Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-18

 ' Agnus Dei ............... Franke | Te Deum ..... .. Hammered Postlude .. .. Guilmant 1 The sololsts were Misses Elizabeth Dunn. Lillian Loughlin, Sadie Dunn. Mrs P. F. Bowe. Messrs l, SM;,, Daix. !. Colwell. T. Maher, r. F. Bowe. VI. Hughes.
 Father Curtin preached the sermon. He thanked all who had contributed to make the occasion memorable event in the history of the parish and in his life as a priest of God.
 The address was as follows: My dear people: There are many reasons why I should be thankful to- day. The beautiful morning dawns on this day of mid-advent, this day of re- joicing, when the church utters the first word of the mass. Always re- jOice,' the church says. We are not to confine our rejoicing to special occa- sions, but should rejoice always in the Lord.
 1 T am happy to extend my thanks this morning to all those people who by their care. and may say, self-sacri- flee, have shown a disposition to make this occasion a memorable one. l ex- tend my heartfelt thanks to the altar society. the. members of which have so carefully trimmed the altar and the church for this occasion. l extend my hearty thanks also to the choir for their untiring efforts in preparing tc sing the praises of the Lord: to those priests also who have been my com panions not only in the priesthood. but with whom I have passed so many years since the dawning of reason: to the good president of Holy Cross, with whom had the good fortune to begin my three years work in the seminary. and especially. as is known to SO many, because of the presence in Holy Cross college. that grand institution. Of so many young men of our own parish: to all the people who have come 10 join with me in this service of thankful ness. which VIC offer up for the bless ing of living to pass that milestone which so few of those in the priest hood pass; last. but by no means least. I wish 10 extend my thanks to those members of my own family who have come to join in this celebration of thanksgiving.
 There Is very little to say in the way of sermon. This Is a fitting occa- sion 10 inspire men. and I am sure 1t Is also an occasion of inspiration for my people. for there are sentiments and feelings eOrrelative between q pas tor and his people. as between parents and their children. l know that the feelings which I entertain for my peO- pIe on this day are returned. no doubt with interest. by the people of this parish.
 This is a notable day. not only on account of our celebration. but beca use of the spirit which the entire church shows to-day. This is a day of relax atiOn in mid-advent. when the church invites her children to relax a trine and consider the great joys which Christians should always experience How best may we give expression to this reJoieingg It always savers of thanksgiving. The faithful give ex- preSsian to their thanksgiving by adel- ity to their Christian duty. They ask themselves every day questions Ike that proposed to St John by the men sent out to tempt him into some ex- rre=si0n to be misconstrued Who arf thour they asked him may ask myself this day. Who srf thouF A Christian is the first answer. One who has received the vocation Of God. mortal like other m0rtals. who en- joyef a natural existence for c few days Then began q new existsnce. fife of grace. the spiritual fife Are therp any honorxs Yes. the honor os serving In the ranks wbieh is conferred in souarInation- Are there other bon orxt Tbere is the added honor of being placed above fhe rsnks
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