The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-24

with feelings of the fondest affection to the
days of long ago when as schoolboys
their efforts were extolled or their
errors forgiven by this gentle man
who has grown old in the service
of God. But it is not alone
upon the hearts of those who have passed
out upon the stage of human action that
the life of the old priest has left lasting
impression. The lads now getting their
instruction at st. Ignatius almost idoliZe
him, and they took as much interest in
Yesterdays ceremonies as any of the older
friends and students of the reverend father.
At 1880 o'clock a solemn high mass was
celebrated by Father Varsi himself. The
music was especially arranged for the oc-
casion, and string orchestra contributed
to make the beautiful ceremony unusually
impressive.
The mass lasted until after 1 o'clock, and
at o'clock there was large gathering in
the Gentlemen's Sodality chapel for the
second event on the days programme.
The chapel was beautifully decorated and
illuminated in honor of the occasion. The
altar platform had been transformed into
a bower of green-palms, ferns, potted
plants and wreaths of ivy. Over all the
altar candles burned brightly.
When the seats were all occupied the
committee of gentlemen with whom the
celebration originated went forward to the
altar and took seats on the platform. A
few minutes later Father Varsi appeared
after warmly greeting the committeeman,
was assigned to q seat in their midst.
After selection was played by the or
chestra j. F. Sullivan read the address to
Father Varsi. 1t congratulated him upon
long and continued service in the church,
and expressed the highest esteem for his
great personal worth and fidelity to the
pa1 10 xuh ho 70 Nv
ago.
Mr.. Sullivan then presented the address
to Father Varsi. 1t is in album form, hand
somely engrossed, with border illumina-
tons in ink of different colors. bound in
Russian leather and lined with white silk.
The first page bears Father Varsi's mono
gram and the motto of his order-'Ad
and gold. Upon this page also appear the
years of his ordination and jubilee-1845
and 1895-in brilliant coloring.
AS Father Varsi arose to receive the SOU
venir from the hand of Mr.. Sullivan Mrs.
A. II. Loughborough stepped forward and
presented him with a bouquet of roses.
Around one of the buds was wrapped a
piece of paper which proved to be a certi-
fed check for $5Oo4.
The reverend father was greatly affect
ed. Tears filled his eyes, and his voice
trembled audibly as he tried to frame
words for reply.
Finally he spoke. His language and
manner had that rare simplicity which has
characterized every act of his long and
useful career.
"My friends he began ST thank you.
| am very gratified for what you have seen
fit to do for one so unworthy of your affec-
ton. Fifty years ago in far-off land a
good father of our church put in my hand
book. It was called Spiritual Exercises
to Conquer Ones Self I have studied this
diligently, but after fifty years of self
control, am unable to control myself to-
day. Ny feelings overcome me. 1 have
no speech for you, because / am not an
orator, nor am I the big man they have
been trying to make me. Too much praise
pains me, for / know am not worthy of
it. am only humble worker in the
Masters vineyard.
For fifty years 1 have been happy in
religion, and am very happy to-day in
your kindness. I do not know what /
have done to deserve so much of your af-
fiction. You have been very kind, and /
shall pray for you. All that / am owe to
the Society of Jesus, and in these gifts to
me my individuality must not be consid-
cred, because as an individual have done
nothing to deserve them.
1.-THE money / cannot use for myself,
and am glad of it. Long ago took the
vows of poverty. It will all go to our peo-
pie, for the glory of God. Once again, I
thank you from the bottom of my heart"
After the ceremonies Father Varsi re-