The evening times., 1899-05-30
A1uMNAE AT PoNT1F1cAL MASS
Second Day of the Famous COnvent's
Centennial.


[ The continuation of the celebration OF
the celebration of the centennial Of the
Georgetown Convent of the Visitation Of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. began this morn
ing at 10:30 O'Clock, with pontifical mass
at the Church of the Holy Trinity. which
was celebrated by Cardinal Gibbons. at
tended by many high ecclesiastical dignita-
ries. Over 500 Of the alumnae and the
large graduating class of the Academy as
sembled at the Convent this morning at
10 O'Clock. where each was presented with
white ribbon bearing the inscription
Centennial Celebration" printed in gold.
The alumnae. some of whom came from
great distances to be present on this oc-
casion, were formed in double line and
headed by the altar boys of the Trinity
Church, marched to the church.
The procession preceded the officiating
priests who walked with great ostentat;on.
attired in the handsome regalia of their
rank. Archbishop Martinelli, dressed In
his purple robes, was followed by Cardinal
Gibbons. garbed in the papai colors of yell
low and white. Tine sanctuary of the
church presented most beautiful picture.
Ferns and green foliage. with many cut
flowers were placed in every nook and
corner. To the right of the altar. hand
some canopy. dfaped in yellow and white.
which Archbishop MartinelIi was seated.
Around him were grouped the deacons OF
honor. also attired in purple. The red
| canopy used by the cardinal WAS surround
ed with the priests dressed in the papal
colors, the whole pleasing picture of
harmonizing coloTs.
Gounod's beautiful mass. st. Cecilia. -
was sung by an augmented chorus, selected
from the various choirs of the city. and
{aI INx- ~ four
pieces. under direction OF Harry Wheaton
| Howard. The soloists were Mrs. Almond
GumpTecht, soprano: William Mcfarland
| tenor and James Nolan, basso. At the
| offcrtory Mrs Zaidee Jones Smith sang
! Diabelli's "Jubilate Deo." with full cEor-
us obligato. All of the music was delight
! full, the soloists rendering their part of
! the programme in a magnificent manner
and the chorus singing harmoniously and
with splendid effect. Mgr Conaty preach
| ed interesting sermon. telling the history
| of the early struggles OF the promoters OF
| the academy. which have led to such sue
{ cess.
| He said in part: Your Eminence, your
! Excellency in the quiet on the hilltop OF
| Georgetown the Convent of the Visitation
has stood for hundred years. the clois-
tered home of consecrated virgins. the de-
voted teacher of noble women. the guar
4 ciety." The speaker then gave a descrip
I tive and historical review Of the work of
the convent during its hundred years of
, existence. THE story Of the visitation Of
the convent" said Mgr. Conaty. may be
found written at the hearthstone OF thou
| sands OF families throughout the length
and breadth OF the land. II is burned into
the very lives of. devoted women. mothers.
and sisters Catholic and non Catholic,
who offer the tribute Of their love to the
nuns who trained them in the ways OF that
life"
Following the mass. an elaborate lunch
con was served the clergy in the class
room of the Academy. About fifty digni-
! taries were seated around 4 table in a
/ room beautifully decorated with flags and
flowers. At the same time a luncheon was
served the alumnae. in covered pavilion
in the garden of the convent. The tent
was decorated with the papal colo-s and
bunting Of red white. and blue.
The lunch lasted for over two hours dur
ing which time the following toasts wers
given
The Visitation" Mrs Mary Maguirt
Carr: The Clock" Mrs. Adele Morrison
Kelley: The Convent Girl" Mrs WiIhel.
nina Easily Smith; Convent Days. Irs
Myra Knox Semmes; The Girls We Knew
and What They Are Today Miss Agatha
O'Neale: Alma Mater Irs. Emma Eth
ridge Moran.
Mrs. Emma Ethridge Moran ofiiciated a:
toast mistress. Today's programme viii
close with a reception at the academy, t.
allow the graduates Of the school to NEE
with their former instructors. The recep
tion will be informal and will last Cor TIVE
hours