The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-05-10
PariShionerS Of NOtre Dame
Church Give Their Pastor
a Royal Welcome.
Father Beland Received Many
Valuable Tokens of Love
From His People.
HONORED BYA PRIVATE AUDIENCE
Formed a Bachelors Club-Three Tramps
X Nearly Smothered- 10th Anniver.
sary-iloIy Trinity Branch c. K. ola.

The fact that Rev. Father Beland, pastor
Of Notre Name Church, holds a warm
place in the hearts of his parishioners was
made apparent yesterday afternoon. The
reverend gentleman recently arrived home
from an extended visit to Europe, and his
parishioners knowing that such trip is
quite a drain upon his exchequer pre-.
sented him a week ago yesterday purse
containing over 5000. Even that was a
great surprise to Father Beland, but when
he was called to the vestry OF the church
yesterday afternoon and presented with a
handsome Dresden clock his surprise knew
struck speechless.
The arrangements for yesterdays AFFAIR
has been carried on quietly for some little
time previous to Father Beland's return.
The original intention was to present the
clock at the same time the purse was pre-
sented, but owing to a delay in receiving
the proposed present 1t was deferred until
yesterday afternoon. Father Belsnd's as
sistants, Rev. Fathers Grafton and Mon
genais, completed all the arrangements,
and had the members Of the various soci-
eties assem- BILE in the lower vestry of the
church. When all was in readiness Rev.
Father Beland was summoned TO the ves-
try to see somebody upon important busi-
ness. Upon entering the vestry and see
ing the greater number Of his parishioners
ready to greet him he looked In vain for
an explanation.
One was coming, however, when Napo-
leon Fontaine, President of the st. Jean
Baptiste Society, stepped forward and in
an address filled with kind expressions he
on behalf OF the people OF the parish and
of the societies connected with the church,
welcomed the beloved pastor back to his
homo, and to the hearts of his parishoners,
by whom the reverend gentleman is dearly
beloved. Accompanying the address was a
beautiful Dresden clock, valued at $50.
Another gift was group picture of the
little Misses Nora Bocage, Lille Paquin,
Jeanette Nadeau, Helene Marcoux and
Eva Laselle. These little girls at the recent
parish fair proved to be the best canvassers
of all, collecting more than s240. Thus
they were honored by the parish.
President Fontaine's address teemed with
Kind words of welcome painted in fer
vent manner, and he would be skeptic,
indeed, did he not see that love and admi-
ration were pouring forth their light from
every countenance present as the address
was read.
Rev. Father Beland was surprised, not
in the common usage of the word, but in
reality. He had already tasted the sweets
of knowing that his Pensioners welcomed
his return, but this second demonstration
filled him with added joy. In few mo-
ments, however, he regained his compos-
ure and thanked President Fontaine and
the church people assembled before him
for this renewed testimonial of their love,
and feelingly described to them his JOY at
being received in their midst in such a
warm hearted manner. His aim, he said
would be as il has been in the past, first
for their spiritual welfare, secondly, for
worldly advancement. In concluding he
hoped and prayed that each and all would
receive that eternal reward for which all
were aiming.
Rev. Father Beland, accompanied by his
cousin, Rev. Father Beaudet of Three
Rivers, Canada, left about four months age
to visit the principal cities of the old coun-
try. During the time they were away they
visited England, France, Switzerland and
Rome. The city Of London Father Beland
characterizes as an immense place and
wonderful to contemplate. Paris, the city
of culture and refinement, was pleasing to
them, and they regret that their stay in
that beautiful city was limited. Rome was
the objective point of their travels, and
N~kl Eo
gates OF the Eternal city he felt that the
one great ambition of his life was salts
fed. When speaking of Rome the rever-
end gentleman grew enthusiastic, and de-
scribed at length the architectural beauties
of the grand buildings.
Perhaps the greatest event in the rever-
end gentleman's life was the fact that he
and Father Beaudet had the distinguished
honor Of having private audience with
His Holiness Pope XIII. He said when
they were ushered into the presence OF the
Holy Father they found him sitting at the
side of the room, and when 1t was an
nounced that two Canadian priests wished
an audience he looked up with kindly
smile and in excellent French said: zap
prochez, }" ''approchez!" Giving the proper
salutation they were invited to take seats
and the Holy Father made minute inquir-
les concerning their travels. Father Beland
said he was amazed at the wonderful mem
ory of the Holy Father.
Conversation drifted upon different
matters. Among other things His Holi-
ness said that he had taken the Manitoba
school question into his own hands to
settle. He said that he had sent a special
envoy to look over the situation and when
he received the report some decided action
would be taken. The audience lasted only
ten minutes, but during that time many
important subjects were discussed, and
they left the Holy Fathers presence par
ticularly well satisfied with their good
fortune. Rev. FIR. Beland said that some
time in the future he intends to visit
Jerusalem.
The Central Falls wheelnen.
The following members OF the club have