Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-11-27

The blessing of the convent is a worthy crowning of the splendid work done in the interests of religion by the parish during the last four years. A commendable spirit animates its mem bers, and now as they witness the suc- cess of their efforts it is to experience sentiments of commendable pride. The material work accomplished at cost of $S4 .OOO is the most pointed evidence to the beholder of the sacrifices made and the generous spirit of the people. The unceasing labOrS of the jealous rector, are duly appreciated and the conscious ness that these labors have advanced the interests beyond calculation carries its own reward.
 St Marys school was the first of these great works accomplished. It is a com
 manding structure with but few superiors in the state. That noble work
 is being done within its walls goes with out saving. The holy influences of religious training upon the large number of children in attendance are visibly manifest, while the secular knowledge imparted is such as to prepare them to
 fight life's battles. When those who
 built and paid for St Mary's school shall
 have entered into their reward the be-
 nign influences of its teachings will survive to benefit society. The school
 is in the immediate charge of the Rev J. II. ODonnell, a priest of scholarly
 tastes, whose sermons are remarkable
 for the clear, incisive use of the Ian
 guage. He has a special adaptation for
 school work and is an enthusiast in the
 matter; giving his whole time to
 supervision and guidance. He is assisted
 by Sister Rosita and her thirteen aSsO- ciates, whose reward is in the good work
 to which they have conseCrated their
 lives. With the increased school accom-
 modations provided in the convent their
 number will be enlarged, and they will
 find in their home the many conven-
 fences to winch they are justly entitled.
 St Patrick's hall is another fruit of the
 indomitable zeal of the pastor and un-
 bounded generosity of the people. Like the school, the interests of the youth of
 the parish were chiefly considered in
 building the hall, to provide them a
 them gymnasium and reading room
 for the improvement of body and mind, illustrating the ancient adage, sound
 mind in sound body. The hall serves
 admirably the purposes of society meet ings. With one exception all the socie- ties of Catholic young men meet there.
 It is a noble specimen of architecture
 and materially adds to the appearance of East Main street.
 St Mary's convent, this morning bless
 ed by the bishop and set apart for it's special uses, was a necessity. It pro- vides such home as is justly due the self-denying and cultivated ladies who have forsworn the pleasures of the world to cOnsecrate themselves to the great work of instructing those who are te be the actors in lifes real drama. Strangers to all, their worldly names almost plotted out, they have won the affectionate esteem of the entire parish which, grateful for their disinterested and successful labors with the children, cheerfully sees the completion of the stately building. Adjoining the school the two buildings are not only credit to and the pride of the parish, but they challenge the attention of the world tC the evidence of the devotion of the church to a..christian as we'll as secular education. These buildings tell ol sacrifice, zeal, love of learning and charity; they are sermons in stone and brick; and the one who would venture to measure the amount of good that shall have its inspiration from them would have task beyond his power. Il ! is no wonder then that the people re .joice to-day. Father Mulcahy, to whom 1 is due the inception of these works, is { worthy successor to the lamented Bishop Hendricken who was wiser than hi: generation and whose crowning monu 1 ment is the cathedral at, Providence, cost 1 ing half million, and from which Inc was the first to be buried. The comple l tion of school, hail and convent, in les ! than four years is record of which al l are proud, and the people of Waterbury 1 to-day offer him their warmest greet ings of congratulation. The parisl l numbers 6,OOO souls. Its Sunday ser vices are attended by 4,3OO differen people. Its large offerings for purpose l beyond the parish make it nearly the leading one of the diocese. The othe assistant priests, Rev Father Walsh ant Rev Father Flemming are faithful coad 1 tutors in all the work assigned them. 1 On the conclusion of the confirmation exercises this morning, procession wa formed of the Children of Mary and tn, St. Aloysius Cadets, to escort to the con
 vent the bishop and other clergy, who were preceded by the altar boys in white 1 cottas and purple cassocks, with eros: | bearer in the lead. East Main street wa: thronged with onlookers, who followed 1 to the convent.
 | On entering the convent the bishop
 said "Peace be to this house and al
 dw cling therein" The procession wend ed its way from room to room, sprink