The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-04
CATHOLIC MISSION ATTRACTS CROWDS Father Mcdonald Breaches
 an Earnest Sermon APPEALS TO WANDERERS Father Flanagan Delivers a Stirring Discourse at the Night Services.
 Devotions This Afternoon
 for Children.
APPEALS TO WANDERERS

The Rev Father Mcdonald, C. NJ. and the Rev. Father Flanagan, C. NJ, opened a mission for Catholics at St. Paul's church yesterday The mission proper was inaugurated at high mass at 10:30 o'clock. The mission for the Sunday school was begun at the 9:S0 o'clock mass. The large church was filled at both these ser vices and there was also a good atten- dance at the mass at o'clock.
 At the Sunday school mass the pastor, the Rev Father Coyle, was celebrant and the Rev Father Mcdonald delivered a short discourse. At high mass the Rev. Father Fuanagham was celebrant and the Rev. Father Mcdonald occupied the pull pit The preacher, before reading the gospel in English, made short address in which he explained the schedule for the mission. During the week the first mass will begin daily at a. m. The mis- soner said that this early hour was fixed in order to accommodate the toilers who had to begin work by o'clock. He an- nounced that the o'clock mass would be concluded before o'clock. The second week day mass will begin at o'clock and school children were urged to attend at that hour.
 After reading the gospel Father Me Donald took for his text; 'In an accept able time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have helped thee. Be- hold, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation
 The preacher began by saying "The mission opens today in the name of Jesus Christ. This is to be a time of thought and prayer and resolve. There must be a review of the past, balance of the pres ent, a plan for the future. At this mis- sion are to be presented jconsecutively the great truths of life and Christ's saving system.
 "rhe mission stirs to deep thought and is conducive to a practical valuation of life" Father Mcdonald said that the truths of the Christian religion appeal to the heart and mind and conscience, and influence the individual to solid con- victions. The call is to all: to the just, Ito become Justified stilr'; to the luke warm, to rouse their energies and rise to realization of their beliefs and con victions. The call is to those who have wandered away from God, that they may rise, like the prodigal, and receive a Fla ther's forgiveness on their return.
 There is." he said, mo room for pre- sumption, as all can become better; there is no room for despair. as all can be l forgi. en. Though your sins be red as scarlet they shall become white as snow upon your repentance. The power of Jesus is today as it ever was. Christ is calling mercifully, forgiving graciously, consoling completely. Let us open our hearts to His love; our consciences to His peace, and then we will realize the best that life can give"
 The priest exhorted the faithful so to conduct them as to be edifying examples to thir weaker brethren. Every Catholic | he thought, should be ready to make some sacrifice during the mission; every Cath ollie should do something for the cause of | Christ. Jesus came on earth first to do, | then to teach If all present would do something to promote the work of the mission, said he, they would not only be greatly DeneHteO tneInStlNcs' pul ny their prayers and acts the mission would result in incalculable good.
 | Father Mcdonald is regarded as | speaker of uncommon eloquence. He has a fine, resonant voice and his manner | is at once engaging and impressive He | is one of the most widely known and most popular mssioners In the United 1 States.
 | Last night Father Mcdonald gave shor! | instruction on the rosary devotiyn, and Father Flanagan preached a stirring ser mon on the priceless value of soul s.rd the unspeakable tragedy of a lost soul | His text was: For what shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul; or what shall a | man give in exchange for his soul.'
 The congregation at the night services was unusually large.
 l At 2:30 this afternoon, tomorrow after | noon and Wednesday afternoon services will be held especially for the children of the church. A mission for non-Cath- olics will begin next Sunday.