The Irish standard., 1908-10-24
ATKINS GREAT DAY.
Confirmation and Blessing Of Bell by
Bishop MeGoIriek.


Sunday morning and afternoon of
Oct II, very impressive ceremonies
took place at Aitkin, Minn., on the oc-
casion Of the blessing Of the new
church and the administering Of the
sacrament Of confirmation to the
largest number Of applicants in the
history Of st. James parish.
The exercises opened at 10 a. M.
when the local pastor. Rev. ]. wurn.
met his bright class of altar boys and
escorted the Rt. Rev. Bishop McGol-
rick to the church, which had been
beautifully decorated for the occasion
Upon arrival of the prelate, the choir
Under the leadership of Miss Keller.
most ably rendered the Responsoriun1
Ecca Sacerdos Magnus. Behold t!1a
High Priest. The Holy sacrifice of the
mass was then offered up by Father
Wurm In the presence of an assem-
b]age that taxed the building to its
fullest Capacity. Every seat was TAX.
en- when the mass was begun anc
many people were obliged to STAND ou:
side.
Bishop McGolrick preached tte ser-
mon. He explained the sacrament of
confirmation, proved it's institution by
Christ, and in connection with its su-
pernatural effects upon the soul he
urged all present to above all sanctify
their Christian homes.
At p. m. the blessing Of the church
took place with appropriate ceremon-
les. Bishop McGolrick again spoke.
"In contributing" he said, "to the ercc-
siin of this magnificent structure, you
have done honor to yourselves and CIV
en expression to the warmth of your
faith. 1t Is glory for a citizen tu
raise a monument to the father of his
country. How much greater is tn,
privilege of erecting monument 20
Our Savior and Father in Heaven. We
need churches, he continued. If the
devout philosopher finds tongues in
trees. books in running brooks, surely
you. in casting your eyes around this
sacred building. will discover every
where object lessons to quicken your
faith, strengthen your hope and nour-
ish your love for your God and Savior.
You see the baptismal font which re-
minds you of your regeneration in
baptism. You see the confessional,
where you kneel at the feet of the an.
nointed, and hear these saving words,
Thy sins are forgiven thee" You see
the altar railing where you partake CT
that heavenly mama prepared for you
in the mass. You see the altar ablaze
with lights. You behold the officiating
priest clothed in his sacred vestments,
and those around you worshiping in
the same manner, and you realize now
true are the words Of Holy Writ, "One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God
and Father Of ALL"
Benediction Of the blessed sacra-
ment followed the sermon and the
celebration closed with the chanting
Of the hymn Of st. Ambrose. "Holy
God We Praise Thy Name" and spc-
cial mention may again be made Of the
excellent assistance rendered by the
,, choir.
The church was erected at a cost Of
over $4,000. and the Catholics Of Ait
kin are indeed to be congratulated as
it is one of the most beautiful build
ings of lis kind In the state. The &C.
QUESTION Of the building and the
healthy growth Of the work of the
church are in a large measure due to-
the faithful and untiring labors of tho
sincere and ever active pastor, Rev.
Fr. wurm. and the high esteem in
| which he is held by his parishioncrs
and the non Catholics Of the commune
ty as we'll, is = matter Of much favor.
able comment.
The Exodus.
"Forty thousand persons left Ireland
from May to October, 1s07."-Daily