Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-25
IN LOCAL CHURCHES
SOME SERVICES BEGAN AT 12
O'CLOCK MIDNIGHT.

At Christmas particularly the Roman
Catholic Church surrounds its ceremonials
and devotions with all the picturesqueness
and impressiyeness possible Elaborate
and even lavish decorations about the
sanctuary are the rule and not the excep-
ton, and, what is always of general In
terest, the musical programs are the best.
Not only are the works of the most re-
noWned masters selected, but to the end
that their rendition may be all that could
he desired choirs spend weeks rehearsing.
Then too, the organ tones are blended
with those of brass and string nstru-
ments, the whole resulting, in tonai
beauty that never fails to bring tn: occa-
sion to a high degree of solemnty and de-
votion.
Beginning with last night at midnight
there were masses in some one or other OF
city ehe Practically at eveky hour The mid
night mass seems to have grown in popu-
larity here in Washington, but judging by
the attendance at the masses later in the
morning the r-mldntght devotion does
not seem to have seriously married the pop
ularity of the O'Clock mass OF Christ
mas morning.
Papal Delegate at st. Aloysius Church
Mgr. Domede Falconio, papal delegate
to the United States, was present in cap
and mitre at ST. Aloysius Roman Cathohc
Church this morning at 1880 o'clock
Rev. Louis R. Stickney, secretary of the
panal delegation was the ceiebrant of the
late mass at ST. Aloysius; Rev. Henry A
Iearv s j. as deacon, and Mr.. Phlllp De-
Bold subdeacon. Assisting at the pontlnca!
throne were the following: Rev Edward
Fink archpriest Rev. John Kelleher
s L. first deacon of honor, ana ReV. John
r Pittar S. j., second deacon or honor.
The sermon for the day was preached by
Rev Timothy Barrett, S. j., professor OF
moral theology in the Woodstock House OF
Studies. The musical program was rem
dered under the direction or ProI. Hupei.
h. Il
no stor an impressive musical program and
the sanctuary decorations, were dlstlnc-
tive features of the opening OF the Cnrlsl-
mas devotions at st. Patrick Chufch To-
day DIR, Stafford took for his theme the
Natiyity of the Savior, and dwelt upon
the scene and the surroundings OF the sta
BILE at Bethlehem. Preceding the mass the
altar boys sang the Adeste fluelis, "hlcn
was a prelude TO the program offered by the
regular choir which had the advantage or
an orchestral accompaniment. Under the
direction of Armand Gumprecht, the ieader
and organist, the program was given. Ihere
were also a number of low masses said at
the church and at IL o'clock this morning
there was another solemn high mass, when
the regular choir and orchestra partlcl-
patcd.
Assisted by Visiting Clergy.
Solemn high masses We're in order at D
O'clock and IL O'Clock this morning at st.
Stessaen's Church, when the pastor was as
sisted by visiting clergy from the CathoNc
University and the Passionist Monastery
| in Baltimore A special musical program
was rendered by the male choir.
Choral services by the male choir of st.
! Paurs Roman Catholic Church We're fea-
| lures of the Christmas devotions at that
| church today. Rev. James f. Mackin, the
! pastor, was assisted by the fathers or the
| Catholic University.
Rev Father Rohiman of the Apostolic
| Mission House at Brookland preached the
| sermon at the o'clock mass at st. Mary 8
| Roman Catholic Church on 9TH street this
morning.
| Rev. Patrick f. Conroy, who viii be the
! new assistant pastor of St. Martins Roman
| Catholic Church. conducted his first solemn
| high mass this morning at o'clock in st.
| Peters Roman Catholic Church. when the
| congregation was enlarged by the presence
| OF a large number of the young priests
| friends The altar decorations We're of UNI
| usually beautiful character.
| The Christmas festivities at St. JOseph's
| Catholic Church, I'd and e streets north
east, began at 5 o'clock this morning with
! solemn high mass, sung by Rev. Ignatius
Fealy, assistant pastor of the church. He
was assisted by Rev. James Malloy of the
| Catholic University. as deacon, and Mr..
| Leo Fealy of st. Charles College, Ellicoti
| CITY. Md, as subdeacon. A sermon was
| preached by Rev. Timothy Crowley, o. p,
| of the College of the Immaculate Concep.
| ton.
| Father Crowley read the gosp,i describ.
ing the alteration of the shepherds at the
| crib of the newborn Savior of the world.
and dwelt on the beauty and soiemnity OF
| the feast OF Christmas. AT this time OF
gift giving Father Crowley said, each
| member of the congregation should give his
or her heart to God as a token of love and
| thanksgiving for the sublime favor of His
| incarnation.
This service was followed by number o.
|
| iCanfipued on Second Pa VQA