St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-09-21
Am Event at the CAPITAL.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20.-The consecra-
ton of Rev. jeremiah O'Sullivan, pastor of
St. Peters Catholic church of this city, as
bishop of the diocese Of Mobile, Ala, took
place at that church to-day. Tue cere-
mony of consecratmg bishop usually
takes place in a cathedral, but at the ur-
gent request Of Father O'Sullivan, the arch
bishop consented to perform the ceremony
at the church Of the bishop-elect, in the
presence of his congregation. Therefore
the same ceremony which for more than
1, 800 years has at intervals been performed
in various parts OF the world was to-day per-
formed for the first time at the capital of the
nation, and in little unpretentious church
on Capitol hill. The church and main altar
were elegantly adorned with flowers, while
hundreds of lighted candles formed crowns
and triangular waves Of light. On the
right OF the main altar was the throne for.
the archbishop, over which hung canopy
OF maroon cloth trimmed withs3ringe of. the
same color. On the left was the small altar
for the bishep-elect, which was tastefulIy
draped with lace and adorned with flowers
and candles. Haydn's Mass No. 8 was
sung by choh. of forty voices with Or
chestral accompaniment. At the elevation
the brilliantly lighted altar, the archbishop,
assistant bishops, deacons and sub-deacons,
IN THEIR GOLDEN vEsTMENTs,
the bishop-elect in white and gold, the altar
boys in purple caSseekS and white surplices,
number Of alcolytes in white alpaca cas-
socks with red collars, cuffs and sashes
and white surplices, holding large lighted
candles, the glittering pontifcal cross, more
than fifty priests in black cassocks and
white suTplices, all reverently kneeling
with bowed heads, while the host and
chalice were held al0ft, formed most SOL
emn and impressive scene. Most Reverend
Archbishop James Gibbons of Baltimore
was the consecrator and celebrant of the
mass, with Right Reverend J. J. Keane,
bishop of Richmond Va, and Right Rev
erend II. P. Northrup, bishop of Charles
ton, S. c., as assistant consecrating bishops.
After the imposing procession which en-
tered the church had reached the altar, the
ceremonies began by the senior bishop ad-
| dressing the conSecrator:
| 'Most Reverend father; Our Holy Mother
| the Catholic church requires of you to raise
| this priest here preaent to the burthensome
| Office of a bishop
| The cODSecratoT asked:
"Have you the apostolic commission?"
| 1--WE have
| "Let it be read
The document was presented to the con-
secrators notary by the senior assisting
bishop, and readily y'him. When he
CONCLUDED READING
the commission tie archbishop said:
Thanks be TO God.
| The oath OF
DUTY AND FIDELITY
was then administered to the bishop-elect
by the conseerater. After the conclusion
of additional solemn ceremonies the conse-
orator stood uncovered at the altar. When
a HYMN had been finished the coDsecrator
said prayers. The consecrator and assist
| ing bishops then stood uncovered at the
Gospel side of the altar, all the others knelt
down and the new bishop went to the mid
die of the altar, wearing his miter and hay
ing his crozier il his left hand, made the
| sign of the cross on the altar and then Oh his
breast, and gave his blessing to all assem-
bled in the church. The cenSecrators and
assistants took their miters, turned their
faces towards the Epistle side of the altar,
to which the new bishop went, and turning
towards them advanced to the middle of the
altar and again at the feet of the consecra-
for who as he rose gave him the kiss of
neace. as did the assistants. The process
sion reformed and left the church. This
ended the first conservation of Catholic
hishon in Washington.