Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-03
IT'S FIRST CONGRESS.
EuchariStic League Of the Catholic
Church Meets in Washington.
A LETTER FROM POPE LEO.
PonuhcaI High Mass-CeIebrnnt
Monsign0r SatOiIi-SermOn by
Gibbons,
GfbbOn ..

NASHINGTONt ID. u, OctODer g.
The first Eucharistic congress of the
Catholic Church held in America began
this morning, with the celebration of
solemn pontihcal high mass at st.
Patrick's church. 1t was a most i'm
pressive occasion, and drew an audience
that crowded the handsome edfice to the
doors. The services were not merely
attractive in. that they marked the
opening of the congress, but because
they brought together nearly every
member OF the EpiscQpate OF the Church
in this country, and also dedicated a
new st. Patricks which. after tho
rough renovation, was opened to-day,
and presented the most beautiful church
interior in Washington.
The pontifical representative and cele-
brant OF the mass was Monsignor Sa-
TOLL, the Apostolic Delegate, who
was assisted by Very Rev. +. Muir
ray president OF Mount ST. Mary's
Seminary Cincinnati, o. The deacons
to the throne were Very Rev. ID. NJ
McKenny. V. c.. Jacksonville. Fla. and
Very Rev. S. Fox. V. c., Green Bay
Wis. Deacon of the mass. Rev. u. j.
Mcmahon, rector of st. Thomas church.
New York city. with Rev. Professor AS
telli OF st. Pauls Seminary. St. Paul.
Mimi, as sub-deacon. The masters of
ceremonies were Rev J. f. McGee, of st.
Patrick's church, Washington. and Rev.
q. Dougherty, Of ST. Augustines church,
Washington.
SERMON
The mass was concluded with an elo-
quent sermon by Bishop keane. His
subject was Friendship" and he likened
the members of the Eucharistic League
friends.
The first session of the congress began
this afternoon in the assembly room Of
McAlahon Hall, the building OF the CathO-
lie University dedicated yesterday. About
30 members Of the Eucharistic League
were present. Bishop, Macs, the director
of the league. presided, and presented
Cardinal Gibbons. who led in prayer. and
afterwards made a short address, In
which he referred to conversation he
had with Pope Leo. His face seemed
to beam with gladness," said the Cardi-
nal, when | requested him to give us a
letter for this auspicious occasion"
The Cardinal repeated the substance of
the remarks made by the Pontiff. who
commended the Eucharistic League in the
strongest language, and spoke of the
benefits TO be derived from its worship
and reception into the being. and In this
connection referred to the Saviour as
the source of every blessing, the fountain
should never despair while they had
Christ TO pray 10.
And surely, my dear brothers, In
Christ" said the Cardinal in conclusion.
conferred by worship Of the Eucharist,
''our prayers are more than our preach
ings. God Is with US when praying,
ana when God is with us. who can be
THE LETTER.
The letter to which the Cardinal re-
ferred was then read in Latin and Eng
lish. It's text follows:
Pope Leo Kill. to our beloved son.
James, Cardinal Gibbons, cardinal-priest
OF the Holy Roman Church OF the. title
of ST. Mary's. beyond the Tiber, Arch
bishop of Baltimore:
our beloved son. health and apostolic
benediction. As We are OF opinion that
all manner OF Catholic congresses should
be promoted always by our approval,
we are likewise resolved TO bestow our
especial favor upon those which have for
their end the glorifcation of the Divine
Eucharist. And. indeed, with no slight
pleasure, we have witnessed the faithful
In many of the countries OF Europe as
sembling for this purpose under the
guidance of their bishops, But our con-
ISOLATION was supreme, when. two years
ago. We saw them gathering from aIhr
in Jerusalem, and we have felt our JOY
greatly increased by those most abundant
fruits of piety which have everywhere
accrued. to the immense advantages OF
religion.
Hence, We have learned with exceed
ing great pleasure that a Eucharistn
congress. with delegates from all the
United States Of America, Is TO be held
in Washington during the month or DC
Wherefore. beloved son, we commend
YOUR determination. and We earnestly
pray Cod 10 lead your endeavOrs TO the
success for which you long. What We
wish you most OF all. however. IL that
your congress and your united prayers
may effect the result which, as you know.
we have most at heart-that Is, tnat az
who differ from us may be brought back
IN the unity of faith and charity.
Meanwhile. as a pledge of our fatheriy
affection, and harbnger of divine gifts,
receive the Apostolic benediction, which
we most lovingly grant TO yourselves
and to all who shall take part IN the
Eucharistic congress. Leu NIL
After Bishop Keane had welcomed the
members the formal programme Tor the
afternoon was carried out. II consisted
i'm the reading of three doctrinal papers
Seminary. Baltimore. who dealt with Inc
place of the Holy Eucharist In the Divine
plan of Salvation" and maintained that
the Eucharist was the one source or true
worship and revivifying grace. Rev: u.
NcNahon. of st. Thomas's church, New
York CITY, told Of THE Holy Eucharist
and the Personal Life OF the Priest
and Rev. d. T.. Feehan, of 81, Bernard
church. Fitchburg Mass, OF The Holy
Tii,cbarist T!,u and the Ministry OF the Priest"
To-nlght there was an hours alteration
~ the Holy Eucharist at st. Patrick's