The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-02

ceSe; the report Just given Tn Tor last year shows that We have now log in the diocese.
 In 1897 we had g churches with resi- dent priests and now we have 46.
 In 1897 we had 15 parishes with pa rochial schools and now we have 3l.
 In 1897 we had 2526 children under Cath ollie care in our colleges, academies and schools, and now we have 50S6.
 In 1897 we had two hospitals and two orphan asylums and now We have four hospitals and three orphanages, in which over 400 children were cared for last year. We have besides a House of the Little Sisters of the Poor founded by the gen. erous charity of Mir Patrick Hannah, aided also by the generous bequest of the late John Lyons
 In 1897 we had baptisms of infants s20 and of converts GO.
 For 1907 we had 1928 baptisms of in- fants and 4ss of converts. the total mum Der of baptsms for 1897 being $50, against 1S16 for 1907
 In 1897 the number of marriages was 1G3; in 1907 the marriages were 357.
 In 1897 the Catholic population was given as 17.00o. and in 1907 the number was 3S,- 0S4
 Besides, we have tho McGill institute founded and endowed by the late Messrs. Arthur And Felix McGill, whose bound less charity to every religious work in this diocese cannot be too highly praised or appreciated. May God send US others like them to continue and foster charit- able works in the diocese! In naming those to whom the diocese owes a great debt of gratitude, I must not forget the late Charles Farley, whose generous be- quests have enabled us to accomplish much for the orphans of the diocese and to build up churches .in poor districts where they were sadly needed.
 Two years ago the diocese was sorely tried by cyclone and tidal wave which destroyed or damaged a great amount of church property. I am happy to say that the churches have been rebuilt or re- stored in every place except St. Elmo and Golden, which will be looked after at no distant day.
 This great result has been obtained partly through your own offerings, put in a great measure from the offerings sent by sympathetic friends from all parts of the country. We are particu- larly indebted to the clergy and lAity of the archdiocese of Boston and New Orleans, and to the dioceses of Provi- dence. Buffalo and Indianapolis for very substantial aid
 There were others, too, who helped to advance Gods work in the diocese by their bountiful charity but l cannot men ton them here. Their names, I hope
  Himself will be their reward exceeding great.
 Except the debt of s21.00O on the episco- pal residence purchased nearly three years ago, there is no debt on the diocese for which we are directly responsible This debt, with your zealous co-opera- ton, will, I hope, soon be paid in full I take this opportunity to return my sincere thanks to those who contributed to the purchase of this beautiful home for the bishop and his clergy. The number of contributors to the fund for the purchase of the house up 10 this is about 200. Many more names should, and I trust will, be added to the list before the close of the year.
 During my absence the Very Rev. c. T. Buckingham, D. D., }, G., will exercise full power as administrator, and after him Rev. J. w. Shaw as chancellor.
 On the second Sunday of November the usual collection for the Catholic university of America will be taken up. Pastors are hereby requested to announce the collection the Sunday before, as well 8s on the day itself, and urge the faithful to give liberally to this worthy institu- tion, which is at the head of our edu- cational system.
 In our pastoral letter for Lent, given on March F, 1908, mindful of the Motus pro- prio of our Holy Father, Plus x on music,
  hour week be given In all the colleges and schools of the diocese to the study and practice of plain chant music" We now further decree and command that the plain chant must be taught and sung, whether in school or church, according to the method of the Benedictine Monks of Solesmes. The official Vatican edition alone Is to be used A circular letter to all the pastors and directors of schools and colleges will accompany this, and will put this important matter clearly before you. The Rev. William Hume. pastor of Whistler, will have charge Of the music In the schools and give di- rections there as to the proper manner of carrying into effect the papal instruc- tion.
 While absent from the diocese you and your spiritual and temporal needs, be- loved brethren, will always be in my mind I shall remember you constantly in the holy sacrifice at the altars and shrines which I visit, and I beg you also to remember me in your prayers that I may be faithful to the trust given me and may persevere to the end I am faithfully yours.
 EDWARD P. ALLEN,
 Bishop of Mobile. J. ". SHAW, Secretary.