Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-11-11
A Catholic Jubilee.

The most important events in the history
of the Catholic Church in America began in
Baltimore yesterday morning. Il was the
commencement of triple celebraton-the
Tooth anniversary Of the appointment OF the
fret AmerioanlCathoic Bishop. the inaugu
ration of the 6rst Congress of Catholic lay
men held in the United States and the dedi-
cation of the new National University for
Catholics. Fully 10000 strangers were III
Baltimore to witness the spectacles. Prompt.
~ at the appointed hour the priests, semina
rians and theological students were mar
shaled In Calvert Hall. They then march
ed to the residence OF Cardinal Gibbons un
accompanied by music. At the doorway Oi
the Cardinals house with sabres and pol
ished helmets glistening la the bright morn
ing sunlight, were two double lines oil
guards. Here the Papal colors and the
Stars aud Stripes we're intermiDgled. While
the priests were opening ranks, a mass Of
purple enveloped figures we're seen II the
| Cardinals Doorway Il. WIS Joe gathering
OF Lssse:as1iy ali the Catholic bishops and arch
bishops, With representatives from Mexico,
Canada, Eogland and Rome itself
The prelates now Came forth from the
portico in pairs, and as each two stepped
into the street their costly robes we're caught
up by altar boys
La the procession were Cardinals Gibbons,
of Baltimore, and Ta-cbereau, OF Quebec
Eight acoytes upheld THAR long vestnen 8,
and surrounding them were their Mot &
rors, with the Papal Delegates O'CoDnell
and Satelli, of Rome. Within the Cathedral,
ten minutes later, the scana was simply
magnificent. The pew5 were crowded to
the utmost with laity. AT the high altar
stood the mitred ceiebrant OF the mass,
Archbishop Williams. of Boston. At the
conservation of the HIST the Cardinals AID
vanced from the sides with the Monsgnors
and, bowling, knelt az the priedeux, facing
the altar. Az the sacred Host was held
aloft BY the celebrants, and with he deepest
silence al! through the Cathedral, every
head bent low 10 prayer. The tinkle OF g
tiny bell at the altar broke the spell, and ct
the instant was heard outside the heavy in
topation of the cathedral chimes.
The most impressive part OF tho macs next
to the conservation was the comforting OF the
Papal blessing. The venerable Archbishop
at the altar, turning to the congregation
paused for an instant, then while the people
10 the church knelt he raised his hand and
slowly made the sign of the cross. The
mass ended with special intercesson for
the Pope chsnted by all the clergy.
The Grafton of the centenary was deliv
ed by Archbishop Ryan. of Philadelphia,
who reviewed the history of the church in
America for the past 100 years.
Last night the Cathedral was resplendeut
from basement to dome, inside and out, with
electric lights. Many of the bishops in the
city and large proportion of the thousand
priests, besides an immense crowd of visit.
ors, gathered there. The orator ofthe even.
ing was Archbishop Ireland, of st. Paul.
The comforting OF the Papal benediction
closed tho celebration. To-day the delibsr-
ations of the Congress of Catholic Laymen
begins in Concordia Hall.
fhe distinguished body of Catholic pre-
lates and clergy were banqueted at St.
Mary's Seminary yesterday afternoon in
honor of the anniversary. Over 400 clergy.
men participated.