The Washington times., 1901-12-09
HIGH MASS AT THE
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.
REV. DR.. CONATY AS CELEBRANT.
ApRoiatmcnt as TituIur bishop
of SamoS-IntcreSt in
the Event.

One Of the most solemn and imposing
ceremonies ever held at the Catholic Uni
versity was celebrated in the beautiful
little chapel Of that institution yester-
day morning. The rector OF the university,
the Rev. Dr. Conaty, who was recently
elevated to The dignity of Titular Bishop
Of Samos. celebrated his first pontiflcal
high mass at the university since his ap-
pointment to the new bishopric.
The little house OF worship was taxed
to its utmost capacity to accommodate
those who wanted 10 witness the event.
There was little attempt made at decora-
tion beyond the advantageous placing
about the main altar and the sanctuary
Of the dark. rich foliage of rubber plants,
terms and palms. The white marble main
altar, where the mass was said, reflected
the mellow rays of a myriad of wax can
dies. and in connection with the rich
white and gold vestments of the clergy
and the heavy brocaded silk academic
dress of the twenty-five members of the
faculty OF the university the scene pre-
scented was one OF beauty and imposing
solemnity.
students and Priests.
Al $50 o'clock the hour set for the
ceremonies. the procession OF students OF
the university. in black oassocls and white
surplice. led by the marshal. DR.. Ch. p.
Neil, filed into the church and we're fol-
lowed by the faculty Of the university, in
,-;,h nd -,i.t,,-cs,,,, .od,,,i, draeg hi
retta and mortarboard 4 number of stu
dents from the Holy Cross College
brought up the rear Of the procession and
occupied seats in the rear of the church;
also a number Of young ladies from near
by Trinity College were present
The celebrant. Dr. CoHaty. sang the
mass with a strong and clear voice and
was assisted by the Rev. James J. Fitz-
patrick. assistant priest: Rev Dr. Nasch-
aide, deacon. Rev. William Forau, a
former member of Bishop Cuuaty's parish,
in Worcester, Mass, sub-deaCun. the Rev.
c. J. Holland. master Of ceremonies: the
Rev Maurice O'Connor. assistant master
OF ceremonies. special musical pro-
grsmme was presented. under the direc-
tior OF William Joseph Finn. Of the Paul
isl Community. by students OF the uni
versity.
DIR. DovlinR's sermon.
Yesterday was also the patronal fest
OF the university. it being the Feast of
the Immaculate Conception, and the ser
mon preached on the occasion was
masterpiece OF eloquence. II was deliv-
cred by the Rev. Austin J. Dowling, of
Providence. r. l., who is a licentiate OF
the university. The speaker traced the
mystic parallel between the old and the
new in the story OF the fall and the res
direction.
The tree Of knowledge" said the
speaker. which had tempted the first
typical man became the cross by sin.
Barren and blighted like mans knowl-
not attain. So it would have remained
had not God in mercy made II tree OF
life. Then the vine which bore the blood
red wine Of atonement fastened its ten
drills on the splinter shaft OF pain and
trelliced its branches on the yawning
arms Of the cross. Thus a victim pre-
vailed and a cross which was mans trib-
ute to God became thus triumphant
But the earth yielded more than the
cross 20 God. II bore in its repentant
hands Mary also. She was the olive bough-
OF the food Of him from which
the oil to heal mans wounded soul
should come. These TWO gifts the earth
gave. From Mary Christ drew our life
from the cross our death. and through
them he established his kingdom. whose
thrones are in her arms and On our
cross. and both, the cross and May, God
glorifed."
Bishop Conaty and the attending clergy
we're especially gratiied to have the ven
efahle but still vigorous father of the
rector of the university, Patrick Conaty.
Of Taunton. Mass. present at the cere-
monies OF which his son was the celeb
rant.
Reception Given.
The University Club Of the Catholic
gave a reception last night at
their rooms in Mcmahon Hall in honor Of
the new dignity bestowed upon the rector
OF their alma mater. DR.. Conaty Father
president OF the club, made
the address Of the evening, in which be
paid the highest praise to the unceasing
energy Of DR.. Conaty in behalf OF the
and those connected with it,
Bishop Conaty responded by thanking the
students for their fidelity and assistance
In the work OF building up the univer-
sity
The vice rector and faculty OF the uni
Hersity viii give a reception in honor of