The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-18

n homage to the patron saint of
the IRISH green being the
4 color o. tic worn by the men,
from Judge Witt. on the bench,
to the newsboy in the street. Sham
rock pins. with their three-petal clover
leaf. were tho ornaments of the ladies'.
who. on the anniversary of the dea TN
OF Irelands first bishop and priest. de-
light to do honor to the "ould coun-
tree"
Although the rainfall of the morn
ing somewhat interfered with the plans
for the st. Patrick's Day parade, the
irdoor features of the celebration were
never more elaborate, the day begin
ming with appropriate services in st.
Patrick's Church, and ending with
largely attended banquets OF the vari-
Gus Irish organizations of Richmond.
some of the most prominent OF the city
being present.
Made 1t Holiday.
To many the day was holiday, and
as. in the afternoon. the clouds broke
away, leaving beautiful springlike
honor st. Patrick by making this a
festive event, and spent the afternoon
in the parks or country. On the streets
wherever people thronged the greet
ings OF the day were observed, and the
green emblems were everywhere in
evidence.
The celebration of the feast of st.
Patrick, one of the most generally OBJ
served of the special days on the
calendar of the Catholic Church, is at
the same time one of the most ancient,
The patron saint died at saul in ire
land. on March II, 4s3, when in his
121st year.
For over fourteen centuries there
fore the Catholic Church generally.
and the Irish people wherever scatter
ed have have done honor to the mem
DRY of the first to come among them
with message of the Christian reii-
Gion. Unique in all missionary an
nails is the record OF st. Patrick, wrap
beautiful legend and story. the first
priest to the Irish having lived to sec
the complete downfall of the Druidi-
cal religion and the establishment in
South Ireland of faith which is firm
~ intrsnchsd to this day.
Service In Morning.
The celebration of the anniversary
began in Richmond with Solemn High
Mass at st. Pa:rick.s Church at
large church full of people
Rev. Father II. ]. McKeefrey was the
celebrane, the Ancient Order of Hiber-
mans and several other Catholic socie-
ties attending service In a body, march,
ing to aeats reserved for them in the
church.
The music, under the direction of Mr.
Leo Meagher, was finely rendered, the
following program being carried out:
Kyrie (Rosewig), In G.; Gloria, Credo,
Sanctus; Benedictus, in F; Ave Maria
in G.; Jesu Del vive verdD.
a large male chorus made UP the
choir, the organ being in charge of
Miss Loretta Boyle
Rev. Father Augustus Fleming Of
Washington, D. c., was the preacher
his sermon on THE Life and Work OF
st. Patrick" being both appropriate
and eloquent. Father Fleming recon
ciled with historical accounts many IF
the most beautiful legends which clus-
ter around tho name of st. Patrick
showing their probable origin and sig
nificancc.
Much that was new to his audience
In the life of the patron saint was
told by Father Fleming, who is a man
of scholarly attainments and wide
range of information.
With a nationality claimed by Eag-
land, Scotland. ireland and Walos, the
birthplace of st. Patrick is in doubt,
although the probable date is about
372 "A. D. That the good saint was of
patriclan birth Is indicated by his
name, and the records show that when
sixteen years of age he was captured
by pirates and sold into slavery in
Ireland, where he served as swine
herd for seven years.
After his escape and many adven-
i i