The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-02-26

on such sombre subjects is manifested in
the turning OF cemeteries into gardens
that TEEN with wealth OF floral beauty.
Even noted philanthropist OF the pres
ent day is said TO entertain such re-
pugnance for suffering and death that he
will permit neither to be mentioned in his
presence.
But to the Catholic the suffering and
death OF Jesus is the centre OF his relig-
ion, for the sacrifice OF the mass is but n
renewal OF the sacrifice on Calvary. 1t
was by the contemplation of the sorrow
ful way OF the cross that the saints were
able 10 realize the suffering and torments
through which Christ passed that they
were able TO endure their own sufferings
with patience, resignation and firm faith
and thus win the crown OF eternal saliva
ton So too. with us Of today. II we
wish To he like the saints: II we desire
eternal life In heaven we must mediate
on the immensity OF Christs sufferlngs
and his unbounded love that did 80 much
for mankind and opened the pathway to
heaven
The problem Of today is with many as
IL has been I'm the past to do away with
all suffering 20 drive the thought OF ulti-
mate death from the human mind To solve
that problem philosophers have built up
systems: the Stoics sought to so train the
suffering But all these systems OF phil
osophy and Stocism as well failed ut
terly and passed away. for there Is only
one way In which The human heart torn
by suffering can find sure solace and re-
lief and that Is the way OF the cross.
There is something about us that will
not permit us 20 share our sufferings
with humankind. even with those nearest
and dearest TO as. We live alone and we
nj "a nd fc hp off Otr
sufferngs to the Saviour I'm return for his
immeasurable sacrifices for us that we
can gain the strength TO bear them with
patience and resignation and the priceless
boon OF a happy death. This Is a day Of
discussion, of the Offering OF conflicting
opinions and contentious that tend to con-
fuse the people concerning life here and
hereafter
when lch pcrplexities assail let him
who wavers kneel before these stations
and mediate on the sorrowful Journey of
Christ along tho way OF the cross All
his doubts and questiOnings will be dis
pelled like mist before the sun and he will
come back 10 the fundamental and eter-
nal truths ne learned AT his mothers
knee For that sorrow that seems to
clutch at the very throat there Is no hui
man relief In one way only can you gain
tho strength 20 bear it with patience and
fortitude and that is by comparing your
sunerings with what Christ suffered that
YOU might enjoy life everlasting with
him In Heaven.
Meditation on the way Of the cross Is
the greatest source OF hope Man II weak
and sinful but no man Is so weak or so
sinful that " with a sincere and heart
felt desire he stretches out his hands 10
the Saviour for help that help will be
denied him.
Following the sermon which was listen
ed TO with closest attention and made
deep impression tho fourteen stations
which we're ranged In front of the sane
tuary were blessed by Rev. Father scheu-
ren Then came tho ceremony OF erection.
each station being placed In its proper
place while Rev Father Ccheuren pre-
oedcd by acolytcs bearing cross and light
ed candles rccited the prayers and read
the meditation. During this impressive
ceremony tho choir and congregation |
sang the "stabat Mater" In English.
Behediction OF the blessed sacrament |
by Rev. Father Tully of Cranston |
brought the services to n close the choir |
and congregation singing the 20 Salu- |
taris" and "Tantum Ergo
Assisting the pastor in the services were /
Rev. Father Ward. Rev Father Tuliy /
ana Rev. Father FLYNN ~ Ns;ick. Mrs.
james Coyne. the oreanist. had charge OF
The musical part Of the exercises.