctrine Confraternity /;
napkin ring aud speotaoles Of gold from
with painting of St. Patrick from the Sis
ters OF Visitation purse Of gold from the
Rev. Patrick Corrigan, a former pupil
set Of oil stocks-pyx and stole--from ais
ters OF Chestnut Hill, Pa. The floral
gifts were numerous and elaborate. A
breviary from the clergy Of the diocese,
will be presented upon its delivery from
the maker. Evidences of much agitation
were visible upon the venerable iather's
face, when / . arose to return his thanks
to the generous donors OF the handsome
gifts. With much feeling he expressed
his pleasure at the COED will manifested
toward him, and accepted the offerings
with heartfelt gratitude. In a tone
| suffused with agitation hs referred most
stfsetionately to the bishop, and his work
10 the church, adding that he could only
say that he had tried TO do his best in his
own humble, blunt way.
After the presentation services the
doors were opened and the congr, cation
filed into the basement to view the
presents there displayed on large plat
form.
In the afternoon there was parade Of
the various Catholic societies in honor of
the golden jubilee. The line formed az
Sixth aud West streets, in the order
named Gordon OF police officers; John
P. Donahoe, ohiet marshal; James F.
Daley, Michael Cannon, John MoElwee,
August Biermspn and J,J. Mullin, aides;
members Of staff, John MoElwee marshal,
Knights Of st. Lawrence, and st. Mery's
Pioneer Corps, Michael Cannon marshal.
Second division, Michael Cannon, mar.
shal-St. Mary's Benefcisl Society, st.
Michael's Beneficial Society, st, Msry's
r. A. B. Society and parishioners.
Third division, August Biermsun, mar
shsl-St. Peters, St. Psul's, st. Bsne-
diets and the Rsv. N. X, Fallon Benef-
oisl Societies.
Fourth division, John j. Mullen, mar
shal--Shields Library Association, four
divisions A. o. Il.
In all there were about 1900 men in
line. The procession after passing over a
short route passed the pal oohial residence
where it was reviewed by the bishop and
al. 81 "a s,xkn IN
the dais in front of the altar Bishop
Becker and the aged Vicar General
Reilly were seated. When the audience
had assembled, 4. J. Kelley, . member Of
St. Mary's T. A. b. Society, read the fol-
lowing address which was presented in
behalf Of the Catholic societies Of Will
mington to Father Reilly and which will
elgrossed and framed
Very ReUerend Father: We, the members
of the Catholic societies of Wilmington, desire
to express to you on this fiftieth anniversary
of your elevation to the holy priesthood, oui
most heartfelt congratulations.
Seldom has it fallen to the happy lot of q
people to salute beloved and revered pastor
in circumstances like the present.
1t is not simply 10, 20 nor ever 80 years.oi
your priestly ministry which has been spent
! amongst us for with the exception OF tht
; first few months Immediately following YOU
: ordination, we have enjoyed the ministration
of your entire sacerdotal life.
: What graceH and blessings have come from
these jealous miDistrations, to us, to ou
, children, even to our parents before us-onl.
| God and his angels can fully record.
Where is the Catholic in this now larg
city, whom directly or indirectly your pastera
, solicitude has not reached? On how man
heads have you not poured the regeneratinl
I yas,,F ,Ft,
wounded hearts have you not brought conso
Q lation and pardon? To how many hungr
|, souls have you not broken the bread Of tru
Q doctrine, and distributed the heavenly mann
4 OF the eucharist. What have been the sol
8 aim and occupation of these last fifty years
a but to feed the hungry, olothe the naked
9 shelter the orphan, instruct the youth, lea
r back the wanderer, console the afflicted, hel
the dying; In a word, to accomplish each an
o every duty fyour pastoral charge, generousl.
J. constantly, faithfully to the end.
% If, in presence of such prieBtly life, wit
g not one lreath of suspicion to ever faint you
o priestly character, those not Of the housI
e hold Of faith proclaim you with one unan
7 nous voice true Christian gentlemen, nee
l. you be surprised il we, your spiritual chi
IS dren, thus express the joy and gratitude {
T. our hearts on this most happy occasion, I'll
Y golden jubilee Of our esteemed, venerable
/, beloved father.
10 Accept, then, very reverend father, our mo
10 sincere and heartfelt congratulations.
n We bless God for having given us such
n pastor. We thank Him for having spared yc
d amongst us to such ripe old age. We pr
10 him to continue this blessing for many, maj
N years to come, and when your course is owe
:, to give you rich eternal crown.
n Very Reverend Father we beg for ourselv
T. and for allour children your paternal blessin
y = Father Reilly for the moment seem,
Il overwhelmed at the agreeable and une'