Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-10-07
At Saint kugust;ne's.

At saint kugust;ne's.
! IT was unfortunate that the rain in
tetiored With the somewhat elaborata
plans at st. Augustires. 1t was in
leAocd TO have had the Societe de ST.
Jean Baptiste. the Canadiens Artisans.
ana the Catholic Foresters escort
Bishop OConnell from ST. Marv's. and
ct the foot of the hill to have been
met ~ the Congregation of the Chill
orch OF Mary and the Ladies of Sainte
AEhc' but the steady downpour of rain
III thc AFTERNOON prevented it.
are chufcf in the afternoon was
crowded to the doors, q class Of some
- boys and girls occupying the center
OF the cdi.lcc. while other reserved
peWs were iilled with the several soci-
cues that were to have formed the
procession. In the gallery were choir
oi men ana also the chiidren's choir.
which has won such good reputation
for their singing. These, with the La
f2yctte Band, furnished the music for
tIc services, which was fully up to
nc usual good work done in this line
under the direction Of the mothers
bishop oConncll gave another adj
dress in English devoted to the work
of the church in Maine He spoke of
their nationality but emphasized the
fact that he comes to Maine as the
bishop Of all people. and that he cares
for all He particularly dwelt on the
good work Of the French Canadians
and complimented them on their Gus
toms. their Societies and their loyalty
and faith. He spoke of his life in Rome
and how that had taught him to look
up"n al nations as brothers. He con-
Guided with touching and earnest
words OF instruction to the young
class. The address. different from that
Of the morning but fully as concise ana
Interesting, was listened to with deep
est attention.
Aftcr Tie address there was the rite
o: confirmation, which notWifhstand-
in4 the large number and great crowd.
wont quickly ana smoothly under the
direction Of the nuns, whose patient
work III drilling and teaching was con-
ulrally in evidence. At the close Of
the confirmation there was the Eene-
G!ction of the blessed Sacrament by
bishop O.Conncll. assisted ~ Rev. I'll
i;iordan of Gardiner. as deacon: Rev
F'r. Michigan. sub deacon: ana REV. Frs.
poherty, Hamel and Droet.
The altar was beautifully lighted and
decorated with flowers. while the ban
rCrs Of the various societies We're dis
played near the altar rail. Immedi-
atc,y over the chancel was draped a
fcd ana blue drapery. extending across
The whole space. ana bearing in white
the words "Benedictus qui yCnit in
nomine Domino" owing to the con
tinued rain there was no reception
after the services at the church.
Today. Bishop O'Connell will pay his
respects to Governor Hill at the Capt
toll where he is to meet Congressman
Butlcigh; ana later the heads of the
departments of the STATE viii have ar
opportunity To meet him. lie will also
inspect the parochial schonl and the
convent: at the former an entertain
n,ent has been prepared in his honor
by the Mothers and children. He will
leave for Boston on the afternoon train.
After the services. yesterday. a rep
rcsentative of the Journal called on
Bishop O'Connell and in the course of
conversation the latter said: Il intend
ed to have given in one Of my adj
dresses. today. the last words Of the
Holy Father to me as ] was leaving
Rome: but perhaps it is better to tell
it to the Journal.
When for the last time | went to-
pay my homage to our Holy Father,
said to His Holiness: Give me, Holy
Father. some words to carry with me
from you to your children in the do
ccse OF Portland i WILL he said.
ana leaning back in his chair and half
closing his eyes as if looking away into
the future and across the seas to dis
tant America, he said to me. speaking
very slowly and softly: Tell them he
said that ! love them. Tell them that
the Holy Father thinks OF them always
and prays for them. I know that my
Catholic children of the distant repub-
lie are very loyal and devoted to the
church ana the Holy See and they
therefore are reclloned always among
the most tilial of all my flock. | know
that many Of your diocese are not OF
the church. but tell them too that they
have place in my heart. | admire
many If their good qualities their
honesty. their justice. and above all
rejoice in the fair mindodness with
which they allow to the church that
liberty Of action which oftentimes is
in Europe impeded. Tell them this
ana may your life be happy among
them.