The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-06-14

PrrrsBURG, Pa June i3.-[Special l.
This is the great day of the year for
Father Molliger and for the wearie d
pilgrims who flock to see him. 1t is
the feast day of ST. Anthony, the
fathers patron saint, from whom he
claims his healing powers outside of
his medical attainments.
The little church of the most hol v
name was decorated last night with a
wealth Of flowers and blossoming plants.
The scenes and incidents of to-day in
the vicinity of the church are without
precedent and beyond description.
Many OF the afflicted passed last night
as best they could within the walls sur
rounding the church yard in order that
they might not fail TO gain an entrance
to the church at the earliest possible
moment. This morning long before
the light Of day hundreds of people
thronged the avenues leading to the
shrine of st. Anthony.
When the doors were opened for the
five o'clock mass between 1000 and
1900 people pressed about tho door.
while not more than a third of the
number could possible gain an entrance
within the church. packed as it was to
suifocation. By o'clock the thronr
had increased to fully 5000 souls and at
10 o'clock low estimate places the
number of people that filled the church,
the yard and streets surrounding it, at
10000 people.
During the progress of the mass and
religious services within the church, the
sounds of which could be indistinc tly
heard on the outside, the surging mass
of pain-racked patients were upon their
knees in the streets, the cutters, the
sidewalks, reciting prayers and invok-
ing the help of God in their particular
ca sess, AT the close of the masses Father
Moliinger would appear at the church
door, then pass through the knceling
crowd. giving to them words of cncour-
agement.
When tho doors were closed after
the o'clock service Father Mol
linger again passed through the crowd
ana sprinklcd with holy water ali
within his reach. Men, women and
children grasped his hand, his robes and
his feet, aifectionatcly kissing them as
he passed. Ono poor woman, kneeling
at his feet, in agonizing tones pleaded
with the priest for his blessing. An
aged lady, who for years has been the
victim OF rheumatism. threw herself in
his path, saying, Dear father, place
your hands upon me-
The request was granted and the
woman arose and walked away, while
her joyful shouts filled the air.
About o'clock Father Mollinger
again appeared, bearing above his head
the miracle working relics. lie again
passed through the throng, exhibiting
the precious bones of st. Anthony to the
view of the multitude. When the bell
announced 10 o'clock mass the Jam sur
rounding the door was terrific.
Many Of the invalids were carried
upon the shoulders of friends. Others
less favored were crushed by the Jam
and piteously begged for relief, which
the police officers were wholly unable
to afford.
Many Of the pilgrims from distance,
now on Mount Troy, are in bad way.
Their funds are exhausted and some of
them have not the means to buy food
The kind ladies of Father Mollingers
church are supplying to-day free of
cost to the hungry sufferers. This
morning Miss Ella lresnan, OF Scran-
ton, Iowa, who arrived three days ago
almost blind, appeared entirely cured
This afternoon each person will be
given the blessing OF Saint Anthony and
touch from relic of the saint.