The San Francisco call., 1908-11-02
PRELATE DELEGATES
CHURCH EDIFICE
Archbishop Riordan COnsecrates
ST. BOniface TO Work of
Franciscan Brothers
Large Number of Members Are
Present at the Impressive
Ceremony

To the solemn and measured strains
OF the same majestically simple chant
used centuries ago Archbishop Riordan,
followed by priests and brothers OF
many religious orders, passed in pro-
oession through the Church Of St Boni-
face. at Golden Gate avenue and Jones
street. yesterday morning, sprinkling
the holy water and consecrating the
edifce 10 the work for which it had
been built by the Franciscan fathers
The dedicatory services were most
impressive. The olive and gold tones
Of the interior Of the church, the low
key Of which was not disturbed by the
faint light Offering through the stained
glass windows the faint odor Of the in
scense. the mellow strains OF the organ
and: the voices of the unseen singers,
now murmuring in subdued tones OF
devotion, then pealing in praise; the
solemn chanting OF the archbishop. with
the low answering chorus Of the priests
all these things contributed to the
feeling of awe and solemnity which
filled the breasts Of the kneeling con-
gregation.
Long before the hour at which the
ceremonies were 10 commence the
church was filed with worshipers. BY
the time the dedication rites were be-
ing solemnized the aisles We're crowded
and many devout men and women knelt
upon the stone floor. At 10 o'clock the
procession started from the sacristy.
Archbishop Riordan, preceded by the
altar boys bearing the cruciflx and can
dies and followed by Dominican fathers,
Christian brothers and secular priests
from different churches IN the archdio-
=cese. passed down the aisles and into
the vestibule. sprinkling the holy water
and pronouncing the prayers of dedica-
tion. afterward returning TO the altar.
Not the least heart reaching feature of
this service was the childish voices of
the little girls in the gallery.
Rt. Rev Bishop da Silva was cele-
brant OF pontfical mass which fol-
lowed and he was assisted by Father
Placidus Of st. Anthony's and Father
Godfrey. acting as deacons. During
81 the service the choir. under the leader
ship Of Father Quirinus. vicar Of the
Franciscan monastery sang a mass
composed by Father Witte in honor OF
ST. Francis Xavier.
Father Stephen, a Dominican from
Berlin. Germany, preached the sermon,
after which Archbishop Riordan spoke
some encouraging words to the Ger
man congregation, complimenting them
on their zeal and energy in restoring
the church in so short a time after
the disaster. He also paid a tribute
TO the Franciscans who, he said, con-
tributed largely to the spread Of the
Catholic faith in California
The archbishop said in part:
] offer my heartfelt congra tulations TO this
congregation the restoration Of the parish
church Our Jerusalem has put on its beautiful
garments That the edihce is stronger and more
beautiful than ever speaks eloquently Of the
devotion Of pastor and people We all re
call the beginning Of ST. Boniface. 1t ranked
among the first Of these founded by the Francis
can fathers. and II is q consolation TO me, in my
episcopste. now lengtbening in years. to have
been instrumental in bringing the fathers TO this
city.
II is 1s6 years ago since the first Catholic
mission Of Dolores was founded and the Fran.
ciscans have been responsible for the spread
OF the faith from San Diego on the south,
20 Sonoma the north.
In the midst Of the busy city this church,
with its doors forever open. will tell people ss
they pass by from their busy professions thai
there are other than material things, and we
must join IN thanking the fathers for what they
have done and pray God 10 keep them forever
10 our midst
This beautiful church is tribute 20 the faith
and pie:y that has characterized the con
eregstion Of st. Boniface.