The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-26

Notre Dame des Victories at the IL o'clock
mass yesterday morning, and the little
sculptured Christ-child from his dainty
manger of ferns and orchids, looked down
upon multitude assembled to commem-
crate the birth of the divine reality nearly
1000 years ago. The adornments of the
sacred edifice were in the best taste.
Along the nave each of the chandeliers
was wreathed in holly smilax and white
jessamine, kept in place by bows of white
and cardinal red satin ribbon. The creche,
or manger of the infant Jesus, occupied
the center of st. Joseph's chapel, to the
right of the high altar and was veritable
dream OF beauty, though, to be sure, his
torical accuracy was left out of calcula-
ton. In place OF q rough, rock-hewn
manger, the resting place of the imaged
Savior was a dainty cradle, wreathed in
feathery ferns and fiimy laces, while daZ-
fling lights and numberless flowers lent
their radiance and sweetness to the ex-
quisite memorial scene.
The high altar was banked with very
tasteful arrangement of white lilies and
crysanthemums, around which six tail
torches and an intinity of wax lights set in
gilt and crystal candelabra shown like
stars.
Father Louie was celebrant of the
| solemn mass. He officiated without deacon
or sub-deacon, being assisted by master
of ceremonies and four acolytes in crimson
cassocks and point duchesse surplices.
| The celebrantS' veStmentS were OF lustrOuS
cloth of gold, with raised embroideries in
gold thread. During the elevation twelve
| white-robed torch bearers filed into the
| chancel and formed semi-circle in front
of the altar with striking effect
| After the first gospel M. liable Gente
made brief but mastery address in
| f..I~ l.
| fits Which Mankind Has Received From
| the Coming of Christ" The able preacher
gave sad picture of the worlds condition
at the time of the Savior's birth, and then
proceeded to outline the changed state of
affairs since that event. lie instanced the
| improved condition of the poor, of slaves,
and of children under the Christian dis
pensation.
Regarding woman, M. Gente said that
in place of being the mental or the
| toy of man, according to her lords ca
| prices, she had been raised once more to
| the sphere for which she was created. the
elevation of Mary to the sacred dignity OF
Mother of the worlds Redeemer having
j given glory to her sex which never could
be taken from it, and which would forever
j be a bar to the enslavement of woman in
all countries where the empire of the Christ
! extended.
! Continuing, the gifted orator compared
/ human happiness to majestic edifice OF
/ which Jesus Christ was the architect and
his followers the builders. Each human
being had part to perform in the perfect
ing of the noble monument. Man might
be faithless to this noble destiny and neg
lect the work laid out for him by the
| Master. But the work planned by the
Divine Architect would be performed. The
unfaithful workman would have to forfeit
the recompense promised those who would
Il 49, l. L..
result aimed at by the Savior is destined to
be realized in all its fullness.
! M. Gente's peroration was both brilliant
and affecting. In substance, he said
GLORY to the Lord of Heaven and earth,
who, taking to himself the burden of our
/ fallen nature. raised us poor sinners to the
dignity of brotherhood with God. Glory
to Jesus Christ, the conqueror, who by his
power has set US free from the dread en-
| pire of satan. Honor, glory and thanks
giving be forever given to our Savior, our
King, our Brother and our God, to whom