The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-04
CUMBERLAND
PEOPLE WELCOME
RETURNED RECTOR

There was a large gathering OF the
parishioners OF St Patrick's church In
the Catholic institute last evening, at
which time Rev Father Cassidy, pastor
OF the church. who has just returned from
an extended European trip. was given a
reception. and the program was OF a char
acter which will not soon be forgotten by
all who were present.
IL Is believed that never before In the
history OF the institute has there been
such a crowd gathered in the building
and I'm the big hall. where II is usual TO
find plenty OF room. there was not seat
which was not occupied.
Previous TO the exercises in the hall
there was reception in one OF the par
lors. where for an hour or SO there filed
before the reverend gentleman members
OF his flock who had come TO give him
cordial welcome back 10 the scenes OF
his labors. With Father Cassidy We're
some of the older male members Of the
parish and about $50 o'clock they repair
ed 10 the hall. their appearance being
greeted with the strains OF Home Sweet
Home from the Savoy orchestra. Con-
siderable attention had been given 10 the
matter OF decorations and there were
masses OF bunting and flowers, making a
very handsome appearance.
As soon as the party arrived In the hall
Judge Frank t. Fitzsimmons was intro
duced and he expressed his thanks TO the
committee for the privilege of having
been selected 10 welcome the pastor back
TO his home. He then addressed the rev.
erend gentltman He spoke OF the dvotion
of Father Cassidy TO the faith and his
congregation, and said that his wcr..s
would leave an impress on the people CT
St Patrick's long after he had passed TO
his reward. The gathering. he said. re-
minded him' Of the citizens o. a little re-
public welcoming home their president.
Then~in behalf OF the parishioners he
presented him with a purse containing
sllO0 in money which had been subscribed
by the people OF the parish. In making
the presentation he said that the purse
was not 10 be considered valuable on ac-
count Of the money It contained. but on
account OF the spirit that prompted IT,.
which spirit was only an outward sign Of
the loyalty and faithfulness Of the parish
TO its beloved priest
Father Cassidy, in a short but we'll
worded speech. which was punctuated
here and there with much wit and humor.
thanked the parishioners for remembering
him and then went on 10 describe the
various places he had visited on his trip.
the last place mentioned being Ireland.
and after dwelling on the conditions
there he said the people of the Emerald
Isle were as well. II not better off today
than ever. lie told OF having a private
audience with the pope in company with
Rev. Father Farrelly OF Central Falls and
OF the privilege the pope had given him
Of having papal benediction, which
would be given at the last mass next
Sunday. A special privilege TO bestow
the papal blessing upon children OF the
parish was also given by the pope. and
this would take place on the day OF the
opening OF the parochial school.
Seated on the stage during the ex-
ercises were Rev Father McGrath and
Rev. Father Duffy. assistant pastors Of
st. Patrick's church: William Edmonds.
Michael c. Ryan, James Brennan Fred
erick j. Sweers. Thomas Meagher. John
Fay. Constantine O'Neil and William
McKenna. There was a season Of dane
ing al the close OF the exercises. the mu-
sic being furnished by Maguires Savoy
orchestra.