The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-22
RECEPTION TO BISHOP CHATARD.
The Banquet at the Episcopal Residence-The
Bishops Remarks About Pope Leo XIII.

At o'clock yesterday afternoon the Catholic
clergy of the city, a number of visitors, and the
trustees of the several Catholic churches sat
down to a banquet spread at the episcopal resi-
dencc, on Georgia street, in honor Of Bishop
Chatard's return from Rome. Father Alerdine
acted as master of ceremonies. Very Reverend
August Bessonies responded to the toast, Right
Reverend Francis Silas Chatard."
In response Bishop Chatard thanked Father
Bessonies and all those in whose behalf he had
spoken. The good bishops remarks were of the
most cordial character. He gave a brief, but in
te%resting account of his journey and s%oiourn
abroad and also spoke at some length of the con
SITUATIONS at Rome regarding affairs of the
church in this country. The journal. a few days
ago, gave q report of an interview which sub
st~antially stated his remarks of yesterday.
The toast, H Holiness, Pope Leo Mi, " was
responded to by the Right Reverend Bishop
Chatard, as follows:
Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers and Gentlemen
of the Laity.
The welfare and prosperity of our Father in
God is a matter near to the heart of each one of
us. Tn present Pontitf is one whose endow-
ments and character commend him to us in every
respect. Gods Providence rules the world, and
lie gives to men the qualities which are suited
to the work He intends they shall do, and the
opportunity of developing the faculties they are
to bring into play.
life of Pope Leo XIII. He was
gifted from the %outstart with talents
of the highest order. OF q calm and judi
cial turn OF mind, he brought that talent to bear
on the highest subjects of theological study. and,
surrounded by favorable circumstances, he be
came a theologian of the first rank.
With a naturally aesthetic disposition, which
puts him in sympathy with tho great writer's
and poets of Rome and italy. he came to be one
OF the most accomplished writer's and poets of
the day in the languages of Latium and of the
AnsOnia of to-day.
Full of that tact in treating with men which is
so pre-eminent a gift. and so necessary for the
public man, and with refinement and opportuni-
ties of observation around him, he developed
into the finished diplomat.
Never neglecting the means of experience at
his command, he acquired so great a knowledge
OF men and things that, coupled with his breadth
Of view and of mind, he impressed all with a feel
ing of his superiority. That great archbishop of
New York, the most Rev. DR.. Hughes, met
Cardinal Pecci on a visit to Europe. and never
forgot the visit to one whom he declared to be a
great man, and destined to occupy an important
place in the history of his period. Nor did Leo
Kill ever forget the impression made on him by
Archbishop Hughes. They were two men well
adapted to understand and appreciate each 9th
er's worth and strength of character.
Almighty God prepared him for his work.
For years, as Bishop of Perugia, he was sub
jected to all the woes with which the Italian
revolution afflicted his church-an experience
most useful to him in his present exalted posi-
ton.
Thus we see our Holy Father well prepared
for the place he holds-an able theolgian, under
standing fully the dogmas of faith and their
bearing on our lives-in the solution of
the great problems that so puzzle the
drifting minds of men outside the church; a
great scholar. seated by the side of the most
noted of the day, and charming by the elegance
of his prose and charming by the beauty of his
verse in Latin as well as in Italian; "a skillful
diplomat, using all his gifts and accomplish
ments for the benefit of religion; finally, a teach
err of sound morality, treating the burning ques-
tons of social life with so much force and with
so much delicacy as to impress those most hos
tile to the faith, and make them pay him a trib-
ute of respectful homage. Such is the sovereign
Pontif, full of fatherly interest in us, to whom
we most heartily wish long life and prosperity.
Other tOasts were responded to as follows:
THE Trustees" by Father Alerding; 'The
Clergy" by Father Scheideler; 1.-THE Laity," by
Father O'Neill; THE Churches" by Captain
James McHugh.
Father O'Donaghue then presented the bishop
with a we'll filled purse on behalf of the priests
and people of the diocese, accompanying it with
a neat speech. In concluding his remarks he
said:
While our clergy were aware that you looked for
nothing from them, and would be happier to make an
offering where needed, than to accept one, they never
theless adopted this means of expressing their APP
preciat lion Of your services, hoping at the same time
to be able to assist you in your work by the humble
offering they hereby present"
THE RECEPTION.
A public reception was held by Bishop Chat
ard at his residence last evening from : o'clock
to 1890, which was largely attended, not only
l. N,4I.1:.. IL 1900 He4la1:oz NJ -,u1au-
were tastefully and appropriately decorated by
the ladies, who, in large numbers, graced the
occasion by their attendance. The Emerald So
ciety created an agreeable sensation by calling
in a body to pay their respects, while every one
gave the Bishop a cordial greeting and babe him
welcome home.