The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-18
~FULLTHREE SCORE AND TEN.
SEVENTEEN Birthday Anniversary of RI.
Rev. Monsignor August Bessonies.
A Reception Given in His Honor by Mrs.
McKernan-A Poem by Mrs.
Sarah t. Bolton.

Yesterday was the SEVENTEEN birthday of the
Right Reverend Monsignor August Bessonies,
and the occasion was fittingly celebrated by the
worthy cd gentlernan's many devoted friends in
Indianapolis. He was born in the south of
France on the day of the memorable battle OF
Waterloo. He came to America in 1888 and his
life has since been zealously devoted to the work
OF his church in this diocese. He was located
In Perry county for period OF thir'
teen years, at Fort Wayne one year,
and at Jeffersonville four years. He
has been with ST. Johns Church in this city
twenty eight years. and during the last fifteen
years has been vicar general of the diocese. A
year ago the Pope conferred upon him the title
Of Monsignor. He has always shown an impair
tial and heartfelt interest in the welfare of the
people of his congregation, and they have been
devotedly attached to him. His SEVENTEEN
birthday has not impressed upon him its COM
mon mark. He is vigorous. mentally and phys
ically, and enjoys life as well as any young
man. II have always been temperate,
remarked the reverend gentleman to
Journal reporter who called upon
him yesterday, '.and / think that abstinence
from beverages has benefited me. l drink
nothing but water-no wines, no coffee or tea,
no stimulant of any kind" He received many
testimonials yesterday of the affectionate regard
of his Pensioners, and in many ways the ami
versary was made happy one for him and his
friends During the morning he received a num-
Der of presents of flowers and fruits and a fine
suit of clothes was sent him by the ladies of St
Johns Church.
In the afternoon reception in his honor was
given at the residence of Mrs Susan NJ McKer-
nan. No. 298 North Tennessee street. The in
terror of the house was very prettily and appro-
priately decorated feature which specially at
tracted the attention of the reverend gentleman
and his friends, being his portrait encircled by
wreath, over which was crossed the national
colors of France and America, the countries of
his nativity and adoption Mrs. McKernan, the
hostess, was assisted in receiving the guests by
Mechanics Reaume, Bronson Simpson Gather
wood, Hastings. McGettigan, w. A. Peelle, Fay
and Wilmer. There were about seventy-f five
callers mostly the parishoners of Father Bes
sonies, but among his admirers, not belonging to
his church who called, were Rev. o. c. McCul-
loch General r. S. Foster, United States Attor-
ney Holstein. Colonel Shuler and r. j. c. Pen
ileton. A very pretty incident of the occasion
was the presentation Of basket of flowers to
Father Bessonies by three little girls-Mamie
Reaume Mamie Hastings and Mary Peelie-who
asked his blessing, which was bestowed upon
them in the presence of the guests. Refresh
ments were served to all who called, after
which the following poem. written for the occa-
sion, was read by Mrs. Sarah T. Bolton, the
wellknown Indiana poetess:
MRS. BOTTOMS POEM.
Father with love we greet thee and would pay
A tribute of the gratitude we owe
TO Him, who sent thee to our world this day.
just seventy years ago.
To Him. whose gracious goodness did inspire
Thy youth with courage strength of heart and hand
To light religions holy altar-fres,
In this. our broad, new land.
Led by hand unseen in paths unknown
Thou hast wrought bravely thro light and gloom,
And men will reap the harvest thou hast sown,
- For ages yet to come.
Faithful and true in thought in word and Decd
Thro storm and sun, self-sacri6ce and ill
Helping the helpless in their time of need
As is our dear Lords will
Soothing the widow in her sore distress;
Finding a shelter for the homeless poor;
Feeding the stranger and the fatherless,
That waited at thy door,
Waking when others found untroubled sleep,
Working when others turned aside to rest
Seeking in lairs and byways the lost sheep,
The lowy, the opprest.
N W.
That leads the soul to ruin, wreck and crime;
Then, teaching some poor death condemned to pray
In his last hour of time.
Speeding the passing soul TO higher life,
Bringing the balm of peace to hearts that ache
Calming the troubled waves of angry strife,
For the dear Jesus sake.
Thou hast, like Paul, accounted all things loss
Wealth, selfindulgence. earthly pomp and pride
H thou nights bring lost sinners to the cross
OF Christ the crucihed.
Lo thou hastleft along the path of years.
To lfe's ripe au umn from its rosy youth,
Much that exalts the human and endears
Gods mercy, love and truth.
These things are witnessed by thy fellowmen,
But all thy works of faith and Christian love
Are written, only, by an angels pen,
In archives kept above.
Thou hast not sought applause of men, or show
Nor vanly gloried In successes won
Thy left hand never knew, will never know,
All that tho right has done
Nv seventy miles tones thou hast safely past
Still in the strength and vigor of thy prime,
Long may it be ere thor shalt reach the last
That marks thy bound of time.
Long may it be- ere brain and tongue shall fail
Counsel and consolation to impart,-
Long may it be, ere sorrows piteous tale
Shall fail to move thy heart.
Long may it be. ere with the blood-washed throng
Thou shalt awaken, far beyond earth bars,
TO join the eternal alteration song,
And wear thy crown of stars.
Father Bessonies responded to the reading OF
the poem in a few feeling words, expressing his
grateful appreciation of the kindly regard toward
him which had been shown.
In the evening the trustees of the church and
the priests of the city called upon him, at his
residence on Georgia street, adjoining ST. Johns,
and two hours were spent pleasantly. Many
more baskets of flowers were received during
the evening, and a handsome chair
was presented to him by Captain Manning. The
reception in the evening was wholly informal,
and, after serving refreshments TO the callers,
the time was spent pleasantly in conversation.
1t was day of much happiness for Father Bes-
sonies, and there are doubtless. none who do
not wisn him many returns of the anniversary.