The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-05-28
Celebrated FIRST masses.
Rev. p. j. McAaIe and Rev. Michael
T. Shields Begin Duties of
Their Holy Calling.

Raw. P. j. McHale, OF Providence,
ordained on May 10 at Niagara Theo-
logical seminary sby Bishop Ryan. Of
Buffalo, celebrated his first mass yes
terday at 10 30 in tho Church OF the
Holy Rosary in Providence. Rev. N.
J. McMunus was deacon Of the mass,
Rev. John O'Toole, s~ub.deacon, and
Rev, W. p. O'Donnell, master Of care.
monies.
The choir OF the Holy Rosary church
sang the mass in magnificent manner.
and tho beautiful editiCe WAS taxed to
its fullest capacity by the congrega.
ton and many home and out'of-tOwn
friends Of Father McHale.
Father ODonnell preached the SER
mon, taking as his text: "For every
high priest taken from among men is
ordained for men in the things that
appertain to God that he may offer up
gifts and sacrifices for sins" st. Paul,
Hebrews, 9th chapter, 1st verse.
1t wat a brilliant and scholarly treat.
ment Of the text and q fitting climax to
the services in honor Of tho beginning
of Father McIIale's priestly life. After
the mass those present who would be
unable to attend the solemn ve3pers at
$3.50 in the afternoon were given his
blessing by the newly ordained clergy.
man.
The vespers were sung by Father
McHale. Rev, W. P. O'Donnell was
deacon and Rev. John J. O'Toole sub
deacon. At the conclusion, all in the
church approached the sanctuary rail
and received the young priests bless
ing.
Father McHalo was born in Hawley
and when very young his parents
moved to Providence, where he spent
his boyhood and attended the public
schools. His classical education was
acquired at st. Vincent's college, in
Wsstmorelsnd county. Then no en-
tered the seminary of Our Lady Of An
gels at Niagara Falls, completing his
philosophical and theological course.
Next Friday he will leave for Tren-
ton and be assigned to a charge in that
diocese
At 1890 yesterday in st. Patrick'a
church, on Jackson street, Rev.
Michael T. Shields, who was ordained
on May 10, with Rev. P. ]. McHale,
celebrated a solemn high mass, assisted
by Rev. J. B. Whelan, the pastor. Sc
deacon, and Rev. Daniel ]. Dunn as
sub-deacon. Rev. t. P. McNally was
master OF ceremonies.
A large congregation was present at
the mass. The sermon was preached
by Rev. Father WhelaD, On "The Dig.
nifty of the Priesthood"
After the ceremony Father Shields
blessed the members of the congrega-
ton. He il q young mar OF splendid
physique and magnetic bearing. He
was born on the West Side and re-
ceived his fundamental education in
the public schools of this city. In
1885 he entered St. Lawrence college
at Montreal, where lie spent n year,
then going to st, Michasl's college al
Toronto, where he finished his clussi-
cal course.
His philosophical and theological
studies were begun and ended at Our
Lady of Angels seminary. He was
adopted by the late Bishop O'Farrell, Of
Trenton, in whose dioscese he will labor,
leaving to assume his charge next Fri
day.
A reception was held at his home, 900
Scranton street, yesterday afternoon,
which was attended by Father
O'Toole, Of Providence; Golden, of the
cathedral, and McCabe, of Avoea, be
sides u large number of his friends.
The best wishes for every possible
success IN their sacred calling go with
both clergymen.