New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-04
CHINATOWN NURSERY.
although a Catholic Institution,
Chinese Helped to Build 1t.

Both the Chinese and the Italians in the
neghbOrhood of Mott-st. appeared to be equally
interested in the dedication of the Help of
Christians Mission, at No. 81 Mott-st, which
took place yesterday afternoon. 1t is true that
the mission is part of the italian parish Of
the TRANSPORTATION, and is ostensbly and pri-
marily a mission to the Italians. but it appears
that the Chinese have helped to build it and It is
considered by those interested in the work that
they have no unimportant claim upon it.
Through the little children we wish to reach
the parents and preserve the faith in cur own
people" said the Rev. Father Ernest Coppo rec
tor of the Church of the Transformation and
BY the same means we will reach the Chinese.
They helped to build this house. and they
looking TO us for conversion. The nursery which
we propose to start here may be the beginning
of q propaganda for the conversion of the
Chinese"
The audience at the dedication ceremonies was
chiefly Italian. but the Chinese neighborhood
could not be forgotten. for little Oriental faces
were looking in at the windows and little ORR
entails were lingering around the door Bishop
Cusack proceeded through the rooms and in
vol1ed the divine blessing upon them as he
sprinkled them with holy water.
At the conclusion of this ceremony the Bishop
returned to the back parlor, where Z group of
children from St AIMS Nursery, the mother
house of the mission, were waiting to receive
him, with a score of white robed italian girls,
who sang a song of welcome and waved smilax
garands he entered.
Father Coppo then explained the object of
the work in Italian and English and the Rev
Father D. ]. Mcmahon, director of the Asso-
ciated Catholic Charities. pointed out some of
the needs of the Italian population of the city.
With 100000 Italians in Manhattan and The
Bronx there had been up to that time, he said,
only one Roman Catholic day nursery for
Italian children, the one opened yesterday MAX
ing the second
Bishop Cusack also emphasized the impor-
tance of the work and deprecated what he con-
sidered the understandable efforts of Protestants
proseytize Roman Catholic children while a
million Protestants We're churchless.
The Rev DR.. Gerald Ferranti said a few words
in Italian and the little girls sang again ''Viva1
Pastor Bonus"
Refreshments were served after the ceremo-
MES, and among those present were Monsignor
Mooney, Mrs J. J. ODonoShue, president and
Mrs. a. c. Riley, secretary of the Associated
Catholic Charities; Mrs. J. b. Sevin Miss A
Pudtan, DR.. Anthony Bassler the physician of
St. AIMS Nurery; John Brarcato and Argeteo
La Cagnna. representing the Don Bosco So
ciety; the Rev. NJ. II. Mccarthy. the Rev Jo-
seph VILLAIN, Eduardo CamburrelH, Mr. and
Mrs. r. H. Murphy, the Rev. T. J. Deehan tho
Rev. Francis Pauline. the Rev. David O'Connor
Miss Z. V. Norwood, Mrs Thomas Barry. Mrs
NJ C. Geraghty, Mrs. y Nuzzno Miss nc
ArChangelo Mrs. Medina and Mrs Stapleton
The mission, which is in charge OF Misc
H NOrdaun Murphy, will begin work with
nursery and evening sewing class. Later il Is
intended to branch out into all kinds Of settle
ment work.