Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-09-04
Dual Reception TO a Be.
loved Pastor.
MANY WORDS OF VEL COME.
Rev. Father Fitzgerald the Recipient
Of Many Tokens Of Esteem.


universal welcome by friends and parish
toner's than fell to the lot OF the Rev.
Father Fitzgerald, pastor of the Church
OF the Sacred Heart, which event was OBJ
served at the vestry OF the house OF wor-
ship Sunday evening, and every space
available was occupied. At careful esti-
mate $500 people gathered to welcome
this popular member of the holy priest
hood to his flock, after a voyage to
Ireland and also to observe the 25 years
of active service I'm his honored chosen
profession.
The beloved pastor is most honored
and highly respected man by all classes.
He has since his advent in this city, en-
deared himself not only to those OF his
own nationality but to many hundreds
whose privilege 1t has been to know him
as man. No more sincere or upright
wearer stands today In the sacred cloth
than the subject of this article, who by
his untiring efforts and persistent energy
has made men good and benefited the
his charge one of the most successful
parishes in the Providence diocese.
Well may he have been given such a
reception and well did he deserve it.
His departure and return were likewise
quietly done, and although he returned
sooner than was anticipated, his good
people determined to make the event a
most worthy occasion In the history of
the church.
The committee, under the guidance OF
the Rev. Father Hurley, most excellent
assistant, did noble work. Evety detail
was admirably carried out to the letter,
and they are entitled TO credit. The Rev.
prises, but those OF yesterday discounted
any ever previously encountered in his
favor.
At the 10 80 o'clock mass there was an
unusually large congregation present,
many desirous OF seeing the pastor who
ofiiciated at their service. This was his
first appearance at any service since his
return and his general appearance indica-
ting improved health was noticeable. His
voice appeared fuller In tone, and the ner-
vousness noticed before going abroad
which was due to incessant labor and
overwork, has disappeared. During the
service he addressed those present sub
stantlally as follows:
"Dear kind friends at home--Coming
from my vacation from dear old Ireland
as have, suppose YOU desire to hear a
few words from me. No doubt my return
sooner than we both expected was a sur.
prise to you all, but there were good and
sufficient reasons for such. The first was
an account OF the intense heat, and when
thought OF the grand old
breeze from Narragansett Bay,
wanted to return. Another matter which
worried me was that, when reading in the
American papers the financial depression
OF our country, could not continue my
travelling with interest,while thinking OF
the many poor ones at home. Although
was not long abroad l am satisfied that
the old adage is true one, THAT there is
no place like home.'"
Two Sabbaths were spent on the ocean.
The arrival OF the vessel at Queenstown at
4 o'clock a. m. was a sight that would al
1f
every person was on deck to witness the
grand scenery and the landing. Old and
young persons were among the list to see
friends; tourists OF all nationalties, and
the picture on every face was one OF Joy.
He briefly referred TO his stay In Cork,
which was but one week. This city. said
he, would remind one OF Providence and
Boston by its fiuo streets and elegant
buildings. His frequent trips in the
well known jaunting car had aided 3
nerves admirably. The devotion of the
people to their church was a noticeable
feature. The people are poor but respec-
table. "You, my dear ends, would not
care to live as they do. You are fortu
nate here" said he. Rev. Father Fitz-
gerald was close observer OF the people,
and gave an interestin z account OF their
modes OF living.
at is sad" said he. "to see the beautl-
ful land through these famous valleys left
untitled, but the people are not to blame.
Thank God that our people are becom-
ing more enlightened, and the passage OF
the Home Rule bill is grand, good thing.
TO sec The policemen that stand about the
streets IN groups doing nothing but dog
ging poor people aboutrsa shame. This
is what makes the people so poor, and
under this tyrannyical government they
are kept down. There are brighter times
ahead for good old Ireland, and the
national schools are doing most glorious
work ny education. The people will not
be held down by the ruling government
OF the past"
The trip home was partly unpleasant,
on account Of the severe gale which was
encountered after few days out and
which continued until New York was
reached.
lie thanked God that he was safe at
home among bis people, whom he was
glad to meet and TO say that he was much
improved In health. The address was at
tsntively listened 10.
There was special music st the service,
all under the direction OF Prof. o. Demers.
An orchestra lent valuable addition to the
regular choir, which was aided by the
choir OF other churches. Leonard's
mass B-nat was finely rendered with