The age-herald., 1900-01-01
CATHOLICS USHER '
 IN THE HOLY YEAR
Solemn Ceremony Observed
 Throughout the World.
THE POPE'S PROCLAMATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament the Initial Act-Faithfully Carried Out at St. Pauls-Midnight
 Mass Largely Attended

The last year of the nineteenth century, proclaimed by the pope holy year, began with fitting observances in all Catholic churches on New Years eve, the exposition of the blessed sacrament being the initial act.
 Immediately after the last mass on yes terday the host was exposed and remained exposed until after the midnight mass. This practice for New Year eve is only per- mltted for holy year, which occurs at long intervals. Throughout the evening the faithful kneeled in adoration before the blessed sacrament.
 At midnight began the New Years mass as on Christmas at low twelve, so on last night when the clock struck the midnight hour the high altar and the side altars at St. Paul's in this city were brilliant with the light of many candles and a few mo- ments later the splendid cereA the church was being conducted by tl.e ftor, the Rev. Father O'Reilly.
 It was solemn high mass. the celebrant being assisted by the Rev. Father Boniface, o. s. B.. rector of St. Bernard's college, cullman, as deacon of the mass, the Rev. Father Kennedy. assistant priest at St.
 
 Wright, pastor of St. Aloyslus church. Bes- semer, as master of the ceremonies. Father Boniface was the preacher and his dis course, appropriate to the New Year. and especially appropriate to the holy year, was singulary eloquent It will be remembered. indeed, by the large congregation present, one of the most beautiful and impressive sermons ever delivered in St. Paul's.
 At the conclusion, of the mass the follow ing prayer, prepared by the sacred congre- gation of rites in Rome, was read and will be read after every mass during tile year 19O0
 Grant us, Most Mereiful God, by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, to expate with tears of repentance -he evils of this dying century, and so 10 begin the new century which is about to open that i. may bo wholly consaeraie1 to the glory of ] hy name and to the kingdom Of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, shat al nations may serve B.m in unity ot faith and nerefect charity. Amen.."
 T'l.s prayer was followed by the kene- dictioa 9 the Blessed Sacrament, and then the IT. Deum was sung. The music of the mass was we'll rendered by choir of twenty voices, with orchestral accompani- ment The number of the faithful who kneeled at the sanctuary for communion was unusually large.
 At the masses Sunday circular letters from Bishop Allen and Cardinal Marzella, prefect of the sacred congregation of Rites, explaining the scope of holy year and ex- horting Catholics were duly read and needed. Following are extracts from the prefect's circular:
 "It is becoming that we who are about to celebrate the commencement of holy year, happily proclaimed by our holy father, Leo KILL, should in the depth of night rise to greet the Author of Time, and prosbrate before his altars to offer the most acceptable Victim, who Is the Im- maculate Lamb, assisting at the sacred ban quet, so that at this most opportune time we may find the assistance of His grace and mercy; for our salvation is nearer.
 Since, moreover, at midnight of the last day of December of the coming year, the present century will come to an end and new one begins, 1t is very appropriate that thanks be given to God by some pious and solemn ceremony for the benefits received during the course of this century. and ow-
 
 that greater favors be implored in order to begin auspicously the new era Therefore in order that the approaching year, 1900, may begin happily through the supplica- ton to God and His only begotten Son, our Redeemer, and that 1t may end, after a prosperous course, by ushering in a still more happy century, as it is right for us to expect; our Most Holy Father, Leo graciously comedies that with the prudent concent of the ordinary of every place, at midnight on December, both of the closing and of the coming year, in all churches and chapels, where the most blessed sac rament is rightfully kept, the same most august sacrament may be exposed to ad- oration."
 Father Kennedy celebrated mass at Ens- ley yesterday. The next mass there will be on Sunday, January 14.
 Sad Nexys