The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-06-04
and valued By no flxsd standard

the SECOND day Of June, A. d., 1875, when
you were consecrated Bishop OF this do
cese In the presence OF distinguished
bishops and many worthy priests and
sponsibilities assumed have been ever
yours and we frankly say they have beeii
well and faithfully administered. The
spiritual wants Of all Catholics irrespec-
tive Of nationality or social status from
Portland to the border lines OF Maine and
New Hampshire have been objects OF your
sOlicitude. All have shared the blessings
of your visits, teachings and sacred
ministerings, and when in 1884 your do :
cese was divided at your earnest solicita-
ton, you increased our confidence and
gratitude for you by recommending our
honored rector, the Rt, Rev. Denis M.
Bradley for the bisnopric OF Manchester.
Your need not be surprised, dear Bish-
op, that we remember your gracious acts,
your successful administration OF the
affairs of holy church and You kind
teachings, wise counsels and grand ex-
amples of self-sacrifice In our interest,
and that we come to you now with senti-
ments Of reverend appreciation and sin
cere gratitude, that gratitude which Is
:" the fairest blossom which springs from
the soul and the heart OF man knoweth
none more fragrant" We shy in our
gratitude we vafue and return thanks
for your many fnvors and labors amongst
us anu nave USti NlFuibk Aoi E1tht he
testimonial to offer mt this time, yet we
know of none quite to our liking. All
seems to be 'of the earth, earthly anu
st. Paul suggests that bishops be mot
given to filthy lucre," and we know also
that wealth Is weak anchor and glory
cannot support q man, still, on this
occasion, we feel there Is nothing more
appropriate than to pass In our check
with its soothing qualities and possibiii-
ties 1t Is n token of our respect, esteem
and veneration, small Offering innde-
quate to show our love for you or pay the
debt we owe you. Accept our words OF
cheer in the spirit of the donors and gra-
ciousiy receive from the treasurer of the
Roman Catholics Of Portland GU T modest
and humble Offering and believe us
your loyal and devote practitioners.
Mr.. Deehan then advance and presented
the Bishop with purse of 5000.
Bishop Healy has voice of remarkable
sweetness and power, his intonation Is
perfect and his enunciation SO clear that
almost every word he utters Is distinctly
heard even in the rear pews in the
immense edifice. He was visibly affected
by the gift Of his parishioners with whom
he has been so long associated. The
Bishop began by saying that on this oc-
casion he was nearly on the point OF
departing from the time honored custom
of the church and addressing his hearers
not as his dearly beloved brethren, but as
his dearly beloved children. He said 1t
was hard to reply to thoughts so well ex-
pressed and words so well chosen. He said
that St. Paul had frequently been quoted
as saying that az am conscious myself Of
nothing. He that judgeth men Is the
Lord"
II am conscious of no credit that Is
due me-" said the Bishop. because He
that judgeth me is the Lord. So we
may leave the record of the past % years
to Him who called me here to minister to
the spiritual needs OF this diocese.
when bishop Is eonsecrated the peo-
pie are asked IL they have anything with
which to reproach him for the church
considers that tho reputation of the
priesthood and episcopate ought to be
above reproach. Your words and actions
give testimony that you have nothing
with which to reproach me. As told
YOU this morning this city of God, this
church comes down from heaven and so
all authority comes down from above.
From the supreme vicar Of Christ ON
earth. from the see of Peter and by the
occupant thereof, every bishop is ap-
pointed. 1t is for him to choose. am
grateful to the people of Portland that
in charity thsy were SO kind to the poor
young man who appeared in their midst
clothed with the honor and authority OF
a bishop. l dreaded to come here. 1t
Is useless for me to say that my health at
that time was more frail, more uncertain
than it is today. was told that prpba-
bly, two or three years would finish the
life already showing manifest signs of
decay. A renowned physician gave me
at the most five years to live. l came
near falling in a fainting fit ON the floor
Of this sanctuary during the ssrvioe. OF
Many times since have
been utterly unable to fulfill the duties
of my office. God has preserved me to a
cycle of years rarely reached by a
prelate. OF all the bishops who We're
present ut my conservation but two re-
main. OF all the priests in New Eng
land only two now live who are more
ancient or venerable In years than my
self. How can do anything but thank
the good Lord for all of this.
1t is pleasant to think that you hold in
your hearts feeling of gratitude for
what 1 have attempted. You give me
more credit than even my good inten-
lions deserved. 1t is pleasant to think
that at any time of life you regard me SO
kindly. hope you will make sacrifice
of offering and prayers for me that what
remains of life, which cannot be long,
may be Tmore devoted to God and to
you. You can never make me rich in
worldly goods for, thank God, 1 have
never been tempted that way; but you
may make me rich in your affections by
prayers and devoted service. Thank God
for all that has been done and for all
that has been given me, for these devoted
priests here present and those who are
not here. 1 thank you and bless you
with all my heart. Let US endeavor
for the future to be faithful to God, to