The Irish standard., 1904-03-12

altar, chancel rail. pillars and balcony
railing being concealed beneath heavy
mourning. The affairs of the Blessed
Virgin and st. Joseph We're piled high
with flowers.
In the center aisle, at the foot of the
chancel steps, was the casket, one end
raised, in which reposed the body of
the dead priest, CARRIED in his priestly
robes. In seats to the left sat large
number of sisters from the various
orders in the city. About the bier were
stationed four guards from the
knights of Columbus.
Some time before the hour announc-
ed the church was filled to overlooking
with men and women who had known
and loved the departed priest in life,
and who had gathered to pay to his
memory the last tribute within their
power. Professionals were there as we'll
as Catholics. His devotion to duty and
his nobility Of character attracted all.
Thousands were unable to gain admis-
sion, so great was the throng.
/ Just before the services began DEL
egation from the Knights Of Columbus,
st. Paul, marched into the church and
around the bier. In their number was
J. P. Mcguire, the first man Father
Danehy married; T. D. O'Brien, Judge
Willis, John Caulfield and other men
well known in st. Paul and throughout
the state. Following them came a
party of students from st. Thomas COL
lege, who were given seats in the rear.
Then began the responsive chant, the
Office for the dead.
At 1890 the door to the vestry room
opened and there issued forth a dis
tinguished company of churchmen, pre-
coded by a priest bearing the cross and
Including Archbishop Ireland, Mgr. Os-
ter, vicar general; Bishop McGolrick,
Duluth; Bishop Cotter, Winona; Bish-
op Stanley, Fargo; Bishop Trobec, st.
Cloud. They marched down the aisles
and then back again, taking their ap-
pointed places within the chancel rail
and in chairs arranged in front of the
pews.
POntitical requiem mass, an unusual
honor to bestow upon a priest, was
then solemnized by Bishop McGolrick,
who was gowned before the altar by
attendants, and who wore a bishops
mitre. Following this ceremony the
organ sounded softly the opening notes
of Chopin's funeral march, and Arch.
bishop Ireland began his address. He
spoke in part as follows:
1.-TWO weeks ago he who now lies in
the embrace of death was strong, Wig.
orous and had the promise of many
years before him. He became ill and
suddenly met death, the keeper. Upon
this earth death is supreme. He speaks
and all obey; and so he who walked
among us in health and strength a lit
tie while ago was taken away.
"Truly the ways of God are inscrut
able. We know not why the pastor OF
this church should have been snatcheC
AWAY. He was one who seemed to be
necessary, who had accomplished much
and who was destined, we should have
thought, to accomplish much more il
the years to come. Were we question
cd we should have said, NO, he mus
not go. Leave him.
"ln whatever position he had beef
placed he had wrought we'll ant
gone in the midst of the years usual,
allotted to mankind; gone, indeed, will
much to his credit, but, it would seem
with much more awaiting him as til.
fruitase of his life had the span O
that life been heightened.
God is infinitely powerful, infinite
L. Wise and infinitely just. God knows
best We live or die according to hi
will. He it is who rules and moves
HE universe, and we cannot doubt tina
it is better for us.
iii is better for him lying there tina
the master spoke.
He that is gone lived for God ant
wrought for God. That is our sweet
est consolation in the presence o
death. In early life he said to himself
! shall 80 and offer myself to Chris
that may be His messenger His de
sire for selfsacritice, his thirst for a,
intimate communication with God lie,
him to the priesthood. Daily he as
sended to the altar; all day long IL
WAS the messenger of Christ, going on
among His people, living constant,
under the same roof with Christ.
You who have listened to the word
OF the gospel passing down to you iron
his lips. you who in sickness have re
| ceived his ministra lions, know that H.
, honorcd his faith. He did all that IL
could and so, in confidence, we trus
the whole to the Almighty. God say
, that he was ready for heaven and tool
' him.
May the Almighty grant that W.
may again meet the pastor of st. Ste
phen'S, for that is Il beautiful teaching
the communion of saints, and it bid
us not despair. Death does not sep