The Washington times., 1894-12-10
FATHER FLETcHsR's ARGUMENT.
Catholic Doctrine of the Immaculate Con.
ception Explained and Defended.

Catholic Doctrine of the Immaculate Con-
ception Explained and Defended
The handsome interior of the Church Of the
Immaculate Conception presented pretty
and impressive appearance yesterday. when
the large congregation and many visiting
Catholics participated in the celebration Of
the feast Of the Immaculate Conception at
both services. At the noontide solemn high
mass was sung, with yesper5 at O'Clock p.
m. the anniversary of the feast was Satur-
day, but its celebration was deferred until
yesterday.
Rev Father S. J. Ryan. pastor Of the
church, presided over the services at vespers,
but the sermon. a particularly strong and elo-
quent one, was delivered by Rev. William II.
Fletcher, OF st. Marys University, Baltimore,
Sgho was formerly assistant pastor Of the In
maculate Conception ChUrch.
Father Fletcher took as his text the latter
portion of the eighth chapter Of Proverbs,
commencing, Tine Lord in the beginning Of
his ways" etc.
Whenever in the sacred narrative we meet
with Mary, he saij, it is as the inseparab.e
companion of Jesus, and if we would under
stand her prerOgatiyes, We must study them
lin Him in whom are constituted all things
in hea zen and on earth This Is the union
which God hath made and which man dare
not put asunder. In virtue OF this association
Mary is styled blessed among women In
virtue of this association there is naught in
compatible with created nature which God
has refused her.
We might substantiate our position from
the standpoint OF reason. We might argue
from Scriptural analogy, Yet in accordance
with our plan We will consult the inspired
word, for God Himself is her panegyrist.
What then is the force OF the words: The
Lord is with thee" That form of expression
is universally used in the sacred Scriptures TO
designate the special assistance OF God in
view of some conflict. Furthermore when
God promises TO be one IN the performance
OF any work, that work is Predestined 10
have a successful issue.
Let Us now make the application: and
the angel being come in said: Hail,
full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
In view of what struggle does the
Lord abide with Mary? Who is her en-
emy? Even he who is the EOrd's enemy-the
devil. with his progeny. which is sin For it
is not Gods assistance which is promised, but
1t is written: The Lord Is with thee"
Christs enemy is AIary's enemy. When did
/ the opposition to Mary begin? Then, in all
! strictness. was it begun when God called
/ her forth from nothingness TO dwell in
His marvellous light. If ths divine Son must
| eventually be subject to the powers Of dark
ness under his feet shall they not gain al
least a mOmentary victory over the mother.
/ To all these questions there is but one an
/ sWer: The Lord is with thee.
/ These words are absolutely unconditional.
! They speak not of things which was or viii
| be- They are an abiding present. The past
| ,ecords no break in the placid continuity oil
I Mary's union with Jesus. The day viii
/ never dawn on which it can be said that q
/ link has been snapped OF that golden chain
which binds Mary in love about the feet ot
/ God.
The musical programme at both services
! yesterday was exceptionally fine. 1t was ar
ranged by Mrs Clara 3. Smith. Among the
| features were Haydn's sixteenth mass. Mar
! za's vespers and ''Salve Regina Coelitum.
1 Miss Daniel sang the alto solo 'Veni Crea-
tor in the forenoon ard 20 Salutaris' a
vespers. At the latter service Mrs. Heigh
rendered ''De Torrente," soprano solo. TIT
offertOry in the morning was Hummel!
"Almo Virgo solo, by Mrs. Smith.