Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-06-14
LONG TO BE CURED
Crowds Of Pilgrims at a Heal
ing Priests Chapel.
TEN THOUSAND STAND IN LINE
Waiting to Be Restored to Health by the
Magical Curative Properties Of
Relics Exhibited by Him.

PlrrsBuRG, June l3. - This is st.
Anthony's day in the Roman Catholic
calendar. For weeks past men,
women and children in all stages OF
disease and deformity have congre-
gated at Mount Troy, Allegheny, until
last evening there were about 1000
present, anxiously awaiting the day
upon which the healing power OF fr.
5. G. Mollinger is said to be strongest.
The opening of FIR. Moliinger's new
private chapel was feature OF today's
ceremonies. The ediiice, erected at
cost exceeding 100000, Is one OF the
finest Of its kind in the world. In the
rear part OF this chapel are kept the
sacred relics. There are hundreds OF
them under glass covers. The days
exercises began with mass at 8 O'Clock
and once every hour thereafter until
at 10 o'clock solemn high mass was
celebrated. The Rev. FIR. Murphy Of
Holy Ghost college preaching the SER
mon. The chief ceremony Of the oc-
casion was at 2 O'Clock this afternoon,
when FIR. Moliinger gave his blessing TO
the afflicted in his new chapel, apply
ing the sacred relics Of his patron SAINT,
st. Anthony.
Before tho Break of Day.
Even before the break OF day this
morning the throng began to ascend
the steep sides Of Mount Troy and at
early macs it was estimated that 200
people were present. As the day ad-
vanced the crowds increased until at
the hour of solemn high mass between
AN0 nd f(ln N tho Urnnndc
surrounding the small edifice. There
was much suffering from the merciless
rays of the sun pouring down upon
them, from which there was no escape
or protection. At the same hour last
people anxiously awaiting the prlestly
blessing. There is marked contrast
between the character OF the crowd
this year and that of last. The great
majority of those composing the vast
asscmblage were not seeking relief.
Few invalids were to be encountered.
They were the exception rather than
the rule, as last year. The crowd
seemed tor the greater part to be made
up of those prompted to visit the place
through curiosity.
Scattered here and there could be
seen groups of devOut worshippers at
the shrine OF St. Anthony, crossing
themselves. fervently praying for that
relief for which they have so long
sought in vain. But the rush for ad-
mission to the church and the yard sur
rounding IL was Just as great as upon
previous occasions. The sun beat down
upon the head OF the multitude, women
tainted, men uttered harsh words,
children screamed and the four uni-
formed officers, assisted by church
trustees, found il difficult to prevent
the stronger ones from crushing the
life out of the weaker.
Onicers Pushed Aside.
When the front door OF this primi-
tive-iooking church were thrown open
for the D o'clock mass those who had
been elbowing each other in the front
yard made Wild rush up the steps.
The officers were pushed aside, their
efforts to keep the people in line being
IN vain. The church was soon filled
aud the doors closed. Those
who failed TO get inside knelt IN
the yard, evidently satisfied with their
success in getting close to the altar.
One dcvout old lady repeatedly kissed
the rougn foundation stone sgainst
which che leaned. The same scene was
enacted at the T:30 O'Clock mass. Then
the church was cleared. Al 10 O'Clock
the doors we're again thrown open, tins
time for the celebration of high mass,
IN which Father Moihnger vas assisted
ny Fathers Dangelseer, Williams, Grif-
FIN and Mufpny. Durng the progress
of this service the crowd on the steps
made frantic efforts Tn push past the
sturdy policemen VINO stood in front Of
the closed doors.
heard All Over the World.
The fame Of Father Moilnger az 4
healer OF disease has been heard
throughout the world and Mount Troy
sas a reputation equal almost to that
of Lourdes or Knock and ether places
noted tor the miraculous cures that
are sad "a nave teea effected
tnerc. Father Moilinger Is az aged
mar. He - tall and venerable iookEae.
his hair - gray snf hrs chin IL host ~
iuxufisnt snosy tssfd that gives hirn
the appear 4ace Of rsas patriarch.
Fer many years the prless hss prayed
snnasiiy over the eek aud halt al the
shrine N Allegheny, sad u ts certainly
nse-t uue tnsf seailv remsFsstle cures
have taken pises tn his presence saf
wille she ssfthfai wsre pfsyIns VITA
hiaas he takes 6one Of the credit II
ssss 70 hsmssif - al. bat t~sleves that