Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-19
THEY PRESERVE SACRED RELICS.
An Interesting Institution Dedicated
Sunday I'm Washington.

WASHINGTON, September IS-One OF
the most remarkable religious institu-
lions in the Countrywide Monastery and
College of the Holy Land. established by
the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Land
was dedicated yesterday with imposing
ceremonies, I'm which Cardinal Gibbons.
Minsignor Martineli; Bishop Blenk, Of
Porto Rico; Mgr. Stephan, head of Indian
missions in this country; Mgr. Sbaretti,
auditor of the papal delegation in Wash
ington, and many other prominent
figures of the Catholic Church, partci-
pated. During the afternoon n flag
raising gave a national and patriotic
phase to this extensive undertaking. The
institution is situated near the Catholic
University. on an eminence commanding
a view of the beautiful university
grounds.
a special branch Of the Franciscan or
der for centuries has devoted its entire
attention 10 the preservation and pro-
lection OF the tomb of the Saviour the
stable OF Bethlehem, and other sacred
relics Of the life Of Christ. As many
Americans are joining the pilgrimagcs TO
the holy relics. IT has been deemed adj
visable to establish in this country a
college which will prepare those who
will carry forward the work OF preser-
al
the Holy Land for the United States was
located in New York in 1850. and out of
this has grown the magnificent structure
dedicated yesterday, with its subterran-
can reproductions of the stable at Beth
lehem, the home of the Holy Family at
Nazareth, the Holy Sepulchre, and other
monuments of Palestine.
REPRODUCTIONS OF HOLY RELICS.
These have been executed under the
direction of the foremost ecclesiastical
architect of Rome, ST. Lianori, who visit
ed Bethlehem, Nazareth, aud other sacred
spots, making measurements and taking
note Of stone and structure. in order 10
make a faithful counterpart OF the pre-
cious relics. The work has proceeded
with the special favor Of the Pope. one
of the grottoes. representing the inner
and outer sepulchre Of Christ. has piece
of the actual stone Of the sepulchre,
brought from Palestine by special dis
pensation. At another Of the subter-
ranean shrnes the remains of St. Being
mas will be deposited. They are being
brought here by one Of the friars of the
order, and will find a final resting place
i'm a glass catafalque, after the manner
adopted in Europe. TO permit the obser-
walton of holy relics.
The reproduction Of the stable at Beth
lehem is perfect I'm every detail, with the
small stone manger In which the Christ
child was born, and the DETACHMENT
which modern Vandalism has wrought.
In the reproduction OF the Holy Sepul-
chre, both the outer sepulchre, where the
angel sat, and the inner sepulchre, from
which the angel rolled back the stone.
are shown The inner tomb shows the
great marble slab placed there 10 keep
the Turks from Decorating the tomb, !
and the slab bears even the irregular /
crack Of the original.
The main work Of the friars is carried I
on In the monastery, a spacious build /
ing separated from the shrines and I
chapel. and devoted entirely TO the mem |
bers Of the community. On the lower floor ,
are cobbler-shops, tailor-shops, laundries, |
etc. conducted by the friars, who |
make everything needful for their simple 1
and austere manner Of living. The habit |
is of course, brown material, with rope !
girdle and the bare feet arr protected
by sandals. The upper partSof the build
ing is used for living quarters, each mem
Der OF the community having cell, with
the plainest and simplest furnishings. IL
Is considered the most austere OF the ac-
tive orders.
OF THE CHURCH.
The church connected with the monas-
terry Is a massive structure, In the shape
or q nNeIOlu cross, With iiuhN dlNdis anu
chapels. The European methods have
been adopted I'm the interior of the
church, so that those who come TO wor-
ship will stand or kneel, as there are
no seats. The interior is so vast that II
Is expected to celebrate mass al several
Of the affairs. or at all of them. stimuli
taneously, and the devotion of the sac
rament will be practically continuous up
10 midday.
The order OF exercises yesterday began
With solemn dedication at 10 o'clock A.
NJ Cardinal Gibbons conducted the
ceremony. There was a procession OF
several hundred members OF the clergy,
eiigieuse, students. and fTiars. At 1880
,ontifcal high mass was celebrated by
dost Rev. S. Martinelli. the apostolic |
delegate to the United States. The SER
non was preached by Very Rev. l.. r. {
learney, provincial Of the Dominican I