Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-03-18
SONS or ERIN.
Celebration or ST. Pntriek's Day-senuine
Shamrock from the Old Sod.

sbamrcek from the Old Sod.
Yesterday morning the various Catho-
lic societies met at Cathedral Hall. cor
ner Ninth and Marshall streets. for the
purpose Of forming line Of march to
St. Peters Cathedral, where religious
services in honor Of Irelahd's patron
saint would be held.
The weather, as is usual, was cloudy
and bleak, but despite the raw weather
and occasional sprinkling of snow, the
attendance was very good indeed.
At quarter past 10 O'Clock the line
was formed as follows: Catholic
Knights of America, Branch I43;
Catholic Knights of America, Branch
l62; Catholic Beneficial Society; Nc
Gill Lyceum; Andrews Literary Insti-
tute: Irish National League. Branch
4l3; Irish National League, Branch
so; St. Mary's Beneficial Society; st.
Mary's Sodality of b. V. NJ; st.
Mary's Society for the Poor; st.
Patrick's Conference st. Peters's Con-
ference st. Peters r. A. and b. So
ciety; 81. Joseph's Beneficial Society:
and marched to St. Peters Cathedral,
under the direction of Mr.. John X.
Molloy, the chief marshal.
AT the Cathedral solemn High Mass
was celebrated by Rev. Father Doherty.
Of st. Patrick's church, assisted by
Rev. Father Slattery as deacon and
Rev. Father Tierney as sIb-descon.
Rev. Father Cutler, Of Norfolk, Va.
delivered discourse on the life and
character of st. Patrick. during which
he alluded to Ireland in her early days
as being foremost in the arts and scl-
ences and learning.
Bishop kcane made few remarks.
and closed by extending an invitation to
all of the societies present to particl-
pate in the ceremonies Of laying the
cornerstone of st. Joseph's (colored)
Catholic church next Sunday afternoon
at half-past 4 o'clock. The Bishop
urged upon them to turn out in full
force; that, rain or shine. the corner
stone would be laid.
At night, at John Murphy's parlors.
corner of Eighth and Broad streets.
banquet was spread which was made of
the choicest delicacies Of the season and
served in the most palatable style. That
it was enjoyed could hardly have been
doubted by any one who witnessed the
happy faces of the jolly lriShmen who
were present. ToaSts and eloquent re-
SpOnScs went around. the wine flowed.
and song and story made up an evening
Of great pleasure.
Mr. John NJ. Higgins displayed sew
eral lunches Of shamrock. one bunch
from Mrs. Thomas Higgins, a sister of
the great Archbishop MacIIalc, of Tuam,
County Galway; another from his
cousin. Mylcs II. Jordan. j. r.. ROs-
leyen. County Mayo. Yesterday eve
ming he received from the Convent of
Mercy. Swindford. County Mary, from
the Sisters of Mercy, another bunch of
shamrock. lie also received from his
friend Mr.. James O'Neil. of Drimbane.
County Sligo, pretty parcel of sham
rock.
Mr.. Patrick ". Ralter was Temcm-
bered by his sister, Miss Lilly Boland
Rafter, who sent him large bunch of
shamrock, together with the sentiment.
Ever bless and defend the sweet land OF
our birth,
Where the shamrock still blooms as when
thou vert here:
A nd our hearts shall y"t hurn. wheFesoever
we roam.
For God and st. Patrick and our dearnative
home.
Mr. John X. Molloy, chief marshal.
presided at the banquet.