The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1908-10-03
MAGNET OF THE TABERNACLE.

q have had many experiences in my long life.
Father, but never think of this one without sud
den tears"
The speaker was venerable Sister of Mercy.
and we had been talking of the n-Catholic mis-
sons and of the wonderful ways by which God
brought souls to a knowledge of his faith and love.
! need not say pressed the good Sister to continue
1t was many years ago, Father, in the young
DAYS of the second St. Paul's Cathedral in Pitts
burg, Pa. (1Ou may not know the present great
cathedral there is the third of that name J 1t was
too in the days of the first bishop, the Right Rev.
Mieahel O'Connor, who became a Jesuit and died
q saint. His brother, DR.. James O'Connor after
wards bishop of Omaha, Neb. resided at the Ca
thedral, and was warm friend and benefactor of
our hospital at the time l mention.
Few and far between were the theatrical or op-
cratic performances of that day. But suddenly the
city was filled with posters announcing in garinQ
letters that a fine company was about to give a
weeks performance in the best opera house The
company of the highest moral standing The
plays were classic and everybody was going to be
present
In the middle of the week. when the whole town
was IN delight and alT7ost wild over the star it was
announced she seriously i'll and her understudy
would I'LL her parts for the rest of the time. It
was too true One night, after a performance at
which the house in frantic enthusiasm the best
physician Of the city was reused up and hurriedlv
driven to the principal hotel which was right on the
MOnongahela river. He was led at once to the
lady's ROOM and found her in high fever. Over
strained nerves. excitement and fatigue was the
verdict Her life depends upon perfect quiet The
manager was IN despair He knew the people want
ed her, and visions of a disastrous finale to a sea
son that began prosperously distressed his soul.
There was no help for it, and DR.. Bruce who was
on our staff, suggested a removal to our hospital.
where quiet and the best nursing care could be
found
Already the hotel people were complaining that
their house would be depopuated if the truth got
out So the ambulance was sent at night when
Inc streets were silent, and the unconscious actress
was brought TO our care. The best room was de-
manded and given, and for days the members of the
company came, and although they could not see
her all expressed deep concern, and all demanded.
and gave generously for her comfort everything
that money could buy
w hen the week up and the company had
departed, she still re- sick unto DEATH The
manager gave add -es nd an ample check, and
arranged we should KEEP aem informed daily of
her condition. which We 4.ithfully did. The hos
ptal became for a tine ouite point of interest.
On account Of this celebrated woman, who lay so
long between life and otath but by degrees the
nine days wonder cooled down, and only the doc
Tor and the sisters continued their interest.
DR. James O'Connor who frequently visited the
hospital, however, often inquired for the poor in
,aIo, and, soon as was possible paid her visit
her room was constantly filled with beautiful flow
efs sent by admirers Of her talent. She was worthy
" all the attention she received | never saw a
more beautiful woman, nor one more cultured, or
nleIgent OF sweet. She was about %, unmarried,
ana ID the full maturity of majestic womanhood.
alL graceful, with perfect, chiseled features.
wealth of rich brown hair and very dark blue
yes mat often changed to gray, she had a smile
la was sweet even IN her suferings. She had beau
ylQ slender hands, which her art had made full of
language. In her convalescence, when the fever had
lau5ea her to lose her hair and her head was COW
ieu with crop Of lovely, short curls, she was the
D''ss "Ihsome personality one ever met
~. As She grew better she became interested In
.llIgs around her. She had many questions to ask,
"o OF The first time realized she was i'll q Catholic
hospital ] was with her every day, and she told
-e She was High Church Episcopalian.' and al
'sa 'ad her prayers and, whenever her engage
nuHS permitted went TO church mentioned some
---i-stefs ! knew, and offered to send for anyone
"t wished, but she said no SO sincerely tl.at did
'OS press the subject
mad many talks abont religious matt II, ana
Pey "a about the Real Presence of our Lord III
Ii. blessed Sacrament She told me she always
le-e'ed 1T possible and longed to go to mass. She
,n eseo me to take her just to the chapel tor
Sunday. p'''i'iS'u Siie 'iiOuiu q wy
cs4l gu are not surprised l became deeply inter
~ her and had many prayers offered for her.
tlo i'eafed Sunday she grew excited and anxious
sa,j was about to retract my promise, but when
" t1a. The tears came and she pleaded SO earnest
'-"' could not resist her. She was taken 10 the