The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-21
CONSECRATING A BISHOP.
Services Incidental to the Conservation of
jeremiah 0'Sullivan as Bishop of Mobile.

WASHINGTON, Sept 2O-The conservation of
Nv jeremiah O'Sullivan, pastor of St Peters
CatE 9ic Church, of this city, as bishop OF the
of Mobile, Ala, took place at the church
to-day The ceremony of consecrating bishop
,ually takes place in cathedral but at the
urgent REQUEST of Father OSullivan the arch
bishop consented to perform the ceremony at the
church of tn blshop-elect, in the presence OF his
congregation. Therefore the same ceremony,
which for more thcn 800 years, has at intervals
been performed in various parts of the world,
was TO day performed for the first time
at the Capitol of the Nation, and
In a 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
srimmed with fringe cf the same color. On the
Left was the small altar for the bishop elect
which was tastefully draped with lace and
adorned with flowers and candles Haydns
mass No. 3 was sung by a choir of forty voices
st the elevation, the brilliantlylghted altar, the
archbishop, assistant bishops, deacons and sub
leacons in their golden vestments, the bishop
slect in white and gold, the altar boys in pur-
le cassocks and white surplices, number Of
colytes In white cassocks with red collars, cuffs
md sashes and white surplices, holding large
I ighted candles the glittering pontifical CROSS
Eore than fifty priests In black cassocks and
hito surplices, all reverently kneeling with
pwed heads while the host and chalice were
Bid aloft, formed q solemn and impressive
Eene. Most Rev. Archbishop James Gibbons,
d Baltimore was the consecrator and celebrant
q the mass, with Rt. Rev. j. j. Keane, Bishop
d Richmond, Va, and Rt. Rev. Fl. P. North
rsn, of Charleston, S. c., assisting conseerating
bshops After the imposing procession which
estered the church had reached the altar, the
economies began by the senior bishop address
Ing the consecrator:
Most Reverend Father, our Holy Mother, the
Cstholic Church. requires of you to raise this
ptest, here present, to the burthensome Office
OF a bishop"
The conSecrator asked: Have you the apOs-
tolic commissionF
I'VE have
The cousecrator: "Let it be read"
The document was presented to the consecra-
tors notary by the senior assisting bishop, and
read by HIM. When he concluded reading the
commission, the Arch bishop said: Thanks be
to God" The oath Of duty and fidelity was then
4 <ninistered to the bishop-elect by the conse-
acrator.
After the completion of additional solemn
ceremonies, the consecrator stood uncovered at
the altar. and when hymn had been finished
the consecrstor said prayers. The consecrator
and assisting bishops then stood uncovered at
he gospel side of the altar; all the others knelt
own, and the new bishop went to the middle of
le altar, wearing his mitre, and having
is crozier in his left hand; he made the sign Of
she cross on the altar and then on his breast
d gave his blessing to all assembled in the
Irch The consecrator and assistants took
sheir mitres. turned their faces toward the
~pstle side OF the altar, to which the new bishop
went and. turning toward them, said, "For
many years." He advanced and did the same at
the middle of the altar. and again at the feet of
,Ao L Il.
-iss of peace, as did the assistant bishops The
Tocesson then formed and left the church
shus ended the first conservation of Catholic
= bishop in Washington.