The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-18
The CaURoHs NEW CARDINAL.
Mgr. Persico's Occupation OF the sa-
vsnneh See Twenty Years Ago.

Mgr. Persico's Occupation OF the sa-
vanneh See Twenty Years Ago.
The elevation Of Mgr. IRnatius Persico,
secretary Of the propaganda, to q cardinal
ate recalls not only to Roman Catholics,
but to nearly every resident of Savannah
twenty years ago, the now cardinal, but
then Bishop Persico of the diocese of Savan-
nah.
No bishop has ever held the high esteem
and love that Bishop Persico held. He was
the fourth bishop of Savannah, succeeding
Bishop Verot. who then ruled the Catholic
church In Georgia, and who was consecrated
on April 20. 1858. as vicar apostolic of
Florida, and translated TO the see of SavAn-
nah in July, 1861, where he remained for
nearly ten years, being appointed in March,
1870, bishop of st. Augustine. His suc-
cessor, Bishop Persico, was consecreated In
Bombay, East India, In 1854, bishop of Gran
tianapolis, an pdrtibrS, and translated to
the Savannah see March II, 1870. Bishop
Persico, during his incumbency, endeared
himself greatly TO his flock and accom-
plished much for the benefit of their tenn
poral and spiritual welfare, and rendered
himself popular In the entire community
by his enlarged ideas, practical bensvolence
and charity. 1t was he who conceived the
plan for the present Cathedral Of st. John
the Baptist
During the summer of 1872 Bishop Per-
sico's health began 20 fail, and he applied
TO the pope for relief from his onerous
official labors. The Catholics Of Savannah,
on learning Of the intention of their be-
loved bishop, Immediately forwarded a
petition TO Rome begging that a coadjutor
bishop be appointed to relieve the bishop,
go that his labors, being lightened, they
might still retain him in their midst. 1t Is
we'll known that the prayer OF the bishop
was heard and his resignation accepted, in
order that he might make q permanent
home IN a more congenisl climate. He
then went to Quebec. whence be was called
to Rome and was sent again TO India.
After a succession of promotions he was
made secretary of the propaganda.
The new cardinal is about 20 years old.
He Is native of Naples and Is of a noble
family. he has always retained, since his
renewal from this diocese, an affection for
Savannah and its people. Many Catholics
who have visited Rome have been the re-
oipients OF his favor at the vatican. Father
McMahon of st. Patrick's church during his
last visit abroad was received by the secre-
tary, who inquired infinitely after the
church aud many Catholics in Savannah.
1t was through this favor that Father Nc
Mahon was accorded a hearing by the pope.
Mr.. O'Hsra, principal Of st. Patrick's
school, saw the secretary last summer at
the vatican.
In connection with Mgr. Persico's eleva-
ton, q sketch OF the bishoprio of Savannah
Is OF interest. Toward the decline of the
last century the few Catholics who were liv-
Ing in Savannah-and they were, In truth,
then but little band-were visited by q
clergyman of their own persuasion from
Augusta whose name we have been una
bic to ascertain. who tended 10 their spirit
| ual welfare. Some years of the present
century. however, had elapsed before the
Catholics here had a resident pastor whom
they might rely upon rs their own. The
| diocese Of Savannah, which comprises the
whole OF the state of Georgia, formed q
part of the diocese Of Georgia under the IL
lustrious bishop of England and his success
| sor, the Rt. Rev. Aloysius Reynolds, and it
was only in the year 1850 that IL was erected
| into a separate diocese by the reigning
poutiff, Pope Plus.
The frat bishop Of Savannah appointed
by Plus TX. was RI Rev. Francis Xavier
Gartland, who was conseorated Nov. 10,
1850. and died Sept. 20, 1854.
The see of Savannah being then widowed
| OF its chief pastor, a worthy administrator
was found in the person Of the Ri. Rev.
DR.. Barry, who struggled for nearly three
| years lest he should be raised to the episco-
pacy, but finally yielded to the positive
command OF the holy father, and received
4
| This was practical evidence Of the innate
modesty of Father Barry, who was fearful
he would not be able to fill the important
position as he considered il should be. He
died in Paris on Nov. 90, 1859, but his hon
ored remains were brought this country by
sainted and learned prelate, and having
reposed for some years in the Cathedral
cemetery in this city, were finally re-
moved to Augusta
The third prelate was Bishop Verdi, who
was succeeded by Bishop Persico. Upon his
removal from the diocese In 1872, Ri.
Rev. W. H. Gross Of the congregation of
the Most Holy Redeemer Of Baltimore, who,
before his elevation to the episcopate, was
well known and admired throughout this
and several of the neighboring states on &C.
count OF the success attending his mission
airy labors, was created.a bishop. He was
consecrated successor to Bishop Perslco in
| April, 1879, and arrived in his new diocese
on May 2 following. upon which
occasion the Catholics turned out en- masse
and rendered him a reception that will ever
be memorable in the history of the Catholic
church of this diocese.
Upon Bishop Gross elevation TO the arch
| episcopacy. the present bishop, Ri. Rev.
| Thomas Becker, was installed as prelate.
All who are exposed to the weather should