The Washington times., 1895-02-18
NEED OF BIBLICAL STUDY.
Cardinal Gibbons Advice to the Thou.
sands at ST. Aioysius.

Cardinal Gibbons Advice TO the Thou.
sands at ST Aioysius'.
The greatest mission of the Catholic Church.
probably, that has ever strengthened religious
work in this city closed yesterday with con-
firmation services by Cardinal Gibbons 1t
has been In progress at st. Aloysius Church
for two weeks past.
The missioners in charge have been Revs.
Thomas J. Campbell, Joseph ]. Himmel.
Michael O'Kane, and Thomas G. Wallace, all
of the Society Of Jesus, with their homes in
New York city. Father Campbell was for
merly leader OF the society in America.
the first week, beginning February 8, was
devoted to services for women, and the sec
ond for men. The chil1ren's mission was
begun in the lower meeting-room on Febru-
ary 4.
THOUSANDS WENT TO HEAR.
Great crowds have been present at all the
services. This and previous missions have
shown that such meetings at ST. Aloysius
mean always a renewal of religious life in
Catholic societies throughout the city and a
general reawakening of enthusiasm. The at
tendance has been from every part of the
District and some have come even from the
adjoining counties of Maryland
Rev. William j. lyman, OF ST. Inigoes. in
Lower Maryland, drove seventy miles
through the cold and snow last week IN or
der to be present and to celebrate mass here
in memory OF his father who died year ago
Eloquence has blessed the lips of the mis-
sioners. and they have spoken with power
There have been over 6,000 confessions. and
1000 holy communions. One hundred and
forty-three, all adults, were yesterday con-
firmed, thirty-five We're baptized the night be-
fore. aud hity-flve partook of the holy COM
munion,
The services yesterday began with masses
at 7, Q, and II Il. M. solemn high mass being
celebrated at the last named hour by Rev. p.
J. o Connell, assisted by Rev. P. J. McGin-
ney deacon, and Rev. Thomas Scott. sub
deacon. Both audience-rooms were open
! and well filled at every SERVICE
At o. 10. the confirmation services we're
! held. Cardinal Gibbons, in the rich robes of
| his Office conducted the exercises. He was as
sisted by Rev. G. Gillespie. pastor of ST.
| Aloysius' Church, and by Fathers Byrnes
Mckinney. Colgan, Ryan, Stephan, McAtee,
and 10y Father lyman. OF St. Inigoes
After the impressive ceremonies of the con-
/ frmation and an address to the class Cardi-
nal Gibbons assembled the pulpit and preached
the sermon of the day.
CARDINAL GIBBONS SERMON.
He said that during the mission the fathers
had been preaching the same gospel which
was preached by the apostles two thousand
years ago. The Catholic Church does not
preach business nor politics. These can be
got from the newspaper 1t breaches the word
of God. This has been preserved to US by
the Bible. The children of Israel venerated
the ark of the covenant which contained the
cayyn hoir
the desert. so we ought to reverence the
Bible which contains the gospel of Jesus
hrist, spiritual mama from above The
Bible is a letter from heaven.
The day had been when Bible was too
expensive for most, and very many could not
read. All that is changed. Now all can
| have the Bible and few cannot read II be-
comes, then, a duty to read the Bible, and to
read it with reverence and devotion.
1T is a calumny,' he said, (which the en-
emes of the church have persiStently creu-
lated that we are afraid of the Scriptures.
On the contrary, l advise ali to read. and
! would love to see every one read them
every day. the Scriptures that are good
for the priest are also good for the laity
He closed with prayer for their persever-
ance in obedience and faithful holy activity
GAIN THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
In addressing the candidates. he urged
them to seek to gain the spirit of God and tt
cherish it as the source of all goodness anG
happiness. After three years companionshir
with Christ himself the apostles were LACKING
in this spirit and only after Pentecost had il
in the full measure all should desire.
After the sermon Cardinal Gibbons cele-
| brated the benediction of the blessed sacra
ment, assisted by Fathers Gillespie and
| Byrues.
At the evening services the audience-roon
began to fill at Z O'Clock, and when the cere.
moniai began at 7:S0 O'Clock nearly 2, 600 were
present. all men. The exercises consisted o.
: a renewal of VOWS and promises, sermon by
/ Father Campbell and the papal benediction