The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-11
FATHER KERR|GAN BREACHES SERMON Heard at St PauPs Church at
 High Mass HE EXPLAINS CEREMONIES Concludes Series of Instructive Dis courses on Sacrifice of the Mass Beautiful Music Rendered
 by the Choir.
HE EXPLAINS CEREMONIES

At high mass at St Paurs church yes- terday the Rev. Father Kerrigan was the celebrant and preacher. The choir was not quite so large as 1t was on Easter, several of the singers having gone with the Knights of Columbus party to Mont gomery, but the music was well ren- dered. Miss Merkestyn and Mrs. Bacon were the solo sopranos. Mrs. Cheney sang the 'Veni Creator" in good voice and with fine religious feeling and Miss Mer- kestyn sang as an offertory a beautiful 70, Salutaris," her vocalization being in a high degree artistic.
 Father Kerrigan's discourse concluded the series explaining the ceremonies of the holy sacrifice of the mass. He consid- cred the third and last principal division. called the Thanksgiving, and extended from the communion to the end of the mass.
 The Priests Blessing.
 In referring to the blessing given the people by the celebrant just before the concluding gospel of St. John. the preach CT said:
 This blessing is one of the most im- pressive features of the holy sacrifice The spectacle of a vast congregation composed of persons from every condition of life, rich and poor, aristocrat and ple- bian. learned and simple, kneeling in common-kneeling in the humble attitude of suppliants to receive from Christ ann bassador the blessing of the all Holy Trin. ity, is surely calculated to affect the dull est sensibilitles.
 However. that this edifying spectacle be something of deeper moment than mere picture, pleasing to the eye. that no disturbing doubts intrude upon the pleasing thoughts this scene begets, the heart of each should be worthy of that benediction. If, during the holy sacrl- flee, the rich mans thoughts have been, all the while, back in his counting room. busted with his ledgers, his per cents. his debits and his credits If, during the same tune, the poor man, forgetting the pover- ty of Christ, has been feeding envious longings for the rich mans pelf, has been grumbling at hls own low estate; if. too the aristocrat. conscious of his superior ity, has been puffed up with pride, a pride that in the very house of God. causes him to draw aside in contempt from the poor workingman, whose coarse clothes hang awkwardly on a labor distorted frame; if the poor laborer, feeling the tnub mas harbored thoughts of revenge towards the. aristocrat. the hearts of these are not good soil for this favor of the Almighty The lessons of the mass have been lost upon them.
 Earnest ExhortatIon.
 Therefore dear brethren, when you kneel for this blessing let your hearts prepared by reverent attention and earn est prayer, be free from all thoughts save those of burning love for Christ, who re- deemed you ardent charity for your fel- low men of every state, redeemed with you"
 In referring to the gospel of St. John, which is a fitting close to the august sac rifice. the preacher, after reading it. stat ed that. so surpassing is It's sublimity the doctors of the early church declared 1t should be written in letters Of gold and hung in a conspicuous place in every church that all might see and read.
 Father Kerrigan's discourse next Sun day will concern a question so puzzling often to his n-Catholic brethren. name ly the use of the Latin tongue In the mass ceremonies.