The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1889-12-20
Carresnnndence.

SAN ANTONIO, Fla. Dec. Il. 1889.
EDITOR FREEMAN Sunday. December
sth. 1889, was a bright aud glorious day in
San AntonIa, Florida, and al nature seem
ed to rejoice and in a manner participate in
the beautiful ceremonies attending the re-
ception of Miss AIDA ScanIan into the or
der of Benedictine Sisters. An account of
this can Eot but he of interest to many of
your readers to whom she was we'll known
as the daughter Of Henry Seaman, Esq.
at O'Clock in the morning the Rt. Rev.
Bishop Moore, who was to oficiate, with
the assistance of Rev. Roman KIrschner, o.
S. B. Rev. George Lester o. S. b, and
Rev. Boniface. o. S. b, awaited the prompt
arrival of the novice. who. at that hour en-
tered the church with her bridesmaids. Sis
teIs Agnes and Boniface under the direc>
ton of Mother Superior Dolorosa Seaman.
sister of the bride. The novice was attired
In a beautiful moire silk robe adorned with
orange blossoms In profusion-the very ap-
propriate gift of her brothers-and was in
every act, gesture and motion and In every
detail of dress a picture of beauty, inno-
cence and purity. Prof. Gialmard. with q
select and elegant choir. furnished enchant-
ing music In keeping with the grand cere-
monies about to take place, and the church
of st. Anthony was crowded with an eager,
respectful and apprecIative congregation.
At the proper moment the Rt Rev. Bish-
op assembled the pulpit and in feeling, elo~
quent and glowing language described the
obligations, selfdenials and duties of the
state OF life chosen by the novice. and turn
inc directly addressed her with the question
was she willing to undertake and accept
these duties. To this came the response In
clear and ringing words and tones IN the af-
frmation. Concluding his instructive ad-
dress the Bishop turned to the altar in ST.
lent prayer while Miss Seaman presented
her crown and offerings at the feet of the
Mother Immaculate"
The novice then submitted to the cutting
OF her beautiful golden hair and then sup
ported by the Mother Superior and atten-
dants left the sanctuary. few moments
marked her return when the black dress
which WAS to take the place Of the white
bridal robes was presented to her By the
Bishop from the altar.
Again retiring to disTobe and adopt the
garb of the order Just presented her. the
novice returned to the sanctuary. now the
newly yeiled Sister Maria Dolores Of the
Immaculate Conception"
In this connection 1t Is proper to say that
the new sister had the distinguishing honor
OF being the first to Join, or be received into
the order OF Benedlctines In the South. 4
pleasing feature OF the occasion being the
fact that the Mother Superior was the full
sister OF the new novice and her mother in
religion.
II Is proper to mention also, that Mother
DOIorsa Scanlan, o. ). B., Is here establish
ing an already successful school and -four
ishing convent commanding the esteem and
respect of the entire secular community.
II would afford pleasure TO dwell on the
beautiful scene. the glorious day. the decor
ated sanctuary, the grace and beauty OF the
novice. the bride Of the Lord. the rspturous
enthusiasm OF the congregation, Protestant
and Catholic alike, but space fear forbids.
Numerous presents and congratulations
were showered on Sister Maria Dolores,
with heartfelt prayers for her health and
happiness. VIoLAs.