The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-12-13

ing of Peoria.
BALTIMORE, ND, December
The Third Plenary Council ofthe Roman
Catholic Church closed with a solemn
session at the Cathedral. Long before
nine o'clock the streets surrounding the
Cathedral were thronged with people
waiting for the procession of the Fathers
of the Church to leave the Archepiscopal
residence.
A few minutes after ten o'clock the line
of prelates emerged from the building,
headed by the chanters. Turning into
Mulberry street, they proceeded to Cattle.
dral street, where they were met by tho
professional cross-bearers, seminarlans,
regular and secular clergy. The process
sion then wendell its way to the Cattle.
dral. Inside the sacred edifce every
available inch of space was occupied.
The prelates nor the lesser clergy did not
wear the vestments worn on the opening
day. The gorgeous hues of the many and
varied colors in which they were then
clad were wanting. This time their vest
ments were white. The reason for the
change is that the mass celebrated was
that of the Holy Trinity, or Mass of Thanks.
giving. The mass was celebrated by the
Most Rev. Michael Corrigan, of New
York.
After the mass discourse was de.
lvered upon the work of the Council by
the Right Rev. L. L. Spaulding, d. D.,
Bishop of Peoria. The remarks of
Bishop Spaulding do much in the matter
of enlightening the public as to what
questions were discussed by the Council.
He said:
The Council met mt the call of the Vicar OF
Christ. TWAS presided over by the Apostolic
Delegate. who derives his authority from
Leo KILL, and his authority reaches back
through line of pontiffs, existing through
eighteen centuries back to Peter. The faith
we profess is that delivered unto the Saints
What motives have led hither all these
cradle prelates? There is but one answer
the desire to work with God in uplifting men
to purer, higher and better lives. The many
questions discussed with calmness and
justice had all a bearing upon the moral, re-
ligious and social we'll being of the people
who are in our charge.
The Council has sought to remove obsta-
Giles which might prevent the spread of
Chrsts Gospel. 1t has sought to frame its
desires that all who may listen to them may
be inspired with a deeper reverence. The
Council has devoted much of it's time to the
priesthood. 1t has done much to regulate
the relations between Bishops and priest,
and priest and people. 1t has laid the
foundation of the institution which, it is
hoped, will become great National Catho-
lie University. Education in general has re-
ceived much consideration. As we are COM
mitted, to religion as necessity to man so
brace its teachings we have pledged our
selves to the maintenance of such education.
In short time the Catholic schools in this
country will be second to no others in excel
We have discussed the family out of which
grow both Church and State; we have sought
impress SacrednpSS
the sacrament of matrimony; that divorce Is
to check some of the abuses of the day. SO
deleterous to the interests of the State as
well as of the church.
which the Council seeks to have fostered
throughout the land. We have also en-.
dangerous organizations AS ignore some of
the fundamental truths of religion.
After Bishop Spaulding had concluded,
the white vestments were renewed and
replaced with copes and chasubles of
red, symbolizing the tongues of fire
which descended on the Apostles upon
the day of Pentecost, when the Holy
Ghost came down upon them. The
Apostolic delegate then descended from
the throne, and after the opening pray
ers the Ueni creator spiritus and psalms
had been sung, took his place at the
altar steps with the promoters of the
Council on either side of him.
The roll was then called by the Secre-
tary. The DEGREES as yet Enacted upon
were read by the Rev. j. A. Corcoran, of
Philadelphia, and voted upon. The
solemn duty of signing the DEGREES was
then performed.
When all the prelates had offered their
names and given their assent to the rec
orb of their labors, DR.. Corcoran read
the oath which the members of the Coun-
A.I-- A. n
Gil had done until their acts should re-
Acclamations of thanksgiving were
then sung by the deacons and the
choristers, while all the prelates, one by
one moved toward the Apostolic Dele
gate to receive the Kiss of Grace.
When the ceremony of fraternal saluta.
ton was concluded, the Most Rev. Peter
r. Kenrick, DID,, Archbishop of St
Louis, arose, and in behalf of the mem.
bers of the Council addressed the Apos-
tolic Delegate, referring to the wisdom
with which he had presided over the
Councils deliberations, and the untirine
zeal which he manifested. He also re
turned the thanks of the Council for the
hospitality received in Baltimore.
The Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop
Gibbons, in reply said that whatever
success had attended his humble Of
forts was due to God, and tn,
kind forbearance of the members O
the Council, 81 have attended man,
august bodies in this world" h,
continued "but never before did 1 be
hold such harmony and concord; neve
before did L see more earnest discus
sion, united with unfailing courtesy
than in the proceedings of the Thir'
Plenary Council of Baltimore. We hav
met, many of us as strangers, but w
part loving and cherished friends. Tn