The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-10-15
FESTIVAL OF THE ROSES.
(San Rafael (Cal.l Cor. Monitor.


When the Christians, through the intercession
of Our Lady were triumphant over the Turks in
the latter part of the sixteenth century, Plus
decreed the solemn Feast of the Rosary. Since
theinthe first Sunday of October has been day of
special devotion in all Dominican churches and in
stitutions. This year did our convent commem-
orate it with the customary solemnties, Procession
of the Rosary and of the Blessed Sacrament.
This dav had eagerly been looked forward to.
and when at last il dawned it came in foods of
glorious sunshine. This brightness was reflected on
every face for everywhere was cheerfuness, as the
finishing touches were put on the numerous prep
arations In the chapel the affairs had been dec
GRATED with innumerable flowers and ferns. and the
Rosary group. which had been erected the day be-
fore reposed in the midst of blossoms and burning
candles. The halls where the Blessed Sacrament
was to pass were banked in greens and lights, and
outside the paths were carpeed with autumn leaves
in the richest shades of gold and red. In front of
the convent temporary altar was built. This
was surrounded by palms and surmounted by
statue of the Blessed Virgin. Another altar had
been placed before the Grotto, and this, too,
adorned with flowers.
At o'clock the ringing of the benedcton bel!
summoned all to chapel for the commencement of
the procession. As soon the girls had assem-
bled they sang hymn to Our Blessed Lady, and
then Frustrating before the Blessed Sacrament,
followed the cross-bearer. The Rosary was started
by the community, and taken up by the girls,
their youthful voices sounding forth to the glory
of God and His Blessed Mother. With each mys-
terry an appropriate verse sung by all the stu
dents, and the air was filled with their melodius
tones. As the procession marched down the steps
in front of the building it presented most i'm
pressive sight Following the scarlet-rcbed acolye,
bearing the large crucifiX were two noyices carry
ing lighted candles. Then came the girls, all clad
in white, and wearing white wells. These, from
the Oldest to the youngest, were full of devotion,
and seemed to be pouring forth heart and soul in
praisng the name of the Lord. Behind them were
the Sisters in their white habits and black man
tells, all carrying burning Candles symbolic of their
pure ardent faith in God Six little girls. daintily
dressed next appeared Devouty walking back
wards and with eyes downcast, they strewed with
leaves the path of the Blessed Sacrament which
followed, borne by Rev. Father Egan, who walked
under canopy of rich satin and gold.
As the procession moved towards the first altar
the line formed in micircle in front of it, and
when the Blessed Sacrament passed, all bowed, re-
naming PROSTATE until the monstrance was
placed above the choir, accompanied by violins and
never before had the music seemed as beautiful.
The very viOlins seemed to be trying to draw out
their sweetest sounds from their &most depths.
After the blessing given, the procession again
moved on this time through the grounds in the rear
of the convent. The gardens were at their best.
Nature appeared to have arrayed herself in all her
splendor for this special occasion, for the flowers
never brighter, the trees never greener. Over
the leaf-strewn paths the people still moved, ever
chanting the Paters and AYES, till the heavens
themselves resounded. At the Grotto another bene-
diction was given, and the Rosary being concluded
before the chapel was reached, hymn to the
Sacred Heart taken up. Over and it was
sung, each time with renewed sweetness, penetrat
ing far and near
In the chapel the choir sang the 90 Salutaris'
and 'Tantum Ergo" and the final beneiiction W =;
given. As the priest in his rich robes of white
i Il IOI
Sacrament, all heads bowed in alteration and th,.e
was no sound save for the swinging of the censor
and the tinking of tiny bell. Then the Host vas
once more played in the tabernacle, and all the
glory was over. As if by one impulse, thanksgv-
ing filled the hearts of the students and the sacred
words of the TIE Deum rang out loud and strong, a
hymn of praise and rejoicing for the Divine mer-
cies G. [. V.