The Lafayette gazette., 1893-06-10

celebrated. The services throughout being
most impressive and solemn,
A dinner was given in honor of the Arch
bishop at the residence of Father Laforest.
1t was a splendid feast-a feast fit for the
Gods. The most tempteing viands and
delicious dainties were spread upon the table
During the dinner the brass band dscourscd,
| at short intervals, choice selections
from their varied repertoire. AT the head
! of the table was the Archbishop; and seated
with him were the following visiting clergy:
Rev. Father Aveilhe, prcdicator of the
treat, Very Rev. Father Butler, superior S. J.
Grand Coteau, Father Langlois, St. Martins
vile, Father oForge, Lafayette, Very Rev.
Dubourg, of Breaux Bridge, Father Noise,
of Washington, Father Hcaly, of Lafayette,
and Rev. F. Segouin, S. J., (they also
sisted in the religius services), and the fol-
lowing gentlemen Mayor ID. A. Dimitry,
Drs. T. w. Courtney, J. P. Francez, w. w.
Lessly, and Messrs. c. c. Brown, L. G.
Sicily, A. &. Guilbeau, Louis J, Arcenaux,
and Joseph Prejean. When called upon,
during the feast, DR.. J. P. Franccz delivered
the following toast
Monseigneur, Reverend Fathers, Gentle
mcn-It is the second time, MonSeigneur,
that the proud sons of Acadia, that beauti-
iful country lost to France by the weakness
and corruption of Louis XV's government
have the honor to see you among them in
Carencro, the remote corner of your diocese.
The eagerness of the people, coming to the
depot to welcome you with all possible SOL
emnity, has certainly been for you a proof
that neither time, nor change of government
from monarchy to directory, from directory
to empire, from empire to American rePub-
lie, had any effect on their religious princi-
pies. Their Acadian fathers, with strong
hearts, ready to spurn death, or welcome
it as favor inaccessible to Luther's faith
anxious to keep their religious principles
even by exilng themselves did encounter
the Perils of warfare with ferocious Indians,
and no less feroeious Englshmen Of the last
century, to settle on the AttakaPas Prairies,
and there remain faithful to their religion
and their language.
The respectable old gentlemen, who sur
round you are the direct descendants of
those exiles. They can testify that when it
was impossible to 60 where mass was some
times celebrated by a missionary, none of
the fathers of those whom you are about to
confirm, did ever think of changing his reli-
gious faith. They waited and prayed, full
of hope, that after that long darkness. the
eternal light would prevail. Night did dis
appear, the sun shines now in all its glory,
and in the name of the parish of St. Peter, 1
must thank you, Monseigneur for, to take
care of US, you have sent the good and de-
voted Father Iaforest. And, in raising my
glass, I hope that God will give you long
life, and that your good and noble work Will
live forever.
comPlimenting the people, Father Laforest,
on the success of the celebration, and de-
clared that it surpassed any reception ten.
dered him outside of New Orleans.
After the dinner Rev. Father Noise, of
entertained the guests with Sc
lectons on the piano, and soon convinced
= Al-A l.
sense of the word. The rendition of his
own composition of the mockins bird was
simply grand, as was testified to by the APP
Plause of his apprccia,ive listeners.
1t had been intended to christen the lar ,e
bell, received few days before, but owning
to the unIoropi,ous weather, this ceremony
hah to be postponed, much to the disap
point,nent of the people.
The music for these two days was furnish
ed by the Carcncro brass band, composed of
Prof. Louis Tapissier, Prof. Chas. IIcici,el-
helm, Hon. o. p. Guilbeau, Messrs. Saul
Broussard, L. BroussarI, 1.uelovi: Gui'bcau,
Oicn Guidry, a. Yerg:s. Sinonette B-caux,
G. B1eaux. These gentlemen play exceed
ingly we'll, and had kinily volunteered their
services for the occasion. The Gazette COM
pli.nents them on their proficiency. and trust
they will long maintain their organization as
it is an honor to the town.
In conclusion. let say that noticed
with much pleasure, the respect and love
that the people entertain for their pastor,
and he is worthy Of their confidence. 1t
must have been great pleasure to the Rev.
Father to see how we'll his parishioners sec
onded his efforts to give the Archbishop such
4 magnificent reception, which was carried
through, in all its varied details, without
single uishaP.